The Compact states:
We, the Diocese of San Bernardino state that, we are a part of this great nation of immigrants that is the United States. As a community of believers, we want to open our minds to recognize the dignity of God’s children in every human being; as members of the Body of Christ, we want to open our hearts to all immigrants and welcome them as members of the same human family; and we want to join our hands in solidarity because we recognize that all human beings are pilgrims in this life, and called to citizenship in the Kingdom of God.
“I hope this will give people the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the immigrant among us,” said Sr. Sarah, director of the Vocations Office at the diocese. “It’s not something out there, it’s a reality here.”
She first became aware of the Utah Compact on immigration while attending a workshop on immigration offered by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network in January 2012 in Salt Lake City. She presented the idea to her diocese when she returned.
“It’s a great way to get behind the bishop and take action,” Sr. Sarah said.
The approved document was unveiled at the National Migration Week Mass held on Jan. 20 at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino.
“Let’s take this opportunity to share the Church’s stand on immigration,” Cruz said. “We all belong to the same human family. No one in the Catholic Church is a stranger.”