Dear Friends,
Yesterday I ended my day watching the news, once again in disbelief hearing the cries and pleading of children. The last report was too much as the breaking news came across the screen, that things were even worse than we had thought. Hundreds of babies and toddlers were being held in “Tender Age”’ Shelters. It was heartbreaking. I felt, as I am sure you did, waves of sadness and anger that this was happening here.
I woke up prepared to have yet another Peace Walk at the Labyrinth in Mendham. I spoke with Mary Dickey, our board president. Interweave is an organization that advocates for spirituality, wellness, and the common good. Of course we would denounce this inhumane policy and stand in solidarity against it.
By the time the arrangements had been made, President Trump had signed an executive order that put an end to the zero-tolerance policy that was separating families at the border.
But make no mistake about it, this does not really end it – certainly not for the infants, children, and families who have already been painfully separated from one another. Even when and if they are reunited, the effects of this trauma will remain.
Moreover, the root cause of these events remains. We are living in a precarious world. When the most vulnerable among us can be taken, our values and sense of humanity can be taken as well.
So, let us not forget the startling images of these children. Let us not forget their cries.
Let their cry lead to a cry for justice for all.
Please join me this coming Sunday June 24, 2pm at the Labyrinth at the Community of the Saint John the Baptist as we pray for healing and courage in the face of this crisis.
Let our united and continued prayers lead to our united and continued work for the common good.
Please check the link below for a list of organizations who are organizing and advocating to help these families.
Peace,
Janet Aulet Maulbeck
Executive Director
Here’s a list of organizations that are mobilizing help for separated immigrant children