Prelate calls on Trump administration to ‘recognize the contributions of refugees and immigrants’
November 15, 2016
The chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on Migration assured President-elect Donald Trump of his prayers and migrants and refugees of his solidarity.
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“I offer a special word to migrant and refugee families living in the United States: be assured of our solidarity and continued accompaniment as you work for a better life,” Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo of Seattle said on November 11. “We pray that as the new administration begins its role leading our country, it will recognize the contributions of refugees and immigrants to the overall prosperity and well-being of our nation.”
The prelate added, “We will work to promote humane policies that protect refugee and immigrants’ inherent dignity, keep families together, and honor and respect the laws of this nation. Serving and welcoming people fleeing violence and conflict in various regions of the world is part of our identity as Catholics. The Church will continue this life-saving tradition.”
He concluded:
We pray for President -elect Trump and all leaders in public life, that they may rise to the responsibilities entrusted to them with grace and courage. And may all of us as Catholics and Americans remain a people of solidarity with others in need and a nation of hospitality which treats others as we would like to be treated.
On November 14, the US bishops, meeting in Baltimore, expressed their support for Bishop Elizondo’s statement.
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Posted by: unum -
Nov. 16, 2016 8:33 AM ET USA
The bishop is playing word games with his vague reference to "refugees and immigrants". He skips over the legal issues regarding illegal vs. legal immigrants, and minimizes the issues with refugees that may pose a threat to our national security. Those who speak for the Church on moral issues must do so with clarity and conviction, rather than use vague political terms. The faithful are listening!
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Posted by: ALC -
Nov. 15, 2016 5:14 PM ET USA
I don't have a problem with legal immigrants, since my grandparents came to this country as immigrants legally. I do have a problem with illegal immigrants who put a burden on country's resources, commit crimes, etc. As Catholics, we certainly want to adhere to the Golden Rule, but we also have to "render to Caesar the things that are to Caesar" and one of those things is for all people to obey the laws of this country and to respect our borders and sovereignty.
