Catholic and Evangelical Leaders Issue Joint Call for Compassionate Immigration Reform

Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas; Phoenix Bishop John P. Dolan; Bishop James A. Misko of Tucson, Ariz., speaking; Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, N.M.; and retired Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson led a “Conversation with the Bishops” outside Sacred Heart Church in Nogales, Ariz., on June 26, 2026. The gathering preceded the Border Mass 250, a binational event emphasizing faith, solidarity, and the contributions of immigrants. Lorraine Rivera, communications director for the Tucson Diocese, was also present.

Catholic and evangelical leaders issued a joint statement on Oct. 13, 2026, calling for compassionate immigration reform. Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, and Rev. Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, co-chaired the Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue on Immigration. Their statement, “A Call for Christian Compassion and Wisdom in the Immigration Debate,” marked the first such joint effort in U.S. history between leaders of their respective traditions.

The leaders acknowledged their doctrinal differences but emphasized their shared conviction that God calls them to support both American citizens facing economic and cultural challenges and immigrant neighbors encountering existential difficulties. They stressed that every human being is created with dignity, bearing God’s image, and that government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and promote the common good through reasonable immigration policies.

The statement called for targeted, humane border enforcement, clear legal pathways to citizenship, and measures to prevent family separation. It also highlighted concerns about the intersection of immigration enforcement and religious liberty, citing recent cases where such challenges have arisen. Faith leaders have pointed to these intersections as significant issues requiring attention.

The joint effort reflects a growing recognition among religious leaders of the need to address immigration with both compassion and wisdom. By uniting their voices, Catholic and evangelical leaders aim to influence policy discussions and advocate for policies that align with their shared values of justice and care for the vulnerable. Their collaboration underscores the potential for ecumenical cooperation in addressing complex social issues.

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