Archbishop Gomez, Bishop Vann to Lead Third Annual Southern California Immigration Summit at Christ Cathedral
The summit will offer prayers of support and solidarity with immigrant communities and provide a venue to discuss salient policy issues confronting immigrants and the Church.
GARDEN GROVE, CALIF., (MARCH 13, 2015) – The Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, The Most Reverend Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, and The Most Reverend Rutilio del Riego, Auxiliary Bishop of San Bernardino will join hundreds of faithful advocates for the third annual Southern California Immigration Summit at Christ Cathedral.
The Bishops and faithful present will offer prayers in solidarity with marginalized immigrants, discuss concrete action regarding deferred action programs, and call on elected leaders to enact comprehensive immigration reform.
Event Details
- What: 3rd Annual Southern California Immigration Summit
- When: Saturday, March 14, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Where: Christ Cathedral (13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove)
- Who: Archbishop José H. Gomez, Bishop Kevin Vann, Bishop Rutilio del Riego, and hundreds of faithful advocates.
A Unified Call for Compassion and Reform
Bishop Kevin Vann:
“I am blessed to welcome my brother Bishops and the faithful from across our state to the Christ Cathedral to reinforce our commitments to caring for our immigrant communities. As faithful leaders we see daily the damage our broken immigration system has inflicted on families and the vulnerable… Saturday’s event will provide an important point of unity and discussion as we continue our sustained efforts.”
Archbishop José H. Gomez:
“The Dioceses of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino are gathering to talk about ways we can help our immigrant brothers and sisters at this crucial moment… Right now, our immigration is broken and it is hurting families and children and our economy. We need to come together as a nation to find a better way forward. That’s what this meeting is all about.”
The Human Consequences of a Broken System
Each day in Catholic parishes, social service programs, hospitals, and schools, the human consequences of a broken immigration system are apparent. Families are separated, migrants are exploited, and children lack access to educational opportunities. It is important to remember that this is not just a matter of one ethnic group but touches all ethnic groups. For Catholics, these are issues of human rights and are at the core of the Church’s social teachings.
The Church’s Vision for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Because of its harmful impact on human dignity, the U.S. bishops have taught (in Justice for Immigrants) that the status quo is unacceptable. They have long called for comprehensive reform that includes these necessary elements:
- An earned path to full legal status and eventual citizenship that is reasonable and attainable.
- Provision for immigrants brought here as minors to swiftly gain legal status.
- The reduction of immigration application backlogs so that families may be united more quickly.
- A temporary worker program that is safe, workable for families, and fair to all workers.
- Restoration of due process protections for all immigrants.
- The protection of refugees and unaccompanied immigrant children.
- A way of addressing the root causes of immigration.
A History of Action
Previous summits have resulted in coordinated efforts by the three participating Dioceses, including information sessions at parishes and a training program that has helped thousands understand their new driving privileges under AB60.