Catholic bishops around country rally to El Paso’s Annunciation House
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Catholic bishops from around the country are rallying and joining the chorus of support for El Paso’s Annunciation House, a long-standing migrant support and hospitality organization that is being sued by the State of Texas.
Texas AG sues Annunciation House, seeks to revoke its ability to operate in state
“The Annunciation House has long been a symbol of welcome and hospitality for those seeking refuge, and the affirmation from my brother bishops strengthens our resolve to continue this vital mission of answering the Lord’s call to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry and to shelter the homeless. Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to meet Him face to face in the most vulnerable whom we encounter,” El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz said.
Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his office is suing Annunciation House, alleging it promotes illegal entry into the United States and acts as a de facto “stash house.” Paxton is seeking to revoke Annunciation House’s ability to conduct business in Texas and shut it down.
El Paso community, leaders stand with Annunciation House as it fights Paxton lawsuit
Since then, Borderland leaders have rallied to Annunciation’s House side.
Here are what other Catholic leaders are saying:
Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
“The Texas bishops join Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso in expressing solidarity with ministry volunteers and people of faith who seek only to serve vulnerable migrants as our nation and state continue to pursue failed migration and border security policies. We recognize migrant ministry as an example of our Catholic commitment to the poor, the Christian call to love one’s neighbor, and stepping into the breach to take action where many will not. Our border ministries are intended to be a stabilizing presence that protects both citizens and migrants. The Catholic Church in Texas remains committed to praying and working for a secure border, to protect the vulnerable and for just immigration solutions to protect all human life.”
The California Catholic Conference of Bishops Executive Committee
“The California Catholic Conference’s Executive Committee stands in solidarity with Bishop Mark Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso, Texas, as he defends the Church’s right to practice its faith and implement the corporal works of mercy.
“It is shameful that the Texas Attorney General would file suit against Annunciation House in El Paso. For a country that was founded by immigrants from Europe seeking religious freedom and tolerance, we find the actions of the Texas AG abhorrent in attempting to curtail the work of people of faith.
“The Annunciation House has accompanied migrants for nearly 50 years, partnering with local and federal law enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol. For the AG to claim the nonprofit is responsible for ‘worsening illegal immigration’ shows a lack of fundamental understanding of the gravity of immigration as a humanitarian concern and unjustly attacks a long-standing partner in relief efforts.
“As bishops of a border state, we appreciate the humbling and complex immigration challenges our country faces. At the same time, we are committed to the same solutions that the Texas bishops have declared: to remain committed to praying and working for a secure border, to protect the vulnerable, and for just immigration solutions to protect all human life.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me…” (Mt. 25: 35).”
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty
“It is hard to imagine what our country would look like without the good works that people of faith carry out in the public square. For this, we can thank our strong tradition of religious liberty, which allows us to live out our faith in full.
“As the tragic situation along our border with Mexico increasingly poses challenges for American communities and vulnerable persons alike, we must especially preserve the freedom of Catholics and other people of faith to assist their communities and meet migrants’ basic human needs. I join my brother bishops in the State of Texas in expressing solidarity with those seeking simply to fulfill the fundamental biblical call: ‘whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
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