Washington D.C., Jul 18, 2019 / 14:30 pm
A group of Catholics were arrested at the Russell Senate Building on Capitol Hill on Thursday during a peaceful protest organized as a "Catholic Day of Action." The group, including priests, religious sisters, and lay people, sought to draw attention to the situation at the southern border of the United States and the detention of children in particular.
"We felt like it was time for something more significant, and needing to take more of a risk to raise the consciousness of Catholics across the country," demonstrator Maggie Conley told CNA during the demonstration, held July 18.
Conley, who works with the justice team of the Sisters of Mercy explained that she would like to see immigration reform presented as a pro-life issue, and expressed hope that Catholic members of Congress and the Trump administration will offer a more public witness on Catholic teaching and immigration.
"It's challenging when we don't hear [a call for action] coming from the pulpit as often as we want, and as integrated as some of the rituals of our faith," said Conley.