Texas bishop: reasons for hope, ‘serious concern’ in Trump election
November 10, 2016
Stating that “both of the leading candidates took positions that were antithetical to basic Catholic principles,” the bishop of El Paso has issued a statement on the election of President-elect Donald Trump, in whose positions “we can find reasons for hope and for serious concern.”
“We rejoice today that those at the first stages of their lives prior to their birth, who need protection on their migration from their mothers’ wombs, should be receiving more protection and support,” said Bishop Mark Seitz.
“At the same time we in the Church are very concerned about our brother and sister refugees and migrants who have escaped or are escaping unimaginable violence and suffering in their home countries to seek safety here,” he continued. “We are also concerned about our brothers and sisters who are Muslim who may be singled out simply based upon their religious confession.”
He added:
Today many immigrants are understandably fearful. Children and young people who know nothing but life in this country as the sons and daughters of immigrants wonder if their parents will be present when they return from school. Those fleeing direct death threats in their home countries or the murder of their family members have heard of the fate of hundreds who were forced back to their places of origin after running from murderous gangs and narco-traffickers.
To you I would like to offer some assurances. This country has elected a President, not a dictator. We, in this democratic republic have a system of checks and balances so that the rights of individuals are safeguarded … I also want to assure those who are fearful today that I and all leaders of the Church will continue to stand by your side. We will do all in our power to assure that your voice is heard, that you are protected and that this nation remains true to its basic ideals.
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Posted by: -
Nov. 14, 2016 3:57 PM ET USA
Many of the illegal & legal immigrants from Mexico and Central America have been victims of the criminal element that has found its way into our country. The "so-called" sanctuaries don't help the situation either.
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Posted by: unum -
Nov. 11, 2016 11:14 AM ET USA
Like the Bishop, I have some serious concerns also. My concerns are about the hierarchy of our Church that continues to dispute the role of civil authorities in the protection of our borders, including: 1. The designation of migrants as those who are "escaping unimaginable violence and suffering in their home countries" when most Mexican migrants seek only higher wages. 2. The failure to recognize that civil authorities, not the Church, have a duty to protect the borders of our country.
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Posted by: Randal Mandock -
Nov. 11, 2016 6:36 AM ET USA
I wonder who Bishop Seitz voted for in the election. It seems as if both he and the fearful "immigrants" paid more attention to media propaganda, Democrat talking points, and general slander than to the actual words spoken by Trump as his positions on refugees and illegal residents evolved along more Catholic lines. This has been a huge problem since the first Republican debate last year: hardly anyone actually listened to Trump's words. Instead they fell for the rumors, innuendo, and hype.
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Posted by: [email protected] -
Nov. 10, 2016 11:25 PM ET USA
Dear Bishop In case you don't know it, a country, our country has right and duty to control our borders. It also has a duty to determine who comes here. The photos of those entering particularly illegally don't support the many issues you are selling.
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Posted by: lak321 -
Nov. 10, 2016 9:57 PM ET USA
I do not understand these concerns. Trump's statements have been about deporting criminal migrants only. And that entry needs to be controlled, for the sake of safety, as it always used to be in the past. This is in the best interest of citizens and migrants alike.
