October 7, 2008
Bishop Murphy weighs in on immigration
Wading into the immigration debate, Bishop William Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre said in his weekly column yesterday that "care for the stranger and the alien is an imperative of the law of Moses and the law of Christ."
In a carefully worded column in the diocesan newspaper, the bishop refrained from endorsing any of the bills before Congress, instead offering a framework of "some basic principles" to guide political and civic leaders and "public-spirited good citizens."
Acknowledging the polarization over the issue, especially on Long Island, Murphy noted that it was the government's responsibility to police the nation's borders to keep out terrorists. But he insisted that such policies should not be "so draconian that they effectively close the nation's borders to the still large numbers of immigrants who seek political or economic asylum."
Sidestepping the question of whether the millions already here should be given a path to citizenship, he said immigration policies "should assist immigrants ... to make the transition into our culture as smooth and as positive as possible."
Murphy also took an indirect swipe at Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford), co-author of the House bill, saying it is "especially disturbing when public officials respond to legitimate criticism by casting unworthy and demeaning remarks about leaders in communities of faith."
Reached yesterday, King stood by his comments that Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony has "intentionally distorted and misrepresented the legislation" and should not be trusted given his handling of abusive priests. He also said "Bishop Murphy should read the legislation for himself."
Get breaking news | Most popular stories | Dining and Travel deals all via e-mail!
Copyright © 2008, Newsday Inc.
-
MALOYA LASER INC.
-
HART PETROLEUM
Newsday Special Reports
In districts across Long Island, attorneys have been improperly reported as state employees - and are raking in big pensions as a result.
It's called "double-dipping." School administrators retire with big pensions from one district and then collect a big salary from a new district.
Across the region, scores of independent special districts provide high salaries and other benefits - and operate with little oversight.
Popular stories
- Kim Kardashian: I'm all natural
- Lawyer: 4 nursing home workers arrested
- Nassau releases new 'Wall of Shame' mug shots
- Ken Davidoff: Padres' Peavy could be an option for the Yankees
- Wallace Matthews: Mets are crazy if they sign Manny
My Long Island
Special Projects
The
fight for civil rights
Local leaders, then and now, reflect on doing their part to push for equality.
The
Katie Trebing story
A daughter with a deadly disease, an extraordinary chance to save her...create the perfect sibling.
They Failed to Act
Since 1995, the Long Island Rail Road has logged nearly 900 gap incidents at stations from Penn to Bridgehampton.
Born to Serve
Michael P. Murphy's actions in June, 2005 earned him,
posthumously, the nation's highest military award.
Fire Alarm
The only comprehensive look at the last large public
service on Long Island impervious to outside scrutiny - the
fire system.
Remembering Flight
800
On the beach at Smith Point County Park is a monument with
the names of the 230 passengers and crew from Flight 800.
Our
Fallen
Soldiers from Long Island killed in uniform reflect the face of our communities. Newsday remembers their sacrifice.