August 15, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Jennifer E. Roseman, Communications & Development Director
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Sisters of Providence share LCWR statement on tensions between the United States and North Korea
The provincial and council of the Sisters of Providence, Mother Joseph Province, were participants at the recent annual assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in Orlando, Florida, when the following statement on the tensions between the governments of the United States and North Korea was issued. “We support this call for dialogue and negotiation to avert a crisis,” said Provincial Superior Judith Desmarais.
LCWR Statement on the US-DPRK Crisis
During the week of August 8-11, while tensions between the governments of the United States and the People’s Republic of Korea quickly escalated, approximately 650 members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious meeting in Orlando, Florida, issued a public statement imploring President Donald J. Trump to engage in dialogue and negotiation.
At this critical moment for our country and global community, we — the 650 members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious gathered in assembly — have discerned the Gospel call to embody love for the sake of the world. We believe that love is more powerful than fear, dialogue more productive than rhetoric, and connection more transformative than threats of destruction.
We call on President Trump to engage in constructive dialogue and negotiation to resolve the current crisis between the governments of the United States and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in a manner that guarantees the peace and security that all people seek.
We commit ourselves to promote nonviolence and a compassionate response to the thirst of the world for integrity and communion.
LCWR is an association of leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the United States. The conference has nearly 1,300 members who represent more than 38,800 women religious in the United States. Founded in 1956, LCWR assists its members to collaboratively carry out their service of leadership to further the mission of the Gospel in today’s world.
Sister Judith said LCWR members at the assembly inviting them to “be the presence of love” were moved to make a statement on the deepening crisis between the two governments. The statement was affirmed in spirit by the body on August 11, approved by the LCWR board on August 12, and released to the press today. It has been sent to President Trump at the White House.