Washington D.C., Mar 22, 2017 / 19:02 pm
The intense debate over U.S. refugee and migrant policy is a chance to meet newcomers and understand others' concerns, the country's bishops have said, warning against fear and mistreatment of others.
"It is necessary to safeguard the United States in a manner that does not cause us to lose our humanity," said the March 22 statement from U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' administrative committee.
"Let us not lose sight of the fact that behind every policy is the story of a person in search of a better life. They may be an immigrant or refugee family sacrificing so that their children might have a brighter future. As shepherds of a pilgrim Church, we will not tire in saying to families who have the courage to set out from their despair onto the road of hope: 'We are with you.'"
Immigrant or refugee families may themselves be seeking security from extremist violence, the bishops said. Their statement, titled "Living as a People of God in Unsettled Times," aimed to voice solidarity with those who have fled their homes because of violence, conflict or fear.