The Catholic Conference of Ohio, which represents bishops from diocesan groups across the state, published a letter Thursday asking for the public to treat Haitian immigrants in Springfield with respect and dignity, warning against “unfounded gossip” and “scapegoating.”

“Today, our nation is divided by partisanship and ideology, which blind us to the image of God in our neighbor, especially the unborn, the poor, and the stranger, the letter reads. “These negative sentiments are only exacerbated by gossip, which can spread quickly across social media with no concern for the truth or those involved.”

Bishops from Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Steubenville, Youngstown, Parma and Canton signed the letter, released in anticipation of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sept. 29. The Catholic Conference is an umbrella organization representing “the Church’s position before the Ohio General Assembly, various state departments, bureaus, agencies and other organizations.”

Haitian immigrants living in Springfield were thrust into the national spotlight earlier in September when prominent conservative figures, including former president Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance, began spreading unfounded rumors that the immigrants were eating pets and wildlife. 

Schools, businesses, and public buildings in Springfield have faced evacuations after receiving a flood of threats since the community gained the national spotlight, The Dispatch previously reported.

Against this backdrop, Ohio’s Catholic bishops asked people to recognize the immigrants’ “infinite dignity” and integrate the newcomers into Springfield’s social fabric. 

“Like all people, these Haitians should be afforded the respect and dignity that are theirs by right and allowed the ability to contribute to the common good,” the religious leaders wrote.

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in adulthood, said he does not regret spreading the baseless claims because they brought attention to the issue of immigration.

“If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people then that’s what I’m going to do,” Vance told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, USA TODAY previously reported.

The bishops, citing a passage in scripture, called for the Catholic faithful and “all people of goodwill” not to perpetuate ill will based on unfounded gossip in their Thursday letter.

“Instead, we ask for prayers and support for all the people of Springfield as they integrate their new Haitian neighbors and build a better future together,” the bishops wrote.

Catholicism is one of the more popular religions in Haiti, with an estimated 35 percent of residents identifying as Catholic, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Brian Hickey, the executive director of the Catholic Conference of Ohio, released a statement alongside the letter, praising Gov. Mike DeWine, local officials, local organizations and the state’s Catholics for providing resources to Springfield.

“We are proud of Catholics throughout Ohio who give their time, talent, and treasure for their immigrant neighbors, recognizing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ transcends countries, cultures, and languages,” Hickey said in the statement.

NHart@dispatch.com

@NathanRHart