I am not Catholic, but as a progressive clergy leader in our shared world, I’m pleased with election of Leo IVX as the new Pope for the Catholic Church.
Leo’s previous and newest statements show a deep concern for peace, including in Gaza and the Ukraine; this longing is shared by almost all people of faith, who reject war and violence and oppression. And, significantly for this moment in time, Leo has extended Francis’ deep concern for migrants and refugees. He has echoed Francis’ claims that no matter where a person is born, where they go, or what paper they have, they are a person worth of respect, fair treatment, and dignity. The truth is that justice and compassion for refugees, migrants, and immigrants is the hallmark of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths, and indeed of all people of faith.
Though we don’t all agree about God, prophets, sacred books, or some other issues, we almost all agree about the virtue of hospitality and the importance of treating the stranger with love and decency.
The current behavior of the Trump administration and their jack-booted masked thugs in ICE could not be further from this standard of decency. They have deported toddlers with cancer. They have departed legal residents and arrested citizens. They have tackled people who were showing up for their legal citizenship processes. They have ripped apart families and sent people to death-camps abroad. They deny people food and water in unsafe conditions. They are evil. Full stop. I have been naming ICE as evil since Barack Obama was president. I’ve condemned Trump’s actions and rhetoric many times. Readers will not be surprised.
But I wonder — what about those with power to do something? To take action? Why do Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin not shut down the Senate until this behavior ends? Why has RPS 205 dragged its feet to proclaim schools as safe zones from ICE raids? Why does Darrin LaHood, who has the power to do something, not protect children with cancer from deportation?You don’t really need to hear from me. But you do deserve to hear from those elected, who proclaim to be people of faith, and proclaim to follow the constitution. What say you?
The Rev. Matthew Johnson is senior minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockford.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Why are people in power not doing more to stop deportations? | Opinion
Reporting by Matthew Johnson / Rockford Register Star
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