They were part of a coalition of Catholic clergy members and supporters at Washington's Capitol making their concerns known about the children being held in detention facilities along the US southern border.

Capitol Police say the demonstrators were arrested on suspicion of unlawfully demonstrating and were charged with unlawfully crowding, obstructing or incommoding.

No one was injured.

Although they weren't present, at least seven US bishops sent the protesters messages of support for the "Catholic Day of Action for Immigrant Children" protest.

As an example, the message from Bishop Anthony B. Taylor of Little Rock, Arkansas, said he wanted to express support for participants' efforts "to convince the administration that they must stop demonizing and detaining children and families who pose no threat to anyone.

"The images of those who have suffered and died trying to make their way to freedom 'cry to the heavens,' in the words of our USCCB (US Conference of Catholic Bishops) leadership," he said.

"Our faith calls us to oppose this cycle of violence."

Organisers said their goal was to end the "inhumane treatment of immigrant children and child detention by the US government" by putting pressure on lawmakers.

The Trump administration has come under fire over reported poor conditions in the border detention facilities.

Overcrowding and prolonged detention have become common as a surge of migrants continues to overwhelm US border agencies.

"We want to call attention to the inadequate and unsanitary conditions which immigrants, including some families, are subjected to" one of the protest organisers said.

"We really think that our government, the Congress and the Trump administration, need to know that Catholics... will not stand for this."

The Catholic activists, including dozens of women religious, reminded people of faith to take a stronger stand against current US border policies.

One of the religious sisters said Catholic sisters have a long history with immigrant communities.

"We have seen the pain, suffering, fear and trauma firsthand. In recent months, as the humanitarian crisis has escalated, we have joined the tens of thousands who are outraged at the horrific situation at our southern border."

Women religious have been ministering to those in need and have donated money to support those seeking safety, freedom, security and a better life for their families, she said.

"We are here today because of our faith. The Gospel commands, and the values of our homeland demand, that we act."

Source

• America Magazine
• Fox News
• America Magazine
• Image: National Catholic reporter

Set beneath a sign that asks the question "Peace on Earth?", the scene calls attention to the treatment of immigrants at the US-Mexico border.

The display is both a rebuke for the way immigrants are treated at the US border, and acts as a reminder of the Trump administration's family separation policy, which some referred to as "kids in cages."

"It doesn't seem to be the message of the person whose birth we celebrate," Fr Steve Josoma of St Susanna's parish says.

"Is this peace on Earth? Is this what it would look like?"

Josoma says 65 million refugees worldwide are seeking a better way of life.

"We [the church's Pax Christi committee] were wondering what that might look like 2000 years ago if this family encountered the same dynamics that are taking place in our country right now," he says, adding that the parish hopes the display will "start a conversation."

This is not the picture of Christmas peace we want to have in people's minds for years to come. It can't be this forever; it just has to change," Josoma says.

This is not the first time St Susanna's Pax Christi committee has chosen to reflect the current political landscape in its nativity scene.

Last year, it called attention to mass shootings taking place throughout America, with signs showing the locations and death tolls. Across the top of the display was a quote from the Gospel of Luke, "If only you knew the things that make for peace."

Earlier this year an Indianapolis church put up a similar display showing Jesus, Mary and Joseph surrounded by metal fencing.

Source

• Yahoo
• Miami Herald
• Image:BCNN1WP