'Don't allow government to define what integrity of faith means' - U.S. bishops reach out to Trump

'We stand ready to work with a new administration to continue to ensure that refugees are humanely welcomed without sacrificing our security or our core values as Americans.'

With President-elect Donald Trump planning to build a Mexico-funded wall, U.S. bishops urge him to treat migrants humanely.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - During his campaign, Trump claimed Mexico will pay for a massive wall along the US-Mexico border.

He also claimed he would deport all 11 million illegals in the United States, though he later changed that ideal.

US bishops have appealed to Trump, asking him to adopt humane policies toward immigrants and refugees in the United States.

The Trump administration has already made clear its stance on illegals in the U.S., but enforcing the law does not have to remove humane treatment.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops met days after Trump was elected, claiming it "is part of our identity as Catholic" to serve those fleeing violence and conflict.

"We stand ready to work with a new administration to continue to ensure that refugees are humanely welcomed without sacrificing our security or our core values as Americans," the bishops stated.

"A duty to welcome and protect newcomers, particularly refugees, is an integral part of our mission to help our neighbours in need."

Many in the Church have come together in a call for peace, respect and unity since Trump's election.

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, KY, even requested a day to observe prayer for peace.

The Archbishop also created a force of priests to spread unity among the cities broken with civil unrest, police violence and aggressive protests.

Bishop Christopher Coyne of Burlington, Vermont believes bishops have always known how to work with Democrats and Republicans in the White House but admitted: "We've just begun a conversation about how we're going to move forward....[T]his election has thrown all that out the window."

With fears of inhumane treatment under the aggressive Republican president-elect, many have gone as far as suffering panic attacks.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami has done his best to encourage the Church since the 80's. He released a brief statement to empower those who have yet to come to terms with Trump's election and the expectation of upcoming clashes.

"It's time to take a deep breath and continue our advocacy," he explained calmly. "If they're going to build a wall, we're going to have to be sure they put some doors in that wall."

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