Advocacy to improve state laws

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB), which includes 26 active bishops, on May 2 released a statement regarding immigration bills currently being considered in the 88th Texas Legislature. 

The bishops wrote: “For years, burdens of an unworkable system of immigration have fallen heavily on states and communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. The human and moral cost of ongoing federal inaction to create an effective set of policies to ensure safe and orderly migration is tragically reflected both in an unprecedented number of persons wishing to enter the country and the skyrocketing number of deaths of migrants at the border in the past year.” 

The statement continued, “Different proposals now under consideration in the Texas legislature attempt to address the dangerous vigilantism and a growing criminal network preying on those who are fleeing violence in their homelands. We understand that our state legislators are trying to address the failures of the federal government. Sadly, we are unable to support most of these bills since they, too, fall far short of honoring the dignity of each human person with fundamental rights, such as safety, so they can flourish and contribute to a strong and peaceable society.” 

The bishops welcome the opportunity to work with civic leaders, especially Texas legislators, to uphold the rights and dignity of every person and to foster the common good.  

At this time there are a number of Bills which the TCCB considers high priority. Those interested should regularly check the TCCB website at txcatholic.org for the status of Bills as the proceed in the hearing and committee process and are amended. 

In addition, those interested can also receive weekly updates about activities of the TCCB and legislation that addresses the bishops’ priorities by signing up for the Texas Catholic Advocacy Network at the TCCB website. The Texas Catholic Advocacy Network brings faithful citizenship to the state capitol and legislative efforts beyond the Lone Star State. 

The TCCB legislative agenda and positions on current bills are the result of a rigorous process of reflection and consultation. That agenda encompasses Life and Family Life, Immigration, Restorative Justice, Education, Healthcare, Social Concerns, Religious Liberty and Creation. 

The bishops advocate for policies and programs that support the life and dignity of every human person from conception through natural death.