PROVIDENCE – Clergy from several religious denominations joined with Bishop Thomas J. Tobin at a press conference last Wednesday to express their concerns over an executive order issued by Gov. Donald Carcieri aimed at cracking down on illegal immigrants.
Gathering on the walkway that runs between the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul and the Chancery office building, the clergy shared their viewpoints and then took questions from the host of media present.
“Many of the clergy present this afternoon work every day with the immigrant community – with individuals and families, parents and children,” the Bishop said. “They know of their fears and anxieties, and their hopes and dreams.”
Bishop Tobin went on to express a “very sincere hope that in addressing the immigration question in Rhode Island we can work together in a positive, peaceful and constructive manner.
“While our nation strives toward the goal of an effective immigration policy, the immigrants who are already in our State should be able to live without fear. They should not be persecuted, intimidated or harassed.”
The Bishop, Rabbi Alan Flam, president of Rhode Island’s Board of Rabbis, and Rev. Dr. Donald Anderson, executive minister of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, all stressed that the immigration issue is a national one, and urged that federal action be taken.
Rabbi Flam said the governor’s order further provokes a “spiritual crisis” already evident, colored by “fear and mistrust, blaming the other person, and vitriolic public discourse in our papers, on our airwaves and even in the State House.”
Rev. Anderson, who had proposed the interfaith press conference, reminded the audience that “In God’s kingdom, there are no second-class citizens, only sisters and brothers.”
The Bishop stressed, “The overwhelming majority of immigrants are law-abiding individuals, pay a variety of taxes and contribute to the economic development of our community.”
He concluded his remarks by saying, “I believe I speak for the other members of the clergy present here today in offering our assistance, support and prayers as the State of Rhode Island addresses the challenges of immigration. I believe that religious leaders can and should be a moderating, rational voice in the midst of a very emotional and divisive debate.
“Personally, in responding to the immigration question, I will always be guided by the simple and straightforward words of Jesus: ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’”
Later that day, the governor issued a press release responding to the remarks by the clergy, noting, “I respect [their] opinions. I know and admire their work in our community and I am happy to meet with them to discuss this issue.”
Nonetheless, Carcieri said, as a result of the failure of Congress to act, “I put in place some commonsense procedures to address how the state deals with illegal immigration.” He indicated that he has no intention of rescinding or reconsidering the executive order.
“I appreciate the clergy’s right and obligation to speak about this and other important issues from a pastoral viewpoint,” the Governor continued. “When an individual seeks their help, I understand that they have a responsibility to respond, regardless of that person’s immigration status.”
But, he added, “Until Congress reforms America’s immigration laws, I will continue to permit state officials to act on immigration violations that come to their attention. I will not knowingly allow the state to hire illegal immigrants. I will not let the state do business with companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants. And I will not turn a blind eye to illegal immigrants who come into the custody of the State Police or the state prison system.”
