Thread: Churches Risk Legal Trouble Helping Illegals

Churches Risk Legal Trouble Helping Illegals

POSTED: 6:10 pm EDT July 25, 2007
UPDATED: 6:39 pm EDT July 25, 2007

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A growing number of churches and houses of worship are challenging immigration laws and offering sanctuary to illegal immigrants.

Clergy officials who said they are tired of seeing families torn apart by current immigration laws are opening their churches for refuge, Local 6 reported.

However, the Sanctuary Movement, as it is known, puts churches in possible legal trouble.

Diocese of Orlando Bishop Thomas Wenski said cathedrals in Central Florida will not be a refuge for those hiding from immigration officials.

Wenski said he won't break any laws but said the cathedrals are open to all, including those who face deportation.

"The church is the Father's house, and because the church is the Father's house all of God's children should feel at home in the church," Wenski said. "But, we don't go against the law of the land. The Sanctuary Movement doesn't really resolve the problem."

Carlos Columbo, a Central Florida attorney who fights for immigrants' rights, said although it is legally risky, someone needs to step forward to protect families torn apart when parents are sent back to their native countries.

"I think it is sad that we've gotten to this level that the Catholic Church needs to step in to protect these immigrants, many of which have been here for 20 years or longer and have children who are U.S. citizens," Columbo said.

Historically, churches have been safe havens for those fleeing persecution or violence, and many feel it is their moral responsibility to provide a sanctuary for illegal immigrants fighting a deportation ruling.

Congregations in about 50 cities across America have joined or are expressing interest in joining the sanctuary movement.

Currently, there are an estimated 12 million immigrants in this country.

http://www.local6.com/news/13756120/detail.html

Currently, there are an estimated 12 million immigrants in this country.

Someone can't count....I really get po'd when I hear this number....try double or triple...and if you put all the churches together ...you couldn't fit them all in....they would pour out the doors and windows like a river...I just pray that river flows straight to New Haven, Conn

SOS has already filed complaints with the IRS about sanctuary churches. Hopefully they will lose their tax exempt status. Stay tuned.