Voices of faith and resilient women in an America that rejects migrants

The response of American churches to the immigration policies of the Trump administration has yet to take full shape, but from the very beginning, it has provided a clear picture of concerns and criticisms.

The first strong sign of disapproval came from a woman the day after the U.S. president’s inauguration. The Episcopal Bishop of Washington, Marian Edgar Budde, known for her commitment to social justice and human rights, urged the president to “show mercy” toward immigrants, and reminded him, “the people who harvest our fruit in the fields and clean our offices, even if they are not citizens or lack proper documents, are good neighbors and pay taxes”.

Trump indirectly responded by appointing a woman to lead the newly established White House Office of Faith. His appointee is the televangelist Paula White, a pastor of the so-called prosperity gospel (“God rewards those with strong faith with wealth and health”), who also serves as his spiritual advisor.

The American Catholic Church has also raised its voice in defense of migrants. Cardinal Robert McElroy, former Bishop of San Diego and now Metropolitan Archbishop of Washington, emphasized that mass deportations are “incompatible with Catholic doctrine”.

Jesuit writer James Martin reaffirmed in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, “individual bishops, as well as parish priests and laypeople, should defend the rights of migrants and refugees with greater determination”.

This battle, of course, will not be easy. Vice President Vance accused Catholic bishops of receiving hundreds of millions of dollars to assist migrants, suggesting that their involvement was more about “protecting their business” than a genuine commitment to social justice.

Meanwhile, the state of Texas has accused certain parishes of sheltering migrants and shielding them from authorities. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, reacted with unwavering firmness, “It’s truly scurrilous. Truly disgraceful”.

Despite these challenges, the Church’s support for immigrants remains steadfast and determined. According to a study conducted by The Washington Post, in 2023, the Church received $123 million in donations for migrant assistance and spent $134 million. At the U.S.-Mexico border, Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities in the Rio Grande Valley, works tirelessly to support Latin American immigrants seeking entry into the United States. Today, she expresses her mission through her paintings. “I help many immigrants who are suffering because of the policies introduced by the new administration in the United States. We want to bring hope to these families. I express this love to them and to the world through the paintings I create”.

by RITANNA ARMENI