The Catholic News Service recently reported on a “Call to Arms” by the Catholic bishops to pressure Congress to protect those under the DACA program. I find this mindset noble on one side, but troubling and hypocritical on another.

Currently, while under appeal, the St. Katharine Drexel church property of Lansford is locked and chained off to the public. Anyone who wishes to visit the veterans’ monument honoring the fallen of the parish; visit and pray at good St. Ann’s statue; or visit the grave of Father Lisicky will be cited for trespassing.

This is not hearsay, there is a letter written and signed by the Allentown diocese on file.

Am I to believe that an undocumented immigrant is more valuable than the Catholic faithful of Carbon and Schuylkill counties? The way I understand it, we are all equal under the eyes of God. These actions by the diocese are reprehensible.

I am not arguing the fact that the diocese does not have the right to chain and lock off its property. They are the owners and can do as they wish. What I am arguing is how can the church continue to preach one thing yet practice another.

The bishops should look in the mirror and examine their own conscience before passing judgment on what elected officials may or may not do.

We are approaching the Easter season. We are to rejoice since Jesus died for our sins. Our souls are now free of Satan’s locks and chains of lies and empty promises.

But are we, the Catholic faithful of the Panther Valley, free from the locks and chains of the Allentown Diocese? I think not.

Respectfully,

Joe Pavlis

Lansford