Statements

The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns joined a coalition of faith-based organizations in sending the following letter to President Biden urging him to use the opportunity of the upcoming Nuclear Posture Review to fulfill U.S. commitments on reducing nuclear weapons. 

Rather than relying on militaristic approaches, our leaders must invest in efforts to sustain peace and prevent harm to those who would suffer the most from the devastating and long-term impacts of conflict. Only by vigorously pursuing all avenues for peace can we fulfill our sacred duty to respect the equal dignity and worth of every person.

As members of the American faith community, we call on you to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and to ensure that all of the people held there are either released, agree to a plea deal, or receive a fair trial in a federal court.

Although we are told that sanctions are intended to influence the policies of governments, they often have harmful effects far beyond their intended targets, claiming the lives of innocent men, women, and especially children. The most vulnerable – the poor, the elderly, the marginalized – are always hurt worst of all.

It is our hope that the White House will continue to request that Congress provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in the years ahead and lawmakers answer that call. But any amount of aid is futile if it cannot reach the Afghan people in time.