Focus of CBC is uniting by faith, service

Published in the Greeley Tribune
Irma Saenz
November 6, 2007

In response to the letter sent to Greeley residents on Oct. 12, Congregations Building Community refuses to engage in the Colorado Alliance for a Secure America's cheap propaganda tactics.

CBC is not funding anyone's political campaign, nor are we affiliated with any political party. Our focus is in uniting our community by means of faith and social ministry.

CBC did not send Mayor Tom Selders to Washington, D.C., with a "pro-amnesty" agenda, nor did we provide him a script. He presented a statement of the impact of the Dec. 12 ICE raids in our community. He based his report on factual information, not personal opinion.

As the local CBC, through collective work we believe that people will learn to appreciate the cultural richness of each other by transforming faith into action. We empower residents to take action and value safe, clean and prosperous communities. We follow the church's social teaching, which proclaims that "human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society."

Colorado Alliance for a Secure America is resorting to divisive political activity to promote its anti-immigrant agenda. The letter it sent to Greeley voters focuses on the myths that feed the anti-immigrant climate in Greeley.

We encourage Greeley residents to look at the facts and not the myths of immigration. Immigrants do not take the jobs of American citizens; instead, they leave millions of dollars of unclaimed federal, state and local taxes.

According to the Urban Institute, National Academy of Sciences and the Social Security Administration, immigrants pay between $90 million and $140 million a year in taxes. Also, the Urban Institute has found that the total immigrants' tax payments make up about $20 million to $30 million more than they use in public services.

CBC's main focus is to be tolerant and respectful of cultural differences in the Greeley community. We do not promote discrimination. Unity and social justice are our main concerns.

Irma Saenz of Evans is a member of Congregations Building Community in Greeley.

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