THE diocese of Texas has expressed “deep concern” after the detention of one of its priests and has asked “all people of faith to join in prayer for him and his family”.
The priest, originally from Kenya, the Revd James Eliud Mwangi, has “lived and worked lawfully in Texas” as a member of clergy and in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), the diocese says.
Mr Mwangi was detained on 25 October on his way home from work. His family reported that after “several days of uncertainty”, he was transferred to an immigration detention centre in Conroe, Texas, and they have since spoken.
The diocese said that it was continuing to assist his family “as they navigate legal representation and seek clarity regarding the circumstances of his detention”, and that “Pastoral and legal teams from the diocese are accompanying the priest’s community and family as they continue to seek justice and understanding in this matter. The diocese also calls on our representatives in power to assist.”
In a statement, the Bishop of Texas, the Rt Revd C. Andrew Doyle, said that “The Episcopal Diocese of Texas stands firmly for justice, dignity, and compassion for every person. This priest has served both the Church and the State of Texas faithfully. We are praying for his safety, for his family’s peace of mind, and for fair and humane treatment as this case moves forward.”
An Associate Rector of Trinity, the Woodlands, the Revd Joanna DeHaan Unangst, posted a script on Facebook for supporters to use when they called their elected officials and demanded Mr Mwangi’s release.
She said that: “Friends, this is happening right here, right now, in our proverbial front yard. This person is a priest, my colleague, in this clericus of our diocese. Pray in action, in voice, in spirit.”
Reflecting on immigration, the Pope spoke to journalists in Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday and said: “In the first place, the role of the Church is to preach the gospel. . . At the end of the world, we’re going to be asked ‘How did you receive the foreigner? Did you receive and welcome him or not?’ And I think there’s a deep reflection that needs to be made in terms of what’s happening.”
“Many people have lived for years and years” in the United States, “never causing problems”, he said. They “have been deeply affected by what’s going on right now.
“The spiritual rights of people who have been detained should also be considered, and I would certainly invite the authorities to allow pastoral workers to attend to the needs of those people. Many times they have been separated from their families for a good amount of time and no one knows what’s happening, but their own spiritual needs should be attended to.”
The Texas diocese has urged “transparency, due process, and respect for all individuals working legally in public service”.