Editorial

In recent days we have been distressed by the news of the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon. Some even predict this could be the start of World War III. We fear the violence could spread into Iran and Syria.

We continue to hear about deaths by terrorist acts in Iraq and violence in Darfur and other parts of the world. We begin to wonder what we can do - if anything - to stop all this warfare and bloodshed.

Delegation to Ghana. In the midst of this unrest in the world, the Diocese of Madison is sending its third delegation to Ghana. They are going as part of the Global Solidarity Partnership through Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Last year a delegation from our partner Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga visited Madison, impressing us with their energy, friendliness, lively faith - and colorful native costumes.

The goal of this partnership is to form relationships between the two dioceses through our faith and as members of the human family. By visiting each other, we are able to put a face on the whole issue of global solidarity.

Our current delegates will meet individual people in Ghana. They will visit their homes, schools, churches, and workplaces. They will eat their food and see their style of dress. They will better understand their hopes, dreams, and needs.

The Donkey Project and Divine Chocolate are two of the specific ways people in the Diocese of Madison have been helping the people of Ghana. Many of our Catholic schools and parishes have been assisting with these efforts, not only raising money but also learning about the Ghanaians and their way of life.

Building justice and solidarity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that building justice and solidarity among nations is part of the "vocation of the lay faithful, acting on their own initiative with their fellow citizens." Of course, the church can help initiate and encourage efforts to build justice and solidarity, as CRS does.

We also see on this page an example of how the Society for the Propagation of the Faith supports the work of missionaries throughout the world who help the poor in many trouble spots.

Perhaps if more people were involved in efforts to build solidarity - such as the Global Solidarity Partnership and the Propagation of the Faith - we would develop more understanding and decrease violence in the world.

As concerned Catholics we can pray for peace, justice, and solidarity in our troubled world. And we can support with our time, talent, and treasure positive alternatives offered in church and society.

Mary C. Uhler

Mailbag

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Use of immigration language

To the editor:

Your paper comes by mail regularly to our house and we pour over it for the most guidance and information. Lately there are more articles on immigration. These articles use many words to define not one, but many, types of immigrants.

I'm benefiting from those who immigrated from Germany and Ireland. However, part of me is from the Patowatomi Indian Nation, who are not immigrants.

Reading Tony Magliano with his Baltimore style I see some of my neighbors will have the label: "undocumented workers. "He says they're decent and struggling. He uses this term, "undocumented workers," throughout the article.

My wife Mary and I have documentation in a frame on our living room wall to show how some of our ancestors came through Ellis Island after passing The Statue of Liberty with its welcoming phrases. Beautiful.

When I read further in the Catholic Herald and other papers, I find illegal immigrants need to be welcomed into our nation. I was a policeman. Not too often did I find someone doing something illegal and they avoided the jailhouse. If something/somebody is illegal or doesn't have the legal documents, is that person free to roam and do what he/she wants? No! Illegal and undocumented keep you from getting what you want.

I like the term "legal migrants who have come through customs and receive documentation."

Illegal migration is just that - illegal.

I have a passport to get into other countries. So does Mary. We wouldn't think of entering illegally.

Donald J. Eckert, Janesville

Abortion-breast cancer link

To the editor:

My mother died of cancer in 1995, and my father died of cancer in 2003. Therefore, as one way to help others prevent cancer, I urge everyone to read the information on www.abortionbreastcancer.com  This Web site helps us know the truth about abortion-causing breast cancer.

I talked to Madison Abortion Center abortionist Dennis Christensen when he left Planned Parenthood recently, and he said our prayers for him probably won't hurt. What does hurt is not telling women about the abortion-breast cancer link.

I write this in response to the July 6, 2006, Catholic Herald article, Page 3, about the American Cancer Society Relay For Life [print edition only].

Jeanne Breunig, Middleton