A Lay Movement Well Worth Emulating, For More On The Sant’Egidio Community Go To Links On Our Web Site

Posted April 27, 2006

A Lay Movement Well Worth Emulating

For More On The Sant’Egidio Community Go To Links On Our Web Site

Washington, D.C. – This morning Representative Dan Burton (R-IN) introduced a resolution commending the Community of Sant’Egidio for their extensive charity and generosity on behalf of the poor throughout the world.

"I commend the Community of Sant'Egidio for their extensive work, generosity and charity on behalf of the World's poor and down-trodden," commented Mr. Burton upon introducing the resolution.

"I am very grateful to Mr. Burton who introduced the resolution, as well as to Mr. Lantos, Mr. Meeks, and Mr. Bartlett as original co-sponsors, for acknowledging the tremendous contributions of the Community of Sant’Egidio to peace and justice globally," commented Joseph K. Grieboski, President of the Institute on Religion and Public Policy.

The resolution recognizes the history and contributions of Sant’Egidio. The Community of Sant'Egidio began in Rome in 1968, in the period following the Second Vatican Council. Today it is a movement of lay people and has more than 50,000 members in Rome, Italy, and in more than 70 countries throughout the world.

This year, marking the twentieth anniversary of the Day of Prayer for Peace at Assisi, Sant’Egidio is holding its first meeting in the United States. The meeting – which has as its theme "Religions and Culture: Courage to Dialogue" and is organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio in conjunction with Georgetown University and the Archdiocese of Washington – promises to be a significant contribution to the global discussion that will call to arms an Understanding of Civilizations, rather than a clash.

"I hope the Annual Prayer for Peace gathering fosters peace and understanding and nurtures mutual respect and tolerance among all of God's children," continued Mr. Burton. "I urge my all colleagues to co-sponsor my resolution that rightfully thanks the Community of Sant'Egidio for all their good work."

"’Religions and Culture: Courage to Dialogue’ is a much-needed and timely contribution to the most important discussions of our time," concluded Mr. Grieboski. "I encourgae the United States House of Representatives to support and pass this resolution honoring the outstanding work of the Community of Sant'Egidio."