Posted on 04/14/2006 2:35:21 PM PDT by Racehorse
San Antonio Archbishop José Gomez says he'll adhere to his faith and break the law if a congressional proposal criminalizing humanitarian assistance to undocumented immigrants prevails, though he'd consult with fellow Texas bishops before asking subordinates to follow his lead.
[. . .]
The archbishop, himself an immigrant from Monterrey, Mexico, told the Express-News Tuesday that "if they push us to that point, we'll have to choose (between faith and the law). It's a non-negotiable principle of our faith that we must welcome the immigrant and practice charity."
Referring to a bill passed by the House in December, which includes a provision that would make felons of undocumented immigrants and criminals of people who assist them, Gomez said: "'Love thy neighbor' is the very essence of the Christian faith, and (the bill) asks us to violate it."
[. . .]
Gomez, the spiritual leader of nearly 1 million Catholics in San Antonio and South Texas, was emphatic about being forced into a corner.
"If they tell me I can't practice my religion, I'll break the law," he said.
[. . .]
Under current law, it is a felony for any person who "encourages or induces an alien to come to, enter or reside in the United States."
The key difference is the "assist" clause, which has caused an uproar among religious leaders because it suggests humanitarian efforts would be criminalized.
(Excerpt) Read more at mysanantonio.com ...
This is pure sensationalism designed to sway those without the ability or desire to educate themselves on its provisions. Only knowingly aiding and abetting someone who is here illegally to remain here in defiance of the law is illegal.
I suspect that most here making those types of claims are full aware of their basic falsehood. HR 4437 is an exceptionally well conceived and written piece of legislation that will have exactly the desired effect of greatly reducing illegal immigration (which is why its' detractors are so vehemently opposed to it).
The article says he's an immigrant. Wonder if he's a citizen. In any case, if he disobeys our laws, he should be deported.
Oh so now it's the usual Catholic "pick on the Protestants'time eh?...
Didn't you guys get enough blood out of us during the Inquistion?...;)
Photographic proof
Do you advocate the same pulling of the tax exemption when bishops speak out against abortion, over and over and over?
It's the "law of the land" too.
501c3s can advocate for or against policies; they cannot advocate for or against candidates.
Catholics will always choose the Church, regardless of the law.
No, they won't. I am a Catholic - irrespective of your qualifier 'true' - and if my local church decides that it is going to break the law, then I walk.
You are welcome.
Gomez and his entire Diocese should be subjected to Federal Tax for politicking as a PAC.
I wonder how Gomez came here.
Was he indeed an "immigrant" or an illegal invader?
You would also be willing to suffer the consequences of violating the law, I assume?
Remember, it was the fear that Catholics would consider themselves above the law that led to strong the anti-Catholic feelings a century ago.
What does it say about priests or ministers who KNOW that an illegal alien is illegal, yet gives him food and water and sends him on his way?
There is either sufficient obscurity in the language to lead to the conclusion that criminal penalties could extend to clergy and social workers if they assist illegals, or the bishops who have spoken out have cleverly seized upon an impression of HR 4437 that have caused its authors to make certain that the language is clear where ministry and physical assistance is concerned.
The House bill as it stands is not going to become law and will accommodate Senate provisions or there will be no bill passed at all.
Yes, and there was plenty of persecution of Catholics, especially Irish, as a result of the phony notion that the Pope was somehow going to interfere in US policy.
Would you feel the same way about the Church if priests and bishops broke the law regarding violating privacy zones around abortion clinics?
SPEAKING in one thing: free speech is an absolute right.
DOING is something entirely different. Break the law, go to jail, lose tax exemption, etc.
In reply to these bums you can do the following:
I sent my two bricks (cost $9.10 requiring signature and ability to track) and used the following in a letter. Taped my letter on the front of the brick after I wrapped it in cardboard. I then put it in the US Post Office Priority Mail, "Flat Rate Envelope". I sent one to Frist and the other to Hastert. Thanks to Paine in the Neck for the suggestion (shown again below)--Good Job.
U.S Constitution
Art. I, Sec. 8
"The Congress shall have the Power To...provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress insurections and repel Invasions..."
Art. IV, Sec. 4
"The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion..."
Art. VI., par. 3
"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution;..."
U. S. Senate Oath of Office
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."
U. S. House of Representatives Oath of Office
"I, ..., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
You want votes? You want money? Do your damned duty! Secure the borders and get the illegal aliens out.
And it wouldn't be such a phony notion after all if the Pope told Catholics to aid illegal aliens in violation of US laws, and they did it.
As for protest laws, I question the constitutionality of those, but people who violate ones that pass the test should be prepared to suffer the consequences (usually a night in jail or small fine).
Who has DONE anything? These bishops are perfectly willing to go to jail, which, if they did over this issue, would be a PR nightmare for the government.
You honestly think those postcards that were mailed in 1928 stating that the Holland Tunnel was being dug so Al Smith would be able to drive directly to the Vatican were sent out of fear?
This church needs to loose it non-profit status for taking a political stand and choosing to ignore the law of the land.
No it isn't, re shouting fire in a crowded theater.
For the umpteenth time, any 501c3 is allowed to advocate on behalf of a cause or policy.
No law has been broken because no bill has been passed. And no bill will be passed that might lead these bishops to break the law.
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