
Last week we reported on Governor Parson's decision to continue refugee resettlement in Missouri. And on Friday afternoon, we sent out a press release applauding the governor for his decision. The declaration comes at a fitting time, as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) celebrates migration week from January 5th - January 11th. In a statement about the celebration, the USCCB acknowledges the unwelcoming climate migrants often encounter in today's world.
"Unfortunately, in our contemporary culture we often fail to encounter migrants as persons, and instead look at them as unknown others, if we even notice them at all. We do not take the time to engage migrants in a meaningful way, as fellow children of God, but remain aloof to their presence and suspicious or fearful of them. During this National Migration Week, let us all take the opportunity to engage migrants as community members, neighbors, and friends."
As Catholics, we are called to welcome the stranger, and it's especially important that we do so in these trying days. Visit the USCCB website for more information about migration week and how you can welcome migrants into your community.