This urgent United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Georgetown University gathering brought together young, diverse leaders from the border, on policy, in the Church, and from the immigrant community at a time of conflict and crises on U.S. policies toward immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. The country and Congress are divided. The Biden administration is challenged by growing numbers of families and young people coming to the U.S. southern border.
This gathering of young Catholic and Latino leaders explored questions such as:
Why can’t the United States develop, enact, and implement just, compassionate, and effective immigration policies?
What are the human, moral, and policy costs of this failure?
How can Gospel values and Catholic social teaching shape a different path forward?
Can young Catholic and Latino leaders help change this tragic situation?
How can younger leaders challenge old partisan narratives, overcome polarization and paralysis, and seek to protect human dignity and advance the common good?
Anna Misleh, project manager of the Initiative, moderated the conversation.
Resources
View a list of articles, books, podcasts, and other resources for this gathering.
This Salt and Light and Latino Leader Gathering for young Catholics under 40 was co-sponsored by the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life and the following departments at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development (JPHD);
Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth (LMFLY);
Department of Migration and Refugee Services (MRS);
Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church (CDC); and
National Advisory Team on Young Adult Ministry (NATYAM).
Photo credit: Migrants and Refugees Section of the Vatican.
