Cleveland Diocese’s Welcoming the Stranger Committee Focuses on Immigrants, Refugees and Migrants

The Catholic Church describes itself as an immigrant Church with a long history of welcoming diverse newcomers. According to the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland’s outreach page on immigrants, refugees and people on the move, the Church provides assistance and pastoral care to immigrants, migrants, refugees and others on the move.

The diocese states that its response is rooted in Christ’s call to “welcome the stranger among us.” The page says that in encountering the immigrant, the migrant and the refugee in the community, the faithful encounter Christ.

The diocesan Welcoming the Stranger committee meets regularly to discuss, plan and implement the Church’s teaching on immigration, migrants and refugees. The committee was established in 2000 in response to the bishops’ document *Welcoming the Stranger*.

The page says the committee’s work has focused on three areas. In education, it offers talks and workshops on the Church’s teaching on immigration. In advocacy, it encourages people to take part in pressing for comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform that reflects respect for the dignity of each person. In direct assistance, it serves those who have come to the country as immigrants, refugees and undocumented migrants, a practice of charity and hospitality (Matthew 25:35).

For more information, the page directs readers to the Secretariat for Parish Life and Development at (216) 696-6525 or (800) 869-6525 ext. 2336.

Source: Read the original report