ISSUE: Rights of Immigrants  
Huge amounts of racism, discrimination, and oppression are, unfortunately, daily realities experienced by our brothers and sisters who have immigrated to this Nation.
Somehow our political discourse and climate has descended to the level, where treating people with dignity and love is up for debate.   For those who seek to follow the way of Jesus, this level of discourse is seen as sinful and simply will not do.  Scripture and Church teaching are clear,  immigrants are, at the very least, to be treated with the same dignity and rights afforded to citizens.  In fact we know that the Love commanded by Jesus calls us to go far beyond this minimum.  Our call is to treat immigrants (despite their registered status with the government) with an extra amount of kindness, mercy, and love. 
Followers of Christ, should actively work to transform our local and national conversation and laws.  Questions and policy of minimal requirements must be replaced by that which is shaped in Courage, Mercy, Vision, and Love.  How can we do even more to make the stranger feel welcomed, to make sure families fleeing violence and poverty are loved and kept safe?  
This since of abundance is what must guide our way of being within this world. 
Connection to Scripture:  
  • When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one.  You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself; for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt" -Exodus 19:33-34
  • "God shows no partiality". Romans 2:11
  • "I was a stranger and you gave me no welcome...‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.  And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” -Matt 25:43, 45,46 
Get involved:
  • Measure 105  would throw out Oregon’s anti-racial profiling law.  Measure 105 will increase racial profiling, increase the separation of families, and keep immigrants from accessing much needed public safety and social services.  Get the facts Here.  The social justice committee of St. Charles is encouraging everyone to  VOTE NO on Measure 105​
  • Put up a yard sign!  We will have them available in the gym after Mass and throughout the week until election.
  • Support immigration reform; write to your legislators about the need for comprehensive immigration reform. (Read the Catholic Sentinel Article)​


DIVE DEEPER
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​Office of Life, Justice & Peace
​Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon     ​
Connection to Church teaching: