Vatican document says to welcome migrants, but cautions about Muslims

Published: 2004-05-17

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a new Vatican document stressing Christian charity and a "culture of welcome" for today's migrants, a warning to Catholics to avoid particular relations or concessions with Muslims struck a seemingly dissonant chord. The booklet, "Instruction: Erga Migrantes Caritas Christi" ("The Love of Christ Toward Migrants") was released May 14 by the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers. It marked the first update in more than 30 years outlining how the church and its faithful should attend to the needs of immigrants, refugees and other people on the move. But in the middle of its message to follow the example of the good Samaritan, the document reminds Christians to take care when it comes to marriage, education and sharing places of worship with Muslims.

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