Post by Maolsheachlann on Sept 18, 2019 9:49:34 GMT
This is what the Catechism says about immigration: "The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.
Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens."
It seems to me that this statement doesn't really suit either conservatives or liberals in the Church. Conservatives (like me) would rather that populations and cultures remained more or less homogeneous. It doesn't seem to envisage immigration driven by the needs of the host country but primarily by the needs of the immigrants. And it seems to envisage a maximal number rather than a minimal number.
On the other hand, the paragraph clearly doesn't envisage an open door policy, either. And the reference to "respecting with gratitude" doesn't really find much reflection in Catholic liberals screaming endlessly about racism and xenophobia and multiculturalism.
Of course, it all comes down on the status you grant the Catechism. Personally, I think it is safer to treat it as authoratitive, even if it is not technically infallible.
Any thoughts?
Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens."
It seems to me that this statement doesn't really suit either conservatives or liberals in the Church. Conservatives (like me) would rather that populations and cultures remained more or less homogeneous. It doesn't seem to envisage immigration driven by the needs of the host country but primarily by the needs of the immigrants. And it seems to envisage a maximal number rather than a minimal number.
On the other hand, the paragraph clearly doesn't envisage an open door policy, either. And the reference to "respecting with gratitude" doesn't really find much reflection in Catholic liberals screaming endlessly about racism and xenophobia and multiculturalism.
Of course, it all comes down on the status you grant the Catechism. Personally, I think it is safer to treat it as authoratitive, even if it is not technically infallible.
Any thoughts?
