English
Español
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2023
CONTACT:
Mynellies Negrón | +1 703 585 6727 | mynellies@communicationsshop.us
Chicago, IL – As the beginning of Lent unfolds, from February 22-26, dozens of Christian parishioners will join a National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Nicaragua to build bridges of hope with the Nicaraguan people. The day of prayer includes the participation of St. Agatha Church in Miami, FL; St. Mary of the Lake in Chicago, IL; Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee, WI; Ministerio Latino Plymouth United Church of Christ in Oakland, CA; Mount Zion in New Orleans, LA; Verbo New Orleans in Louisiana; Eden United Church of Christ in Hayward, CA; and Families United en Accion In New Orleans, LA.
Parishioners will encourage Nicaragua’s political leaders to open their hearts to the sincere search for peace and dialogue; will educate parishioners on the importance of democracy, freedom of expression and human rights; and call for the protection of migrants forced to leave their countries of origin.
“As we pause to observe Lent together as a community of faith, we reaffirm our work in solidarity with new arrivals, especially asylum seekers. We hold Nicaragua in our hearts and those who love truth and defend human rights. We pray for peace and protection for those fleeing situations of violence and persecution,” said Reverend Marvin Lance Wiser, Associate Pastor at Eden United Church of Christ in Hayward, California. Erick Diaz, Associate Pastor of Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois, added “as people of faith, we believe that we must engage our communities in prayerful action in solidarity with those whose lives are directly affected by violence and repression. We pray to God and ask for His mercy that in Nicaragua the search for peace and justice will prevail.”
One of the demands that will be raised on this day is a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Nicaragua. “We pray to urge the Biden-Harris administration to grant a new TPS designation for Nicaraguans living in the United States. TPS is an administrative measure that can save thousands of lives and offer a more prosperous and hopeful outlook for those fleeing uncertainty and insecurity in Nicaragua,” added Pastor Michelle Aguirre of Mount Zion Church in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The day of prayer has been convened by Alianza Americas and the Nicaraguan American Human Rights Alliance (NAHRA), in collaboration with various churches and organizations that defend the rights of migrants. Both networks are part of national efforts in favor of a new TPS designation for Nicaragua.
###
Alianza Americas is the premier transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations working in the United States, across the Americas, and globally to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable way of life for communities across North, Central and South America. In 2022, Alianza integrated with Presente.org, establishing a stronger digital organizing powerhouse.
NAHRA We are a committed group of individuals and organizations that defend the human rights of Nicaraguan refugees in the United States. We are incorporated in Washington, DC, with 501(c)(3) status, all working exclusively as volunteers. NAHRA provides free legal assistance and social services counseling to refugees, asylum seekers, and their families in order to preserve their rights and increase participation in economic, educational, and social opportunities so they become productive members of society. www.nahraglobal.org
