We Support Annunciation House!
On February 23, 2024, Annunciation House of El Paso, Texas, was sued by the Texas Attorney General for not disclosing information, within 24 hours, on clients they have served, and it is being threatened with closure.
The significance of this one case could be far-reaching. It could impact other organizations and churches that, in any way, offer their assistance to immigrants, such as food banks, schools, and medical facilities. United States representative from Texas, Veronica Escobar, stated, “This is a wake-up call for the country.” She warns that what has happened to Annunciation House could be an example of what legal action could be executed upon every non-profit, every local government, and every organization offering care and support to undocumented individuals.
What is Annunciation House?
Annunciation House is a network of shelters in El Paso, Texas. For almost 50 years, they have provided basic resources, such as food and shelter, to tens of thousands of migrants and refugees who arrive at the border. In El Paso, and far beyond, it is a symbol of welcome and hospitality for those seeking refuge, and it has tremendous community support. Annunciation House has worked together with ICE and U.S. Border Protection to house persons already processed and released by immigration authorities. In fact, Texas representative Veronica Escobar called Annunciation House a “key partner to the U.S. Border Patrol.”
Bishop Mark Seitz, of El Paso, has issued a strong statement supporting Annunciation House. He said “We will not be intimidated in our work to serve Jesus Christ in our brothers and sisters fleeing danger and seeking to keep their families together.” Franciscan Sisters from Rochester, Minnesota, have worked in the Diocese of El Paso for many years. For example, Sister Mary Kay Mahowald, in her work at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, has had many contacts with clients from Annunciation House, and supports their efforts. (Rochester Franciscan Cojourners, Don Baldus and Tim Haskamp, have also volunteered there.)
As Christians, we are called to welcome “the stranger.” We cannot remain silent while Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton attempts to shut down a religious institution providing migrant families with the help they need. We want Ken Paxton and Governor Greg Abbott to know that the work of Annunciation House must continue, and they should withdraw their lawsuit now.
For more information:
El Paso Diocese Statement of Support of Annunciation House: https://www.elpasodiocese.org/statement-in-support-of-annunciation-house.html
National Catholic Reporter, March 6, 2024: Editorial https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/editorial/editorial-catholics-religious-freedom-stake-border
The New Yorker, February 23, 2024: “El Paso’s saint of the border negotiates a new reality” https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-southwest/el-pasos-saint-of-the-border-negotiates-a-new-reality