Christians with a bent for social justice often point to the 25th chapter of Matthew as being particularly inspiring. In verses 34-45, Jesus says that, among other things, we serve God by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and visiting those in prison.

When economic times are harsh (particularly for minorities) and immigration reform has been cast aside, America's immigrants certainly are treated like the "least of these." Fortunately, as the Chicago Tribune reported yesterday, a new Illinois law will allow clergy more access to imprisoned immigrants at the door of deportation, shining "more light on prison conditions faced by that population" and allowing faithful visitors to act in the spirit of Matthew 25.

The Access to Religious Ministry Act "will ensure detained immigrants inside state and county jails housing those caught in federal raids the same access to clergy as those imprisoned for other crimes," the article says. The Tribune also reports that, right now, clergy visits for jailed immigrants are "restricted to two hours or less per month" leaving clergy not only little time to minister to detainees, but also "less time to attend to complaints about mistreatment during incarceration."

What's doubly exciting about this bill is that it was initiated by area nuns who recognized this great need --a great example of faith in action. Hopefully, other states will follow suit and continue to affirm the right of every person to receive comfort and counsel.