Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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Catholic Ministries Serving Migrants Battle Misinformation
March 07, 2024
Following false allegations by Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany that Casa Alitas was using taxpayer dollars to house illegal immigrants and pay for their plane tickets, among other things, the CSA Leadership Team took action. They worked with their JPIC Office and Sister Eileen Mahony, CSA, a volunteer at Casa Alitas, to gather facts and sent a letter to Rep. Tiffany. Their letter also demanded Tiffany retract his false accusations and stop from making any more. The letter was co-signed by the Leadership Teams of nine other Wisconsin-based congregations as well as by the Executive Director of Wisconsin Religious Collaborative. Additionally, copies of the letter were sent to: Mike Johnson, U.S. Speaker of the House; Hakeem Jeffires, House Minority Leader; Doug LaMalfa, Congressman from CA spreading the same damaging misinformation; and several bishops. Bishop Weisenburger of Tucson has been making his own efforts to call out the misinformation with this importan
Bishop Seitz serves as chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration; he received a copy. Wisconsin Archbishop Jerome Listecki received a copy as did Bishop James Powers of Superior, Mr. Tiffany’s area. We pray these efforts not only bring about a change of heart and a positive public response, but assist in extending government funding to Casa Alita, which is currently set to expire at the end of the month.
In another border community, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Annunciation House, a Catholic organization which operates houses of hospitality for migrants in El Paso, Texas, claiming the organization is engaged in “facilitating illegal entry to the United States, alien harboring, human smuggling, and operating a stash house.” The lawsuit seeks “to revoke Annunciation House’s authorization to do business in Texas and asks the court to appoint a receiver to liquidate their assets.”
The Catholic Bishops of Texas, along with other faith and community groups, have stated their strong support for Annunciation House. Over the years, Annunciation House says it has hosted more than 500,000 migrants fleeing death squads, civil wars, human rights abuses, and poverty. What can you do? Consider sending a message of support to Annunciation House and a message to the Office of the Attorney General Of Texas encouraging him to reconsider his lawsuit.
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Trafficking & Migration