ACTION ALERT
My LTE - Immigration Sunday
-asking for assistance
Monday, December 29, 2008
By Ruthie Hendrycks
Dear Members
Below is my LTE concerning Immigration Sunday this coming Jan 4th that will appear in the New Ulm Journal Tuesday.
Although your thoughts may not be completely in line with mine - we all know and realize that I will be subject to name calling - such as hate mongering and racist.
I invite to to share our thoughts (hopefully in support) with The Journal, in a LTE of your own. I did speak with the editor myself and he is submitting Tues to ensure others time to respond.
If you do choose to share and show support please email your LTE to
editor@nujournal.com
Remember to include your personal contact information or the newspaper will not be able to submit the letter
Ruthie
The Catholic Church and Immigration Sunday
Bishop William Lori
|
Immigration Sunday set for Jan 4th by the Catholic Bishops of Minnesota, is to address the “Anti-immigrant sentiment that continues to divide communities and focus on healing divisions left immigration raids.
One only needs to read the comments submitted at the Star Tribune’s website to see how this activity is further dividing communities and congregations. I fault the Church for the further animosity that they are creating by their involvement in this issue.
First - it is not anti immigrant sentiment - it is anti illegal immigration sentiment. Why does the Church does not make the distinction between legal and illegal immigration and call it what it really is Immigration (Illegal Alien) Sunday. Why, because the Church could not very well come out and ask you to support illegal activity.
Why the selective compassion? Where is the compassion for the plight of hardworking Americans or for those who entered legally - versus those who did not,- that now are unemployed?
And, as for “The Raids” (enforcement of our laws) and tearing families apart, where is the compassion for the many many families, who have been torn apart by the lose of a loved one by someone who should not be in the Country to begin with?
And, of course, there is no discussion of the financial burden and who will pay - nor the future sustainability of our country as a whole.
The Catholic Church has become a political figures rather than teaching the word of God, advocating the ignorance and breaking of our laws. Which Catholic rules may we choose to ignore?
If the Church believes that involvement in this issue is paramount, why does the Church not direct its efforts, put its primary focus upon and make demands of the Governments of Countries - like Mexico - to address the human rights issues of their own people in their countries - the countries they are fleeing - instead of addressing them here. The Church, in its compassionate approach could have remained active in the issue of illegal immigration and under the radar, but instead they have created - what some feel - is an atmosphere for Catholics to choose between - Country and Church.
Should the church be involved in patronizing and supporting breaking our immigration laws? - legal residents were not targeted in the raids - only those who are breaking the law. Should the Church be actively calling for comprehensive immigration reform?
I truly hope that as the collection baskets are being passed while educating and reflecting on biblical teachings on immigration - that the hard working legal residents and Americans are not forgotten and included are teachings such as: John 10:1, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.”
This subject is controversial and each must decide how they will proceed, but for me - my strong faith in God and the love for my Country will survive without the Catholic Church
Ruthie Hendrycks
NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, any copyrighted material herein is distributed without profit or
payment to those who have expressed prior interest in receiving this
information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. For further information please refer to:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml
|
