JPIC Continental Meetings: One of the recommendations of the JPIC International Council was to encourage JPIC coordinators from the same Continent to meet. Such initiatives need to come from coordinators themselves. The ÒAmericaÕs ContinentÓ will probably meet the last week of November 2002. The location of the meeting has still to be decided.

Formation and JPIC: The teams in Rome for Formation and Studies and JPIC got together at the beginning of June. The basis of the sharing were four of the recommendations made by the JPIC International Council in Vossenack. After a fruitful discussion it was agreed to continue these meetings, the following one scheduled for July, and to publish a joint letter encouraging ongoing collaboration between JPIC commissions and formators at all levels of the Order.

Global Warming update: US:  Panel set up by Bush Echoes IPCC On Global Warming: In a report issued June 7, the US National Academy of Sciences acknowledges some uncertainly about global warming but largely seconds the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change view that greenhouse gas concentrations are increasing and global temperature is rising.

US President George W. Bush requested the report as part of his efforts to develop a new policy on climate change after he rejected the Kyoto Protocol in March (United Press International, 7 Jun). The academy was asked for no policy recommendations and made none (John Heilprin, Associated Press/Yahoo! News, 7 Jun). The New York Times, however, reports the findings may lead Bush to alter his stance on global warming as he heads to meetings in Gothenburg, Sweden, with European leaders (Seelye/Revkin, New York Times, 7 Jun).
      Announcing his abandonment of a campaign promise to cap US carbon dioxide emissions in March, Bush alleged an "incomplete state of scientific knowledge of the causes of, and solutions to, global climate change" (Chris Adams, Wall Street Journal, 7 Jun. The panel says confidence in the conclusion that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions cause global warming is "higher today than it was 10 or even five years ago."

 

 

News from Barancabermeja: It is one of the most violent cities in Colombia. Several massacres have taken place there over the years. The brothers from the San Pablo Province have a fraternity there. Francisco visited them in February and noted the increased tension there since the previous visit two years ago. Since April paramilitary forces, aided by the army, now control the area where the brothers live. There is little the brothers can do. Nobody was coming to the church. Even before this situation arose, the brothers had decided to move to another part of the city. The arrival of paramilitaries speeded this decision up.

The possibility was discussed with Francisco of organizing an international presence of brothers to act as Òhuman shieldsÓ, similar to the work done by ÒPeace BrigadesÓ. The presence of foreigners in the past has provided protection to many human rights activists and church people working on social issues. Jim Hoffmann, ESC, is going to investigate whether there is interest, especially among ex-missionaries, for such a group in the Order. Could we have a list of brothers willing and available to live with and accompany Franciscans, whose lives are endangered, at least for a short time?

Itinerant fraternity for internally displaced in Colombia:

A group of Franciscan brothers from the San Pablo Ap—stol Province initiated the Franciscan Itinerant Fraternity to serve the Colombia population forcibly displaced by the long civil war and aims to accompany these communities and groups to different geographic locations in times of particular needsÑforced expulsions, resettlements, arrivals to receiving communities, etc.

They will inform us of the struggles of displaced communities and keep you abreast of the current Colombian human rights situation. The brothers are Omar Fern‡ndez ofm, Luis Eduardo Medina G. ofm, Tom‡s McGregor and Brendan Forde ofm. Email contact with the fraternity at: fidmed426@hotmail.com

 

JPIC Conference meeting, Some highlights and conclusions:

a.     After visits to the Livermore Lab and Ecology projects promoted by the Santa Barbara JPIC office, the Council heard reports on JPIC work in the Provinces. Special guests included Fr. John Vaughan ofm and Louis Vitale ofm who give a history of the development of JPIC in the Order and Francisco from the office in Rome gave a report. Some conclusions:

• A member of the Council will take part in the CO6 meeting on climate change in Bonn in July 2001.
• Election of new Director of the Washington office.
• A letter to President Bush encouraging the use of renewable energy sources was drafted and signed.
• Continental meeting of JPIC coordinators: The Council agree to offer to host the meeting somewhere in CA the last week of November. (JPIC International Recommendation). The animation committee will consider this offer in September.
• Circulation of the Vossenack talks
• More investigation needed on a non-violent peace force, either combining with a new project promoted by Peace Workers or a proposal from St. John Baptist Province.
• Next meeting: 13-15 Nov. 2001 at the new FMS House in Washington DC

b.     Nuclear weapons: Lawrence Livermore National Development Lab (California) laboratory is the main research centre in the US for nuclear weapons. The visit to the outside of the lab was in response to one of the International Council recommendations to the ESC to help conscientise Franciscans about the renewed dangers of nuclear weapons.   Isaac, their guide, publicly resigned his job at the lab renouncing a big salary when he obtained proof  that the lab was re-fitting nuclear bombs capable of penetrating Saddam HusseinÕs concrete bunkers.  A US signed treaty allows the US to keep these nuclear bombs, but not to use or restructure them.  

The council also heard report on the Nevada Desert Experience.  Members are working with the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space. They are especially working against the US Space CommandÕs VISION FOR 2020 which aims to establish the US as the master of Space by building orbiting platforms of nuclear weapons which will be capable of hitting very specific targets on earth.  These projects violate many of the treaties that the US has already signed.  

c.     ESC Provincials ask for help and make suggestions.
The Provincials asked the Council for help to focus on global issues, suitable for making statements on. They asked for short position papers and clear and explanatory letters that they could sign, similar to the Vieques letter. These letters are useful for internal animation in the Provinces.

d.     Washington JPIC office for Latin America (FWOFLA): David Moczulski ofm, Conference coordinator, was elected new director of the office for a term of two years, to be evaluated at the end of one year. He replaces Joe Sullivan who is returns to Brazil in June 2001. Joe Rozansky ofm will collaborate closely with David. The ESC Provincials agreed to finance the office. The Holy Name province had sponsored the office for the last two years.

 

Argentina : JPIC course for friars in initial formation and formators

Brothers from all three Provinces in Argentina, those in initial formation and their formators, will have a three day seminar on JPIC. Lay collaborators are also invited to attend. The Seminar has been approved by the Ministers Provincial. The object of the Seminar is to sensitise the brothers to the importance of JPIC values. Starting with a social analysis of what is happening in Argentina they hope to reflect on JPIC from the philosophical, biblical and Franciscan perspectives, especially taking Franciscan history in Latin America into consideration.

It is hoped that the reflection on the importance of JPIC values will lead to some concrete proposals, especially on ways to include JPIC in the life and ministry of the local fraternities.

Professors from the Interfranciscan Provincial Institute ÒFray Luis BolanosÓ will animate the reflections. Francisco O Conaire, JPIC Rome office will also attend. It will take place in the Institute in Buenos Aires from August 15-17, 2001.

 

Conference meeting: The JPIC Conference coordinators meeting took place in Madrid from February 23-25 along with delegates from the Franciscan Family. Twenty-six brothers and sisters were present. The 6 OFM delegates met to dealt with Conference business during the meeting.

The principal task was to evaluate responsibilities assumed since the last meeting: contacts were made with the interfranciscan commission, Franciscans International and other JPIC commissions, material is being prepared for the celebration of the Òspirit of AssisiÓ and for JPIC promotion in parishes. A positive meeting took place with the formation team of the Conference with Jose CarballoÕs presentation at Vossenack used as reference material. Supplementary material to the JPIC Manual is being prepared.

A formation week in July organized by the Betica and Granada provinces will be animated by Jorge Peixoto OfmConv. The Galicia province is preparing a seminar on JPIC for young people.

            Presentations from Vossenack will appear in the publication ÒTruth and LifeÓ.

 

Vigil at Weapons Fair (ITEC): The Dutch Franciscan Peace Watch, with four friars, made a non-violent protest, praying and fasting, for the 8^th time at the ÒWeapons FairÓ which took place this year in April, in Lille, France. It was done in the context of a call by the UN for a decade dedicated to the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence. They invited participants at the fair to reflect with them on the morality of arms production. One positive result is the acceptance by a Dutch arms producer to meet them later in the year.

The main considerations for the group were: new weapons falling into the wrong hands or becoming available on the second-hand market, the arming of child-soldiers and many wars currently raging, especially in Africa. War provides the prefect cover to exploit mineral resources.

 

Franciscan Bishop criticises politicians: Brian Barnes, Archbishop of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea has called on all politicians, judges and well-paid bureaucrats to cut their salaries to express solidarity with the nationÕs poor. He said that the current pay hikes were unjustified. He called for Òconsiderable increasesÓ in the minimum wages of the workers

 

Forgiveness Seminar: The Institute for Peace of the South Slav Conference, along with Caritas Croatia, jointly organised a seminar on Reconciliation and Forgiveness in May in Zagreb. A new organization called ÒCROPAXÓ has been established, with the Franciscan Institute a founder member. The objective of the Conference was to bring people and organisations together interested in working for reconciliation in the neighbouring countries. Representatives from church, and civil society participated, including an Orthodox priest from Serbia with his theology students, a Protestant minister from Croatia with his students, several international personalities dedicated to peacemaking and reconciliation, as well as local grass roots organizations. Four Franciscan brothers gave presentations. Francisco, from the Rome office, participated, conscious of the importance that such initiatives, both nationally and internationally, be supported. The challenge for church authorities, both the Episcopal Conference and Religious Superiors is to pro-actively encourage reconciliation, in word and deed, at the local level both in parishes and other institutions.

OFM JPIC Conference meeting: Following the seminar a meeting of the JPIC animators of the Conference took place in Split. Three of the Provinces participated, Bosnia, Herzegovina and Dalmatia (Split). The JPIC Manual, translated into Croatian and just published, was the main theme of the meeting. The next day JPIC animators of the Franciscan family met. Many expressed appreciation for the JPIC Resource Book, which already is being incorporated into the initial formation processes of Institutes. The role of the Peace Institute was discussed. ItsÕ very positive role, including valuable publications, was praised. However, it was recognized that unless brothers and sisters assume leadership roles throughout the Conference, bringing issues related to JPIC into the life and ministry of the Congregations, the Peace instituteÕs work will be greatly hampered. The Institute serves as a support to JPIC animators and not vice-versa. The presence of the OfmCap Provincial, President of the Conference of the Franciscan Family, helped clarify this point and ensure it be aired at the Franciscan Superiors meeting. Most animators have too many other responsibilities, but unless they try to coordinate, network and keep JPIC issues alive, fewe others will. Superiors have the responsibility to appoint people who are committed to JPIC, as well as support them in their ministry.

 

 

JPIC Resource Book on Internet: It can be accessed on the Internet at the following address: http://www.wtu.edu/franciscan/packs/handbook/ It is currently available in English, Spanish and French. A link will also be available on the JPIC section of the General Curia web page. When we receive the translations of the other language editions they also will be placed on the same site. The material can be downloaded either in its entirety or by chapters. The software for downloading is free and can be accessed through the site itself. We express thanks to Jim McIntosh Ofm for helping with this project.

Film on Franciscan response to Poverty: A Mission Statement: When Did I See You Hungry? is a film that will explore and illustrate the Franciscan response to poverty around the world. The film will visit eight to ten nations, introducing the audience to the work being done by Franciscan friars and sisters. In each location the film visits, the plight of the poor will be expose through the stories of individual poor people. Each location will highlight a different issue relating to poverty, such as hunger, education, refugees, homelessness, drug addiction, childhood malnutrition, health care, and human rights violations. After the visit to each location, the film will return to Assisi, where a friar will offer a brief spiritual reflection which articulates the philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi and his love of the poor. In doing so, the film will show how St. FrancisÕ ideals and insights are being lived and still having a strong impact on society.
The filmÕs aspirations are high: to help the viewer move from pity to love, from charity to justice, in their own personal encounters with the poor. The guides will be modern day followers of St. Francis, Franciscans who work with the poor, who have become brothers and sisters to the poor. We believe the world needs to hear the powerful story of the saintÕs unconditional and unrestricted response to God, because our efforts to imitate that response can transform society.

Cancel Debt Campaign (Genoa): the interreligious coalition for the cancellation of the debt encourages all religious to write to the G8 leaders meeting in Genoa, Italy July 21-22. Copies of a petition, in seven languages, which can be signed individually or collectively, can be accessed on the Sedos web page: http://www.sedos.org/ Many of the brothers in the General Curia signed this petition, a copy of which eventually will be on our Curia web page. If anyone wishes information, or a copy of the letter and the addresses of the G8 leaders, go to the Sedos site or contact the JPIC office.

Inter-religious JPIC Manuel (not ofm): It is now available in the Portuguese language for £7000 IL about $3.50. To order copies write to AEFJN - Antena Portuguesa, Campo Santana, 431150-225 LISBOA. Tel: 21 886 1710   Fax: 21 886 1708.

Franciscan Centers of Latin America:

Franciscan Centres started thirty years ago in Latin America with two objectives: to promote Franciscan spirituality and to help organize the Franciscan Family. Many Latin American countries now have a Centre. They try to have common priorities. These priorities are decided on every three years. In February 2001 they met in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, and Francisco O Conaire Ofm was asked to give a presentation on the challenges facing the Franciscan Family in Latin America. Two priorities were agreed on for the next three years:

1.     Education for the refoundation of the Francis-Clarian charism in the line of the Council for Religious Life in Latin America and the Caribbean, currently being celebrated by the CLAR (interreligious organization for Religious in Latin America).

2.     The Service of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation from the perspective of Francis-Clarian values, with a special emphasis on prophecy, contemplation and solidarity with the ÒlepersÓ of today.

For a copy of the Bulletin with detailed information on the meeting contact Luis Coscia ofmcap at: cefranci@infovia.com.ar or the Rome office at pax@ofm.org

Murder of religious in Guatemala: At the beginning of May, Sr. Barbara Ford, a US missionary was murdered in Guatemala. She worked with the indigenous people in Zacualpa, Quiche, helping people traumatized by the war. She was a member of the Sisters of Charity. Nobody believes the official version that it was a robbery. Many believe it is a strong warning to the church and those working for Human Rights, especially for the clarification of Bishop GerardiÕs murder, believed to be carried out by the army, not to pursue justice. A letter to the President insisting on an independent investigation of her murder would be welcomed.

Useful information and petitions:

Some useful web pages:

¯      Ecology: http://www.planetark.org/index.cfm

¯      Amnesty International: links to other organizations involved in Human Rights work: http://web.amnesty.org/web/links.nsf and recent Amnesty International documents posted on http://www.amnesty.org

¯      Mission Project Service: organization which gives help and publishes very useful material / information on projects can be found at http://www.missionprojectservice.org

¯      Sedos: http://www.sedos.org/

¯      External Debt: http://www.jubileeplus.org/  

 

 

Gear—id Francisco î Conaire, OFM

OFM JPIC Office

Via S. Maria Mediatrice 25

00165 Rome, ITALY

E-mail: pax@ofm.org Web: http://www.ofm.org/

Tel: (+39-06) 6849-1218       Fax: (+39-06) 6849-1266