Editor’s note: The five bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference released the following statement:
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n the wake of the tragic loss of innocent life taken by terrorist actions in Paris, the Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference (ACC) understand the increasing hesitation on the part of our government and American citizens to receive Syrian refugees into the United States. While our country clearly needs to be concerned about terrorist activity, safeguards to prevent terrorist infiltration into our country are in place and should continue to be updated to meet changing circumstances. However, we must remember that not all refugees are terrorists and the majority of Syrian refugees are men, women and children fleeing violence and simply striving to find safety for themselves and their families in other countries. We need to remain committed to prayer and to the charitable works provided for people in great need. Accordingly, we will continue the important work done by our local Catholic Charities’ offices to resettle people fleeing violence and persecution and remain dedicated to helping refugees as the right and moral action to take.
Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted
Bishop of Phoenix
Most Rev. Eduardo A. Nevares
Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix
Most Rev. James S. Wall
Bishop of Gallup
Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas
Bishop of Tucson
Most Rev. Gerald Dino
Bishop of Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix
