The U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops' (USCCB) Administrative Committee recently issued the following
statement on migrants and refugees (The Administrative Committee is led
by the president of the Conference and is comprised of the USCCB's
officers, chairmen of the Conference's standing committees, as well as a
representative from each episcopal region of the United States. The
committee operates as the board of directors of the Conference.):
"The issues of
refugees, migration, and forced displacement of people are not new ones,
and there are many countries facing these challenges. Across the globe,
families have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety and
security. War, violence, racial strife, corruption and political
instability, natural disasters, and poverty: these all still remain
major factors in the lives of so many, which is why the numbers of
people on the move, refugees, and people being displaced are at
historically high levels.
"As Christians, the
words of Jesus must always shape how we think and how we act. The
Apostle Paul emphasizes this when writing to the Philippians: Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus (2:5).
"Some may question
why and how the Church supports refugees and migrants, regardless of
race, creed, or color, but the simple truth is that Christ identifies
with those in need: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me (Mt 25:35).
"This means that
when people are hungry and knock at our door, we feed them. When they
come to our door cold, we clothe them. And when someone who is a
stranger comes, we welcome him or her. The Church does this everywhere
she exists. We do this because this is what Christ calls us to do. In
the United States, much of the Church's care for and ministry to
refugees and migrants can be seen in the longstanding dedication and
hard work of our Catholic Charities agencies.
"The Conference has
spoken time and again about the call to welcome and protect the
newcomer. What is clearly true, and what the Church and many others have
called for, is the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of our
country's immigration system. The U.S. immigration system is overly
complex and unjust, often keeping family members apart; it must be
fixed. The Church does teach that a country has the right to regulate
its borders. At the same time, people have the fundamental right to
migrate in order to preserve their lives and families.
"What must always
be in the forefront of our thoughts and actions is the fact that each
and every person, including the newcomer, is a brother or sister to us
all and a blessing to welcoming communities when given the opportunity
to integrate. We must acknowledge not only the inherent dignity of
immigrants but also embrace their contributions and potential.
"Sisters and
brothers in Christ, let us embrace the ministry given to us by Jesus and
reject the contemporary forces of division that tempt us with a false
choice between our security and our humanity. Our great nation is
capable of safeguarding both our humanity and our security."
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