US Bishops Highlight Catholic Support of Immigration Reform

On Sunday, Catholic dioceses across the United States held events about the need for immigration reform.

After the Senate passed an immigration reform bill in June, the US bishops' conference saw that the time is right to show Representatives that Catholics support immigration reform.

"Now is the time for Catholics to let their elected officials know that they support immigration reform," said Archbishop José Gomez, archbishop of Los Angeles and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration. "We are an immigrant Church and an immigrant nation. The Church has grown with the nation and since the beginning has helped integrate immigrants into our culture and economy."

Archbishop Gomez added, "Right now, our immigration system is broken. As a result, families are being broken apart and millions of people, including children, are being hurt. We need immigration reform to help our nation live up to its beautiful promise of equality and dignity for all people."

At least 22 states had or will have Masses and events during this campaign.

Other events during the two-month period include pilgrimages and educational events, such as public forums. Materials highlighting church teaching on immigration reform will be distributed in many dioceses. Bishops, diocesan officials and parish representatives also will be meeting with their House members to convey the Catholic Church's position on immigration reform.

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On the Net:

A listing of scheduled events can be found at: www.justiceforimmigrants.org/documents/September-October-2013-Events.pdf

General information on the Catholic Church's position on immigration can be found at: www.justiceforimmigrants.org