I endorse Jay Fulton’s ardent appeal (“Letter to the editor: Let’s bring imperiled Christians to Maine,” March 20) to bring “suffering Christian families to Maine.”

I agree that “we can offer safety and religious tolerance” to these victims of violence in the Middle East and Africa.

May I take the liberty of proposing we also extend this invitation to other victims of violence and persecution who may not necessarily share our religious values?

I refer to innocent Muslims terrorized by extremists who have “hijacked religion (Islam) for their own agendas.” There are also guiltless Jews forced to flee their homelands, victims of the hatred perpetuated by anti-Semitism.

Should not all religions be welcome in Maine, given our religious tolerance? Certainly we have the space to accommodate thousands of these unfortunate souls, but do we have the conviction of our faith to offer asylum to all equally deserving people?

Unfortunately, we have elected a governor who does not share Fulton’s views on sanctuary. Paul LePage does not welcome any immigrants, regardless of their “religious values.”

Instead, he classifies them all as “takers” determined only to take advantage of the generosity of the immigrants previously settled here and already enjoying the safety and religious tolerance Maine has to offer. LePage, regrettably, has adopted the attitude that there is no more room at the inn.

Fulton’s hope that America will “continue to be the shining light in the darkness of our times” is not relevant to Maine. Not as long as LePage is its governor.

Sam Kamin

Cumberland

Copy the Story Link