On the responsibility of the United States’ government at this hour: A Statement by the Vincentians of the Eastern Province

As priests and brothers of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission in the United States, we are committed to serving the “least of these” in our society (Matthew 25:40), and to inviting and preparing others to do so as a response to Jesus Christ, after the manner of his servant St. Vincent de Paul.

Allied with our sisters and brothers in the spiritual family of St. Vincent de Paul, we can no longer be silent as we witness that threaten the well-being of our communities, particularly the most among us. Our Catholic faith, along with the values our , call us to speak out in defense of human dignity and and to be in solidarity with all people, especially those who suffer , exclusion, and hardship. We call on Congress to recognize its responsibility to shape policies and enact budgets that reflect the moral values of justice, compassion, and respect for human rights and human dignity. We call upon the judicial branch of our government to uphold a system of law that treats in justice with equal rights and voice. We call upon our executive leadership to lead the people of this country with an awareness of how blessed we already are and how we are called to use our resources for the good of our world in dialogue with other leaders.

Of special concern to us is the who have come to our shores seeking a better life. While we recognize rightful needs of security and compliance with laws, even up to and including deportation where warranted for public safety and as the result of just processes, the of our government to perceived threats to our country are causing profound hardship among simple, law-abiding people who harvest our crops, labor in meat packing plants, build homes, work in service industries, research cures for diseases, pay taxes, and contribute to the wealth of our nation, often seeking shelter from the storms of their countries of origin. We respectfully suggest the following guidelines to allow for a just immigration policy:

Our bishops, in whose regions the members of our Congregation serve, have been steadfast in their statements requesting deep reforms in our immigration system, and budgetary alignment with moral principles. We urge the federal executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the United States Government to recognize their moral authority and responsibility in making decisions that impact the lives of countless individuals. Legislation, policies, and actions of government officials matter, as they serve to define our nation’s character and determine whether we uphold the principles of decency, fairness, and humanity. Compassion also is a virtue to be enacted in policy and law.

Rooted in the Gospel and the teachings of our Catholic faith, we call upon government officials to reflect on this teaching of St. Vincent de Paul:

We pray each day that our leaders might be given the insight to carry out their duties in a manner that upholds the inherent dignity of every person, created in the image of God.