New Series Explores Migration and the Church

Co-sponsored by CELAM, OSMECA, Hope Border Institute, CLAMOR, SEDAC, and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, it aims to advance understanding on the Church’s role in protecting and promoting the human rights of migrants.

This series seeks to create a space for reflection, dialogue, and hope on migration and human rights from the Catholic Church’s pastoral and prophetic perspective. Over the course of three sessions, it will explore the Catholic commitment to the dignity of migrants and displaced persons, shedding light on current challenges through the lens of faith, the Church’s social teaching, and concrete experiences of accompaniment. The first webinar will address the prophetic dimension of defending human rights and the dignity of migrants; the second will delve into the Church’s call to promote a culture of welcome, solidarity, and fraternity; and the third will share best pastoral practices that highlight the work of faith communities committed to the protection, integration, and defense of people on the move.

The next webinar will take place on July 16, 12 pm ET and will feature Cardinal Fabio Baggio, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Most Rev. Brendan Cahill, Chairman of the USCCB Migration Committee, and Sister Nyzelle Dondé, Vice President of OSMECA. The final webinar is on August 27, 12 pm ET, with Fr. Francisco de Roux, SJ, former President of Colombia’s Truth Commission, Alessandra Santopadre of the Archdiocese of Montreal, Canada, and direct service providers across the continent.

“The Gospel is clear in its call to welcome the stranger,” said Susan Gunn, director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns.

“As the domestic policies and public discourse surrounding migration become increasingly restrictive, cruel, and driven by fear, it is more important than ever to affirm human dignity and embrace the full humanity of our brothers and sisters. The Church has a unique perspective and sacred responsibility to contribute to this conversation. I encourage everyone to participate in these webinars and join the broader dialogue to uphold the rights and dignity of our migrant neighbors.”

FAITH IN ACTION: Attend the next two conversations on July 16 at 12 pm ET (register here) and August 27 at 12 pm ET (register here).