Trump-Bashing U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Got $95M From Feds For 'Refugees' in 2016

Bishop Edward Weisenburger of Arizona suggested that penalties be put in place for Catholics who help carry out President Donald Trump’s immigration policy of separating families who cross the United States border illegally. He made the recommendation while speaking at the spring meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Wednesday.

“Canonical penalties are there in place to heal,” he said, according to Religion News Service. “And therefore, for the salvation of these people’s souls, maybe it’s time for us to look at canonical penalties.”

A canonical penalty is defined as a punishment imposed by the church, which could include purgatory or excommunication. Catholic church laws are outlined in the Code of Canon law, a system of laws for regulation within the church.

Others joined Weisenburger in denouncement of the Trump immigration policy, which was introduced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the USCCB, read a statement at the event. “Our government has the discretion in our laws to ensure that young children are not separated from their parents and exposed to irreparable harm and trauma. Families are the foundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together,” he said. “Separating babies from their mothers is not the answer and is immoral.”