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Catholic Charities Maine Stands in Solidarity with Refugees
Portland, ME -- In response to the news circulating about the possibility of significant changes to the Federal Refugee Resettlement Program, Stephen Letourneau, CEO of Catholic Charities Maine (CCM) stated that the Agency remains 100% committed to working with the refugee population here in Maine and providing a complete continuum of services.
“Our hearts go out to refugees, especially our clients here in Maine, and those who are currently awaiting reunification with their families,” said Letourneau. “We stand in solidarity with, and have tremendous compassion for the plight of refugees worldwide who are fleeing their home countries for fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality or political opinion — the freedoms we hold so dear here in the Unites States,” Letourneau added.
With refugees subject to the highest level of security checks of any traveler to the United States, CCM is hopeful the new administration will recognize that keeping America safe and welcoming refugees are not mutually exclusive.
“Caring for this most vulnerable population is not just our job, but fulfills our mission guided by Catholic social teaching to work for justice and care for the oppressed. We have a 40-year history of ‘welcoming the stranger’ through our Refugee & Immigration Services program and we fully-intend to carry on this proud tradition in partnership with the federal government,” Letourneau added.
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