A novel study uncovers disparities in Catholic viewpoints on issues of immigration, including attitudes that diverge from Church doctrine. Such findings prompted Bishop Mark Seitz to invoke a challenge commonly faced by religious leaders in this era of secularization: How can they cultivate the moral compass of their congregation and mold them in line with Christ’s teachings? This question goes to the core, the cornerstone, of how we as a Church can guide people to lead a Christian life. As our influence wanes, we have less time to make an impact, even in the limited time we have with them on Sundays. So, where can Catholics find guidance? Where can they truly learn about the influence the gospel should have on their everyday life? This dilemma is substantial.
In June, The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University released a study titled ‘U.S. Catholics’ Attitudes about Immigration, Migrants, and Refugees.’ The study surveyed 1,342 self-proclaimed Catholics from December 13 to 28. The sample was divided somewhat equally between genders and all respondents were over the age of 18. The majority of those surveyed were non-Hispanic white (55%), with Hispanics accounting for about another 37%. The remaining 8% were individuals of different races and ethnicities. The political affiliation among the respondents was nearly balanced, with equal representation from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
In light of the escalating immigration crisis, specifically the record figures of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, Bishop Seitz, alongside other Church leaders, have consistently voiced the dual obligations of our nation to ensure border security, as well as the responsibility to aid and accommodate those driven out of their homes. When questioned whether immigration to the United States improves or worsens the national circumstances, the majority of respondents believed immigration negatively affects areas such as the economy, societal and moral norms, taxation, and crime.
However, the areas that escaped this negative perception were cuisine, music, arts, and job prospects. Furthermore, 43% of respondents indicated immigration should be decreased. A significant 74% of respondents marked the border situation as either a ‘crisis’ or ‘major problem.’ Half of those surveyed endorsed the idea of extending the construction of walls along the U.S.-Mexico border, manifesting considerable support for stringent border control.
In another interesting finding, 44% of the respondents also supported ‘somewhat’ or ‘strongly’ the decision of the Texas and Florida governors to relocate migrants to other states such as California, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania — a strategy that has attracted criticism from Church leaders.
Nevertheless, when queried about the Church’s viewpoint on immigration — including the duty of Catholics to welcome migrants and assist them in accessing opportunities, and the specific focus on protecting the weak and defenseless — a significant 65% of respondents concurred. The respondents’ Catholic faith influenced their perspectives about migrants and refugees ‘somewhat’ or ‘very much,’ according to 54% of the surveyed individuals.
Notably, the study also reveals that Democrats, compared to Republicans and Independents, are more inclined to adhere and assign importance to Church teachings on immigration; the same correlation was observed among regular Mass attendees. Bishop Seitz emphasized that a person’s beliefs are highly influenced by the communities they are part of, and the messages they hear on a regular basis, hence, the need to attract people back to the Sunday gatherings.
In the Bishop’s words, it’s insufficient, but it’s an initiation. The fundamental prerequisite for leading a fulfilling Christian life is to worship God on Sundays. This can fuel curiosity and open the doors to understanding more about the Church’s doctrines, which contain valuable wisdom on how to lead a happy, healthy, and hallowed life.
Bishop Seitz voiced his opinions about both the encouraging and worrying aspects of the study results. Pleasantly, he was gratified to notice a considerable number of individuals familiar with and appreciative of the Church’s instruction on immigration.
That said, he was disquieted by responses mirroring the viewpoints of politicians and secular media narratives that might not present the full picture. However, on the bright side, he believes the survey demonstrated Catholics’ willingness to learn about immigration and have their mindset and habits shaped by the Church’s teachings.
In his estimation, an essential initiative that the Church can undertake is to create more encounters because real-life experiences can significantly influence one’s perception.
As he elucidated, “When they’re real human beings, and we’ve seen their face, and we’ve heard their story, we assess these things in a very different way.”