October 12, 2007 Statement regarding News12 Immigration Town Hall Meeting

The Diocese of Rockville Centre regrets that it was unable to participate in the News 12 Long Island Town Hall Meeting on Immigration that took place October 11 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  The issue of immigration is one charged with strong emotion.  For dialogue to take place on this complex issue, a broadcast venue should be conducive to a fair and civil hearing of differing viewpoints. 

We were hoping to be a part of the discussion and News12 did have an opportunity to use its resources to enlighten viewers on the subject of immigration by having an informed discussion on immigration.  The Farmingville broadcast site that was chosen in our estimation would not be conducive to such a discussion.

 The Catholic Church has been and continues to be a source of healing in Farmingville.  The pastor, parish staff and volunteers along with Catholic Charities work with immigrants to carry out what the Gospel calls Catholics to do. That is, to gladly assist people in need and offer her care for one and all, consistent with Jesus’ example.  This fact was ignored while falsehoods about the Church’s position and role concerning immigration went unchecked.  To obtain accurate information about the Church’s position on immigration visit the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: www.usccb.org and read Bishop Murphy’s recent columns in The Long Island Catholic newspaper at www.licatholic.org.

END OF STATEMENT