Three months after the devastating January 2010 Haiti earthquake, the often-insightful and hilarious satirical newspaper The Onion published the article “Area Man Visits Haiti to Check Up on $10 Donation.” Not surprisingly, the “area man,” Brad Halder, was quite disappointed, saying “to tell you the truth, I was expecting to see more new houses by now.” Bad news articles about …
NYC orgs partner to help green card holders become U.S. citizens
***EDITORS’ NOTE: Interviews available on request with CWS immigration legal services specialists and naturalized New York residents who’ve become citizens or are now applying for citizenship. New York City, N.Y. — Humanitarian agency Church World Service (CWS) has joined with other New York legal service providers and nonprofit organizations as part of an unprecedented national network of businesses, faith-based organizations, …
CWS to Senate: ‘real progress would be path to citizenship’
WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Following this morning’s United States Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on immigration reform, global humanitarian agency Church World Service issued a statement to all Senate members urging comprehensive reforms that include measures to strengthen family unity and “a workable, clear and attainable path to full citizenship for the approximately 11 million men, women and children who are undocumented.” …
Faith leaders hold Ash Wed. services outside of senate hearing
WASHINGTON, DC — Diverse clergy from the Franciscan Action Network, Interfaith Worker Justice, Church World Service and the United Church of Christ held an Ash Wednesday Service across the street from the Hart Senate office building today, where the Judiciary Committee conducted a hearing on immigration just an hour later. This traditional service included the imposition of ashes in the …
Witness to What Is Possible
Rev. John L. McCullough | February 11, 2013
The Rev. Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, described Pope Benedict XVI’s unexpected announcement today of his impending resignation as one of “great dignity, great concentration and great understanding of the significance of the moment.” The historical importance of this decision is indeed great and should not be lost to us. In six hundred years no one has resigned the papacy. …
Family Unity, Immigration Reform and the House of Representatives
Jen Smyers | February 7, 2013
On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives held a hearing on immigration. Congressional hearings are usually pretty dull, but since immigration has been a topic of interest recently – especially with President Obama’s speech in Las Vegas last week and the Senate’s introduction of bi-partisan principles – this one was packed. The line to enter wrapped around the hallway – …
People of Faith Called to Press for Immigration Reform
Rev. John L. McCullough | February 6, 2013
As originally published by Huffington Post, 02/03/2013 2:39 a.m. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-mccullough/people-of-faith-called-to-press-for-immigration-reform_b_2529427.html Watching the president deliver his second inaugural address, amid our commemoration and celebration of Dr. King’s legacy, I was reminded of my personal responsibility, as a pastor in particular, to advocate for justice. For many people of faith, this call is not just one of conscience, but also of commandment. …
A Pastoral Reflection on President Obama’s Immigration Speech
Rev. Patricia de Jong |
As originally published by Huffington Post, 01/31/2013, 11:53 a.m. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-patricia-de-jong/pastoral-reflection-on-president-obamas-immigration-speech_b_2590993.html This week, I sat in a high school auditorium and watched our president address an issue of urgent moral significance: immigration reform. Thousands gathered from across the country, including DREAMers wearing their graduation caps and many people displaying their heritages from across the globe – from Africa, South and Central America, …
CWS statement on the House Judiciary Committee Hearing
February 5, 2013
As a 67 year old humanitarian organization, Church World Service welcomes newcomers by helping them integrate into their new communities. Our member denominations and refugee resettlement offices know first-hand the impact that our broken immigration system has had on communities. It is from this lens that we approach immigration policy issues, including today’s hearing, “America’s Immigration System: Opportunities for Legal …
Remembering Haiti
Rev. John L. McCullough |
Today, during a congressional prayer service in Washington, D.C., we remembered those who died three years ago, the results of the most devastating earthquake in Haiti’s recorded history. Even more, we now remember those who are trying to forge a new and more hopeful future despite overwhelming challenges. The Apostle Paul asked, “Why is it thought incredible by any of …