Why bother writing a letter of solidarity? When it comes to advocacy for the poor and marginalised people in our region, nation or global community, we often ask ourselves: what difference will my letter, e-mail or signature on a petition make in campaigns to bring greater peace and justice to our world? My contribution seems so small. In the face of a powerful array of financial and political forces in today's "global village," it's tempting to develop a pessimistic, "what's-the-use" attitude rather than be involved in the struggle against immoral economic or social structures.

 

"All my reporting life, I have thrown small pebbles into a very large pond, and I've had no way of knowing whether any pebble caused the slightest ripple. I don't need to worry about that. My responsibility is to make the effort. I belong to a global fellowship, men and women concerned with the welfare of the planet and its least-protected inhabitants. I plan to spend my remaining years applauding that fellowship, cheering from the sidelines, shouting "Good for you, never give up. Never give up!" (Martha Gelham, Journalist). Marist JPIC publication.

 

Kyoto Protocol saved: Members of a delegation of Franciscans International (F.I.) participated at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting (COP 6) in Bonn, Germany. They were joined by other religious of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Union of Superiors General (USG/UISG)

The principal objectives of the delegation were: to demonstrate support for those working to ensure ratification of the Kyoto Protocol; to learn more about the issues; to give continuity to the work done by previous FI delegations and to share ideas with the Franciscan Family/Religious on how to be part of the global movement to reduce green house gases.

This Conference (COP 6.5) was organized as a result of the failure by governments to reach an agreement on workable mechanisms to implement the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 and to continue the process that took place in the Hague, the Netherlands, in 2000.

OPEC, the United States, the fossil fuel industry, all failed to kill off the Kyoto Protocol but they came close. A last minute deal was struck to cut greenhouse gases (GHG) and has set the basis for a global emissions trading market, but this will not be enough by itself. It is a weaker agreement than the original which called for a reduction of 5.2 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. This happened despite the refusal of the US to sign. It is far below the 60% reduction called for by IPCC report which if the detrimental effects of global warming are to be prevented, or, at the very least, slowed down. While the deal is weaker than many NGOÕs had hoped, due to considerable concessions made to Japan, Canada, Russia and Australia, it provides sound architecture for the Protocol, and will start the process ( first rung in the ladder) to reduce CO2 emissions from industrialized countries. It sets rules for the use of mechanisms such as emissions trading and the Clean Development Mechanism, and includes a funding package to assist developing countries in adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change. The good news is that Nuclear power is out of the Kyoto Protocol. The proposal also includes a limited amount of "sinks" that absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

The Kyoto Protocol will become international law when Countries accounting for 55 percent of industrial nations' carbon dioxide emissions ratify it. It is hoped that this will happen at the latest by the time of the Rio+ 10 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa in September of 2002. Full legal texts, in all six U.N. languages, need to be drawn up and agreed on . These final details should be worked out at the COP 7 meeting scheduled for Marrakech, Morocco in October 2000.

The role played by NGOÕs in securing the deal was recognized as ÒsignificantÓ by the Conference President. The F.I. delegation members were greatly impressed by the professionalism, dedication and youthfulness of the NGO community, and their ability to coordinate and make consensus decisions. The major NGOÕs ( some 250, including Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund ), from the developing and developed world, are coordinated through a commission called CAN. They met every day for an hour to share information, review strategies, agree on the contents of a daily publication called ECO, prepare for press conferences and take decisions.

The FI delegation organized a daily prayer service. The World Council of Churches, Indigenous NGOÕs and other interested individuals also participated. Although publicity was not an objective, many journalists from the press, radio and TV showed interest in what we were doing.

 

Recommendations:

• FI Assume Climate change as one of the priorities.
• Local and national JPIC groups take on climate change as an issue.

• Franciscans might join campaigns organized in their country in order to insure ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by their respective Parliaments.
• Contact some reputable Environmental groups in your region or country and find our what they propose to do to educate public servants and the public on climate change issues.
• Make popular information available to interested parties. This can be accessed on the web sites of the principal NGOÕs. The JPIC commission of the USG/UISG also have a two page information sheet available in seven languages.
• Examine our lifestyles and propose ways of reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. There are many alternative energy sources; wind, solar and hydro currently available or in the developmental stages which can be used in our houses and mission territories. The more they are used, the cheaper they will become.
• Support boycott campaigns against the sectors of the fossil fuels industry, such as Exxon/Esso, who are negatively influencing governments from signing onto the Kyoto Protocol, as well as refusing to invest in alternative energy sources.
• Encourage more Franciscans to become technically knowledgeable on climate change and share their expertise with others. This is a particular need for the COP meetings.
• Make the links between climate change and the following issues: land, water, food security, genetically modified foods and migration/refugees.

 

 

 

Praise for JPIC Resource Book: Phil Jeffares, New Zealand, Novice director and former JPIC animator for Australia, informed us that the JPIC Resource Book has received a lot of favourable comments and is very useful for Ongoing and Initial formation. According to Phil, several brothers said, Ò itÕs the best contemporary Franciscan Resource book weÕve gotÓ. (Email: franzandrew@clear.net.nz )

New JPIC commission in India: The new JPIC commission in India is headed by friar James Kallarackan, frs. Soosai, Sleeva, Jesu and Bobby as the team members. Their first meeting took place in July. Bobby also met with the formators in July. At present he is working in close collaboration with NCCI (National Council of Churches in India), the version of WCC in India. They have modules of training programs on JPIC. India Peace Centre is an Inter-religious venture of NCCI. Bobby is trying to encourage the provincial formators to integrate the programs they offer in the provincial plan of formation. The NCCI look to the Franciscans as ideal partners to work with.

 

Humanitarian Caravan: Three Franciscans will participate on a humanitarian caravan to the war-ravaged Colombian communities of South Bolivar. Witnessing solidarity to these communities, the Caravan will also provide the people with food, medical supplies and an assuring presence. This caravan will cover the entire month of August (1st through the 31st) arriving first in Bogot‡ where participants will be given an orientation. According to Tom Mc Gregor, a lay missionary, Franciscans can play a crucial role in publicizing the campaign among their networks as well as writing letters to the Colombian President, the US Ambassador in Colombia and/or Colombian Embassies in their respective countries. The JPIC office sent the request out with the relevant information. If anyone needs more information please write to the office or to Tom at: fidmed426@hotmail.com

 

Island of Vieques: Franciscan Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez of San Juan, Puerto Rico continues to lobby for a rapid end to the U.S. Navy's military training exercises on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. Washington announced plans to stop the combat training by 2003. Some of the activists who oppose the bombings want the training exercises to be halted immediately and have vowed to protest until the military actions cease. Although the Navy has used Vieques since 1941 as a practice site for the Atlantic fleet, opponents felt the military bombardment was devastating Vieques's economy, ecology and public health. Others believe the noise and pollution caused by the bombings are responsible for low life expectancy, high infant mortality and cancer rates among the island's residents. Joe Nangel ofm participated On July 24 at a protest on the island along with Bishop Gonzalez and Jesse Jackson where he gave the opening blessing reciting St. FrancisÕ Peace Prayer. (www.endi.com)

March with Farm Workers: Mark Schroeder, JPIC animator for the Santa Barbara Province, together with one of the friars in initial formation, accompanied farm workers to highlight their grievances on a seven day march to the State Capital steps in Oregon. Mark believes it is important to take a publi stance for the rights of farm workers and immigrants.

Campaign on Global warming in Ireland: The JPIC commission of the Irish province sent information on global warming to all the fraternities along with tips for homilies and other activities, and a letter of petition to President Bush on Kyoto. In one churche more than 1400 signatures were collected.

 

JPIC commission meeting: Five of the Provincial animators met in Cisneros in June. Commitments assumed by each Province were evaluated. Preoccupation was expressed at the number of absentee provincial delegates. It is hoped provinces will take the naming of suitable and motivated brothers to the job. Election of a new Conference coordinator will take place at the September 29 meeting. A paper entitled Ò To be a friarÉJust, Peaceful and EcologicalÓ, prepared by the commission was revised and approved for publication.

 

JPIC Seminar in West Africa: the newly erected Vice Province of the Incarnte Word of West Africa played host to a seminar on JPIC for the Franciscan Family. Jose Legonou ofm, Vicar Provincial and JPIC animator, organized two meetings; one in the Ivory Coast and the other in Togo. Franciscans from Benin, Guinea Bissau and Burkina Faso participated. The seminars lasted four days and were well attended, with a strong participation by the theology and philosophy students of the new Province. Alain Richard ofm, Alessandra Aula (FI, Geneva) and Francisco o Conaire, JPIC Rome office, helped with the animation. After an introduction about JPIC in Church documents and Franciscan sources, the theme of violence and itÕs causes were examined ( personal, national and international). Alessandra Aula explained FIÕs work and stressed it is a service to the Franciscan Family and not a separate organization. Local issues affecting the lives and the dignity of the poor can be brought to the International forum through FI, an NGO at the Untied Nations.

The meetings in both countries were greatly enhanced by the participation of the Poor Clares, who will continue to support the formation processes and the organization of JPIC commissions in both countries. A half day of prayer was organized in the Ivory Coast in the Poor Clare Monastery where the group reflected on what it means to pray for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation. The prayer in Togo was held with the faithful of a parish served by the friars. In his concluding remarks, the new Provincial Minister, Richard Dzierzenga, noted that this was the first seminar organized by the new entity and reiterated his support for JPIC initiatives, integral to our way of life.

Egypt: Peter Tindo ofm, informed the office that he is meeting with a group of young men in Cairo with the intention of forming animators for JPIC groups in the future. Peter is from Sudan and one of several Sudanese Franciscans, members of the Vice-Province in Egypt.

JPIC in East Africa: Matthias Kule ofm, a member of the JPIC commission of the Vice-Province of St. Francis informed the office about some of their work. They visited formation houses sharing on JPIC issues. The principal source used was the Franciscan JPIC Resource Book. The brothers are conscious that these are small, but significant steps. (email: ofm.nbi@wananchi.com )

 

Austria: Matthias Huber ofm, JPIC animator for the Innsbruck Province, is organizing a two days seminar on Ethical Investment. It will take place on 19/20 October 2001. (email: matthias@franziskaner.tsn.at )

 

Mexico: Since January the JPIC Commission of the Franciscan Family, headed by Alejandro Castillo, member of the Animation Commission of the Order, have been working on the Social Justice Commission of the Mexican Episcopal Conference. They are responsible for the promotion of Human Rights, Ecology and the Land Pastoral. They provide a daily synthesis of relevant news and information to diocesan social justice animators. Anyone wishing to be included on their mailing list should contact the office at: ffimex@laneta.apc.org They are responsible for organizing a national congress for Social Justice in September.

 

 

General Curia letters on Debt and Global warming: The majority of brothers of the General Curia signed a letter addressed to the G8 leaders asking for the cancellation of the external debt. Many brothers also signed a letter asking President George Bush to back the Kyoto Protocol. The US is one of the biggest causers of pollution. Such high levels of CO2 (mostly caused by fossil fuels) in the atmosphere is unsustainable and all the indications are that it is leading to global warming.

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, Italian 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.

Polish edition of JPIC Manuel: Good news from Poland! The Provincials of the West Slav Conference agreed to translate the Resource Book into the Polish language. Work has already started.

New JPIC animator for Portugal: Fr. Nuno Serras Pereira, Fraternidade de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, Av 22 de Dezembro, 19, 2900 - 669    Setœbal, PORTUGAL Tel. 351- 265 52 39 03

New JPIC Conference delegate for COPEFF: Claud Maseau has decided to leave the Order. We wish him every blessing on his journey. We thank him for his many years of service to JPIC at National and International levels. In his place the Conference has appointed Claude Vermot-Desroches until the next Provincial Chapter at Easter 2002. Welcome Claude. His address is: 11, Rue Barbollioz, F Ð 70000 Vesoul, France. Tel: 33-(0) 3-84736318

Corporations subsidized in the USA: Other countries have good public transportation, universal health coverage, good schools and are investing in non polluting renewable energy sources. Why not in the U.S.? Answer: Corporate Welfare. According to US PIRG, the oil and gas industry alone received over $8.1 billion in federal subsidies from 1991 to 1996.

Booklet on Immigration in the U.S. The Holy Name Province (N.Y) have produced a booklet on Immigration ( English/Spanish versions). For copies contact Franciscan Friars, Holy Name Province, 126 West 32^nd St. New York, New York 10001-3202

Advice on media management: (Audrey Miller, Drop the Debt)

1. Letters to the Editor are considered to be the most effective way into the media. Some being passed to reporters for news/features articles. 2. 150 words is the best length. 3. Write from the heart using facts and figures if you have to, but check their reliability 4. Don't be disappointed if it isn't used. 5. Make it topical with some event from the news.

 

Useful information and petitions:

Franciscan Washington Office for Latin America: PO Box 29202 401 Michigan Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20017-2202 Tel: 202-636-5173; Cell Phone: 202-255-3549; FAX: 413-451-6316. E-mail: OFMWashington@att.net

For information on courses: The University for Peace (UPEACE), headquartered in Costa Rica: acadmin@upeace.org

FI Geneva change of address: Geneva FI offices, P.O. Box 104, Ch - 1211 Geneva, 20, Switzerland Tel:  41.22.919.4010 Fax: 41.22.740.2433. Email:  geneve@fiop.org

Change of Address: Bobby Vadakkal ofm (SAAO Animator) : Shantivanam

(Peacewoods) Mahadeoghat,P.O.Box.35, Raipura, Raipur.Chhattisgarh State.

Tel: +91.771.636754

Change of Address: David A. Moczulski, OFM ( ESC animator) Holy Name College,1650 St. Camillus Drive Silver Spring, MD 20903-2559, Tel: 301-434-3400; Cell Phone: 202-255-3549; FAX: 413-451-6316. E-mail: DMoczulski@att.net

New email: Cesare Azimonti ofm ( Compi Animator): c.azimonti@tin.it

Boycott against ESSO in U.K: www.stopesso.com 

 

Some useful web pages:

Human rights resources: http://shr.aaas.org/dhr.htm

Climate Change ( popular information in four languages): http://www.panda.org/resources/publications/climate/crisis/crisis.htm

 

 

 

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