IHM Statement Opposing Zero Tolerance Immigration Policy

 Congregation of the Sisters,

                         Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

                         Scranton, Pennsylvania  

 STATEMENT OPPOSING ZERO TOLERANCE IMMIGRATION POLICY

We, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, Pennsylvania, support the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ statement that separating children from their mothers and fathers at the United States/Mexico border is immoral. Recognizing the inherent dignity of every human being and protecting the integrity of families are fundamental tenets of our faith. They are foundational for a healthy and just society.

As women religious, we raise our voices against the recent decision of the United States Attorney General that potentially strips asylum protection for women who are victims of domestic violence. We urge the Attorney General and all policy makers to enhance the potential of our asylum system to protect the right to life. Protecting the integrity of the family structure, the welfare of innocent children, and the dignity of all human life are pro-life issues that demand immediate action.

As we “serve a world crying out for justice and hungering for meaning,” we stand with those who search for new and deeper ways to live the Gospel value of love. We challenge those in leadership positions to engage in creative and fresh thinking and action that would “ bring about God’s dream for this beautiful, yet wounded world.”

“When we have difficulty recognizing the innate dignity of our fellow human beings,

we can ask God to give us the grace to see it.”

                                                                                                                   Pope Francis