Letter of Solidarity and Support

On October 4, 2010 the USCMA signed to the Letter of Support for Bishop Duffy, OMI.  The US Catholic Mission Association offers our prayers and our solidarity with Bishop Duffy, OMI and all of our brothers and sisters that he support s and upholds in the face of injustice!  (Below is a copy of the letter we have signed.)

CATHOLIC TASK FORCE ON AFRICA

Africa Faith and Justice Network offices

125 Michigan Avenue NE, Suite 481

Washington, DC 20017

Bishop Paul Duffy, OMI

Catholic Diocese of Mongu

P.O. Box 910449,

Mongu, Western Province,

Zambia.

October 2010

Your Grace,

At this moment of economic and social turmoil for the people of Western Province and indeed the entire country of Zambia, we the members of the Catholic Task Force on Africa (CTFA) in the United States write to express our solidarity with your diocese and Catholic Bishops Conference of Zambia. 

Catholic Task Force on Africa is a coalition of Catholic religious communities and organizations seeking to analyze and influence U.S. policy toward Africa based on principles of Catholic Social Teaching. It is composed of a broad variety of Catholic institutions; from Catholic mission sending congregations and societies with missionaries serving in Africa today to U.S. based advocacy groups, Non-Governmental Organizations and the United States Catholic Conference.  

We have received field information and have seen media coverage of incidents of threats against you for speaking about the reality of suffering and aspirations for the people your serve. We stand with you in spirit of solidarity and we continue to explore ways to raise our concerns to relevant offices here in Washington D.C

We the undersigned individuals and groups stand with you as you speak for the voiceless. Be assured of our continued support and prayers as you persist in speaking on behalf of the poor in Western Province of Zambia.

Yours,

(Individuals & Organization endorsements)

"We (Synod of Bishops) are aware that many of our families are under great stress. Poverty often makes parents unable to take good care of their children, with disastrous consequence. We call on governments and civil authorities to remember that a nation whose legislation destroys its own families does so at its own detriment. Most families are asking for just what is enough for survival. They have a right to live."  2009 Africa Synod Message by the Bishops – Part IV, The Church in Africa.