A cruel policy

For several years now, those working to protect the rights of human beings who are forced to flee their countries and seek refuge elsewhere have recognized that the United States did not offer support to the most vulnerable. 

However, many Canadians believed that anyone coming through the U.S. should stay there and that the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the U.S. was justified.     

Surely, our thinking has changed! The policy of separating children from parents, many who are toddlers, is cruel and will have lasting effects not only on the soul of the nation but immediately on the young. The U.S. is not a safe country for those needing a place of refuge.   

As Canadians, we know how easily fear and misconceptions can little by little transform our country into an unwelcoming place. The facts illustrate that when those asking for refuge are welcomed and supported, they very soon begin to contribute to the well being of Canada.  

Maura McGrath, CND,

Montreal, Que.

Preaching with song

Re: Priest’s post-Mass rapping hits sour note (July 8-15):

I strongly disagree with the bishops’ decision to suspend Fr. Paul Ogalo for one year for his rap music to his parishioners post Mass. 

While I personally don’t care for rap music, it does have its place when used in the right way. 

Brought down to its simplest terms, did not Christ speak in parables to ensure His message was received and understood by all to whom He spoke? Is Fr. Paul not doing likewise — conveying God’s message in the way it is needed?  

So what if his methodology is rap music. As long as God’s message is received and understood is all that’s necessary — and it is working.  

As far as I can see, perhaps Fr. Paul seems more connected to his parishioners because his songs speak their language. 

I feel he is on the right track bringing them to God and fulfilling their need.

Anne Keefer, 

Myrtle, Ont.

Blame the parents

Re: Outrage over U.S. policy (June 24-July 1):

The children are being separated because their parents are trying to force their way into the U.S. Would any responsible parent, honestly, put children through what those children are going though? I most certainly wouldn’t. 

There are so many legal avenues available to them. 

I am very disappointed with the Catholic bishops, etc. who are approving this. I believe there are many, many Catholic agencies to help them without them having to go this route.

If parents don’t want to be separated from their children, apply legally through a U.S. consulate or go through the many ports of entry. It is not reasonable to expect the U.S. to allow millions of people to virtually empty their own country into the U.S.

Anne Smyth, 

Scarborough, Ont.