We are marked by the times in which we live

By Tom Cordaro
Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace

In her book, Proclaim Jubilee! A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Maria Harris reminds us that “We are marked by the times in which we live.” This certainly is true for those living in the United States in 2025. Everything decent, virtuous, noble, praiseworthy, compassionate, and just in our flawed nation is under assault.

If you ever wondered what you would have done had you lived during the civil rights struggle in the 1950s and 60s, this is your moment. If you wonder what you would have done if you lived in Germany during the rise of the Nazis, this is your moment. 

Right now, in this nation, there is a Latina Anne Frank hiding in her bedroom, fearing the knock at the door. What we do now, in this moment, will echo through history. Most of us are not in a position to dramatically impact the course of events that now engulf us. But each of us can do something, and each small something is of utmost importance if we expect to make a difference. 

Across the country, Pax Christi folks are acting in solidarity with immigrant communities struggling for the right to exist in our nation, but there are many more who are still on the sidelines, unsure about what to do or how to engage in this struggle.

Probably the most important advice I can give is to show up. Over-privileged white heterosexual males like me can put our entitlements at the service of the immigrant communities where we live. We can follow the lead of people of color and take risks that they cannot.

This commitment brought me to the Elm Court Apartments in Bensenville, Illinois, on Saturday, June 7. I was responding to a call issued by Immigrant Solidarity DuPage and my good friend, Cristobal Cavazos. Six immigration raids have terrorized the mostly Hispanic residents of this apartment complex since the Trump administration came to power.

Our rally and march through the neighborhood was led by local religious leaders and activists who sang, chanted, and distributed “know your rights” cards to residents. As organizer Angel Cruz stated, “The united front will be the way that we show ICE that their terror will be met with struggle. It breaks my heart that mothers and children are greeted by ICE on school day mornings, shaken and frightened, and run back into their homes and lock the doors in fear. We have seen and heard the terrified children and have wiped the tears of crying mothers. This cannot continue.”

In addition to showing up, here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• Do not be anonymous. Identify yourself verbally and visually as a member of Pax Christi. This is not a matter of “bragging” or show-boating. When you identify yourself with Pax Christi at these events, you help the immigrant community understand where you are coming from. If they encounter Pax Christi somewhere or at some time in the future, they will come to trust us.
• Document your participation and share your stories. We don’t do this as a sign of pride but as a component of accountability and solidarity. When you share your stories within the wider Pax Christi community, you give your brothers and sisters courage and inspiration to do the same. This is how movements are built. Send photos and stories to Judy Coode at jcoode@paxchristiusa.org. 
• Share calls from the immigrant community with people in your network. Always strive to grow the movement as you step out of your comfort zone and give witness to our Pax Christi values and principles.

I can’t say how this will all turn out. I do not know how bad it will get. But I do believe that our part in this struggle is crucial – for our nation and our Church.