Thread: Catholic Nuns Take Immigration Concerns to Capitol Hill

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=65228

Catholic Nuns Take Immigration Concerns to Capitol Hill; Photo Available

5/4/2006 5:53:00 PM


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To: National Desk, Religion Reporter

Contact: Anne Boyle of the Sisters of Mercy, 301-587-0423 or 202-306-0017 (cell), aboyle@sistersofmercy.org - Web: http://www.sistersomercy.org

WASHINGTON, May 4 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the largest order of Roman Catholic sisters in the United States, today called on Congress to pass compassionate immigration reform legislation during a press conference at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, DC.

Presidents of the 25 regional communities of the Sisters of Mercy were joined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby; the Catholic Alliance for the Common Good; and CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Center) in their plea for humane immigration reform that addresses the factors underlying cross-border migration.

"We call on our elected officials to pass humane and just immigration legislation that will rightly open the path for immigrant men, women and children to be full and active participants in our country's future," said Sister Mary Waskowiak, RSM, president of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. "Use your influence and your vote to change economic and trade policies that force people to leave their countries to seek the basic needs for survival."

Most Reverend Francisco Gonzalez, SF, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, DC, offered support to the Mercy effort and asked that reforms include "an earned legalization for the undocumented population in our country; a temporary worker program that protects the rights of U.S. and foreign-born laborers; reductions in family reunification backlogs, and restoration of due process protections for immigrants."

The sisters spoke from their experience working with immigrant persons. Sister Gaye Moorhead, RSM, President of the Sisters of Mercy Rochester Regional Community recounted her experience as an attorney representing undocumented immigrants in El Paso, Texas, while advocating for passage of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. She told the story of Enrique, an orphan whose aunt brought him to the U.S. as an eight-year-old following his mother's death from cancer, and who was deported to Mexico two days after his high school graduation. She asked, "What possible public interest is served by deporting children who have come here before the age of 16, not on their own volition, but with their parents; who have lived here at lease five years, are of good moral character, and have or are getting a high school diploma or GED?"

Other speakers were Sister Sheila Browne, RSM, President, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas - Auburn Regional Community and Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, National Coordinator, NETWORK.

Following the press conference, Presidents of the 25 regional communities of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas delivered to Senators letters requesting humane reform of the United States immigration system to respect the rights of all persons while responding to values of family unity and community life.

The entire Mercy Community observed a day of prayer and fasting for immigration reform on May 4. Mercy sisters and associates also called their Senators last week to advocate for compassionate U.S. immigration policy.

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The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas are an international community of women religious vowed to serve people who suffer from poverty, sickness and lack of education, with a special concern for women and children. In innovative and traditional ways, Sisters of Mercy address human needs through collaborative efforts in education, health care, housing, and pastoral and social services. Among Sisters of Mercy one can find doctors, lawyers and paralegals, theologians, immigrant advocates, missionaries, justice advocates and peace activists, prisoners of conscience, and foster mothers. The Institute includes 25 regional communities with 4,515 sisters who serve in North, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Guam and the Philippines. More than 2,800 associates, several Companions in Mercy, over 600 Mercy Volunteer Corps alumni, and hundreds of co-workers in Mercy-sponsored programs and institutions also share in our mission, following the example of Mercy foundress, Catherine McAuley. For more information on how to join us in standing in solidarity with immigrants, go to http://www.sistersofmercy.org/justice/immigration.

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May 4, 2006

STATEMENT: Sisters of Mercy Advocate for Compassionate U.S. Immigration Policy

(Silver Spring, MD) -- The Sisters of Mercy are moved by the Gospel and by our heritage to stand with and assist those who are forced to move from their homelands and seek economic and physical survival elsewhere. In our spirit of welcome and hospitality, we have always ministered to immigrant persons and to those most vulnerable.

We - 4,515 Catholic sisters and more than 2,800 associates, several Companions in Mercy, over 600 Mercy Volunteer Corps alumni and hundreds of co-workers in Mercy-sponsored programs and institutions - now call on the government of the United States to establish justice for the immigrants of our time.

As a first step toward justice for immigrants, we call on our elected officials to pass compassionate U.S. immigration policy which includes a pathway to lawful permanent residence and citizenship, meets immigrants' basic needs, and encourages family unity/reunification. We also ask lawmakers to address the root causes of migration and adjust trade and other policies which contribute to economic and social conditions that necessitate migration for those working to ensure survival for themselves and their families.

Our commitment to a merciful way of life demands that we meet, by direct service and systemic change, the needs of those who suffer. For that reason, we are working with the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops and others for a comprehensive overhaul that creates a humane immigration system. We will continue to welcome and assist those who seek hope, home and labor in this country.

Like many Americans, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas came to this country as immigrant women. Since 1843 we have ministered to the needs of immigrant persons as part of our commitment to serve the most vulnerable and in response to the Gospel's call to welcome the stranger and to live in communion with others. Today we can do no less. The Gospel and the directives of our religious congregation call us to act and speak on behalf of our sisters and brothers who have been silenced. We welcome the invitation to be true to the call.

PHOTOS AVAILABLE: High-resolution, downloadable photos supporting this story are available for free editorial use at http://www.wirepix.com/newsphotos

http://www.usnewswire.com/

Another reason I know longer practice Catholocism.
There is a separation of church and state for a reason.

these sisters need to understand that there is a difference in "immigrants" and "illegal aliens" -- Jesus knew the difference between citizens and foreigners

I think we should all write them a nice letter and tell them the humane thing to do is to help them go back home, instead of allowing them to languish in a fantasy. And to tell them the best thing to do is leave as soon as possible. The Catholic Church should help them leave. I'm writing a letter right now. The Catholic Church needs to get out of our government business. This is pressure to support Ted Kennedy. Secondly, they have no religious basis for expressing the opinion that the illegals should stay in America. They can not back up this belief with religious documents. More likely than not, they would find that they should be cast out or an even worse fate if they knew how to crack a Bible.

Don't be intimidated by the fact that these are religious people. They have stepped foot into the political arena so they can deal with the rebuttal of the American Public. Amen

Here is a copy of the letter I wrote:

Dear Sisters of Mercy,

I'm writing you on the behalf of many Americans. I can assure you that Americans are very displeased, with the illegal alien affair. Also, I am a compassionate individual and I know the humane thing to do is help these people leave. However, I as a tax paying American, I did not invite them to this country and I did not aid, assist or harbor their unwelcome visit. I feel, the Catholic Church should help them go back home, instead of allowing them to languish in a fantasy. Mark my word, illegal aliens are now living in a hostile land. We no longer want them here and I along with many other Americans will not take ownership of anything that they have done to themselves. The Church needs to take responsibility for its actions as well. The Church should have been discouraging this invasion all along. Also, the Church should stay out of government business.

You should gather your flock for a mass and immediate exodus. Sisters, it is better to be pro-active than re-active, in this situation. Take the correct stance, in the best interest of your parishioners, and advise them to leave as soon as possible. Don't sit back and wait for the mass tragedy of countless desperate people trying to flea, after the tough immigration laws are passed. That is what America wants and I am confident that it is God's desire. I am a Christian strong in faith and God has not hindered my efforts, regarding this matter. Take heed and make haste, Amen.

May God give you insight and guidance in this matter,
My real name

Y'all may not want to get on your high horse like I did but get your point across. In my opinion, the Catholic Church is just another institution that is in league with the illegal aliens.

Rats! I forgot to tell them that the Sisters of Mercy can always relocate to Mexico, where the need for their services will be increasing in the near future

The church wants these illegals in our country as their parishoners are dwindling due to the large suits of sexual abuse, they need money and the illegals do go to church hippocrates that they are.

this country was founded by religious patriots -- it is being lost by religious traitors

This once again shows the irresponsibility of the Catholic Church. Aren't they supposed to lose their tax exempt status over this? The Church doesn't care if the middle class is taxed out of existence due the onslaught of the illegal alien invasion as they don't worry about having to pay taxes to support them. The church has to be one of the most corrupt institutions on Earth. During the Crusades, the Inquisition and throughout the ages they labeled those who didn't subscribe to their doctrines as heretics then had them tortured and burned at the stake. To add insult to injury they turned a blind eye to one of humankind's most if not it's most darkest chapter....the holocaust and never apologized for it. For that I could never find it in my heart to forgive them.

Vicente Fox is a member of the PAN Party
Google Catholic Party Mexico for lots of articles.
Below is a brief blub from this article
http://www.highbeam.com/library/docfree ... Result&ao=

Mexico has three major political parties. One, the Institutional Revolutionary Party -- PRI -- has the backing of the United States. Another, the National Action Party -- PAN -- has the support of the institutional Catholic church in Mexico. The third one, the Democratic Revolutionary Party -- PRD -- has the support of the poor, and for the first time in its political life it is in ascendancy.