Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, released a statement Tuesday, June 17, on behalf of the USCCB, on the topic of the recent immigration enforcement efforts across the United States.
"On behalf of my brother bishops, I want to assure all of those affected by actions which tear at the fabric of our communities of the solidarity of your pastors," he said in the statement, which was dated June 16.
Archbishop Broglio continued, "As your shepherds, your fear echoes in our hearts and we make your pain our own. Count on the commitment of all of us to stand with you in this challenging hour."
Pope Leo, said the bishops' leader in the reflection, "reminded us that at the heart of the Christian faith is an invitation to share in the communion of life and love of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the first community and based completely on love," and "challenged us to be a sign of hope by making the world a better place."
With that in mind, said Archbishop Broglio, "no one can turn a deaf ear to the palpable cries of anxiety and fear heard in communities throughout the country in the wake of a surge in immigration enforcement actions."
Nation of immigrants
While "law enforcement actions aimed at preserving order and ensuring community security are necessary for the common good," said the prelate, "the current efforts go well beyond those with criminal histories."
"In the context of a gravely deficient immigration system, the mass arrest and removal of our neighbors, friends and family members on the basis of immigration status alone, particularly in ways that are arbitrary or without due process, represent a profound social crisis before which no person of good will can remain silent," he said, something that is "far from the communion of life and love to which this nation of immigrants should strive."
Archbishop Broglio further condemned violence that had occurred at some pro-immigration rallies, stating that although "protest and dissent can be a legitimate expression of democratic participation, violence is never acceptable."
Those who are in the United States without proper immigration documentation, said the prelate, have a "chronic lack of opportunities for legal status."
"Together with the growing denial of due process to them, is injurious to human dignity and is a considerable factor in the breakdown of the rule of law," he said.
The USCCB carries on its website an information sheet about how to immigrate legally to the United States and under which scenarios that is possible.
Catholic organizations
Archbishop Broglio further defended the work of various Catholic charitable organizations, who he said have come under "unfounded accusations" of misconduct.
These organizations, he said, "endeavor to provide critical support and care to the most vulnerable."
"I acknowledge those in our Catholic service and community organizations working to promote the common good by binding up the wounds of the afflicted," he said.
"Let those motivated by the urgency of the current moment to work for just and humane solutions to these immigration challenges know of the cooperation and goodwill of the Catholic Bishops of our country."
