Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, VA, weighed in on the election of President Trump. While many Catholic Bishops, and even Pope Francis, have disagreed with Trump on immigration, Bishop Burbidge is not one of them. He argued that enforcing immigration law is vital to the well-being of America. He says mass deportations do not violate human rights and are necessary for law and order.
“I offer pastoral encouragement to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance…to consider the common good of our country with the light of faith. The church teaches, as does our constitution, that a political community exists to protect the family and human dignity…and to safeguard the common good,” the Virginia Bishop wrote.
He acknowledges that politicians must respect the human rights of immigrants but says “every country has the right and the responsibility “to promote public order, safety, and security through well-regulated borders and just limits on immigration.” All my brother bishops agree with this, and together with Pope Francis, we affirm that every migrant is “a child of God.””
He says that deportations do not violate human rights. ” I have confidence that comprehensive immigration reform need not harm the dignity of any person. Even when immigration reform includes repatriation of those persons who have committed violent crimes, or who otherwise violate the terms of a right to remain, human dignity can be respected,” the Bishop wrote,” We must not presume a conflict between human dignity and the rule of law.”
He also addressed the crime wave tied to the border crisis. “Sadly, some of those who have entered our country, legally or illegally, have committed serious crimes. There must be consequences for such behavior, as there is no place for violence, trafficking, or gang activity in our society.” Bishop Burbidge also took aim at the radical open borders position held by some Catholics.
Catholic teaching does not support an open border policy, but rather emphasizes a common sense approach where the duty to care for the stranger is practiced in harmony with the duty to care for the nation,” he explained. The Arlington-based Bishop also over encouragement to Donald Trump. He wrote, ” I encourage President Trump and congressional leaders to develop a national immigration policy that reflects the Catholic commitment to human dignity and the common good.”
“Americans earnestly look to our elected officials for a humane and peaceful immigration policy that is just, compassionate, and restores confidence in the rule of law,” he wrote. ” American law must always include pathways for legal entry and as citizens, we should always … ensure the protection of the vulnerable, and uphold the common good which is the condition for ordered liberty and public safety.”
Watch a video of the courageous bishop preaching below:
He said, “We pray for courage and wisdom among our leaders to enact reforms that reflect both the heart of the Gospel and the spirit of our laws. May God grant them wisdom, mercy, and charity as they undertake this task.” The Bishop concluded, ” We are a church that stands for justice, not against the enforcement of law, but for its application with mercy and understanding for the good of all persons and our country.”
Featured image from embedded video