Migration in the Light of Catholic Social Teaching

In the US and Mexican Catholic Bishops pastoral letter concerning migration, Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, we are challenged, once again, to uphold the dignity and rights of all people, to become properly informed about the reality facing the immigrant, and to support the right to migrate. A further analysis of this rather complex issue, though, challenges toward a different perspective: that perhaps people should also have the right not to migrate. This begs for an honest assessment and improvement of the structures, systems, and policies both internationally and within our own borders of the U.S. that leave people with no other alternative but to flee their homes. Given the gospel mandate to care for the stranger in our midst, Catholics must be willing to ask the difficult questions that lead to solidarity with peoples throughout the world and challenge the island mentality that blinds us to existing injustices as well as our commonality and connectedness.

Primary Migration Catholic Web Links & Resources

The resources below are varied and represent the work of CRS and numerous partners who are committed to education, US immigration policy reform, social change and global solidarity.

Welcoming Christ in the Migrant

Welcoming Christ in the MigrantAs stated by the Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes, Bishop of San Bernadino, the theme of the 2007 National Migration Week, Welcoming Christ in the Migrant, "is at once an invitation and a challenge to provide welcome for the migrants, immigrants, refugees, human trafficking victims, and other people on the move who come to our land seeking justice and peace. " January 7-13, 2007 marks the observance of National Migration Week. Though the resources available on the USCCB website direct us to observe this week as a sign of solidarity with our migrant brothers and sisters, the information, knowledge and opportunities offered through these resources are timeless and can aid in providing continued education and awareness for youth and adults.

Pope Benedict's Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees

World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be observed on January 14, 2007. Each year, the Holy Father provides a special statement concerning the plight of migrants and refugees and our call to respond through love and in solidarity. The links below connect you to the messages delivered by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope

The Catholic campaign for immigration reform, Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope, contains numerous resources for education, prayer, advocacy, and general information. You can also join the Immigrant Justice Action Network in order to stay informed and further support comprehensive immigration reform.

Catholic Relief Services Migration Strategy

Obtain a thorough overview of CRS' strategy concerning migration and its work in those regions of the world most impacted by migration. Numerous articles and resources serve to provide an in-depth study of migration and opportunities for active involvement in our work overseas and in the US through our legislative advocacy network

USCCB Migration and Refugee Services

Migration and Refugee Services is the central point for the organization of services and advocacy for immigrants, refugees, migrants and people on the move. News briefs, general information, access to church teaching on migration, and additional resources are available through this USCCB committee.

Additional USCCB Links and Resources:
2003 US and Mexican Bishops Pastoral Letter: Strangers No Longer, Together on the Journey of Hope
2000 US Bishops Pastoral Statement: Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity
Video & Education Resource: Who are my Sisters and Brothers?

Additional Resources

Justice for Newcomers

Catholic Charities USA has developed a policy paper, Justice for Newcomers: A Catholic Call for Solidarity and Reform, that outlines its outreach to immigrant communities in the US. The website contains a number of resources and suggestions for engagement that are suitable for educational and parish ministries.

A 700-mile Wall: Justice on the Border?

Developed by Education for Justice, this unique lesson plan integrates personal experience, scripture and Catholic Social Teaching to explore the recent US legislation authorizing the construction of a 700-mile fence on the US/Mexico border.

The Line in the Sand: Stories from the US/Mexico Border

This dramatic theatre performance on DVD tells the story of migration through the eyes of 9 different characters, each one based on a real person. The DVD also includes special features such as discussion questions, suggested web links, and an interview with Erica Dahl-Bredine from the CRS Mexico country program. Use THE LINE IN THE SAND as a powerful educational tool for your school, parish, or home. Scripts are also available.

Migration Discussion Guides

The discussion guides below use compelling stories from people on the move and discussion questions to introduce your students to a topic they hear about on the news. The resources are more appropriate for older students. Our sister website, CRS Campus Connection, provides additional educational resources about migration.

So What's Migration?
an introduction to migration issues using powerful stories from people on the move
Strangers No Longer Discussion Guide
introduces students to the major themes of the US and Mexican bishops pastoral letter on migration
Border Issues
introduces students to the difficult truth found at the US/Mexican border

Prayer

Connect with those impacted by migration through prayer. Visit the CRS Education: Prayer and Retreats web page for links to prayer resources focused on migration.

Other Catholic Resources

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