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June 12, 2025

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In these days of national unrest and growing fear among immigrant families, I wish to speak to you from the heart of the Gospel and the heart of our Church.

The Diocese of Dallas remains steadfast in its mission to accompany all who are vulnerable, including the immigrant and refugee. This is a matter of human dignity and faithful discipleship.

We recognize that every country has a right to protect its borders. We also affirm that every family has a right to seek a better life, especially when fleeing poverty, violence, or persecution.

At this moment, many of our immigrant brothers and sisters in North Texas are living in fear—fear of deportation, family separation, or the loss of a home they have worked so hard to build. They are not strangers to us. They are our parishioners, our students, our neighbors, and our brothers and sisters in
Christ. May we never forget that every immigrant is created in the image of God.

In the spirit of Christ, who said “I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” we urge all Catholics to respond not with division or anger, but with faith, prayer, and compassion. As a Diocese, we will continue to work through our parishes, Catholic Charities, and diocesan offices to offer support, legal guidance, pastoral care, and spiritual accompaniment to those in need.

The Church is called to do what is right and just, and we do support legal reform that is compassionate and humane. We call for policies that uphold both the rule of law and the sanctity of the family.

Let us also pray for our leaders, that they may be guided by wisdom, courage, and mercy.

May Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, intercede for us all.

Sincerely in Christ,

✠ Most Reverend Edward J. Burns
Bishop of Dallas