United Church of Christ Action Alert
The past weeks of fighting between police and rebel forces, and pro-and anti-government bands, have left over 100 people dead in Haiti, and the death toll mounts daily. Revenge attacks against civilians, government installations, and the homes of government supporters are on the rise. In the midst of the chaos and danger in Haiti, we must all remain prayerful and ready for action on behalf of the people of Haiti.
The UCC/DOC Common Global Ministries Area Office for Latin America and the Carribean is closely monitoring the situation through constant communication with our partner church in Haiti, the National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti (CONASPEH), and the nearly 4,000 churches and Haitian people we have served through our Global Ministries missionaries there.
The international community's response to the crisis has been weak. The need is great for justice and peace advocates to call upon the U.S. government to support a peaceful and thoughtful political solution to the present crisis, launch congressional investigations on how the "transfer of power" took place in Haiti, and release $587 million in financial aid for reconstruction, which has been held up since 2000 and stands at the root of much of the disaffection in Haiti. It is also important to urge Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to grant Temporary Protective Status to Haitians already in the U.S. for a period of 18 months to provide them safety and work authorization until the chaos subsides.
To send a letter to President Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell click here.
