Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Last week I read an article in the New York Times which described many of the threats that people in public office, as well as members of their families, are subjected to on a constant basis. The threats come mostly anonymously and are very difficult to trace. The language used, whether in emails or phone calls, is often vicious to the extreme. As a result, many politicians are quitting government, and it’s getting harder to attract good candidates to run for office. All this reflects a very sad state of affairs in our country, especially as enter the final phase of an election season.
I would like to introduce you to the Dignity Voter Campaign, a program devised by the Dignity Index which was designed to “ease divisions, prevent violence, and solve problems.”
Next weekend we will be handing out cards to encourage your presence at the voting booth as a Dignity Voter. We are asking you to make a pledge to be a voter who respects others, even when we disagree with them.
Allow me to quote from the card: “As a dignity voter, I believe that every person has inherent worth and deserves to be treated with dignity. I believe that when we treat each other with dignity, we ease divisions and solve problems. When we treat each other with contempt, we increase divisions and cause problems. That’s why I will stand up for what I believe in without insulting the other side. I will treat others with dignity even when we disagree. And I will ask the same of the politicians who represent me.”
Together, we can begin to make small changes in how we treat each other in our society. Let us not fall further into the miasma of distrust and hatred. Rather, let us rise above our differences and try to find common ground. And by all means, get out and vote!
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor