![[home]](/sdwp/images/new_usccb_logo.gif){kind=logo}
The bishops of United States have followed the recent developments in Haiti with increasing concern. The deaths of scores of people, and injury to many more, call attention tragically to the plight of the Haitian people and to their longing for democracy and social progress.
The Haitian people's aspirations for justice and democracy must be respected. Together with you and the entire Episcopal Conference of Haiti, we pray that the authorities and the people will exercise the greatest care in seeking a resolution of the difficulties now facing your nation within the framework of the Constitution. Institutions created to promote the democratic process must be allowed to continue unimpeded, as you have repeatedly made clear.
We, on our part, will continue to do whatever we can to promote true development in Haiti. We join our prayers with those of the people of Haiti in asking God to guide all of us to a peaceful resolution of the present crisis. We offer as well, through the personnel of our Catholic Relief Services program in Haiti, material assistance for essential economic and social development activities. And we will continue to urge our government to commit its full resources to the support of the democratization process.
Most Reverend John L. May
Archbishop of St. Louis
President, USCCB