RESETTING OUR MORAL COMPASS. You, like me, have probably watched the news in horror over the course of this last week or so as we have witnessed the draconian policy that has separated immigrant children from their parents upon arrival in the United States. This terror has been magnified as many defended this indefensible action of our government, and others even attempted to invoke Biblical approvals for this highly un-Biblical act.

New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Sunday commented on this policy, “If they want to take a baby from the arms of his mother and separate the two, that's wrong. That goes against human decency. That goes against human dignity. It goes against what's most sacred in the human person. I don't think we should obey a law that goes against what God intends that you would take a baby, a child, from his or her mom. I mean, that's unjust. That's un-biblical. That's un-American. There could be no biblical passage that would justify that.”

Our society is so incredibly polarized into opposing political camps that it becomes difficult to have a civilized discourse about these most important issues that we’re facing. But, my hope is that we people of faith can begin to break through this logjam and find a way to conversation; find a way to listen to each other and work together – to find a way to reset our moral compass and be the beacon of truth and justice that our country has always been.

It has broken my heart over-and-over this week to see images of children held in cages, in a strange place, and separated from their parents wondering if they will ever be united again; used as pawns in a political battle over immigration and border safety.

Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley, one of many bishops to speak out this week said, "The United States is now openly before the world using children as pawns to enforce a hostile immigration policy. This strategy is morally unacceptable and denies the clear danger weighing upon those seeking our assistance. As a Catholic bishop, I support political and legal authority. I have always taught respect for the civil law and will continue to do so. But, I cannot be silent when our country's immigration policy destroys families, traumatizes parents, and terrorizes children. The harmful and unjust policy of separating children from their parents must be ended."

Cardinal Sean says it well. These debates will go on, and that’s fine. After all, we are a democracy that, in its finest moments, is built on the notion that those of opposing views can come together and debate theproper solutions to our problems. But, certainly, this moment has shown us that we must find civility in the discussion, and dignity in the treatment of all who come to our shores – both legally and illegally. That is what is just and Biblical, and American.

Let us be the people who put destructive partisanship aside, and call upon all of our leaders to find real solutions with civility; solutions that respect both the needs of our country, and the dignity of the people who are effect. Let us once again live up to what it means to be an American.