Caring for refugees in the context of subsidiarity and the family

The context for understanding how to respond to the immigrant and refugee crisis is the Church's teaching on subsidiarity as it applies both the the State and the family. "The principle of subsidiarity is opposed to all forms of collectivism. It sets limits for state intervention. It aims at harmonizing the relationships between individuals and societies. It tends toward the establishment of true international order." (CCC 1885) The family stands in the first place within the sacred plan of God for the care of individuals before having recourse to the State. "In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, neither the state nor any larger society should substitute itself for the initiative and responsibility of individuals and intermediary bodies." (CCC 1894)