ARCHBISHOP'S STATEMENT ON IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

"I invite all our Catholic communities to join me in supporting our migrant brothers and sisters as we advocate for meaningful immigration reform ... May we never tire of being Christ-centered in our unity as People of God, Pilgrims of Hope, and Missionary Disciples of Jesus Christ, Savior of the World."

On January 27, 2025, Archbishop Charles C. Thompson of Indianapolis issued a pubic statement about the Catholic Church's teachings concerning refugees and immigrants. The statement seeks to balance the Catholic Church's tradition for respecting the dignity of every person created in the image of God with the Catholic Church's recognition of the responsibility of each sovereign nation to maintain proper security. The archbishop recognizes that Catholic parishioners, Catholic parishes, schools and institutions (such as soup kitchens) will be negatively affected by "recent threats of aggressive immigration enforcement".

"Using the foundational principles of the Church's social and moral teaching, we will continue to advocate for the just and dignified treatment of migrants as well as for national immigration reform. ... Serious offenders with a history of harming U.S. citizens and immigrants, however, should not find protection under these refoms."

You can read the full statement here:

On January 27, 2025, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis issued guidelines for Catholic parishes, schools, and other institutions concerning cooperation with officers from the Department of Homeland Security and with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The guidelines recognize that:

• Catholic institutions wish to respect and cooperate with legitimate law enforcement
• The Department of Homeland Security has indicated that churches, schools, and hospitals will be targeted by immigration officials, including Catholic institutions. Liturgies are now considered legitimate targets for immigration raids.
• Other Catholic ministries, such as soup kitchens, food pantries, Catholic Charities, and the like may also be targeted.
• Many of the Catholic clergy serving in Indiana (including many of the Conventual Franciscan Friars) are from other countries. We recognize that these priests' legal status is now in jeopardy. The Catholic Church will seek to protect them, but there is little we can do.
• In many parishes, parishioners feel threatened and frightened. The pastors and leaders must seek to advocate for our people.