Denver, Colo., Feb 5, 2008 / 21:33 pm
On Monday a group of interfaith religious leaders asked the Colorado legislature to sign a “pledge of respect” to elevate the tone of debates on immigration.
“We are concerned that at times the debate demonstrates little respect for the issue or the people affected by the legislation. Immigrants are living in a climate of fear, hate, and intimidation,” said Fidel “Butch” Montoya, Director of H.S. Power & Light, a faith-based Latino initiative.
Rev. Dr. Jim Ryan, Executive of the Colorado Council of Churches said the pledge could help set a positive tone and a good example. “How we speak to each other and about each other is a matter of moral and faith responsibility,” he said.
Among the Catholic leaders who asked the legislature for the pledge of respect were Archbishop of Denver Charles J. Chaput, Bishop of Pueblo Arthur N. Tafoya, and Bishop of Colorado Springs Michael J. Sheridan.