Churches Gathering Against Proposition 200

PHOENIX (By Michael Clancy, Arizona Republic) September 17, 2004 - Dozens of denominations and faith groups in the state are joining a growing religious coalition opposed to Proposition 200, the Protect Arizona Now initiative.

On Thursday, Arizona's three Catholic bishops said in a statement that the measure won't solve "the complex immigration problems facing our state" and would "deny basic rights to undocumented immigrants." A proponent of the measure called the bishops' position "immoral."

The bishops joined the Arizona Interfaith Network, an organization of 150 religious groups, in opposing the measure. The Arizona Ecumenical Council, with 20 denominational partners, also is expected to issue a statement opposing the measure.

The informal religious coalition frequently unites around social issues but often breaks down over other issues, such as abortion. On immigration, churches frequently must decide between what they see as obeying the law and serving the needy as called for in the Gospels.

The Rev. Jan Flaaten, director of the Ecumenical Council, sees a geographical divide as well as a philosophical one on the issue, with churches closer to the border more likely to support the proposition.

Carolyn Warner, a political science professor at Arizona State University, said the religious leaders' opposition to Proposition 200 could influence voters.

"To the extent that people in Arizona are religious, the decision is somewhat significant," Warner said. "They don't always follow what their leaders tell them, but devout followers will cue off it. It might carry more weight with them than a television commercial."

The Catholic opposition came in joint statements by Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, Tucson Bishop Gerald Kicanas and Gallup, N.M., Bishop Donald Pelotte, who oversees churches in Apache and Navajo counties. Together, they guide the spiritual lives, if not the voting behavior, of more than 1 million Catholics in Arizona.

Kicanas, especially, has been a leader in an interfaith effort to provide basic needs to immigrants attempting to cross the border from Mexico.

The proposition would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote and verification of immigration status before receiving public benefits.

It has had overwhelming public support in recent polls but is opposed by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, the Phoenix Firefighters Union, the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association and the Service Employees International Union.

Randy Pullen, a spokesman for Yes on 200, said the Catholic opposition took him by surprise.

"Why would they oppose the enforcement of our laws?" he said. "The only thing I can think of is that they see migrants as a potential source of parishioners."

He said his group has not sought the support of churches or church groups, "and I am not sure it would be appropriate to do so."

Kathy McKee, who spearheaded the drive to put the initiative on the November ballot, said, "It is immoral for (the bishops) to use their church positions to condone illegal activity."

Steve Bass, state missionary for the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention, said his denomination would not typically take a stand on such an issue, although individual churches are free to do so.

"Our focus would be on mission and evangelization," he said.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued no statements regarding the immigration issue from its Salt Lake City headquarters.

In their statement, the bishops said there is no evidence of widespread problems because voter and welfare fraud already are forbidden under law.

They added that on top of welfare benefits, other public benefits could be denied to immigrants.

"Proposition 200 will potentially make criminals out of well-meaning government workers and deny basic rights to undocumented immigrants," the bishops said.