“The Diocese of Dallas remains steadfast in its mission to accompany all who are vulnerable, including the immigrant and refugee,” Bishop Edward J. Burns wrote.
DALLAS — Amid nationwide tension and protests over deportation efforts by ICE, including here in North Texas, the leader of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas issued a statement in support of immigrants and refugees.
“The Diocese of Dallas remains steadfast in its mission to accompany all who are vulnerable, including the immigrant and refugee,” Bishop Edward J. Burns wrote. “This is a matter of human dignity and faithful discipleship.”
Burns further wrote that, while the Diocese recognizes every country has the right to protect its borders, families also have the right to seek a better life, particularly when fleeing violence, persecution or poverty.
“At this moment, many of our immigrant brothers and sisters in North Texas are living in fear—fear of deportation, family separation, or the loss of a home they have worked so hard to build,” Burns continued. “They are not strangers to us. They are our parishioners, our students, our neighbors, and our brothers and sisters in Christ. May we never forget that every immigrant is created in the image of God.”
Burns cited a quote from Jesus Christ, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” and urged all Catholics to respond with compassion, faith and prayer, rather than with division or anger.
“The Church is called to do what is right and just, and we do support legal reform that is compassionate and humane,” Burns wrote. “We call for policies that uphold both the rule of law and the sanctity of the family.”
This statement comes as protests are being organized around the nation this Saturday during a military parade planned in Washington for the 250th anniversary of the army, which also coincides with President Donald Trump’s birthday. These are being called “No Kings” protests, with one also being planned in Dallas. These are after a wave of anti-ICE protests across the nation in response to immigration raids.