Chicago, IL – At the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday, this February 22, parishioners of different Christian denominations in different cities of the United States, will unite –between the 22 and 26 of this month– in a day of prayer in Solidarity with Nicaragua “to build bridges of hope with the Nicaraguan people.”
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The day has been convened by Alianza Américas and the Nicaraguan American Alliance for Human Rights (NAHRA), in collaboration with various churches and organizations that defend the rights of migrants. Both networks are part of national efforts in favor of a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Nicaragua.
“Among the purposes is to encourage Nicaraguan political leaders to open their hearts to the sincere search for peace and dialogue; educate about the importance of democracy, freedom of expression, human rights; and to call for the migratory protection of those fleeing situations of uncertainty”, refers to a press release released this Wednesday by Alianza Américas.
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According to the report, parishioners from the Santa Agatha Catholic Church in Miami, Florida; Saint Mary of the Lake, in Chicago, Illinois and the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; as well as the Latino Ministry Plymouth United Church of Christ, in Oakland, and Eden United Church of Christ in Hayward, states in California; in addition to Mount Zion; Verb; and Familias Unidas en Acción, the last three from New Orleans, Louisiana.
“As we pause to observe Lent together as a community of faith, we reaffirm our work in solidarity with newcomers, especially asylum seekers. We carry Nicaragua in our hearts and those who love the truth and defend human rights. We pray for peace and the protection of those who are fleeing situations of violence and persecution,” said the Rev. Marvin Lance Wiser, associate pastor at Eden United Church of Christ in Hayward, California, quoted in the note released by Alianza Americas.
The document also mentions the priest Erick Díaz, from the Diocese of Matagalpa and vicar of the Parish of Santa María del Lago and Nuestra Señora de Lourdes in Chicago; who pointed out that “as people of faith, we believe that we must involve our communities in actions of prayer in solidarity with those whose lives are directly affected by violence and repression. We ask God for his mercy so that the search for peace and justice may prevail in Nicaragua.”
During the day they will also demand a new TPS designation for Nicaragua.
“We pray to urge the Biden-Harris administration to grant a new TPS for Nicaraguans living in the United States. TPS is an administrative measure that can save thousands of lives and offer a more prosperous and hopeful outlook for those fleeing uncertainty and insecurity in Nicaragua,” said Pastor Michelle Aguirre of Monte de Sion Church, in New Orleans, Louisiana. , quote the text.