The four Roman Catholic bishops of Iowa, through the Iowa Catholic Conference, have released a pastoral reflection of the church’s teaching on immigration and the dignity of the human person.

Entitled “Pilgrims of Hope: A Pastoral Reflection on Immigration,” the letter asks the people of God to uphold the dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God, “by welcoming the stranger, defending the oppressed and standing in solidarity with those who are displaced.”

The letter was released by Archbishop Thomas Zinkula of Dubuque, Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Bishop Dennis Walsh of Davenport, and Bishop John Keehner of Sioux City.

While acknowledging the right of the nation to regulate its borders for the sake of the common good, the letter asserts that “the security of a nation can never be used as an excuse to violate the dignity and human rights of migrants, including the right to due process by law.”

The bishops wrote that the church does not seek unrestricted migration, but rejects policies that are “inhumane, arbitrary or disproportionately punitive.”

“It is inconsistent with the claims of justice to employ enforcement tactics that treat all immigrants, especially hardworking, longstanding, and peaceful members of our communities, in the same manner as violent criminals,” the bishops wrote.

The bishops also pledged that Catholic institutions will be places of welcome and accompaniment for migrants and refugees. This includes providing legal aid, pastoral support and material assistance where possible.

The bishops wrote that the Eucharist, as the sacrament of unity and charity, “offers us the ultimate model of Chsirtian hospitality. In the breaking of the bread, we are reminded that we are one body in Christ, called to reconciliation and to make room at the table for our sisters and brothers, especially the poor and marginalized. The same Christ who gives himself to us in the Eucharist is present in the immigrant seeking shelter, the refugee longing for peace and the displaced family searching for security.”