CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF OHIO

9 E. Long St., Suite 201 Columbus, OH 43215 Fax (614) 224-7147 E-Mail cco@cdeducation.org

PRESS RELEASE

TO CATHOLIC MEDIA

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2001

Enhanced concern for Immigrant workers, documented and

undocumented, called for by the Catholic Bishops of Ohio

The Catholic Bishops of Ohio released a statement this past week calling upon Ohio’s Civic and Church leaders to “increase pastoral outreach and public solidarity for immigrant workers in Ohio.”

According to Mr. Jim Tobin, associate director of the Catholic Conference of Ohio, “the Bishops’ statement seeks to increase public awareness of the over 70 thousand Hispanic immigrant workers throughout Ohio who are laboring year round in businesses such as food processing plans, plastic factories and landscape nurseries.” He added, “Most of these workers were recruited by Ohio businesses due to labor shortages. Many are undocumented workers who have left their impoverished villages in Mexico and Central America with the hope of sending their earnings back home to their families.”

Tobin reported that the Bishops’ statement calls for public officials to conduct a statewide study as to ways workers, employers and law makers can address immigrant related issues such as housing, transportation, medical care, language education, working conditions and legal status.

The Bishops statement also calls upon diocesan and parish structures to welcome and support immigrant workers regardless of their legal status. The Bishops quote Matthew 25:35, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” as well as Pope John Paul II call to help all “neighbors” in need regardless of nationality. Diocesan and parish structures should develop “new approaches to pastoral care” such as inter-diocesan outreach projects as well as conduct awareness raising programs and trainings. Seminaries and ministry training programs should work towards increasing their multi-language capacities.

Jeff Stewart, director for the “We Gather and Stand Together” Hispanic Immigrant Project started by Diocesan Catholic Rural, Hispanic and Social Action directors spends much of his time talking and ministering to these new immigrants. According to Stewart, these are dedicated workers who have taken many courageous risks in coming to Ohio in order to provide for their families. They seek welcome and spiritual guidance from our churches, as well as fair treatment from their employers.

According to Stewart, the Bishops encourage specific support for the “We Gather and Stand Together” project. This statewide project encourages dialogue and collaboration among workers, owners, and civil leaders. Programs include English language training, job mentoring, crises intervention, faith-based celebrations, cultural exchanges, public dialogues, leadership training, and social justice advocacy.