On Saturday, October 5th, 35 Catholic clergy and lay leaders from 14 Tucson parishes gathered at St. Cyril’s of Alexandria Catholic Church for a Parish Leadership Training on immigration, organized by Pima County Interfaith. This was more than just a meeting—it was a strategic organizing session aimed at confronting one of the most urgent challenges facing their communities: the protection of immigrant families.

Tucson Bishop Edward Weisenburger and Joanna Williams, Executive Director of Kino Border Initiative, anchored the day in Catholic Social Teaching, emphasizing the defense of immigrant rights and human dignity. Their message was unambiguous: protecting immigrant families is both a moral duty and an organizing challenge for parish leaders.  The day also included a critical analysis of Arizona’s Proposition 314, a ballot measure that would give federal immigration enforcement powers to local law enforcement, threatening civil liberties. Arizona Catholic Bishops have strongly opposed the proposition. 

Organizers led hands-on trainings, equipping leaders with practical strategies to build power within parishes and strengthen their organizing capacity.  This effort was part of the West/Southwest IAF’s Recognizing the Stranger initiative, launched in 2017 with support from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and the Diocese of Tucson.