Posted on 12/10/2005 1:30:46 PM PST by Coleus
Tucson, Dec. 09, 2005 (CNA) - The bishops of Arizona are calling on Catholics to welcome immigrants into their parishes, whether documented or undocumented, and to work to reform the U.S. immigration laws in an effort to facilitate immigration and stem the growing number of migrant deaths at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Arizona Catholic Conference has made this appeal in its first-ever pastoral letter on migration, titled “You Welcomed Me.” It will be officially released Dec. 12, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Arizona has become the focal point of the immigration debate in recent years, given the concentration of border crossing at the Arizona-Mexico border, the record number of migrant deaths, and the growing presence of civilian patrol groups, noted the bishops.
In 2005, at least 261 border crossing deaths were documented in Arizona—more than half of the 460 migrant deaths reported all along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The bishops expressed their sadness about the deaths at the border, the division among citizens over the issue of immigration, and the hostility expressed toward migrants. They acknowledged “the legitimate strain of this crisis” on different aspects of society, but they reminded Catholics of their call “to live out the principles of global solidarity” and to defend the human dignity of the other.
Despite these hardships, the bishops said they believe Arizona can “lead the country to a comprehensive and permanent solution to our broken immigration system.”
Based in Scripture and teaching The bishops highlighted the scriptural foundation for the call of Catholics to “welcome the stranger,” citing the experience of the people of Israel in Egypt and their subsequent liberation, the Gospel story of the Good Samaritan, and the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt as refugees.
Catholic social teaching has consistently maintained that the goods of the earth belong to all people and that it is the right of the worker to migrate to sustain their family when they are unable to achieve a life of dignity in their own land, the bishops underlined.
This teaching was stated in 1891 in the encyclical “Rerum Novarum.” It was repeated 40 years later by Pope Pius XI in his document “Quadragessimo Anno,” and then again at the end of World War II by Pope Pius XII in “Exsul Familia.”
And while Catholic teaching recognizes that nations have the right to control their own borders and to regulate immigration, “this right is not absolute,” said the bishops. Instead, they explained: “the needs of immigrants must be measured against the needs of the receiving countries, and that the rights of these nations must not be exaggerated to the point of denying access to needy people from other countries.”
Wealth of contributions There are currently about 10 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., and the bishops noted their contributions, particularly in Arizona, both economically and in the Church.
For example, the bishops cited a report by the Thunderbird School of International Management, which states that Mexican immigrants generated a fiscal surplus of approximately US$106 million to Arizona in 2001.
As many of the immigrants are Catholic, they have also brought deeply rooted religious traditions and practices to parishes throughout the state, said the bishops.
“They have proven themselves to be extremely hard working and very committed to the family values we hold so dear. Many of our parishes in the state have blossomed because of the contributions of new immigrant parishioners and their families,” the bishops continued. “Finding new ways to welcome and integrate immigrants into parish life can only make us a stronger and more united Church in Arizona.”
Acknowledging the legitimate concern that undocumented immigrants are violating the law, the bishops described the country’s immigration laws as “outdated,” no longer fitting “the economic realities and security needs of our times.”
“While we do not condone undocumented immigration, we recognize that it would not be feasible to deport all of these immigrants. We must find a way to bring them out of the shadows and incorporate them into society,” said the bishops. “This will ultimately enhance national security, help stabilize the labor market in the United States, improve the living standards of immigrant communities, and encourage them to become more active participants in our society.”
The bishops said they would like others to join them in their commitment to pray for and with all those affected by this crisis; make parishes more welcoming; learn about the issues; call for comprehensive immigration reform; support efforts to reduce poverty in Mexico and Latin America; and participate in the partnership with sister dioceses in Mexico.
They have also invited priests and parishioners to reflect on these issues and to discuss ways to transform the situation. Parishes are urged to prayerfully reflect and comment in small groups on the pastoral letter, using the attached study guide.
Arizona’s bishops include Bishops Gerald Kicanas of Tucson; Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix; Donald Pelotte of Gallop, and William Skurla of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Van Nuys.
For the full letter, go to:
http://www.diocesetucson.org/bishopsletter113004.html
The federal government should remove tax-exempt status from law-breaking churches whether they be catholic or protestant.
They should
the catholic ones which support harboring illegals
and the protestant ones which allow democrat politicians who campaign from the pulpit.
Compare if you will the nations of Central and South America and the Phillippines that have strong Spanish Catholic origin and history and the USA.
The USA was largely built by Protestants who were experiencing the Reformation and the French enlightenment.
America can be said to be the shining example of both. When freed from the Roman Catholic church great things happen. When stifled by its influence there is stagnation as in the Central/South and the Philippines.
if it weren't for Columbus and Vespucci there wouldn't be an America.
Goodness, you would think this was turning into a recruiting thread for a Chick Fan Club.
I was chastised earlier on FR for warning that the Catholic church was America's worst enemy.Right you are! Too late, though. We control you already ! A Knight of Columbus behind every corner, a Jesuit in every faculty, billions of unwashed evil mindcontrolled voters behind each of our politicians!
"We must find a way to bring them out of the shadows and incorporate them into society,” said the bishops."
Yeah, right man! Good luck Father.
Most Mexican Immigrants in New Study Gave Up Jobs to Take Their Chances in U.S.
These immigrants are not economic refugees who were starving in Mexico but simply people who are greedy to make more money and who were willing to break our law to get it. I think Catholicism has something to say about that kind of behavior"
Maledictus qui transfert terminos proximi sui et dicet omnis populus amen
Which translates to:
Deuteronomy Chapter 27:17. Cursed be he that removeth his neighbor's landmarks: and all the people shall say: Amen.
I believe this is normally understood as the 10th of the Ten Commandments: Thou shall not covet they neighbor's property.
Folks, we have a WINNER !!
ping
Hang 'em High!
Protect our borders and coastlines from all foreign invaders!
Support our Minutemen Patriots!
Be Ever Vigilant ~ Bump!
Perhaps the good bishops would like to pray for the Americans killed by illegal alien drunk drivers and the victims of rapes prepetrated by illegal aliens. When they're done praying for these victime they can do some penance for aiding and abetting these criminals and then STFU.
But they do have something in common with president Bush. They too, must believe in a "new America".
We are now one of the largest Spanish-speaking nations in the world. We're a major source of Latin music, journalism and culture.
Just go to Miami, or San Antonio, Los Angeles, Chicago or West New York, New Jersey ... and close your eyes and listen. You could just as easily be in Santo Domingo or Santiago, or San Miguel de Allende.
For years our nation has debated this change -- some have praised it and others have resented it. By nominating me, my party has made a choice to welcome the new America.
George Bush from a campaign speech in Miami, August 2000.
The last thing they are is economically ignorant. They know who fills the donation boxes and who gives to the special funds. All organized religions know the dollar is second only to the Saviour.
I hear you, yet I suggest you hang in and tell it like you see it. Any who strongly criticize the Catholic Church had their own reasons before the AZ bishops spoke out.
I don't object to thoughtful questioning. Blame it on our God-given brains, I guess.
Along with these questions, though, the Catholic Church deserves praise for any and all good it has done. Let's not throw the good out with the not-so-good.
This feller's got a good idea...It's claimed there is billions in gold in and under the Vatican...Let's round these illegal criminals up and send them to Italy...I say let the 'church' give back a little of what it pulls in...After all, I'm a very compassionate person...
If they want them here, they should have to support them 100%. They do not. Catholic Charities is responsible for a lot of this illegal pandering...
In Los Angeles, they started the day labor camps. Now they are tired of paying to keep them going and the taxpayers are having these centers dumped in their lap.
Shame shame shame on the Catholic Church of Arizona
Consider putting "PLEASE IGNORE ALL MY STUPID POSTS" on your home page.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.