Phoenix church holds immigration forum

PHOENIX — Dozens of residents turned out for the Understanding Immigration Reform presentation at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in north Phoenix Thursday night.

The event offered attendees the opportunities to be part of a civil dialogue on such a vital issue.

“Our ultimate goal is to take on the issue and take the temperature level down, so we can have a rational, calm discussion of the facts, not of the emotions of it,” said Parish Manager Jon Altmann.

Organizers from the Catholic Church and the Valley Interfaith Project say the non-partisan event was not intended to advocate for any position on the immigration reform issue, but rather an opportunity to educate the public in a neutral, calm forum.