A few days ago, July 22, to be exact, I was happy to join a visiting delegation of the leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention for a tour of the newly opened facility for processing unaccompanied minors, operated by Immigration Enforcement. It is important for religious leaders to see for themselves the extent of the human tragedy unfolding in our time here in the Western Hemisphere.
I am particularly fond of this picture to the side. Not because I am
speaking, but because I am really happy to have these gentlemen of faith
covering my back!
While inside, we had a chance to see the children and speak briefly with
them. We also spoke with law enforcement personnel who assist in
interviewing the children. I think the common witness of the Catholic
Church and the Southern Baptist Convention, calling for a humanitarian
response to the current influx of unaccompanied minors from Central
American, is a singularly important witness. We call on our political
leadership to recognize that we as a nation have the resources to
respond calmly and effectively to women and children who are fleeing
violence and extreme poverty. After we visited the new detention center
in McAllen, we traveled together to San Antonio, Texas, where we visited
the detention center located at Lackland Airforce Base. Again, we had a
chance to speak to officials from the Department of Health and Human
Services, who oversee the operation at Lackland. We also had a chance to
talk to some of the young people.
I think this would be a good moment to answer some basic questions I
have heard asked by ordinary folks. Many tell me that the media reports
they hear do not necessarily clarify what is happening.
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We are delighted that they will be leading a session at our parish. It will be:
Immigration Reform and the Catholic Church
Tuesday, August 26th
7:30 to 9:30
Social Level of the church
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