Welcome the Strangers Among Us

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Updated November 2008

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On Nov. 5, 2008, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released his first pastoral letter as bishop of Little Rock. "I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me: A Pastoral Letter on the Human Rights of Immigrants," challenges us to open our minds and hearts to Christ's teachings as well as learn the plight of immigrants seeking a better life in the United States.

On Nov. 23, 2008, the feast of Christ the King, the letter was distributed at all parishes throughout the state. A recorded homily from the bishop explains why he wrote the letter. Listen here. Bishop Taylor asks all Catholics in Arkansas to study the letter by participating in a three-week Advent Study Guide developed by Little Rock Scripture Study.

The sessions were held in churches through Dec. 20, 2008. The bishop introduced the letter to Arkansas' priests Nov. 5, 2008 and to diocesan employees Nov. 7, 2008 during a study day at St. John Catholic Center. He held a press conference to explain it to the public on Nov. 6, 2008. Read about it in Arkansas Catholic.

Resources

• Pastoral Letter (PDF Format)
• Two-Page Summary (PDF Format)
• Advent Study Guide (PDF Format)
• Audio of Bishop Taylor's Homily (MP3 Format)
• Homily Text (PDF Format)