09/10/2025
On Sunday, September 7th, Christians for the Common Good coordinated a Gathering for Human Dignity, a multifaith pray-in that took place on Courthouse Square in downtown
Scranton.
Muslim, Jewish and Christian prayers were offered as over sixty people joined to plead for an end to unjust U.S. policies on immigration and in Gaza. A recurring theme was the importance of continuing to speak and act on behalf of those whose rights and dignity are being stripped away and not to grow weary or turn away.
A statement was read from religious leaders in Jerusalem; raw stories were shared of family members witnessing a loved one detained before their eyes. A Jerusalem-born Palestinian who has lived for many years in Scranton pled with us all not to stop advocating for Gaza. Dr. Will Cohen, co-coordinator of CCG, opened the event by sharing excerpts from an important statement of bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops' Committee on Migration, who said that in the current administration's "grotesquely well-funded" campaign of mass deportations, "violations of basic constitutional protections and human rights are not just bugs, but features" and that "[s]ixty-nine percent of the weapons used against the people and children of Gaza are American weapons," yet "none of our political leaders are talking about it. They're busy terrorizing our people in the streets and in the fields, to distract and divide us. This must end.”
Dr. Christian Krokus, co-coordinator of CCG, concluded the evening with the Lord's Prayer drawing attendees together in solidarity.
Photo highlights and handouts, including suggested talking points for elected officials are included in the post below.
The event was co-sponsored by the University of Scranton's division of Mission and Ministry; Marywood University's Division of Mission Services; the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; St. Ann's Passionist Monastery; the Islamic Center of Scranton; and the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers.
