OFFICE OF THE PRESIDING BISHOP

Reformed Catholic Church

www.reformedcatholic.org

19 E. Eldridge Street

Manchester, CT 06040

562-708-7198

January 29th, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the spirit of our shared faith and the call to compassion that binds us as a Christian community, we

write to address the increased need for just and humane policies toward persons who have immigrated

to the United States. This issue, deeply embedded in our history and progress both as a nation and as a

Christian community, requires our earnest attention and thoughtful reflection based on scriptural

principles.

As followers of Christ, we are compelled to view every person with divine love, worthy of just and

compassionate treatment. Jesus himself was a refugee, born in a manger and later fleeing to Egypt to

escape persecution (Matthew 2:13-15). His teachings and actions consistently reinforced our

obligation to welcome the stranger and to offer solace and support to those in need. Our faith

commands us to embrace the vulnerable and to advocate for justice and dignity for all, regardless of

their status, origin, or skin color.

The United States of America is a nation of immigrants. Our growth as a strong nation has been made

possible because of the immeasurable talents and contributions of immigrants up to this very day. By

and large, today's immigrants are forced from their homelands because of economic disparities,

political instability, and/or environmental changes. Each migrant's story is unique, filled with both

hope and hardship.

Immigration policies and enforcement must first recognize the human faces behind the statistics. It is

essential for political leaders to weigh legitimate concerns about national security with the moral-

ethical imperative to provide refuge and support to those fleeing dire circumstances, creating equitable

policies and practices free from any racial, ethnic, or gender-based discrimination. Balancing these

imperatives requires courage and compassion, if leaders are to legitimately claim that their actions are

guided by Christian values.

Just treatment of migrant populations must be characterized by policies and practices that:

1. Protect the Vulnerable: Ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are provided with safe haven

and support as they seek to rebuild their lives.

2. Promote Family Unity: Advocate for policies that keep families together, recognizing that

family is a fundamental unit of society and a core element of human dignity.

3. Support Integration: Facilitate the integration of immigrants into society through access to

education, employment, and community resources, enabling them to contribute fully and thrive.

4. Address Root Causes: Work collaboratively to address the underlying causes of migration, such

as poverty, conflict, and environmental degradation, in order to create conditions where people

can build secure and prosperous lives in their own countries.

5. Keep and Protect DACA Participants: Those young immigrants who have been granted

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

As members of the Reformed Catholic Church, we are called to embody Christ's love through our

actions and advocacy. We can contribute to the creation of just and compassionate immigration

policies by:

1. Education and Awareness: Engage in education and dialogue about immigration issues within

our local communities to foster a deeper understanding and empathy.

2. Direct Support: Offer practical assistance to immigrants and refugees through local outreach

programs, shelters, and support networks.

3. Advocacy: Advocate for just and compassionate immigration policies at local, national, and

international levels, working alongside organizations that promote human rights and social

justice through participation in direct actions and by making our concerns known to our elected

representatives.

4. Prayer and Reflection: Pray for all those affected by immigration—migrants, refugees, their

loved ones who remain behind in their countries of origin, and those in positions of power—and

reflect on how we can be instruments of peace and justice in this vital area of concern.

Our faith compels us to see the face of Christ in every person, including those who come to our shores

seeking a better life. Let us respond with hearts full of grace and hands ready to work for justice. May

our actions be a testament to the transformative power of love and the enduring promise of God’s reign.

In Christ’s Peace and Love,

The Bishops and Board of Directors of the Reformed Catholic Church