The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) have been responding to the crisis in Iraq and Syria with immediate humanitarian assistance for refugees and vulnerable populations, but also urging the US government to work with other nations within the framework of international and humanitarian law to protect vulnerable Christians and others from persecution and violence.
In addition, CRS is working to educate Catholics about the humanitarian situation on the ground, making individual stories and photos of the people living through this nightmare available on its website, because the more we can share of the human experience, the more we feel compelled to help.
In addition, CRS is working to educate Catholics about the humanitarian situation on the ground, making individual stories and photos of the people living through this nightmare available on its website, because the more we can share of the human experience, the more we feel compelled to help.
To provide assistance to our vulnerable brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria, our parish communities are called to: PRAY, GIVE, ADVOCATE!
1. Pray: Organize prayer vigils for peace and for all the victims of the violence, bringing together the various religious communities. Prayers for Iraq and Syria can be found here.
2. Give: Donate to CRS, currently undertaking an emergency response, working with Caritas Iraq, local churches and religious orders with presence on the ground. Some $4 million will be needed to provide critical humanitarian assistance over several months, including educational programs for the children and legal assistance for refugees.
3. Advocate: Urge the US Congress and the Administration to support vulnerable populations within the framework of international law; to address the root cause issues behind the violence; to encourage the formation of inclusive governments in the region; to invest in humanitarian assistance and economic long-term economic development, so people can rebuild their lives.
Standing in prayerful and active solidarity with the Church and the vulnerable populations in Iraq and Syria, we can bring hope.
1. Pray: Organize prayer vigils for peace and for all the victims of the violence, bringing together the various religious communities. Prayers for Iraq and Syria can be found here.
2. Give: Donate to CRS, currently undertaking an emergency response, working with Caritas Iraq, local churches and religious orders with presence on the ground. Some $4 million will be needed to provide critical humanitarian assistance over several months, including educational programs for the children and legal assistance for refugees.
3. Advocate: Urge the US Congress and the Administration to support vulnerable populations within the framework of international law; to address the root cause issues behind the violence; to encourage the formation of inclusive governments in the region; to invest in humanitarian assistance and economic long-term economic development, so people can rebuild their lives.
Standing in prayerful and active solidarity with the Church and the vulnerable populations in Iraq and Syria, we can bring hope.
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