Erie Benedictine sisters, oblates, and peacemakers joined others to participate in a nationwide action “Sisters Speak Out Prayer & Public Witness for Immigrants and a Just Economy” organized by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, an association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the US.
The effort was an invitation to participate in a bold action in response to the actions of our current government, including mass and unlawful deportations, dismantling of public institutions and environmental protections, and the current budget debate that includes sweeping cuts to Medicaid and SNAP programs. “Our commitment to the Gospel, our missions, and charisms urge us to respond to the federal budget reconciliation process that threatens to defund vital programs for the most vulnerable members of our community,” said national event organizers.
The local action took place on Tuesday, June 24 on the corner of 18th and Ash Streets across from the Erie County Prison where ICE detainees are imprisoned. “As part of this national action, our focus locally is on calling the Senate to reject the BBB. We want to draw attention to its increase in funding for immigration actions, which is why we chose this location for our prayer vigil. The Erie County Prison rents beds to ICE and has immigrants housed in jail cells,” said local organizer Sister Anne McCarthy.
