Retired Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, former Archbishop of Washington, and Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde will join a group of panelists to discuss current immigration issues at the annual diocesan Peace and Justice Commission Conference.
The conference, “The Many Faces of Our Human Family:  A Catholic Perspective on Immigration,” will take place at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 3305 Glen Carlyn Rd., Falls Church, Sept. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event, which begins with a Mass, includes scheduled workshops on immigration topics like legislative advocacy, pastoral response, available services and impact on families.
The Latino immigrant workshop will be conducted in Spanish, and the others, in English, will have interpreters. Two Latino parishioners from St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Arlington will share their experiences as immigrants facing challenges and achieving progress.
“The commission decided to dedicate the conference to immigration given that the issue has been in the national debate and is causing confusion and controversies in a variety of areas in Northern Virginia,” said Father Gerry Creedon, chairman of the commission and pastor of St. Charles Borromeo.
Father Creedon said that the goal of the conference is to view the immigration issues from the perspective of Catholic teaching. “Our principles and values teach us that no human being should be denied access to basic services and the opportunity for a better education.”
Several counties in Northern Virginia already have approved or are still debating legislation to deny services to undocumented immigrants. Prince William and Loudoun counties recently passed legislation to discourage undocumented persons from residing in their territories.
“We expect to counter those views which are xenophobic and prejudiced. Clergy and lay people alike need to be informed on these topics and be involved from a Catholic teaching perspective,” said Father Creedon. “As a Church, we are promoting a comprehensive immigration reform.”
The conference is organized in collaboration with the diocesan Spanish Apostolate and Multicultural Ministries offices, the Office of Migration and Refugee Services, Catholic Charities, Respect Life, Office of Family Life and the Virginia Catholic Conference. For information call 703/841-3831.
         
Alfonso Aguilar can be reached at aaguilar@catholicherald.com

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