O'Malley, faith leaders address immigrant children
Governor forges partnerships to help unaccompanied minors
Gov. Martin O'Malley on Monday hosted a private meeting with faith leaders to pursue partnerships to help unaccompanied children who've crossed into the country illegally.
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It was an unprecedented meeting of divergent faith doctrines. Some 50 religious leaders from across the state were summoned by O'Malley for a brain-storming session, coming together to discuss how to help the children.
"I think what we are trying to do is create a plan on how Maryland, as a state and community of a wide variety of diverse and caring providers, can provide housing and care and shelter and child-centered focused protection for these children," said Julie Gilbert Rosicky, executive director of International Social Service Baltimore.
The gathering alone created a new network of congregations that included Jewish and Muslim faiths -- all taking stock of what they have and what they can contribute to a single cause.
"I would call it an assessment of our community assets," said William McCarthy, executive director of Catholic Charities.
O'Malley's December trade mission to El Salvador helped to shape his views on the border crisis. He and South American officials discussed gang violence similar to what the current wave of child refugees are facing in their home countries.
Faith leaders are being asked to focus on ways to reunite the children with relatives until immigration officials decide their fate. O’Malley asked that they help place the children in federal foster care.
"Housing is very important. It is essential we find families. We spoke about foster care," said Gustavo Torres, executive director of Casa De Maryland.
"We want to do everything we can as faith leaders to encourage families to foster parent to these children, but they need to be bilingual. If they are not bilingual, they can pair with other families," said Rev. Eugene Suttan, with the Episcopal Church.
The least desirable option is to warehouse them. Protesters have demonstrated against placing large numbers under one roof.
Westminster officials vehemently opposed even the suggestion of using a vacant Army reserve building. The graffiti sparked a hate-crime investigation.
"We don't want to hear that voice of hate. We are more about love and concern," said Bishop Larry Lee Thomas.