Sisters of Charity of New York Issue Statement on Peace in Iraq

At the close of their recent Assembly, the Sisters of Charity of New York issued the following statement on peace in Iraq.As Sisters of Charity of New York and Associates gathered in Assembly, we proclaim the word of charity for our time: PEACE.

In the face of war, we choose LIFE. In the fierce urgency of now, we embrace the call of Christ: “Love one another.”

Where threats of violence abound, we speak of Non-violence.

– We reverence all created life and decry its destruction.
– We oppose military action against Iraq, especially a preemptive strike without U.N. authorization.
– We call for the cessation of the economic sanctions against Iraq.
– We urge nations and government leaders to explore all peaceful means to resolve this conflict.

This is a defining moment for our nation and our world.

We, Sisters of Charity and Associates, commit ourselves to the passionate pursuit of peace and justice.

To the people of Iraq, we say:
“Our tears mingled may create a washed space
where we will stand together
in forgiveness and peace.”
– Mary Elizabeth Earley, SC

Sr. Claire Regan, the congregation’s coordinator of corporate responsibility and justice effectiveness, plans to deliver copies of the statements signed by Sisters and Associates to the New York offices of Senators Clinton and Schumer.

The concluding quote is from a poem written by a recently deceased Sister, who witnessed the poverty and oppression of people in Middle East countries when she taught at Bethlehem University on the West Bank, 1982-1987.

Over 160 Sisters were elected delegates to the Assembly, which met Feb. 15-21, 2003. The Assembly meets every four years and is the congregation’s highest legislative body while in session.

The Assembly drew on the rich resources of Charity connections. The week-long meeting was held at Xavier Center, a conference and retreat facility sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Convent Station, NJ. The first day featured a lively conversation among Sts. Elizabeth Seton, Louise de Marillac, and Vincent de Paul, in the persons of New York Sisters of Charity Regina Bechtle, Mary Ann Daly and Mary McCormick. Sr. Regina also gave a two-part presentation, “Impelled to Be Body and Bread: the Challenge of Charity.” Another main speaker, Mary Ann Donovan, SC, a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati who teaches at the Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, CA, spoke on “Commitment, Community and Witness.”

The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, of New York is a diocesan congregation of approximately 460 members. It has served the poor in New York since 1817, when St. Elizabeth Seton sent three sisters from Emmitsburg to care for orphans. In 1846 the community became an independent foundation, and has served in ministries of education, health care, social services, and pastoral ministries in the Archdiocese of New York, in various parts of the U.S., in the Bahamas, and in Guatemala.

For more information on the Iraq statement, contact Sr. Claire Regan, 718-549-9200, ex. 204, e-mail: