In response to the letter to the editor from the April 9 issue, “What ‘refugee’ crisis?”: I would like to think, as a Catholic and an America, that we as a faith community and as citizens do not restrict our charity and compassion exclusively to others who share our same beliefs. 

Need knows no bounds, and neither should our mercy and care. Mother Teresa didn’t limit her care that way. Neither do Fr. Greg Boyle and Homeboy Industries. Neither was that the spirit of the Statue of Liberty. 

In no case is “legality” the criteria. The imperative is compassion. Let’s meet need wherever it presents itself, if we are serious about manifesting Christ in this world.

— Eric Searcy