Allen H. Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit, issued a statement on January 28 affirming his opposition to faith-based restrictions to immigration and expressing his support for and solidarity with Muslim leaders in Southeast Michigan.  In response, the co-chair of the Imams Council of the Michigan Muslim Community Council, Imam Steve Elturk, has thanked the archbishop and the entire Detroit archdiocese “…for standing by the Muslims during such trying times.”

Archbishop Vigneron wrote …

“Dear Friends,

I wrote to you a little over a year ago to share with you my statement to the priests of our Archdiocese regarding a proposal made during the presidential campaign to restrict Muslim immigration to the United States.  At that time, I reaffirmed my commitment to stand with you in opposing any and all unjust discrimination on the basis of religion.

Today, I reaffirm that pledge.

Now that a federal government restriction has been placed upon refugees from mainly Muslim countries, I want to bring to your attention, and affirm my solidarity with, a January 27 statement made in Washington, D.C., by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  Stating strong disagreement with the Executive Order, the bishops say “We believe in assisting all those who are vulnerable and fleeing persecution, regardless of their religion… welcoming newcomers and refugees is an act of love and hope.”  Additionally, I call to your attention to a December 9, 2016 statement given by me: “We stand with our immigrant brothers and sisters.”

Please know that the Catholic community will continue to speak out and care for immigrants and refugees, no matter their religion or their country of origin.  As I said in my statement last month: “Our local community in metro-Detroit is much richer for the contributions of our brothers and sisters from Mexico and El Salvador, from India and Pakistan, from Iraq and Syria, from China and Korea, from Ukraine and Poland, from Cameroon and Nigeria.”

Let us continue to stand together for the common good here in metro-Detroit.

Sincerely yours,

Allen H. Vigneron

Archbishop of Detroit”

Sisters Home Visitors of Mary have since their inception advocated for newly arriving individuals without regard to race or origin, setting aside the sometimes-all-to-popular prejudices of the current day, knowing that God’s Love includes all people including strangers and migrants and refugees.  (See Sr. Rosemarie’s Christmas message.)

Might you volunteer?

The Southwest Detroit Immigrant and Refugee Center is one organization serving migrants in our very diverse metro Detroit area. SWIRC seeks volunteers to assist with the pro bono legal services they provide.  Volunteers are needed for translation and preparation of cases.   Contact Sr. Rosemarie to see how you might help care for our brothers and sisters seeking life.

Might your parish organization in southeast MI be interested in an educational reflection on immigration?  Contact Sr. Rosemarie for details.

Check out US Conference of Catholic Bishops or Latin American Working Group for other news on immigration issues.

 

Daily Prayer for National Unity and Healing

God of wisdom and mercy, grant us patience to listen; compassion to be open to other views and opinions; generosity to forgive and grace to change. As you taught us to love our neighbor, compel us to be healing instruments of unity and reconciliation. We pray that you give us strength as we encourage our nation to move forward in unity. Amen.

January 16, 2017, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the US, celebrating the life of one of America’s greatest moral heroes.

Just four days later on January 20 a new administration is inaugurated in Washington DC.  The Sisters of St. Joseph have created and shared a calendar called “100 Days of Prayer” in keeping with the new administration’s first 100 days in office.

In 12 words or less each day the prayers encourages unity and reconciliation and offer support to people who may be vulnerable to policy changes.  Here is the first installment for January:

January 20.  For guidance for our elected officials to make decisions that respect human dignity.

January 21.  All join together to abolish racism, sexism and extremism. <link>

 January 22.  For our personal commitment to make changes that protect our Earth.  <link>

 January 23.  For a political commitment to address the root causes of migration.

 January 24.  That we seek to build bridges amongst our diverse communities.

 January 25.  That we hold elected leaders accountable to protect our vulnerable communities.

 January 26.  For the support and solidarity of refugees who are forced to abandon their homes.

 January 27.  For equal education for all children.  <link>

January 28.  For the future of health care coverage for the poor.  <link>

January 29.  To recognize and affirm acts of kindness.

January 30.  That global trade decisions protect our Earth and natural resources.

January 31.  Guide our leaders that they respect the rights of those they represent.