Abstract:
This thesis discusses the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s ( or
USCCB) civic engagement as a means to understand the secular and sacred in Catholic
activism. In order to better comprehend the religious engagement in political and social
issues, this thesis examines the Post Vatican II Catholic civic action and engagement by
the USCCB in regards to immigration reform. However, before the case study analysis
can be rendered, there must be a historical examination of religion’s role in American
politics. Therefore, the first half of the thesis is dedicated to three historical religious-civil
factors. The first historical factor is the creation of the First Amendment. The second historical
factor of importance is the Civil Rights movement. Lastly, there is an analysis of
the Second Vatican Council’s influence on American Catholicism. All three events legitimate
the current civic engagement of the USCCB. Thus, this thesis argues that that the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, with its religious and secular components,
is an essential and necessary element in the transformative movement of immigrant
rights. This thesis serves as a reference for those who want to understand the role of religion
in affecting societal change and reform in American society. Additionally, this study
adds to the academic dialogue of what the USCCB brings to the immigration debate that
secular organizations cannot.
