September 24, 2019 — In a joint statement issued on September 16, the president of the Jesuit Conference and the provincial superiors of the six Jesuit provinces of the United States and Canada called on the entire Jesuit community to expand its advocacy efforts on behalf of migrants.
“For years, the Society of Jesus has accompanied, served and advocated on behalf of migrants and refugees,” says the statement, which comes in advance of the Catholic Church’s September 29 observance of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. “In addition to all the ways the Jesuit family is responding to their immediate needs every day, we must pay attention to the laws and policies that affect those we serve. … Advocacy for just policies is an integral component of living out a faith that does justice.”
The Jesuit leaders draw on four key words from Pope Francis in outlining the sorts of federal laws and policies that should be enacted: welcome, protect, promote and integrate.
The Prince Edward Island government hosts a special reception for refugees, sponsor groups, and volunteers.
Photo by Government of Prince Edward Island is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
“These guidelines can lead us to a compassionate, humanitarian and
moral response to migration,” the statement says. Policy responses
should include addressing economic and political “push factors” in the
countries people are leaving in addition to providing a more
comprehensive welcome when migrants arrive here.
“Policies, procedures and regulations related to migration must put migrants’ humanity before their legal status, nationality or economic potential,” the statement says. “A human-centered approach to migration offers an opportunity to move beyond the fear and confusion that characterize many of our current policies, instead choosing compassion and understanding.”
“We thank all the Ignatian and Jesuit leaders across our countries who have already taken action to advocate for the rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. We ask you to continue this important work and invite all Jesuits, Jesuit works and the many members of the Ignatian family to join us in these advocacy efforts,” the statement concludes. “Contact your political representatives with a letter, email, phone call or visit. Organize a local advocacy event. There are many ways to lift up our voices.”
The statement was signed by the following Jesuits:
- Fr. Timothy Kesicki, SJ, President, Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States
- Fr. John Cecero, SJ, Provincial, USA Northeast Province
- Fr. Robert Hussey, SJ, Provincial, Maryland Province
- Fr. Ronald A. Mercier, SJ, Provincial, USA Central and Southern Province
- Fr. Erik Oland, SJ, Provincial, Canada Province
- Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, Provincial, USA Midwest Province
- Fr. Scott Santarosa, SJ, Provincial, USA West Province
