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The Ohio art teacher leading the Catholic response to the Haitian immigrant crisis

posted by Kristi Wachter on
Resistance is
Casey Rollins is living an extraordinary third act as an internationally known face of American kindness.
Excerpt:

Ms. Rollins has received clear instructions for when ICE shows up. “Resist as passively and lovingly as we can,” Mr. Berry, the St. Vincent de Paul national director, says. “We have to obey the law. That’s a requirement of Catholic social teaching and the right thing to do. If they start pulling guns, we’ve told them your safety and the safety of the people you’re trying to help is paramount.”

Catholic leaders in Springfield are busy. They are helping Haitians obtain lawyers to call if they get detained, resolve paperwork issues and make plans to leave if they have to. In addition, they are assisting Haitians with English lessons, job training and driving instruction. They have also forged alliances with non-Catholic groups eager to help. St. Vincent de Paul in Springfield also runs a thrift store and provides language services for Haitians who speak French or Creole, their national language.

posted by Kristi Wachter on

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