Full text of letter from Catholic bishops in Iowa to the migrant community:
To our dear migrant brothers and sisters in Christ:
We write to you with hearts full of compassion and a deep desire to express our solidarity with you during this stressful time. We recognize the immense challenges you face as migrants, and we want to assure you that you are not alone.
As your bishops, we will advocate for your just treatment and dignity within the framework of the law. The Church will accompany and serve you at this time as much as we are able. We assure you of our prayerful support and ask the State of Iowa to do the same. You are our brothers and sisters. Please know that you are not forgotten and that your Church stands with you in solidarity.
Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has been a tireless advocate for those who find themselves in situations like yours, reminding us constantly of your inherent dignity and our responsibility to welcome you. He has said, “Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women, and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more.”
Pope Francis has also reminded us, “God not only walks with his people, but also within them… In this we see an extension of the mystery of the Incarnation. For this reason, the encounter with [those who migrate], as with every brother and sister in need, is also an encounter with Christ. He himself said so.”
Sacred Scripture provides us with countless examples of God’s love for the stranger and the sojourner. These words remind us that we are all pilgrims on this earth and will all stand before Jesus at our final judgment and be held accountable for how we have treated others, especially those most in need.
May God bless you and grant you peace.
In Christ,
Most Rev. Thomas Zinkula
Archbishop of Dubuque
Most Rev. Dennis Walsh
Bishop of Davenport
Most Rev. William Joensen
Bishop of Des Moines
Most Rev. R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City
