Following are NCR reader responses to recent news articles, opinion columns and theological essays with letters that have been edited for length and clarity.
Philadelphia ICE rally
I want to thank the author of this article for featuring this great ecumenical event that took place in Philadelphia on April 3rd (NCR, April 8, 2025). As one, the group of religious ,clergy, and lay persons gathered to pray and ask ICE to keep "hands off" of sacred spaces. Churches, synagogues, temples and mosques are all holy places dedicated to worship and praise. Raised voices sang together the importance of protecting sacred places as well as the people who attend them. The building of an altar united all who came that day in front of the ICE Office in Philadelphia. The ICE agents and police were one with us as we stood strong in our faith and love for all of God's people. When bread was shared during this service a priest offered a piece of bread to a police officer. The officer responded, "No thank you and thanks for being here." Everyone's presence at the ICE office that day witnessed that we are all one. We need to speak up and speak out for those who are afraid to go to their places of worship. I was blessed to be part of that sacred assembly.
(Sr.) PAT MADDEN, SSJ
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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"Stress Test" review
I’m deeply disappointed in Michael Sean Winters' review of Stress Test: The Israel-Hamas War and Christian-Jewish Relations for its lack of focus on the people who should be every Christian’s prime concern at this moment (NCR, March 17, 2025).
The review repeatedly refers to the concept of the “Israel-Hamas war,” without a single reference to Netanyahu’s ruthless oppression of the Palestinian people and the horrific war on Gaza opposed by peace-loving people the world over.
I’ve relied on NCR for your consistent, public embrace of inconvenient gospel truths often overlooked by the institutional Catholic Church. My robust faith and confidence in NCR’s courageous commitment to gospel witness has been shaken by the editors’ decision to publish Mr. Winters’ deeply flawed review.
I’m praying that you will find the courage publicly to acknowledge and redress a grave editorial error.
MARY ELLEN SINKIEWICZ
Boston, Massachusetts
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Culture coverage
Thank you Emma Cieslik for her excellent article "Controversial Mexico City exhibit raises questions about art, faith and censorship", which, except for its short length, is NCR at its best (NCR, March 15, 2025). I'm not the least bit familiar with Fabián Cháirez and his work, but it seems that he and I share similar interests. I salute his courage and stand with him.
My thanks also for "Documentary chronicles history of liberation theology-inspired movements in Latin America" (NCR, March 15, 2025). Jose Solís is always a delight.
JEFFREY JONES
Hamburg, New York
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