UPDATE: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a rare and urgent message condemning the Trump administration’s immigration policies, calling for an end to “dehumanizing rhetoric and violence.” This unprecedented move was made during a plenary assembly in Baltimore, marking the first special message from the bishops in 12 years.
On October 12, 2023, San Diego Bishop Michael Pham, along with Auxiliary Bishops Felipe Pulido and Ramón Bejarano, participated in a candlelight vigil outside the Edward J. Schwartz federal building, where they joined multi-faith leaders to advocate for the rights of immigrants. Hundreds gathered to express solidarity with families affected by recent deportations amid ongoing mass deportation policies.
The bishops’ statement, approved by an overwhelming majority, explicitly opposes “indiscriminate mass deportation” and emphasizes the need for meaningful immigration reform. “We pray that the Lord may guide the leaders of our nation,” the message states, highlighting the importance of dialogue with public officials.
Bishop Pham voiced the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need to treat everyone with dignity and respect.” He underscored the emotional weight of the vigil, where attendees shared personal stories of separation from loved ones due to immigration enforcement. One woman tearfully recounted her husband’s detention after 30 years in the country, saying, “On October 9, my family was separated.”
The vigil serves as a pivotal moment, reflecting a united front from various faith leaders, including Catholic, Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, and Methodist representatives. “We cannot keep our mouths shut because this is a human issue, an issue of human dignity,” said Bishop Bejarano.
This special message from the bishops is significant, as such communications are rarely issued and signify a collective response to the injustices faced by immigrants. Rev. Scott Santarosa of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church noted, “The fact that you’re seeing bishops that might not normally say something, say something, that’s a good metric for the sense of injustice that’s happening.”
WHAT’S NEXT: The bishops’ call to action may lead to increased advocacy efforts and potential discussions with lawmakers about immigration reform. Meanwhile, Rep. Juan Vargas has pledged to continue seeking access to inspect the conditions inside immigration facilities, amid concerns about treatment and safety.
This urgent stance from the U.S. bishops highlights a growing movement among religious leaders to address immigration issues and protect vulnerable communities, making it clear that the dialogue surrounding immigration reform is far from over.
