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March 15, 2017

Dear Fathers,

Our Church has a rich tradition of welcoming the stranger, aiding the afflicted and supporting the immigrant. This tradition is rooted in the biblical vision of love of strangers. Leviticus 19:33-34 sums it up with eloquence: “You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently from that natives born among you: have the same love for him as for yourself for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt.’’

Jesus reiterates the love that we are to have for the stranger and tells us that it is a criterion by which we will be judged (Matthew 25:35). St. Paul reminds us that we are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28) and that we all share the dignity of the children of God.

Our nation is presently engaged in a debate on immigration policy that is causing deep divisions among our people and is causing anxiety among the aliens who reside with us. Balancing the right of all people to migrate to sustain one’s life and one’s family with the rights of nations to regulate their borders and to set immigration policy is not easy. A fair resolution will only come through the application of justice and mercy.

Recognizing that participants on both sides of this national debate are acting for the common good and are motivated by justice and compassion, we must respectfully speak up for the rights of the immigrants and those on the margins. Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world. Poverty, war and misery cause many to resettle in another country.

Undocumented immigrants pose a special concern for us as Church and as a nation. Some consider their presence as illegal and regard undocumented immigrants as a threat to our security. As a church, we know that the rights and dignity of every person are not conditioned on a legal status. We are to love and to serve all people.

So what are we to do here in the North Country? I propose three ways that we can responsibly participate in the current debate on immigration and offer support to our brothers and sisters who are in need. First, we must fight for a comprehensive reform of our immigration policy. Second, we have to support all refugees and immigrants and look after their needs. Lastly, we have to seek ways to heal our divisions and foster a constructive dialogue to resolve issues and calm fears.

The American bishops are involved in discussions with the Trump Administration and Congressional leaders about immigration reform and about the just treatment of refugees and immigrants. We can all support these discussions by writing to our elected officials encouraging them to work toward a solution to these complicated issues. Comprehensive immigration reform is the best solution to many of the challenges that immigrants and refugees are currently facing.

As a Church, we must support the stranger who lives among us, i.e. immigrants and refugees who are our brothers and sisters. We may be approached by parishioners and others who are troubled or fearful as a result of the changing immigration policies and orders. We can offer support, spiritual guidance and compassion to those who come to us. We need to make it clear that the Catholic Church will support all who come to us, regardless of their immigration status. The Department of Homeland Security expects its agents to follow a 2011 directive in which federal agents were told to avoid “sensitive locations’’ including hospitals, schools and churches unless there is an imminent danger present. As a result, people seeking services from or participation in activities at any sensitive location, including our churches, are free to do so without fear or hesitation. Accordingly, we should get word out that no one should hesitate to approach our churches for food, clothing, or other assistance that is necessary. Our communities should welcome all who seek spiritual comfort in our parishes. We should extend to all whatever assistance is possible.

We must be aware, however, that while the 2011 directive creates “sensitive locations”, churches are not places of sanctuary. The right of the sanctuary i.e. a consecrated place to offer refuge to offenders by preventing their arrest in that place, has never been recognized in the United States. In fact, churches that provide “safe haven’’ to undocumented immigrants may find themselves in violation of the law.

I invite you, in consultation with your parishioners, to find ways to extend a helping hand to the aliens living among us. Bringing people together to learn about the plight of immigrants and to find solutions will bring us together.

I thank you for all you are doing to serve the needs of God’s people. I appreciate whatever you can do to calm anxieties, meet needs and show support for those caught up in the shifting immigration policies in our country. I pray that we can be a safe harbor and source of comfort who come to us in need. Please know that you are in my daily prayers.

Fraternally yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley

Bishop of Ogdensburg

(edited for space)