The Catholic Bishops of Ohio issued a letter expressing solidarity with and offering prayers for those displaced from their home countries who reside in Ohio, particularly those under Temporary Protected Status or on humanitarian parole.
Addressed directly to those who have sought refuge in Ohio, the letter reads, “It pains us to hear that our brothers and sisters, even those with lawful immigration status, live in fear of going to work, worshiping at the local parish, or participating in community events . . . We regret that our nation’s immigration system has failed to offer predictability and stability to those living as law-abiding residents and supporting themselves and their families.”
The bishops also recognize the value these individuals and families bring to Ohio communities, noting, “Your work strengthens society, and your prayers and service build up the body of Christ. We thank you for your contributions to our parishes and the common good of Ohio through your faith, work ethic, and cultural enrichment of our communities.”
Quoting Pope Leo XIV, the bishops share, “‘God has looked upon us with compassion; he wanted to walk our same path and come down among us. In Jesus, the Good Samaritan, he came to heal our wounds and to pour out upon us the balm of his love and mercy.’ We pray that the same compassion that moved the heart of the Father and now moves us may also motivate policymakers to recognize your circumstances and contributions to society and establish reasonable pathways for you and your loved ones to fully integrate as Ohioans.”
The letter concludes with a message of support, “Please know of our spiritual closeness to you and your pastors as they accompany you in navigating uncertainty. May our parishes continue to be a refuge from your sorrows, where the faithful welcome you in your time of need.”
Read the full letter, linked below, and find a new document on Catholic Teaching on Immigration at ohiocathconf.org/immigration.
###
Download letter from the Ohio bishops: ENGLISH | SPANISH | HAITIAN CREOLE