 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Join the faith community throughout Massachusetts on Compassion Sunday, April 2, 2006.
What is Compassion Sunday?
Compassion Sunday is a day of reflection, prayer, understanding and support for the more than 2.8 million individuals and families affected by the states CORI laws. These laws keep individuals from securing jobs, health care, education, insurance, and housing. While the overwhelming numbers of individuals involved in the criminal justice system seek to live fruitful and productive lives, the CORI laws marginalize these individuals, literally making them “untouchables” to their families, their communities, and to potential employers, no matter what their skills or economic status may be.
How we treat individuals with CORI is counter to what we have been taught in our faith traditions. Our faith tell us that each and every individual must be loved, honored, included in our communities, and more than any thing, shown forgiveness, compassion, and acceptance.
Therefore it is fitting that during Lent, we serve as our Savior served and follow God’s commandment…”To Love one another as he has loved us.”
How do you participate on Compassion Sunday?
April 2nd will be declared Compassion Sunday in Churches throughout Massachusetts.
We ask that on this Sunday, you speak on the issue of compassion, redemption, forgiveness and understanding. We ask that you and your congregations pray for the families and individuals who carry this burden. We ask that you acknowledge individuals with CORI and give them a special blessing and welcome. We ask that you encourage the congregation to, in the name of Christ, to take positive actions that will encourage changes in the CORI laws. We ask that you celebrate these individuals and families with scripture, in your sermon, prayers, music, special readings, after service fellowship, and/or providing community connection.
If you would like someone to speak during your service, provide the sermon for Compassion Sunday, or other ideas to celebrate Compassion Sunday, please let us know.
|
