Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Catholic bishops of Nebraska have issued a letter to migrants in the state, expressing compassion and support amid concerns about potential mass deportations. The message was shared on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and is available in both English and Spanish.

“As pastors we know that Jesus wants to draw close to you during this challenging and perhaps fearful time,” the bishops stated. “We are with you, too, to support and accompany you in the name of Jesus.”

In their letter, the bishops emphasized their role as advocates for immigrants and called on all Nebraskans to address the needs of migrant communities. They urged for advocacy in both Nebraska and Washington for human dignity, family relationships, and special care for children within a lawful community.

“[W]e want you to know that we will advocate in Nebraska and in Washington for the respect for human dignity and for family relationships, as well as for the special care owed to children that should characterize a just and lawful community,” said the bishops. “We invite our neighbors to join in advocating for respectful treatment of all within the law.”

Accompanying the letter was a document from the Nebraska Catholic Conference (NCC) addressing frequently asked questions about Catholic social teachings related to border security, undocumented immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, charitable services, and comprehensive immigration reform.

The NCC operates under a joint effort by Omaha's Archdiocese along with Grand Island's Diocese and Lincoln's Diocese. It represents Nebraska’s Roman Catholic bishops' public policy interests before state legislature bodies, Congress members from Nebraska, as well as various state agencies. The issues covered include institutional concerns related to Catholic moral teaching alongside broader themes like human dignity.