The Catholic bishops of Iowa have released a pastoral reflection on the Church’s teaching on immigration and the dignity of the human person. Entitled “Pilgrims of Hope: A Pastoral Reflection on Immigration,” the letter asks the People of God to uphold the dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God, “by welcoming the stranger, defending the oppressed, and standing in solidarity with those who are displaced.”
While acknowledging the right of our nation to regulate its borders for the sake of the common good, the letter asserts that “the security of a nation can never be used as an excuse to violate the dignity and human rights of migrants, including the right to due process by law.”
The bishops also pledge that Catholic institutions be places of welcome and accompaniment for migrants and refugees. This includes providing legal aid, pastoral support, and material assistance where possible.
Finally, the bishops emphasize that the Eucharist, as the Sacrament of unity and charity, “offers us the ultimate model of Christian hospitality. In the breaking of the bread, we are reminded that we are one Body in Christ, called to reconciliation and to make room at the table for our sisters and brothers, especially the poor and the marginalized. The same Christ who gives himself to us in the Eucharist is present in the immigrant seeking shelter, the refugee longing for peace, and the displaced family searching for security.”
The diocesan bishops of Iowa are Archbishop Thomas Zinkula of Dubuque; Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines; Bishop Dennis Walsh of Davenport; and Bishop John Keehner of Sioux City.
