Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich shares message to undocumented immigrants in US
Cardinal Cupich encourages priests to talk to parishioners about immigration enforcement
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich released videos Tuesday, saying "the Church stands with migrants."
He had a message to those who are living in the U.S. without legal permission.
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"Now I want to say something directly to those immigrants without documents. Most of you have been here for years. You have worked hard. You have raised families. You have contributed to this nation. You have earned our respect," he said in part.
In the videos that were made in both English and Spanish, the cardinal said he would insist that immigrants be treated with dignity.
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And he said Americans shouldn't forget many come from immigrant families.
The Catholic Church has a big role to play, and Cupich is taking the lead. The archbishop of Chicago is urging priests of all parishes in the diocese to talk directly about immigration to their parishioners.
"We have a voice in the public square, in the political arena, to bring values that otherwise would be sidelined, that go beyond just the enforcement of law. And that's why I've centered on the topic of dignity," Cupich said.
Cupich says there has been a lack of dignity by federal agents when it comes to immigration raids.
"You can't be a group of people who say you're for family values and then tolerate families to be broken up this way," he said.
Cupich is calling on all Christians, including those who support the Trump administration's enforcement efforts, to focus on scripture regarding the good Samaritan.
"We have to see ourselves as a good Samaritan, who puts aside maybe our prejudices and helps people simply because they're in need," he said.
As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement continues to detain longtime residents living in the U.S. without legal permission without violent criminal records, Cupich reminds people that many are in the U.S. not by invasion, but by invitation.
"We wanted these people here. We wanted them to take care of our lawns and our children, the elderly. We want them to clean our hotel rooms and work in kitchens in restaurants," Cupich said.
Besides strong words regarding the immigration issue, Cupich says the Archdiocese of Chicago is taking action to help families. Although, the cardinal says the church will not illegally harbor individuals who choose to hide.
"We've done a number of things over this past year, many ways quietly, provide them with pathways for legal assistance when they are detained, comfort to their families, food pantries," Cupich said.
The U.S. Conference of Bishops will meet in November for its biannual meeting.
Cardinal Cupich says immigration will likely be a major topic, and he says bishops will possibly pass a resolution or a plan of action to address the current situation.
Read Cupich's full statement below:
"My dear brothers and sisters, today I speak to you as your shepherd, but also as a fellow pilgrim who shares the pain of many of our immigrant communities. Families are being torn apart. Children are left in fear, and communities are shaken by immigration raids and detentions. These actions wound the soul of our city. Let me be clear. The Church stands with migrants.
"We stand with a mother who crosses borders to feed her children. We stand with the father who labors in silence to build a better future. We stand with the young person who dreams of safety and a better future. Our parishes and schools will not turn away those who seek comfort, and we will not be silent when dignity is denied in the enforcement of the law, it is essential that we respect the dignity of every human being.
"Now I want to say something directly to those immigrants without documents. Most of you have been here for years. You have worked hard. You have raised families. You have contributed to this nation. You have earned our respect. As the Archbishop of Chicago, I will insist that you be treated with dignity. Americans should not forget that we all come from immigrant families.
"You are our brothers and sisters. We stand with you."
