Leticia Seitz is a community organizer with Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU). MCU is an interdenominational, multi-racial community organization of faith congregations and institutions in the St. Louis Metropolitan region that are working for a common purpose: to create a better life for all residents. Leticia was born and grew up in Mexico City and currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She has been a part of Santa Cecilia Catholic Church for 20 years, and attends their Spanish mass.
What is your relationship with Gamaliel and how did it begin?
I have been part of the MCU for about six months now. This year I went to training in Pennsylvania where I learned how MCU and Gamaliel are connected. Both MCU and the larger Gamaliel network are linked deeply in that they advocate for both local communities and for reform across the country.
How do you see the Fire of Faith Campaign align with Catholic Social Teaching?
I think that the Fire of Faith Campaign aligns with Catholic Social Teaching in that we recognize that it is a good opportunity for Catholic people to follow what God says and fight for the civil rights of those who are in need. What the Catholic religion teaches is for us to be together in the fight, just as the Fire of Faith advocates. The Catholic Church also says that we need to do something about the injustice in the world. For me that is amazing.
What issues in your community have you been addressing and how have they aligned with the Fire of Faith campaign?
The issues that we have been addressing are to show people that they need to believe in what they need to do. We try to help them understand that they can’t be afraid to speak up or get involved in the movement because of their status in this country. It’s hard for the community to trust you and you have to make them believe in you. We are working through gaining trust from the community so we can let them know that they aren’t alone. In this moment, our faith is stronger than anything and we continue to fight until we win in this immigration reform. I love it. I feel so amazed and blessed when people say thank you, for letting me tell their stories in hopes of making the place we live in better for everyone.
Posted in Leader Spotlight