Washington D.C., Feb 8, 2013 / 17:31 pm
The U.S. bishops joined with a broad array of Christian leaders to stress the need for immigration reform, while reportedly voicing objections to a proposal that would recognize same-sex partners.
"As a moral matter, we cannot tolerate an immigration system that exploits migrants, is inhospitable, and fails to offer immigrants the full protection of the law," said Christian Churches Together, a broad ecumenical coalition of major Christian denominations.
At the conclusion of a four-day gathering in Austin, Texas, the assembly issued a Feb. 1 statement encouraging comprehensive solutions for immigration reform.
"While immigration is often viewed as an economic, social, or legal issue," the statement said, "it is ultimately a humanitarian and spiritual issue that directly impacts millions of unauthorized immigrants and the entire fabric of our society."