Washington D.C., Jun 7, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Representatives of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops commended President George W. Bush for his remarks in support of refugees made at the first White House conference on faith-based and community initiatives, held last week.
In a letter expressing appreciation to the president, Bishop Wilton D. Gregory said Bush's "commitment to re-energizing and sustaining the U.S. tradition of admitting refugees from around the world was very much welcomed."
The USCCB president said the increased refugee admissions to the United States this year have "required concerted effort on the part of many in our government, but the leadership from the White House has been critically important."
"It is heartening that the president has expressed his personal support for refugees and the need for Americans to be welcoming of them," said Mark Franken, executive director for USCCB's Migration and Refugee Services, noting the dramatic reductions in refugee admissions since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.