This is what generosity looks like when we are freed from the irrational fear of refugees. This Canadian model is worthy of praise and imitation. Read the NYT Article: Refugees Encounter a Foreign Word – Welcome!
Generosity and Courage
Category: Deacons
A Sane Perspective About the U.S. Presidential Campaign
If you are like me and feel that this is the most discouraging, inane and depressing presidential campaign of your lifetime, meet someone who offers an uplifting perspective. You would do well to see the whole thing right here!!!!
How Many Die Before We Care
Real people in this #RefugeeCrisis are dying. They want peace and safety. When do we finally take notice and care?
Violence in Syria Will Lead to More Refugees
Why do average Syrians become refugees, leaving behind all they have? The answer is clear, indiscriminate violence.
Why Refugees are Justified in Fleeing Syria
The killing of innocent civilians in Syria continues. The air strike on an Aleppo hospital run by Doctors Without Borders killed patients, medical workers and visitors. There are no “safe havens” in Syria at all. When hospitals are attacked any semblance of civilization and hope for a normal life has vanished. This devestating attack typifies why Syrians are seeking refuge outside of their country and are justified to do so. Read more about the hospital attack here.
Continue reading “Why Refugees are Justified in Fleeing Syria”
Washington Post: Hundreds Drown in #RefugeeCrisis
Closing borders will not prevent people that are living in the midst of war and persecution from attempting the dangerous journey to what they hope will be peace. The EU’s false hope that border closings would discourage reasonable people from seeking a place of safety and peace for their families at almost any cost, once again has been proven wrong. Read about the latest tragedy here.
AJC – Georgians at Frontlines of #RefugeeCrisis
The Atlanta Journal Constitution has published an article about a number of Georgians who have witnessed the Syrian Refugee Crisis in person. This includes our @CatholicRelief trip as well as others. Read About it Here
Another View of the #RefugeeCrisis
Deacon Don Weigel was interviewed by The Western New York Catholic magazine recently. His comments are insightful. Speaking of the extremely long process for refugees to enter the U.S., Deacon Don points out that, “If you’re a terrorist trying to get into the United States by posing to be a refugee, you’re either willing to wait for decades or you’re dumb, because it would be much easier for you to get there by student visa or work visa or tourist visa. Turning our backs on the refugees is just a denial of their humanity and their dignity.” Read the full article here.
@GeorgiaBulletin Article – Holy Trinity Sponsors Refugee Family
The @GeorgiaBulletin has published an article about Holy Trinity Catholic Chuch in Peachtree City, Georgia sponsoring a #Refugee family. As a @CatholicRelief Global Fellow I attended the Refugee Forum that was held there. The parishioners at Holy Trinity should be commended for their compassion!
Serving With Joy – Published Today by Abbey Press
Abbey Press Publications, and Editor Silas Henderson have published the book, “Serving with Joy: Lessons from Pope Francis for Catholic Deacons Today.” The Foreword is by Bishop Frank Caggiano. The book contains a series of essays by Father Frank DeSiano, Deacon Greg Kandra, Deacon Bill Ditewig, Deacon James Keating, and myself, Deacon Steve Swope.
Abbey Press says, “This small volume brings together the reflections of five leaders in the deacon community in the United States on the joy-filled witness of Pope Francis and what his message means for deacons today.” It can be purchased on the Abbey Press Website.
It was a pleasure to work with Silas on this project!
A Deacon's View 