Politics
ADMINISTRATION, BISHOPS ’ COMMITTEE ON MIGRATION, CATHOLIC CHURCH, CHRIST, CHRISTIANITY, DISCRIMINATION, EL PASO, HUMAN RIGHTS, LISA ZENGARINI, MARK J. SEITZ, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS,, NORTH AMERICA, RELIGION, RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION, TRUMP, U. S, U. S. CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS, UNITED STATES, US, VATICAN NEWS
Dante Raeburn
Over Ten Million Christian Migrants in the U.S. Face Deportation Risks
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has reported that over ten million Christian migrants risk deportation in the U.S., affecting many U.S.-citizen Christians living with them. The report emphasizes the communal responsibility of compassion among Christian congregations, urging them to support vulnerable members against harsh immigration policies introduced during the Trump Administration. It also calls for a balanced approach to immigration that fosters justice and mercy.
The recent report by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, alongside other organizations, reveals that over ten million Christian migrants in the United States are at risk of deportation. A significant number of these individuals reside with approximately seven million U.S.-citizen Christians, with 18 percent identifying as Catholics and 6 percent as Evangelicals. The study underscores the interconnectedness of these communities amidst ongoing deportation threats, particularly under the previous administration.
Entitled “One Part of the Body,” the report emphasizes the need for compassion within U.S. Christian congregations towards deportation policies affecting their members. The introductory letter, which includes the signature of Bishop Mark J. Seitz, leverages the metaphor of the Church as a body, stating that the suffering of one part affects all. This moral imperative extends not only to Christians but to all individuals, affirming their inherent dignity as beings created in the image of God.
The report notes that while many immigrants are lawfully present, a considerable number face deportation risks due to their precarious legal status. It highlights President Trump’s intention to enforce mass deportations, potentially impacting an estimated twenty million individuals. This statistic urges Christians to understand that fellow believers in their communities may be among those most vulnerable, thus inviting them to act compassionately.
The report maintains that its message is rooted in pastoral care rather than political positioning, and it does not claim that all deportations are unjust. It advocates for a nuanced understanding of immigration laws that aligns with both justice and mercy. The Churches propose exploring alternative policy solutions that offer pathways to legal status for immigrants who are already integral members of the faith community.
In conclusion, the report calls for introspection among American Christians, urging them to embody the love for one another that denotes true discipleship. As new challenges and uncertainties arise, Christians are encouraged to engage in prayer, advocacy, and action for those affected by immigration policies, particularly their fellow congregants. The statistics presented showcase the urgency of the situation, making it a shared concern for many individuals within the Christian community.
In summary, the report unveils the significant risk of deportation faced by over ten million Christian migrants in the U.S., calling attention to their integration within the local faith communities. It emphasizes a moral duty of compassion towards these individuals while encouraging Christians to reflect on their roles in advocating for justice and mercy in immigration policies. The appeal for action is clear: to support their fellow believers in the face of uncertainty and distress, embodying the fundamental tenets of their faith.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
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