Concerning the Recent Elections

The recent elections have yielded their results, and those elected to serve in local, state and federal offices have begun preparing to take up their responsibilities. We pray for public servants of whatever party. Good order and a spirit of cooperation are in everyone's interest. As a people we begin the process of assessing where we go from here. Christians serve the country best when we promote a sense of the common good and when we defend justice, human dignity and the interests of the vulnerable in society.

We have long known that no one political party or platform satisfies the breadth of vision encompassed in the Gospel and in the Catholic Social Teaching that flows from it. The Church works to support what governments propose if we judge them in keeping with the human good and the formation of a more just society. We work to oppose  vigorously those aspects of a political agenda that injure the human good, or foment injustice of any kind. This means that on local, state and national levels we advocate for families, children, and the unborn, for the unemployed, the working poor and the immigrant. Justice is possible only when we recognize that all are included in its aims.

We know better today what the issues before us are, than we did before the election. With this in mind, Catholics should be prepared to continue to advocate for justice and mercy in the days ahead. This requires an ongoing process of discernment, a sense of courage, and a commitment to political participation. We are blessed to live in a country where no one person or one branch of government can unilaterally change law and due process. Thus, Catholics especially must be prepared to participate in a vigorous and sustained manner in the public discussion about any proposed changes in policy from a perspective that encourages a rule of law that both respects and upholds the dignity and rights of all peoples.

Here in the Rio Grande Valley many are afraid that future changes in immigration policy or law will cause enormous injury to families and children. The Church will work at every step to defend their dignity and their protections in law. We will continue to advocate on behalf of a comprehensive reform of the legal immigration system that better serves families, and those who suffer under the inadequacies of the current system. It is in the national interest to treat the immigrant justly, with compassion, and with respect. For a Christian it is a Gospel imperative.

Many here on the Border are concerned also about criminal elements that promote drugs, gangs, human trafficking, kidnappings and extortions. The Church asks that these elements be restrained by law enforcement, without detriment or injury to the immigrant community that flees from these very forces. In the Rio Grande Valley we know first-hand that many mothers and children fleeing from violence and criminality in Mexico and Central America have come here seeking refuge. The local community, in cooperation with local law-enforcement, continues to respond generously to the families affected by this tragic reality. The Church, in her freedom, must continue to support these families and young people, and be prepared energetically to protect them in the future from policies that might expose them to further life-threatening dangers.

God became flesh in the womb of the Virgin; was made to flee with his family from those who had designs on his young life; accepted to live our vulnerable condition; died by unjust accusation and conflagration; and he rose from the dead in vindication of all that is true and good. In this profession of faith can be found the whole of Catholic Social Teaching, and thus our defense of human life from beginning to natural end, our vigilance in protecting justice for the immigrant and the powerless, and our unyielding hope for the ultimate triumph of life over death.

I especially appeal to Christians in the Rio Grande Valley to be strong in this profession, and to extend its good effects within our diverse society. It is especially important at this time that we in the Rio Grande Valley assure our immigrant brothers and sisters that they are not alone, and that we will continue to support and defend their human dignity and rights. This is a good land, and our people support one another in times of uncertainty. 

Let us work together for what is noble and just in life. Let not anger and resentment cloud our decision-making about what constitutes good policy and just law in society. And let us pray for our newly elected leaders, especially for the President-elect and the new Congress, that they be instruments in a renewal of justice, hope and reconciliation in our country.

+df