Oklahoma City, Okla., Nov 29, 2007 / 09:58 am
The Bishop of Tulsa has issued a pastoral letter calling Oklahoma's new immigration law immoral and unjust.
Bishop Edward J. Slattery wrote that the fact immigrants are in the country illegally is not the only issue. He said they are still people who should be treated with dignity.
The new law, House Bill 1804, makes it a felony to knowingly transport illegal immigrants, creates barriers on hiring illegal immigrants, and restricts benefits they can receive from the government or its contractors. Charities and other private organizations that contract with the government to provide benefits could fall under the restrictions.
The bishop has opposed the legislation since it was first drafted last year. In his latest pastoral letter, Bishop Slattery reminded people of his March, 2006 pledge that he would be jailed “when it become[s] a crime to love the poor and serve their needs." He added "I pray that every priest and every deacon in this Diocese will have the courage to walk with me into that prison."