Replies

Many catholics are equally divided on the question of illegal immigration. For a better understanding of the Catholic Church's position, it would be necessary to delve into historical precedents. For example:

Chapter II
Reflections in the Light of the Word of God and Catholic Social Teaching

Migration in the Light of the Word of God
22. The word of God and the Catholic social teaching it inspires illuminate an understanding–one that is ultimately full of hope–that recognizes the lights and shadows that are a part of the ethical, social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of migrations between our two countries. The word of God and Catholic social teaching also bring to light the causes that give rise to migrations, as well as the consequences that they have on the communities of origin and destination.

23. These lights and shadows are seen in faith as part of the dynamics of creation and grace on the one hand, and of sin and death on the other, that form the backdrop of all salvation history.

Old Testament
24. Even in the harsh stories of migration, God is present, revealing himself. Abraham stepped out in faith to respond to God's call (Gn 12:1). He and Sarah extended bounteous hospitality to three strangers who were actually a manifestation of the Lord, and this became a paradigm for the response to strangers of Abraham's descendants. The grace of God even broke through situations of sin in the forced migration of the children of Jacob: Joseph, sold into slavery, eventually became the savior of his family (Gn 37:45)–a type of Jesus, who, betrayed by a friend for thirty pieces of silver, saves the human family.

25. The key events in the history of the Chosen People of enslavement by the Egyptians and of liberation by God led to commandments regarding strangers (Ex 23:9; Lv 19:33). Israel's conduct with the stranger is both an imitation of God and the primary, specific Old Testament manifestation of the great commandment to love one's neighbor: "For the Lord, your God, is the . . . Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who has no favorites, accepts no bribes, who executes justice for the orphan and widow, and befriends the alien, feeding and clothing him. So you, too, must befriend the alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt" (Dt 10:17-19). For the Israelites, these injunctions were not only personal exhortations: the welcome and care of the alien were structured into their gleaning and tithing laws (Lv 19:9-10; Dt 14:28-29).

New Testament
26. Recalling the migration of the Chosen People from Egypt, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph themselves were refugees in Egypt: "Out of Egypt I called my son" (Mt 2:15). From this account the Holy Family has become a figure with whom Christian migrants and refugees throughout the ages can identify, giving them hope and courage in hard times.

St. Matthew also describes the mysterious presence of Jesus in the migrants who frequently lack food and drink and are detained in prison (Mt 25:35-36). The "Son of Man" who "comes in his glory" (Mt 25:31) will judge his followers by the way they respond to those in such need: "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me" (Mt 25:40).

27. The Risen Christ commanded his apostles to go to all nations to preach his message and to draw all people through faith and baptism into the life of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Mt 28:16-20). The Risen Christ sealed this command through the sending of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-21). The triumph of grace in the Resurrection of Christ plants hope in the hearts of all believers, and the Spirit works in the Church to unite all peoples of all races and cultures into the one family of God (Eph 2:17-20).

The Holy Spirit has been present throughout the history of the Church to work against injustice, division, and oppression and to bring about respect for individual human rights, unity of races and cultures, and the incorporation of the marginalized into full life in the Church. In modern times, one of the ways this work of the Spirit has been manifested is through Catholic social teaching, in particular the teachings on human dignity and the principle of solidarity.

Catholic Ping
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Evening.

Disregarding the ummmm, rather lively opening post, I think it is a valid question being asked by non-Roman Catholics.

To be honest, I read your response, and I did not find it answered the question being asked.

I suspect as the illegal alien question simmers and periodically boils over in this country, the question will continue to be asked.

Recognizing (after reading many caucus and non-caucus postings here on FR):

1. There is disagreement within the Roman Catholic church about the issue;

2. There is probably a significant difference between how the Roman Catholic church "works" structurally, and how it is perceived to work by many non-Roman Catholics.

Americans (rightly or wrongly) expect pretty direct answers to questions like this, and I think there will eventually be a point in which the illegal immigration issue will force the "taking of sides".

At this juncture, I'm not sure that I can say with 100% accuracy that I know what the Roman Catholic church's position is. Although I have read articles posted on FR that would seem to indicate that the Pope is "for" illegal immigration (or perhaps some might argue that he is not "against" it).

The Roman Catholic church can, of course, officially come down on either side of the issue that it feels is the correct one.

But I do believe that, at some point, the issue will rise to the level at which it will be necessary that the position be clearly, and unambiguously, stated.

Your thoughts?

I understand those positions - but they are inadequately framed in the historical context of scripture. Borders and residency in those eras were substantially different than today’s current standards and laws. One would expect to see a predominantly Catholic country like Mexico following those more liberal interpretations, but their laws are stricter than ours.

Our country has been very generous to illegals. Yet that is abused by the illegals to the point that it is overwhelming the system, it costs more for the benefits than what they put into the system. In essence, they are not only here illegally, but are stealing from the collective citizens (let alone the additional theft - identity and property).

My concern is that the Church (inclusive of those protestant denominations who also support illegal immigration) is promoting these people to come and participate in an immoral action (as described above). Is it correct to promote sinful behavior for a ‘social justice’ issue?