Catholic Bishop Addresses Immigration Concerns in Wyoming
Last November, Catholic leaders from across the United States convened, and Wyoming Bishop Stephen Biegler voted to send a significant message regarding the plight of immigrants in the country. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution to speak out against President Donald Trump’s mass deportation strategy and its ramifications for immigrant communities, with a vote of 216 in favor and just 5 opposed. This marked the first special message sent by the bishops in a dozen years.
In the months following this vote, Bishop Biegler of the Diocese of Cheyenne grappled with how to engage his parishioners on the subject of immigration. Ultimately, he issued a pastoral letter on April 12, titled “Be a Compassionate Neighbor,” addressed to the thousands of Catholics in Wyoming.
In his previous message, Biegler emphasized the unity felt among U.S. bishops and their congregations. He expressed alarm over the “climate of fear and anxiety” that surrounds issues of profiling and immigration enforcement, lamenting the current state of the immigration debate which often vilifies immigrants.
His letter condemns the inhumane conditions present in detention centers and the aggressive tactics utilized in immigration enforcement, which overshadow places of worship, hospitals, and schools. The bishops voiced concern for families living in fear—parents anxious about being detained while dropping their children off at school, and families already separated from loved ones.
Biegler pointed out that treating immigrants without dignity contradicts Catholic values that affirm the “fundamental dignity of all people.” He pushed for meaningful immigration reform, stating that human dignity and national security can coexist when individuals collaborate constructively.
Following his endorsement of the previously mentioned resolution, Biegler reflected on the challenges that Wyoming Catholics face in discussing immigration. He encountered resistance from parishioners who supported mass deportations and expressed outrage at priests advocating for compassion and mercy towards immigrants, resulting in tensions that drove some individuals away from their parishes.
With Wyoming overwhelmingly supporting Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, Biegler faced the daunting task of addressing current immigration policies in a manner conducive to fostering open dialogue, rather than inflaming emotions. He recognized the urgency for these conversations, stating, “Doing nothing is not an option.”
In a community where over 14,000 Catholics fill local churches, Biegler’s 20-page letter, along with a one-page summary, were distributed during Mass on the weekend of its release. He called on the Wyoming Catholic community to engage compassionately, to listen, and to reflect upon the teachings of the Church as they navigate the complexities of immigration.
Within his letter, Biegler took an innovative approach, incorporating questions and personal narratives alongside relevant scripture. This serves not only as an invitation to dialogue but also as a reminder of shared responsibilities in faith. By invoking the story of the Good Samaritan, he urges parishioners to connect with the marginalized and to consider their immigrant neighbors’ experiences.
As Biegler notes, understanding the reasons people flee their home countries is as crucial as addressing their current circumstances in the United States. He emphasizes that violence and economic hardship often drive individuals to seek safety and stability elsewhere. “There is a real element of international concern for each other as brothers and sisters here,” he asserts.
For Biegler, the first step towards addressing this complex issue lies in fostering open dialogue and deep listening. His pastoral letter encourages recipients to reflect on their individual experiences while seeking wise solutions that benefit everyone involved.
This article originally appeared in WyoFile and is republished here with permission. WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization dedicated to covering the people, places, and policies of Wyoming.
