LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A way to secure our borders and deal compassionately with those in need

Posted

TO THE EDITOR:

Discerning how to deal with our brothers and sisters crowded at our southern border is greatly complicated by our polarized politics. There are compelling arguments on the need to secure our borders as well as our obligation to deal compassionately with our brothers and sisters in need. The answer, I believe, is that we need to find a way to do both, as well as healing the deep divisions in our country. However, refugees in true need of asylum cannot wait for us to figure this out. Perhaps we can take the approach endorsed by St. Augustine, who said, “It is better to light one candle than to complain about the darkness.”
If each church in our country were to host and support one family each, an insurmountable problem will begin to be solved. A family that has an empty nest could offer space. One that owns a business could offer employment. And each doing what they can, could help integrate the family into our church and community. And if every church did this, we may all gradually become one nation under God. How do we start? Call your pastor and then call your local refugee resettlement program. Please don’t wait for someone else to do it.

Lee Grossi, St. Kateri Parish