Plight of Morong 43 will be focus of campus activities next week
In response to an incident in which 43 volunteer public health workers were illegally arrested in the Philippines, George Fox has scheduled events next week to bring awareness to the prisoners’ plight.
A brief version of the story will be told in Monday’s chapel, and those who wish to learn more or tangibly respond are invited to a gathering Monday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. in the Pennington lobby. The meeting will provide a more extensive explanation of the situation of the Morong 43 and give attendees an opportunity to sign letters to both the president of the Philippines and Oregon state senators.
In addition, student leaders will wear yellow T-shirts that match those worn by the prisoners, with each of the 43 shirts on campus representing an individual prisoner. On Wednesday after chapel, these 43 will gather around the Centennial Tower for a few minutes of prayer for the Morong 43. All are welcome to join. After this, the 43 shirts will be passed on to other community members. This passing on of shirts will continue every day throughout the week.
The events are to support the volunteer public health workers illegally arrested in the Philippines in February – victims of political impunity and injustice. Melanie Newell (Center of Peace and Justice) had the opportunity to visit with some of the prisoners last month. When asked what can be done to help, they answered, “Tell people about us. Our hope lies in those who hear our story, those who know about us.”