Kansas City, Kan., Jun 16, 2010 / 00:57 am
A recent article in the Kansas City Leaven explores commentary from Catholic experts who have added to the heated debate on immigration reform in the U.S. In an effort to advise Catholics on how to respond to current issues, one expert urged the faithful to not act “on emotions” but “with what our faith tells our hearts what we need to be about.”
Joe Bollig, writer for the Kansas City Leaven, outlined remarks from the leaders of the local archdiocesan Hispanic Ministry and Social Justice departments, in light of the recent passing of the controversial immigration bill in Arizona, which has been publicly condemned by several bishops.
According to ABC news, the new Arizona law – passed on April 23 – makes it a crime to be in the state illegally and allows police to arrest and question suspected individuals about their status without a warrant. It also criminalizes transporting illegal immigrants anywhere in Arizona, even if by family members.
Father Pat Murphy, who leads the Archdiocese of Kansas City Hispanic Ministry, weighed in on the debate, saying that despite the numerous perspectives being argued at present, the “bottom line is that immigrants are people.”