WASHINGTON-On April 30, thousands joined across the country in rallies and other events to urge the American people and the Bush administration to do more to help end the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. More than 400,000 civilians have already died in Darfur. It has been almost two years since the U.S. officially recognized the actions there as genocide, but not enough has been done to stop the killings.
The U.S. bishops have repeatedly called for more action to stop the cycle of violence in Darfur. Bishop Thomas Wenski, chair of the committee on international policy, said in a recent statement, “Sunday’s ‘Save Darfur’ rally should remind our leaders that our nation cannot remain silent in the face of killings, rape and wanton destruction. Our country can and must do more, much more, to defend and protect innocent civilians in Darfur. Anything less would be unworthy of us as people committed to human life and dignity. We must ‘Save Darfur.’ ”
Even if you were not able to march this past Sunday, you can become a “virtual marcher.” Sign up this week at political.moveon.org/darfur to join with the “Million Voices for Darfur” in cooperation with MoveOn.org. Your message will be delivered to President Bush to say that Congress and the current administration must support an international force to protect the civilians of Darfur and end the genocide now.
We continue to pray with Easter Hope for peace in Darfur, for those affected by the genocide and for our elected leaders. Thank you for all you do to live our commitment to Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.