Following are NCR reader responses to recent news articles, opinion columns and theological essays with letters that have been edited for length and clarity.
Nonviolence is the only way forward
The killing of Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky on May 21 as they left the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., is a heartbreaking illustration of violence begetting violence.
The deep legacy of antisemitism and horrific violence against the Jewish community may ultimately be understood only by those who themselves or whose ancestors have lived it and who now again are experiencing great fear for their safety and well-being. Those of us who are not Jewish offer our solidarity and sympathy and renew our commitment to end the violence and overcome the hate.
We humans are yearning for an end to this madness, for an end to the violence. We can learn to be nonviolent — including from the courageous actions of many Palestinians and Israelis. We can commit to addressing the original dispossession, occupation and dehumanization of the Palestinian people — the roots of today's violence — even as we acknowledge the historical trauma and pain experienced by both peoples.
We can bridge with respect and love the divides created to keep us apart. We can mobilize the power of nonviolent action for just peace, human rights, and genuine, inclusive security for Palestinians as well as for Israelis, for Muslims and Christians, as well as for Jews.
Nonviolence is the only way forward that honors the lives of Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, of the Israelis killed or captured on Oct. 7, 2023, of the tens of thousands of Palestinians — including at least 18,000 children — killed or buried under the rubble of their homes and schools, mosques and hospitals, community centers and clinics.
MARIE DENNIS
Director of the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence and member of Pax Christi International
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Outrageous budget
Thank you and kudos for publishing this great and concise overview of some of the worst parts of President Donald Trump's proposed outrageous budget.
Sadly, nothing in this budget is unexpected based on Project 2025 as well as Trump's pandering to them.
Even more sadly, NCR appeared to be far more supportive of Trump's reelection than was understandable (or acceptable) to my way of thinking. Amazingly, it is reported over 60% of the Catholics voted for Donald Trump.
Please continue to publish honest evaluations of pending legislation and executive actions by our government officials.
EILEEN KAPLAN
Asheville, North Carolina
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The least of these
Patricia Marvel, from Venezuela, is one of the thousands of immigrants who are not allowed to enter our country due to President Donald Trump's strict immigration policies.
She feels trapped in Mexico, living in a small one-room shack with her three children. Her partner works at a carpenter's shop, earning just enough to buy rice and tortillas but insufficient to afford diapers for their baby, Siena. Often, they go to bed hungry.
Patricia is so desperate that she has considered asking a neighbor to take one of her children so they can have enough food to eat. She feels profoundly sad and says, "If I could leave one of them, I would, but I just can't." She has even contemplated suicide.
I wonder how those who consider Trump's immigration enforcement a "success" would feel if they were in the shoes of those immigrants denied entry at the border. It can be convenient to forget the importance of treating others as we would like to be treated.
Jesus says: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me." Only love and compassion will conquer indifference to the suffering of those most in need.
(Fr.) MISAEL AVILA
Turlock, California
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Who are my brothers?
We Americans seem to insist on thinking like Americans; especially now that money and influence rule. We need to believe that a pope with siblings, no matter how each of them thinks, will influence one another.
What comes to mind is a strange passage in the Gospel of Matthew that now makes better sense: "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother" (Mt. 12:48-50).
I hope they all do the right thing.
PETE SUAREZ
Miami, Florida
