"Justice for Immigrants" inspired by Catholic leaders~

[babylonsister]

DUer tjwash's thread reminded me of this story I saw recently

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x567433

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_Catholics_Immigration.html

Friday, March 3, 2006 · Last updated 12:32 p.m. PT

Catholic leaders work to sway immigration

By PETER PRENGAMAN
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

LOS ANGELES -- When Cardinal Roger Mahony called on Roman Catholics this week to embrace immigrants regardless of legal status, he wasn't just reiterating the church's long tradition of reaching out to the downtrodden.

Mahony and other U.S. Catholic bishops are increasingly weighing into the debate over what to do about the roughly 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States - a development that's being met with criticism from groups pushing for tougher immigration law enforcement.

Catholic leaders have launched a "Justice for Immigrants" campaign, appealed to President Bush and congressional leaders for a legalization program, and sharply criticized a bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in December to tighten border controls.

Among other things, the bill - now before the Senate - would obligate churches and other social organizations to ask immigrants for legal documentation before providing assistance.

A handful of bishops have denounced it. Mahony, the leader of the nation's largest archdiocese, went a step further this week. He promised to defy it if it's passed into law.

"I would say to all
priests, deacons and members of the church that we are not going to observe this law," Mahony said after an Ash Wednesday Mass calling on Catholics to "make room" for immigrants.

more...

[rodeodance]

1. Lou Dobbs will talk of this tonight. But good for the priest.

[bleedingheart]

2. I want to point out that Catholic priests have been active in the

Labor Movement and Immigration since the 1800's..

First because it is the right thing to do. Second because the Catholic church knows that if it makes the lives of its parishoners better they will drop more in the coffers. Personally I have no issue with it.

[babylonsister]

3. I think it's wonderful that they are standing up for

immigrants, and am glad someone is, even if it means defying an ill-advised law!

[MrTriumph]

4. What would happen if Mexican Cardinals took jobs of American Cardinals?

It is always easy to give away someone else's job.

[CatholicEdHead]

5. I support the immigration stance

as it does fall into Catholic Social Teachings. But you can also make the agrument to at least be neutral on gay marriage. Not to be so sanctimonious and regressive on that side.

There are many conservative Catholics who hate this immigration policy. They buy the right wing talking points and bills like Sessenbrenners.

[Leilani]

6. It's time to yank their tax free status

immediately!