Church groups ask lawmakers to sign 'pledge of respect' on immigration

While Colorado religious groups have asked legislators to sign a “pledge of respect” on immigration issues, lawmakers say the debate is taking a backseat to health care, transportation and education this session.

Nonetheless, several lawmakers contacted about the letter said they generally support the pledge. The letter, signed by more than 30 religious leaders statewide, was sent to lawmakers early this month by the Colorado Council of Churches.

It asks legislators to “pledge that as I take positions and enter into dialogue on the issue of immigration that the tone of my discourse and the choice of my words will reflect the respect I have for the sacred humanity of those about whom I am speaking and with whom I may disagree.”

Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley, read the request and said he “didn’t find anything in that letter that was off to me. … I respect what those groups generally are trying to do.”

Still, the Legislature is emphasizing bills on health care, transportation and education. He said immigration “is kind of around the fringes of a lot of those areas.”