FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Chapa Gorczynski
281-851-1868 cell
johngorczynski@gmail.com
Judy McCullough (Dominican Family)
judymcc@earthlink.net
Sister
Ceil Roeger (Dominican Sisters of Houston)
croeger@domhou.org
24/7 Vigil Begins Today at 419
Emancipation Avenue
HOUSTON - The Dominican Family and Dominican Sisters of Houston have organized an
around-the-clock vigil at the site of the proposed child detention facility
just east of downtown Houston (EaDo). The facility is only necessary because of
recent extreme changes in our nation’s immigration policies. The short lived
family separation policy resulted in over 2,000 children forcibly taken from
their families with no clear plan how they will be reunited. The newest
executive order now opens the door to the indefinite detention of children along
with their families. These policies have created a moral crisis. Ordained and
lay people of many different faith backgrounds have already committed to
participate in the vigil until they can be assured that the facility will not
serve as another piece in the infrastructure of cruelty.
Judy McCullough, current leader of the Dominican Family,
stated:
“As Dominicans we are called to preach. Preaching in this
case means inviting people of faith and
goodwill from all backgrounds to come together to call out a terrible crisis
that stirs our conscience. We are pleased to help facilitate this opportunity
for Houstonians to bear witness. It is our hope that no new facilities get
built that will lock up people seeking a better life in our community.”
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Dominican Family Mission Statement: We,
members of the Dominican Family are called to embody the Dominican charism,
seek Truth, preach the word of God, and promote the dignity of all persons. As
part of the global Dominican Family we commit ourselves to lives rooted in
prayer, study, community and preaching. Through our gifts of diversity, we
strive to grow together as co-creators of justice and peace.
Dominican Sisters Mission Statement: We, the Houston Dominican Sisters, publicly commit ourselves to study and address the crucial justice issues of our times. We assume the risks inherent in preaching and teaching the Gospel. We will work to transform social structures which oppress the powerless, ministering with them in our common struggle to remain faithful to the Word of God.
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