Virginia Bishop: Catholic Teaching ‘Does Not Support Open Border Policy’; Virginia Catholic Bishop Advocates for ‘Well-Regulated Borders’ Amid Vance Controversy

By admin On Feb 10, 2025

Virginia Bishop: Catholic Teaching ‘Does Not Support Open Border Policy’:

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, VA, has weighed in on the immigration debate, insisting that every country needs “well-regulated borders and just limits on immigration,” which in no way violate human dignity.

“Even when immigration reform includes repatriation of those persons who have committed violent crimes, or who otherwise violate the terms of a right to remain, human dignity can be respected,” Bishop Burbidge wrote Friday. “We must not presume a conflict between human dignity and the rule of law.”

Adopting a conciliatory approach, the prelate noted that there is a dialogue to be had between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church, since both are looking for security, safety, and the common good.

In his essay, Burbidge said he wished to offer “pastoral encouragement” to the leaders of the nation as well as its citizens, noting that a political community exists “to protect the family and human dignity.”

“We always defend and protect the most vulnerable, even as we defend the rights and duties of nations to govern themselves and to safeguard the common good,” he stated.

All bishops agree that every country has the right and the responsibility “to promote public order, safety, and security through well-regulated borders and just limits on immigration,” he asserted.

The bishop highlighted the Church’s responsibility for the spiritual care of all, noting that faith compels Catholics to offer vital assistance to all: “celebrate the Mass and offer the sacraments, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and welcome the stranger.”

For these reasons, “I plead with those responsible for law enforcement to refrain from entering our sacred spaces unless absolutely and unequivocally necessary to ensure the safety of all persons,” he said. —>READ MORE HERE

Virginia Catholic Bishop Advocates for ‘Well-Regulated Borders’ Amid Vance Controversy

The Catholic bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, came to the defense of secure border policies, amid debate over Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of Catholic assistance to illegal immigrants.

The “Pastoral Statement on American Immigration Law” envisions a form of border security that works for the Catholic vision of the common good.

In the letter, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge wrote of “the Church’s teaching that every country has the right and the responsibility ‘to promote public order, safety, and security through well-regulated borders and just limits on immigration.’”

“As the Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes, Catholic teaching does not support an open border policy, but rather emphasizes a common sense approach where the duty to care for the stranger is practiced in harmony with the duty to care for the nation,” added Burbidge, whose diocese includes Northern Virginia cities just outside Washington, D.C.

He emphasized the need to protect “human dignity” of all, including illegal immigrants.

“Even when immigration reform includes repatriation of those persons who have committed violent crimes, or who otherwise violate the terms of a right to remain, human dignity can be respected. We must not presume a conflict between human dignity and the rule of law.”

Burbidge wrote that the Catholic Church “has historically emphasized two crucial points,” namely “the rights of persons to the integrity and unity of their families irrespective of where they settle,” and access to the sacraments of the church.

“I plead with those responsible for law enforcement to refrain from entering our sacred spaces unless absolutely and unequivocally necessary to ensure the safety of all persons,” he added.