As the migrant caravan moves northward, we the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt are in solidarity with our brothers and sisters from south of our border who have been forced from their homes by violence and injustice. Hearing their stories, it is evident they have experienced great horror and are just seeking to live and raise their families in peace.
· We recognize in these migrants our common humanity, our shared human needs and desires, and our collective moral responsibility to protect those most in need.
· We acknowledge each country's responsibility to address conditions and concerns of safety and livelihood; we also acknowledge each country's legitimate borders and sovereignty.
· We realize when human conditions rise to the level of desperation and crisis, we as a neighboring country with abundant resources have a moral responsibility to respond in compassion and support.
· We call upon ourselves and those who share a vision of common responsibility to the human family to urge our leaders to find a means to receive these migrants, to ensure that they have access to legal counsel and receive a fair resolution to their claims, and to relocate them in welcoming communities.
· We firmly believe this action of welcome will not only address the needs of our brothers and sisters, but will enrich and transform our communities.
The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants and providing shelter to refugees. Women religious have accompanied and served migrant communities across this country throughout our history. We shall continue to welcome them as our national history demands and our faith requires.
Contact: Sr. Michaela Connolly, OP, Prioress, mconnolly@opblauvelt.org
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