Last week, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington faced criticism for bringing politics into her sermon during a prayer meeting with President Trump and Vice President Pence. She urged the president to show mercy towards gay, lesbian, transgender children, and illegal aliens. Many people were upset by her reference to transgender children, believing they are coerced instead of naturally existing. Critics accused her of ignoring the protection of vulnerable children and siding with those they viewed as harmful.
Following this incident, more religious organizations, especially from Catholic groups, engaged in political advocacy. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee posted a video instructing illegal aliens on how to navigate encounters with U. S. immigration enforcement. An immigration attorney in the video advised illegal immigrants to stay calm and not to panic. She provided various guidelines on how to respond if questioned by authorities, including refusing to show identification and declining to answer questions without an attorney.
This isn't a standalone action, as Catholic Charities USA has consistently received significant federal funding. Past audits showed the organization receiving nearly $2 million in federal grants in 2021 and local affiliates pulling in about $2. 9 billion annually in government funds in 2010. Their official website promotes services related to immigration, like DACA applications and deportation defense.
The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has also criticized President Trump's immigration policies, claiming they negatively impact vulnerable individuals. The USCCB president emphasized the harmful effects of specific executive orders on immigrants and refugees. Other bishops have stated that human dignity is not contingent on a person's immigration status.
The involvement of these religious organizations raises concerns about their understanding of the implications of illegal immigration. Critics argue that the burden of illegal aliens is often placed on poor or working-class communities, leading to resource strain and economic challenges. This influx can lead to job losses and cultural shifts, particularly in neighborhoods overwhelmed by non-citizens.
Open borders also increase risks associated with human trafficking and drug smuggling. However, many religious organizations focus on portraying illegal immigrants as victims needing help while not adequately considering the challenges faced by citizens in affected communities. They seem to call for leniency in immigration laws, risking creating chaos if exceptions are made.
Additionally, these Catholic organizations have been criticized for not addressing issues such as the protection of young victims from abuse within their ranks. It's important to note that Pope Francis recently condemned deportation efforts by the Trump administration, labeling them as disgraceful, yet the Vatican itself is heavily secured and restricts entry.
This overall situation highlights a disconnect between these organizations' advocacy for open borders and their failure to practice what they preach. It raises questions about their fidelity to core religious values and the way they use taxpayer money while promoting policies potentially harmful to citizens. Some believe that the Trump administration should consider reforming or cutting funding for these organizations.
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/01/catholic_organizations_and_open_borders.html
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