Welcoming+the+Stranger-Student

Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity

• Issued by: NCCB/USCC on November 15, 2000

• Core Message: Emphasizes a vision of unity in diversity for welcoming immigrants and refugees.

  • New immigrants include skilled workers, refugees, and those arriving without proper documents.

  • Many immigrants are fleeing persecution and seek respect for their cultures.

The Call for Warm Welcome

• Bishops' Position: Reject anti-immigrant sentiments and promote respect for human rights.

  • Challenges pastors to enhance connections among ethnic communities within parishes.

  • Stresses the importance of interreligious dialogue and sharing the Gospel.

Solidarity and Advocacy

• Pope John Paul II's Message (World Migration Day 2000):

  • The Church hears the suffering of uprooted individuals and advocates for their rights.

  • Bishops commit to supporting advocacy for humane immigration laws and family unity.

  • Encouragement of social services, citizenship classes, and community organizing for immigrants.

The Immigrant Church Concept

• Biblical Basis: Quoting Matthew 25:35 about welcoming strangers.

• Historical Context: Reflections on cultural pluralism as a significant part of the American identity.

  • Acknowledgment of the Church's role in building communities for immigrants historically.

  • Immigrants, despite challenges, have historically become vital contributors to American society.

Who Are the New Immigrants?

• Context: New immigration characterized by global changes over the past 40 years.

• Call to Action:

  • Governments urged to support conditions that ensure the security and welfare in immigrants' home countries.

  • Host nations encouraged to help immigrants achieve self-sufficiency.

Migration as Survival

• Recognition of Needs: Many immigrants arrive in desperation due to persecution, war, or economic hardship.

  • Pope John Paul II's perspective on migration as stemming from tragedy leads to anticipation of disappointment in host nations.

• Church's Stance: Supports human rights for all, regardless of immigration status.

  • Advocates for opportunities for undocumented immigrants contributing to their communities.

Immigrant Families and Communities

• Tensions: Immigrants face challenges in adjusting to new lives while maintaining cultural identity.

• Many Americans today have cultural heritage ties beyond national borders.

The Church's Commitment

• Reaffirmation: Bishop's commitment focuses on respecting every person's dignity, welcoming immigrants as family.

• Historical Framework: Scriptural basis highlighting the value of caring for strangers in communities.

  • Calls to understand scriptures in the context of migration and inclusivity.

• Papal Teachings: Emphasize the importance of understanding and integrating diverse cultural backgrounds.