Diversity of diocese is blessing for church

June 1, 2006

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My Episcopacy as Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City is less than five months old and, in that short period, I have developed some initial impressions about our diocesan faith community. Permit me to share some of my observations with you.

* The Iowa countryside in the springtime is incredibly beautiful.

* It is a good idea to stay off the county roads during planting season.

* At all times, adhere to the speed limit on Highway-20.

* We have some young men and women who are called to a religious vocation. I've witnessed their faith at Confirmations. Let's pray for them.

* Our churches are beautiful. I am amazed as to the sacrifices those before us have made.

* The imprint left on our diocese by our European ancestors is still very much in evidence at many churches across the diocese.

* The diversity of the diocese continues to expand and bless us. Our Hispanic and Southeast Asian brothers and sisters are the immigrants of the 21st century and their influence will continue to grow. We must welcome them as friends, not strangers.

The issue of immigration has certainly created a lot of furor over the past few weeks and the matter is certain to intensify as we head into an election season and candidates vie for position on this volatile issue. The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has outlined very clearly their position on the issue of immigration. As the Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, I find myself in agreement with the immigration reform principles outlined by my brother bishops.

The real solution to the crisis lies in a comprehensive approach to immigration. The Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes, Bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration said it best when he pointed to the underlying issues of immigration unrest. Bishop Barnes wrote that immigration reform in the U. S. "must include a long-term strategy to address the root causes of flight, such as poverty and lack of opportunity in those countries from which people are fleeing".

In addition, I pray that any legislation enacted by Congress would provide the undocumented a fair and equitable way to earn citizenship in our country.

Obviously, something needs to be done.

It is apparent that the Diocese of Sioux City has scores of believers who would love to become contributing members of their community and their parish. However, they are reluctant to do so because of the possible impact such action would have on their ability to remain and work in the U.S.

A century or more ago, your ancestors and mine came to this country to create a better life for their families. While they certainly saw many reminders of intolerance from society, the Catholic Church saw to it that human rights were respected.

Scripture says, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me."

It is time we say "welcome."

Recently the Iowa Catholic Conference (which includes the four Iowa bishops and representatives from each diocese in Iowa) developed a position statement on this important issue. I encourage all of you to study and reflect on the message we developed. The statement is printed in this issue of The Globe. I also invite you to let me know your thoughts. We are one church and all of us are called to work together for the good of all - especially the poor and most needy among us.

Your brother in Christ,
Bishop R. Walker Nickless