Don’t let fear cloud judgment

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To the Editor:
We School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province are called to embrace all of humanity and work to eliminate the root causes of injustice in order to realize a world of peace, justice and love. We are deeply saddened by the violence and senseless acts of terrorism we witness in our world and the devastating effect it has on so many people. We pray for the victims.
While there may be justifiable feelings of fear because of recent violence and terrorism, we must not let that fear cloud our judgment or undermine our values of human dignity and respect for people, especially in our response to the suffering of innocent refugees. Many refugees today are fleeing civil war and terrorism, including those affected by the conflict in Syria.
Refugees are seeking what we all long for — religious freedom and an end to discrimination and persecution. We stand in solidarity with our Syrian brothers and sisters and support religious and civic leaders who state that intolerance has no place in our country. Accepting refugees is part of our history and culture.
We recall Jesus’ message in Matthew 25:35, 40, “I was a stranger and you made me welcome …. In so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers [and sisters] of mine, you did it to me.”  Pope Francis, in speaking about the refugee crisis, urges us to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
We will not give in to fear; we will respond to violence with love and mercy.  We will not turn our backs on our Syrian sisters and brothers in their hour of greatest need. We invite you to join us as we stand for life and hope regardless of race, creed or nationality.
Provincial Council
School Sisters of Notre Dame
Central Pacific Province


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