NETWORK Stands with Refugees

By Meg Olson
November 23, 2015

NETWORK weeps with all who are suffering from violence all over the world. The principles of Catholic Social Teaching teach us to live in solidarity with our neighbors, with empathy for all who are suffering regardless of religion, race, or nationality. Together with the global community, we mourn the attacks in Paris. We pray for the lives that were lost and pray for healing for the injured as well as the families and friends of victims.

We also pray for all victims of violence in other countries including Beirut, Baghdad, and the ongoing violence in Syria. When hearing of these tragedies, we cannot forget the lesson taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan: our neighbor may not be someone who looks like us, speaks our language, or shares our customs. When Pope Francis came to the United States he encouraged Congress to heed the call to welcome the stranger saying:

Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War. This presents us with great challenges and many hard decisions. … We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation. To respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal.

For us, the faithful response is to welcome Syrian refugees of all faiths into our country and our communities. We must do this if we truly recognize the sacred call to protect and nourish all life. We must denounce Islamophobia that threatens our Muslim sisers and brothers from any source – from a neighbor in line at the grocery store to members of Congress, governors, and Presidential candidates. Fear cannot and must not be an excuse for inaction, or worse, a rejection of our faithful duty to respond to the urgent needs of our Syrian brothers and sisters. We must live up to the words of Jesus in the Gospel: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” (Matthew 25:35.)

I invite you to join me and NETWORK members across the country in calling on your senators to welcome refugees by following these steps:

Call 1-888-897-9753 to contact your senior Senator’s office.

When you call, here’s what you might say: 

“Hi, my name is [NAME], and I am a constituent from [CITY]. I’m calling today because I stand with Pope Francis and urge you to welcome refugees from Syria fleeing violence. Please oppose any legislation that attempts to limit access to refugees based on their religion or country of origin.” 

Call 1-888-496-3502 to contact your junior Senator’s office.

When you call, here’s what you might say: 

“Hi, my name is [NAME], and I am a constituent from [CITY]. I’m calling today because I stand with Pope Francis and urge you to welcome refugees from Syria fleeing violence. Please oppose any legislation that attempts to limit access to refugees based on their religion or country of origin.”