Photo Credit: Photo Op. Archibishop Roger Ebacher
While Canada boasts of its openness to immigrants, the country’s Catholic bishops released a pastoral letter outlining problem areas which have a serious impact on immigrants and refugees.
The publication of the document by the bishops’ Commission for Social Affairs came ahead of today’s celebration of the World Day for Migrants and Refugees.
The letter is entitled "We Are Aliens and Transients Before the Lord our God."
Archbishop Roger Ébacher, archbishop of Gatineau and chairman of the episcopal commission, said that while Canada welcomes a large number of immigrants--235,000 permanent residents arrived in 2004 -- the federal and provincial governments must do more to reduce the obstacles that face these new arrivals.
"It is a fundamental inversion of values when laws and politics place national interests before human dignity," he added, noting that refugees often become scapegoats in national security questions, especially since 9/11."
Addressing the human sufferings that these intolerable situations create, the bishops say their pastoral work must also include political values when these have such a major impact on human lives and asked all levels of government to be more welcoming to new immigrants.
by providing better reception for newcomers, greater access to public services and decent living conditions, more opportunities for education, work and improved protection.
The commission hopes its pastoral letter will encourage and recognize Catholics and others who generously assist refugees and immigrants.
Catholic dioceses and organizations are estimated to have sponsored more than 180,000 immigrants. The bishops also cite the Canadian Religious Conference which is helping to protect women and children caught in human trafficking.
Archbishop Ébacher added: "As pastors, we invite the faithful of our Church to inform our society about their remarkable contributions to refugees and immigrants, but we also urge Catholics to be even more involved in the name of our faith."
