I'm jumping into the discussion on our long standing immigration dilemma...
The Gospel is not "idealistic", it is the Truth, and sharing and living that Gospel is not supposed to be easy, so my prayers are with ALL who are seeking to truly tackle the issues and solve the problems.
While part of the solution may be to send folks home, and part of the solution might be to welcome them to their new home, we ARE dealing with people, their dreams, and their children's dreams. If we want God back in our country, we should greet Him and His children with love and respect, and be open to the possibility that His will being done, might involve us.
"Congress should examine the root causes of migration, such as under‐development and poverty in sending countries, and seek long‐term solutions. The antidote to the problem of illegal immigration is sustainable economic development in sending countries. In an ideal world, migration should be driven by choice, not necessity." (The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) Read more on the Catholic Church's position on immigration reform at http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/churchteachingonimmigrationreform.cfm
So the discussion continues... Is the best process currently in place to assist others in meeting a basic need to live their lives in freedom and in peace to reach their own potential in living out their lives as children of the God who loves them? Does this process respect the capability that we as a country have to meet those needs? Does this process encourage other countries to guarantee freedom and peace in their own lands?
When the Gospel calls us "to go and make disciples of all nations", it's not a call for global Christian domination. It IS, however, an advocacy for the freedom and peace that comes from a loving God. So while I admit that it seems unrealistic, and that I may need to understand "the real world" a bit better... I choose the Truth! For as IDEAL as it may seem, it is the Gospel, and that is what I have committed my life to share!
Respectfully,
Deacon Greg Thompson
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