Archbishop Naumann: Scripture exhorts faithful to welcome the migrant, alien

CNA ^ | 02.03.06

[Coleus]

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Archbishop Naumann: Scripture exhorts faithful to welcome the migrant, alien

Kansas City, Feb. 03, 2006 (CNA) - In his latest column, Kansas City, Kansas Archbishop Joseph Naumann weighed in on the volatile national immigration debate, saying that Scripture exhorts faithful to welcome the stranger and the alien, not as an option--but as a responsibility.

The Archbishop wrote in regard to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Justice for Immigrants Campaign which advocates comprehensive immigration reform in the U.S.  Citing a joint pastoral letter drafted by the Bishops of the U.S. and Mexico in 2000 called, “Strangers No Longer: Together On a Journey of Hope,” Archbishop Naumann said that the Biblical Abraham himself as well as his descendents “knew what it was like to be strangers in a strange land.”

The document points out that “The key events in the history of the Chosen People of enslavement by the Egyptians and of liberation by God led to the commandments regarding strangers (Ex 23: 9; Lv 19: 33).”

“Israel’s conduct with the stranger” it continues, “is both an imitation of God and the primary, specific Old Testament manifestation of the great commandment to love one’s neighbor… the great God, mighty and awesome, who has no favorites, accepts no bribes, who executes justice for the orphan and widow, and befriends the alien, feeding and clothing him.”

“So you, too,” scripture exhorts, “must befriend the alien, for you once were aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt”(Dt 10: 17-19).

Archbishop Naumann added that “During the Christmas season, we were reminded how Jesus, Mary and Joseph were migrants and refugees, having to flee their homeland to avoid the maniacal efforts of King Herod to kill Jesus.” Likewise, “In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples when they welcome a stranger, they welcome him.”

In short, the Archbishop said that “For the American Catholic, being concerned about the plight of immigrants today is not just an option but a responsibility.”  Admitting his lack of “expertise or competence to design the precise solution for our current immigration challenges,” Archbishop Naumann said that he is “confident that if we — as Americans — set our minds and our hearts to the task, we will succeed in devising a solution that both protects our security and welcomes as many newcomers as possible who share our yearning for freedom and our desire to have the opportunity to work hard.”

Each immigrant and newcomer, he wrote, “possesses the image of God engraved on their heart. Each migrant is of such worth that Jesus Christ gave his life on Calvary for them.”  How then, the prelate closed his column, “can we ignore the plight of those who are so precious in the eyes of the Lord?”

[willyd]

We could take $10 Billion to build the wall and distribute the other $40 Billion to the American taxpayers as a refund on the Katrina debaucle. That would certainly help our economy out as well.

[Raycpa]

If the law is contrary to God's word, it is immoral and Christians must work toward changing it.

[no-to-illegals]

I'll continue to turn away an alien as long as said alien is in the nation illegally.

I'm tired of picking up the tab for these criminals, and the truth is, in the eyes of the law, these people are criminals.

These criminals deserve no rights, yet just as our congress wants to give terrorists rights, they also seek to give these criminals rights. I forget more often than not whether the 'rule of law' exists because the 'rule of law' is completely ignored. So when the alligator turns to eat you, you will lay down and wait to be devoured? Be my guest!

[Coleus]

I don't see the word "illegal" in that bible quote. Most of us living here in the USA had family members who were once aliens.

And, the bible also quotes that we MUST obey civil authority and from the last I heard, illegal immigration, is against the law just ask any border patrol or ICE agent.

Jesus also told us to give to Caesar what is Caesar's, so I guess you love to pay high taxes, if you don't then you are not following Jesus' commands.

[axes_of_weezles]

I had that same idea about 8 months ago.
I have given up any chance of change (read hope) from the current administration. I doubt they care or even have a clue of what is happening in the hinterlands with Mexico.

[Raycpa]

I'll continue to turn away an alien as long as said alien is in the nation illegally.

Take it up with God on judgement day then.

Malachi 3:4

5 And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness.... And against those who turn away an alien— Because they do not fear Me,” Says the LORD of hosts. 6 “ For I am the LORD, I do not change;

[Raycpa]

I don't see the word "illegal" in that bible quote.

That because it applies to all aliens. You want to use clinton type parsing with God, be my guest.

[Coleus]

I'm surprised you could not understand what I wrote.

[no-to-illegals]

don't have to when an individual who want to see the law broken is supporting the law breaker and standing in front of me....and you are one of those types of persons I see...
in this case it is called aiding and abetting a criminal action. In the eyes of the law you are as guilty as the alien.

[willyd]

It makes sense to me...is there something that we are missing? It seems like a win win situation. You take money from the cartels, you finance Katrina, you increase the tax base for the federal government, you get the wall to prevent the problem from getting out of hand in the future and you make drug smuggling just a little bit harder. The economy gets a boost as well....anyone see the downside?

[bordergal]

It's called McCain/Kennedy, and that isn't going to fly.

[Raycpa]

You cited financial reasons why we must keep aliens away when God demands we treat them as we treat ourselves. You indicate we cannot follow God because we cannot afford it.

[Raycpa]

In the eyes of the law you are as guilty as the alien.

Those laws are immoral according to God. Just like the laws supporting abortion.

[no-to-illegals]

maybe this one is illegal?

most criminals use the same excuse of not understanding and of being 'not guilty'

[no-to-illegals]

okay ...now you have my attention....
what does being an illegal alien have to do with abortion?

[willyd]

You're right about that...there is no way they would let that $50000000000 slip through their fingers back to the American public. Aside from their objection to giving up that money, why would they reasonably object?

[axes_of_weezles]

Well, Gods word per the Bible says slavery, indentured servitude and polygamy are fine as well. Does that make it morally correct in todays world?

My ancestors came here to escape the catholic church and church of england, and for religious and economic freedom.

If this bothers you so much, you are free to move your mission to Mexico and make it a better place, so the illegal aliens do not have a reason to come here.

Christianity is a foreign import to Mexico.

I dont see any references to the "day of the dead" in the Bible.

[rwa265]

"has to be this cardinal is corrupt"

Archbishop Naumann is not a Cardinal. He isn't corrupt, either. While I am not sure what position to take on the immigration issue, I do know Bishop Naumann from his time in St. Louis. He is a good man and a good Bishop.

[no-to-illegals]

his support for criminals is appalling

[Iscool]

and welcomes as many newcomers as possible who share our yearning for freedom and our desire to have the opportunity to work hard.”

These folks can have freedom and work hard in their own country...

I don't see a 'Welcome' sign posted at the Vatican...That building there could house thousands of Mexicans...What's up with that, Pope???