Alabama’s bishops urge governor to change immigration law
December 21, 2011
Archbishop Thomas Rodi of Montgomery and Bishop Robert Baker of Birmingham, joined by Benedictine superiors and Episcopal and Methodist church leaders, are urging Governor Robert Bentley to work for the repeal or revision of the state’s controversial immigration law.
“We pray that you and the other leaders of our State will work together to make much-needed revisions to an unjust and unfair law,” the religious leaders said in a letter. “Alabama does not need to return to a time when laws were used to vent hate for others and to justify mistreating people.”
“Governor Bentley believes Alabama needs an effective illegal immigration law because the federal government has failed in its duties to enforce the law,” his spokesman responded. “Governor Bentley recognizes that changes are needed to ensure that Alabama has not only the nation's most effective law, but one that is fair and just, promotes economic growth, preserves jobs for those in Alabama legally, and can be enforced effectively and without prejudice.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Church leaders seek repeal of immigration law (The Montgomery Advertiser)
- The "unfair and unjust" law on immigration needs to be revised: letter from religious leaders to the governor of Alabama (Fides)
- Full text of letter
- Alabama bishops welcome immigration ruling (CWN, 9/30)
- USCCB backs Alabama bishops’ efforts to reverse immigration law (CWN, 9/9)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: Justin8110 -
Dec. 21, 2011 7:44 PM ET USA
There is nothing hateful about asking people to follow the law when it comes to immigration. If I went to Mexico and told the Mexican officials that I felt like it was hateful if they didn't let me stay and work and maybe become a citizen I'd be deported faster then you could say "adios amigo." The arrogance of some of these illegals is astounding.
