Protect the vulnerable

Pittsburgh’s templed hills have long provided refuge to persons of diverse heritages and faiths whose virtues tempered our city of steel. The Catholic Sisters Leadership Council of Western Pennsylvania wishes to join Mayor Bill Peduto in welcoming vulnerable migrants and refugees seeking asylum from violence, injustice and other life-threatening conditions.

Comprehensive immigration reform — including humane treatment of migrants — has long been a priority for Catholic Sisters. Our faith teaches us that each person possesses inherent dignity and has the right to migrate to support themselves and their families.

While sovereign nations have the right to control their borders, we cannot ignore the human situation of violence, extreme poverty and oppressive living conditions that force people to flee their homes. Seeking asylum at the United States border is legal and we have a strong moral obligation to provide refuge to the most vulnerable among us.

Religious congregations of Catholic Sisters have been blessed to accompany and serve migrant, refugee and immigrant communities in Western Pennsylvania for hundreds of years. Our faith calls us to love, and we will continue to welcome all seeking compassion and mercy. As women of faith, we also continue to pray for all our leaders, regardless of political party. May you always act justly, mercifully and courageously. JANET GARDNER

Whitehall