Local priests learn about national campaign for immigration reform

The priests of the diocese gathered to learn about implementing a national initiative for comprehensive immigration reform.

Earlier this year, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops launched "Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope. The Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform."

The goals of this multi-year campaign are four-fold:

• to educate Catholics and others of good will about the benefits of immigration and the benefits to the nation;

• to strengthen public opinion about the positive contributions of immigrants;

• to advocate for just immigration laws which promote legal status and legal pathways for migrant workers and their families, and;

• to organize Catholic legal service networks to assist immigrants to access the benefits of reforms.

At the center of this campaign is "Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope," a joint pastoral letter issued by the U.S. and Mexican Catholic bishops.

Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore addressed the priests and offered these thoughts:

"Immigration is a large fact that dominates our civil and ecclesial life. For the Church it (this subject) comes down to our view of the human person. We must latch on, grab on to that. We were created in the image and likeness of God, endowed with dignity that cannot be taken away.

"Our immigration laws and policies leave a great deal to be desired. They are unjust in many respects. The joint pastoral letter of the Mexican and United States bishops has five basic elements that summarize all there is to be said of the present campaign:

• Persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland.

• Persons have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families.

• Sovereign nations have the right to control their borders.

• Refugees and asylum seekers should be afforded protection.

• The human dignity and human rights of undocumented migrants should be respected."

During the assembly, the priests heard first hand testimonials from immigrants who crossed the border from Mexico, the challenges they encountered to enter this country, and their difficulties in obtaining documentation to work in the United States.

Other presentations included: "Migration and Church Teaching," by Father John Fahey-Guerra. C.Ss.R, director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry; "An Introduction to the Justice for Immigrants Campaign," by Debbie Snapp, program director for Catholic Social Services, and testimonials from Fathers Jim Dieker and Ted Stoecklein, who have worked with immigrants in their pastoral duties. The assembly also viewed "Dying to Live," a video about the dangers experienced by those who cross the border in hope of finding a better life.

Additional assembly days concerning the Justice for Immigrants campaign are being planned for leaders of Catholic institutions and parish leadership.