Statement of Support for the Religious Workforce Protection Act

Statement of Support for the Religious Workforce Protection Act

March 27, 2025

I want to express my support for the Religious Workforce Protection Act. We can look forward to this legislation correcting the complications that many religious communities across the nation are now facing.

The Roman Catholic Church in Idaho has always relied on foreign-born priests to assist with its growing Catholic population, which now numbers over 280,000 parishioners, an increase of 100,000 in the last four years. Despite the vast territory and increasing membership, our diocese is served by only 79 priests. If the current R-1 visa procedures remain in effect, our diocese will face severe hardship when foreign born priests are required to leave the country for at least one year or more.

Just like our native-born priests, our foreign-born priests support the sacramental needs of all our faithful. Their work in parishes includes worship, education of our young, caring for the elderly, and visiting the sick and dying, to name only a few of their responsibilities. Our country is indeed made better by their contributions.

I would like to extend my special thanks to Senator Risch and his staff, as well as Senators Susan Collins and Tim Kaine, for their assistance in developing and sponsoring the bill. Their partnership with those affected by the current situation is an excellent example of our legislators listening to their constituents and enacting common-sense changes that benefit all.