BVM Action Statement on Comprehensive Immigration
In celebration of our 185 years as Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in grateful remembrance of our founding members who emigrated from Ireland to educate the children of immigrants fleeing their home countries because of starvation and oppression, the BVM Congregation embraces its immigrant beginnings and reaffirms its commitment to comprehensive immigration reform.
We join with other people of faith
in seeking to replace
the radically unjust U.S. immigration system
with one which is just, humane and compassionate.
We call for a halt to immoral policies and practices.
As women of faith,
we challenge our national leaders to join with us
in assuming responsibility
for bringing an end to inhumane immigration policies.
Paramount among these are the separation of children from parents,
the housing of children in detention centers,
the cruel uncertainty clouding the lives of eligible DACA recipients
for whom this nation is their only home,
and the closing of our doors to asylum seekers.
We make this pledge as followers
of our foundress Mary Frances Clarke
and in solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of persons
enduring irreparable harm
at our borders.
Affirmed by BVM Members and Associates at
the BVM Congregational Assembly
Dubuque, IA
June 16, 2018.
This call to action is made in solidarity with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ statement on immigration reform, June 13th, 2018