A pathway to hope, the theme of our annual report, is a way to speak about the needs, hopes, aspirations and gifts of migrants. The Catholic Church, with its “heart which sees,” holds dear those people who are on this path. Ultimately it is hope that drives them to uproot and to seek a life of freedom, security, and dignity.
Message from CLINIC’s Board Chairman and Executive Director
A pathway to hope, the theme of our annual report, is a way to speak about the needs, hopes, aspirations and gifts of migrants. The Catholic Church, with its “heart which sees,” holds dear those people who are on this path. Ultimately it is hope that drives them to uproot and to seek a life of freedom, security, and dignity.
On World Refugee Day, June 20, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI called for “concrete gestures of solidarity so that whoever finds himself far from his country, feels the Church as a homeland where no one is a stranger.”
The Church’s guiding principle in this work is that immigrants are our “brothers and sisters” created in God’s image. We have a duty to welcome them to the homeland to which Pope Benedict XVI refers.
Under the leadership of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), the Catholic Church has begun to mobilize its resources in preparation for comprehensive immigration reform. A program to legalize 12 million persons represents an enormous challenge and opportunity. When legislation passes, CLINIC will play a central role implementing it, both within the Catholic Church and in support of the nation’s charitable immigration service providers. CLINIC is uniquely qualified and prepared to meet this historic challenge. More and more, its network represents a beacon of hope to immigrants throughout the United States.
Don Kerwin, Executive Director
Most Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn
To download the report, click here.