Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo of Seattle says the Catholic community “will continue to push” lawmakers to pass immigration reform legislation, even as political commentators say it’s unlikely that Congress will act this year.
The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration stated this July 7, prior to the beginning of the July 7-10 National Migration Conference in Washington.
“Our mission as Church is to defend the rights of the migrant, no matter what the political situation or polls may dictate,” said Bishop Elizondo. “We must continue to push our lawmakers on both sides to act on this important national issue, as our fellow human beings continue to suffer under this broken system.”
The conference, held every five years, is sponsored by Migration and Refugee Services of USCCB, the Catholic Legal Network, Inc., and Catholic Charities USA.
Lawmakers will also hear about issues including refugee funding, anti-trafficking measures, and the humane treatment of unaccompanied children entering the country.
“As advocates for the most vulnerable, we are committed to shining the light of the Gospel on these migration issues and being the voice of the voiceless,” Bishop Elizondo said. “This is a crucial time for us to remind our lawmakers of their responsibilities to the common good, especially when it concerns the strangers among us.”
Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, will speak at the conference. He is the president of Caritas Internationalis and one of the cardinals on Pope Francis’ council of cardinal-advisors.
More than 40 workshops will be offered during the conference. Participants will advocate on Capitol Hill on Thursday, July 10.
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More information and the full agenda can be found at:www.nationalmigrationconference.org.. . .
