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El Paso Catholic Diocese signs letter asking for immigration reform

Bishop Mark Seitz, with the support of the El Paso Diocese, signed a pastoral letter today citing the need for immigration reform. He hopes those in our community will read his letter before reaching a decision about immigration law.

There should be a bridge and not a big wall between church and state, Seitz said.

For the Catholic Diocese in El Paso, the issue of immigration is not just political, but spiritual.

Begin with the teaching of Jesus. Begin with his call to love the poor. Begin with the call to respect the dignity of every human being and to recognize God is at work, Seitz said.

Some El Pasoans feel there can be positive outcomes when the church crosses the line into politics.

I think if they can do something good for the community, then by all means. If it's allowed and they have the resources to help, then use it for the greater good of the community, Amy Arrieta said.

Others aren't convinced about church activism.

I think that on a lot of issues they can collaborate together, but I think there are some that they have their separate issues that they need to deal with, Alexia Jauregui said.

Rosa Mercado, who was brought to the United States as a child, hopes the bishop's signature will bring about positive change.

I really hope and pray to God every day that this will help a lot of our community, Mercado said.

As part of the letter, Bishop Seitz is starting a new scholarship fund for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients.

Here is a link to the full pastoral letter by Bishop Seitz.

Go here to read the rest:
El Paso Catholic Diocese signs letter asking for immigration reform - KFOX El Paso