Mar 23, 2006 6:20 pm US/Central
Dallas Religious Leaders Speak Out On Immigration
by Steve Pickett
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
A coalition of Dallas area religious leaders are adding their voice to the immigration reform debate.
The group takes the stand that immigration reform cannot be just about border protection and enforcement.
It is no secret undocumented immigrants in north Texas rely on a cultural and community network of connections for jobs and housing.
Thursday a religious coalition of that network flexed its' political muscle... challenging the ongoing congressional debate over immigration reform.
"It's time for people of faith to stand up on behalf of immigrant brothers and sisters," said Bishop Charles Grahmann, Catholic Diocese of Dallas.
"If our legislature creates laws to arrest us for providing food for the immigrants , let us be arrested for giving them the bread of new life at the alter of our churches," said Rev. Kevin Kanouse, Dallas Area Interfaith.
Dallas Area Interfaith serves as an advocacy agency for families in need.
The group's six-point principles on immigration reform include supporting work permits for illegal workers, permanent residency and citizenship for those who want it.
The group also calls for border security, but also supports reuniting families separated by border rules.
The head of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas says his voice on the immigration, echoes the voice of the church.
"It is my hope and my prayer that our senators will enact legislation based on those principles," Grahmann said.
Along with the Dallas Interfaith effort, a coalition of Hispanic evangelicals from the Dallas area will meet in Carrollton.
They too are calling for immigration legislation that provides citizenship for those already here.
(CBS 11 News)
