Letter to Congress on Resolution Commemorating Sister Dorothy Stang, March 29, 2005

March 29, 2005

The Honorable Tim Ryan
Member of Congress
222 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Ryan,

I write to commend you on the Congressional resolution you have introduced recognizing the life and work of Sister Dorothy Stang, S.N.D. de Namur.

Sister Dorothy was well known for her tireless work on behalf of the poor and largely landless settlers in a part of the Brazilian rain forest that was under constant threat from unscrupulous loggers and ranchers. Because of her advocacy for the poor, she was assassinated on February 12 of this year.

I wish you every success in gathering a large number of co-sponsors for H.Con.Res.89, the concurrent resolution you introduced on March 9, 2005, honoring the life of Sister Dorothy. May her sacrifice contribute to greater justice for the poor not only in Brazil but throughout the hemisphere.

With thanks for your work on this matter, I remain

Sincerely yours,

Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ
Bishop of Tallahassee-Pensacola
Chairman
Committee on International Policy
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops