Indiana archdiocese welcomes Syrian refugee family despite governor's order
December 09, 2015
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has gone forward with the resettlement of a refugee family from Syria, despite a call by Indiana Governor Mike Pence for a halt on the acceptance of Syrian refugees.
Archbishop Joseph Tobin met with Governor Pence on December 3, and said that he had “prayerfully considered” the governor’s “request,” but concluded that the Church should proceed with its plan to help a family that had fled terrorists. “This is an essential part of our identity as Catholic Christians,” he said.
Governor Pence said through a spokesman that he “holds Catholic Charities in the highest regard but respectfully disagrees with their decision to place a Syrian refugee family in Indiana at this time.” However, evidently seeking to avoid a legal confrontation, he said that he would not bar the delivery of state aid to the family. “I have no intention of interfering with the ordinary administration of state government relative to people who are legally within the state of Indiana,” he said.
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Further information:
- How Catholic leaders are defying governors who are trying to block refugees (Washington Post)
- Pence won't block state aid to Syrian refugee family in Indianapolis (Indianapolis Star)
- Indiana governor, archbishop meet to discuss Syrian refugees (CWN, 12/3)
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Posted by: Bernadette -
Dec. 14, 2015 12:04 PM ET USA
The Catholic Church should, in my opinion, finance totally these refugees they have taken in and not depend upon the government for aid. However, if this is through so-called "Catholic" Charities," then I guess it is mostly government aid they are depending upon. Catholic Charities receives about 90 to 95% of its funding from U.S. taxpayers. We would be better off as Catholics if we got out of the web of the govt., stopped handouts, and relied upon ourselves. Tulsa's CC is independent.
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Posted by: FredC -
Dec. 09, 2015 7:32 PM ET USA
If the refugees are Catholic, we can be reasonably sure they are not terrorists and that they were definitely fleeing persecution.
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Posted by: unum -
Dec. 09, 2015 6:58 PM ET USA
I remember when the Church taught respect for civil authorities and thought it still did. I guess I was wrong!
