Bishop Lucia Releases Pastoral Letter Addressing Immigration

Syracuse, NY - The Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia, Bishop of Syracuse, has released his second pastoral letter titled With Liberty and Justice for All, addressing immigration through the lens of Catholic social teaching and the Gospels.

In his announcement to the people of the diocese, Bishop Lucia draws parallels between Jesus’ early ministry and the current challenges facing the Church regarding immigration policy. The pastoral letter arrives at a crucial time when discussions about foreign policy and immigration continue to be at the forefront of national dialogue.

“As disciples, we are called to continue the mission of Jesus,” states Bishop Lucia. “This pastoral letter is meant to be a reflection of how we can be ever faithful to the call to do all ‘In the Name of Jesus’ in the present moment.”

The letter emphasizes the Church’s longstanding position that while nations have the right to control their borders, this right must be balanced with fundamental human dignity and the moral obligation to help those in need. Bishop Lucia draws from Scripture, particularly Matthew’s Gospel teaching on welcoming the stranger, and Catholic social doctrine to address current immigration challenges.

“This is not a violation of the principle of the separation of Church and State,” writes Bishop Lucia. “Rather, it is about seeking to make us better listeners to one another, so that together we, as Church, might better witness to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.”

Bishop Lucia invites the faithful to engage with the letter’s content through prayer and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of respectful discourse and working for the common good of all neighbors, both domestic and foreign.