Wednesday, February 1, 2017

My Sisters and Brothers,

With apologies for this late notice, I am writing to invite and urge you to join me this afternoon, together with Bishops Shin and Glasspool from our diocese and Bishops Provenzano, Wolf and Allotey of Long Island, to bear witness to our Christian values and faith in the face of the discriminatory executive order regarding refugees signed last Friday by President Trump.
Meeting at 4:30 to 5 p.m.:
St. Paul's Chapel (Broadway and Fulton St.)
Protest starts: 5p.m.
Foley Square
 
Bishop Provenzano sent an eloquent invitation to the clergy of his diocese yesterday, with which I wholeheartedly agree, and which I copy below. As he says, please wear your collars, and please invite your parishioners.


Dietsche sig

The Rt. Rev. Andrew M.L. Dietsche

Bishop Provenzano's Letter ( view on the Diocese of Long Island's website)


Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I am writing to you today because I am asking you to join me in an opportunity to be a witness.

As a Christian leader in a diocese which includes the most diverse area of the country and possibly the world, I stand opposed to the executive order which was signed last Friday by President Trump.

As an American descended from immigrants seeking a better life and as someone who believes strongly in the freedom of religion, I also stand opposed to this order which clearly promotes discrimination and prevents the most vulnerable from seeking refuge.

I stand opposed to the bigotry and sinful attitudes intrinsic to the president's executive order. It is antithetical both to the Gospel and the values of our nation.

This is why I am asking you to join me tomorrow, February 1 at 5 pm at Foley Square in Manhattan where there is a protest and march planned in support of our Muslim brothers and sisters.

Wear your collars and invite your parishioners. Together, we will send a strong statement about where we stand.

In Christian Solidarity,