Thread: Where's the separation between Church and State?

Apr 5, 10:45 PM EDT


Cardinal Makes Pro-Immigrant Pitch at Mass

By PETER PRENGAMAN
Associated Press Writer


LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Cardinal Roger Mahony asked Catholics to pray the U.S. Senate passes legislation allowing illegal immigrants to gain citizenship, calling it "one of the most critical weeks in the history of our country."

He told about 1,000 people attending a special noon Mass on Wednesday that if the Senate failed to pass legislation this week, he worried lawmakers wouldn't pick up the issue after an upcoming recess.

"This week the U.S. Senate has the opportunity at long last, after 20 years of inaction, of passing a new law that deals with all aspects of immigration," Mahony said.

In December, the House passed a bill to build more walls along the U.S.-Mexico border, make being in the country illegally a felony and make it a crime to help illegal immigrants.


The Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that removed many of the punitive House provisions, also adding a path for illegal immigrants to work toward U.S. citizenship.

Mahony has been at the forefront of the church's national Justice for Immigrants campaign, which encourages parishioners to pressure lawmakers for sweeping immigration reform, including a way to legalize the residency of millions in the country illegally.

Though his comments have drawn sharp criticism, they have not been lost on Congress.

Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., appearing at an event Wednesday with evangelical leaders, mentioned Mahony in his opening remarks.

Cardinal Roger Mahony says it's critical that the U-S Senate act swiftly to create meaningful immigration reform.

"We hear the words of Cardinal Mahony who is expressing the voices of thousands in calling for a more effective immigration reform that is just, but also compassionate and humane," he said.

Some immigrants at the Mass, held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, said what Congress decides would have a major impact on their lives.

"I pray that God will let us stay here," said Gloria Hannouch, a Lebanese national.

Hannouch, 48, said she came to the U.S. 16 years ago on a tourist visa that long ago expired. She said she and her 91-year-old mother had been ordered deported, which they are appealing.

"I pray that God will let us stay here," said Gloria Hannouch, a Lebanese national.

Well this is swell.

Now that the Senate has all but capitulated to the open borders/amnesty crowd, some people are going to take it as sign from God.