SYRACUSE - The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities (SOSF) with sisters in Syracuse, Williamsville, Poughkeepsie and Mount Vernon, New York, joined more than 5000 Catholic sisters in asking the U.S. presidential candidates to stop using language "that disrespects, dehumanizes or demonizes" others during the presidential campaign.

Written by the Leadership Conference for Women Religious (LCWR), the letter asks the candidates to engage in constructive dialogue and promote the common good rather than use language that creates fear and hate. Copies of the letter will be delivered to presidential candidates Secretary Hillary Clinton, Mr. Donald Trump, Governor Gary Johnson, Dr. Jill Stein, their running mates and party chairs on August 8. Click here to read the letter.

"The more than 400 sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities support the letter and the LCWR's position that 'political discourse that preserves the dignity of the human person and promotes the common good is in short supply,'" said Rochelle Cassella, congregational director of communications for SOSF. "In addition, we ask all our supporters, friends and family to join us by sending letters to not just the presidential candidates, but to candidates running in all political races as well." She added that sisters also are asking that everyone encourage their friends and families to join the civil discourse campaign as well.

"Politicians traditionally respond to what's important to most constituents, so the more people who call for a campaign of common decency, the more likely it is that the candidates will respond," Cassella said.

The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities is a congregation of more than 400 vowed women religious whose Franciscan spirit motivates them to continue God's work and respond to God's people wherever there is a need.  Together, the sisters serve in 12 states, the District of
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and in Kenya and Peru. For more information go to www.sosf.org.