US Bishops Discover 'Fear' From Policies They Enable
Archbishop Coakley, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, warns that deportations are instilling 'fear in a rather widespread manner.' This belated awareness overlooks decades of policy from both Democratic and Republican administrations that have overseen the consistent criminalization and displacement of migrants. The Catholic Church, a significant lobbying force—spending over $26
million in 2023 alone (OpenSecrets.org)—often aligns with pro-immigration reform, yet rarely pushes for systemic change with the same fervor seen in other advocacy areas. One might wonder if 'widespread fear' is an unintended consequence, or simply the predictable outcome of sustained political inaction.