Contact
No.8, November 2001
Newsletter of the OFM International Council for
Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation
(Prepared by the JPIC Office in Rome)
Ethical Investment: the JPIC office would like Provinces with ethical investment policies, or using ethical criteria, to send on this information or a rŽsumŽ as soon as possible.
Contact now on the web page: Available on the JPIC section of the General Curia web page www.ofm.org All 2001 editions in the English and Spanish languages are posted. We hope to have the Italian and the German available soon.
Our special thanks to Fernando Figueredo, Colombia, for the Spanish translation, Matthias Huber, Austria, for the German version and Pablo Maielo and Cesare Azimonti who organize the Italian translation. Anybody willing to do translations into other languages, please contact the JPIC office.
Information on the war:
¤ "The root of war is fear." Thomas Merton.
¤ Total Afghan refugees:
Before September, 2001 - 2 million in Pakistan/1.5 million in Iran.
Since September: 110,000 more to Pakistan, 1 million more on the way or expected in Pakistan, another 500,000 into Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Internally displaced persons in Afghanistan: Before September 11 were 1 million.
¤ "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.
This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its labourers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children.... Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron."
Dwight D. Eisenhower, April 16, 1953, President of the Untied States.
¤ U.S spending on the war: $1 billion a month.( $1,000: Cost of 500-pound gravity bomb/ $80,000: Cost of 2,000-pound laser-guided bomb/ $1 million: Cost of Tomahawk cruise missile/ $30,000: Cost of average F-18/F-14 sortie) Source: The New York Times.
Booklet on active non-violence:
Pace e Bene, Franciscan centre for active non-violence, have agreed to produce a booklet on non-violence for the Franciscan Family, at the request of the JPIC animation committee. It will be a popular approach that begins and remains grounded in the life and spirit of St. Francis and traces that in today's world.
A rough outline of the booklet:
1.) Introduction 2.) Prayer - Something from Francis' writings or prayers to draw the reader into the spirit of Francis, and into his/her own centre. 3.) Stories - about 5 or so - of Francis that illustrate the elements of active non-violence and conflict resolution. A brief commentary after each would reflect on the elements illustrated in the story. 4.) Contemporary examples of active non-violence - What persons, groups are carrying on this way of Francis today - some descriptions drawn from the OFM family and the wider non-violence movement in the world today. Then reflection questions aimed at helping friars think about their own lives and ways of participating in, supporting, this growing global movement of action and consciousness. 5.) Contemporary example of Conflict resolution together with some guidelines for mediating conflict in non-violent ways. 6.) Principles and dynamics of active non-violence. It could include materials, resources and sample agendas for group reflection on non-violence. 7.) Closing Prayer.
2.)
Some reflections:
1. The rules for the Kyoto Protocol were finally agreed on in Marrakech. The political agreement has been completed. An historic turning point has taken place in environmental protection. A legally binding international agreement is in sight to reduce green house gases.
2. The IPCC commission will meet in Rome in April 2002. This is the body of scientists whose reports helped convince the politicians of the urgency to act and. that if CO2 and other green house gases were not reduced, devastating consequences will face humanity, especially the poor.
3. We need to ensure ratification of Kyoto by our governments.
4. Earth Charter: ( www.earthcharter.org ) There is a movement, backed by some very significant people and organizations, trying to get an International agreement on the environment, similar to the Human Rights Charter. It will be presented at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development ( Rio ± 10) in South Africa in September 2002.
5. U.S. Bishops Climate Change Statement, June 2001: www.usccb.org
Meeting of Members of Franciscan General Definitories in Rome:
Africa seminar: A joint initiative between the ofm JPIC office and FI Geneva to listen to the General Governments of the Franciscan Family was help on October 29, 2001 in the OFM General Curia. The concluding suggestion was for a seminar to be organized and implement in Rome for Franciscan General Councillors and representatives from African countries. Ideally, at least one representative from each General Council will participate. The Seminar will be divided into three parts: Representatives from Africa to meet and reflect, then with the General Councils and finally alone. The main aim of the Seminar is for Franciscans to look for ways to collaborate and respond to the enormous challenges. For a more detailed text contact Kristin Hiensch, an intern in Geneva at geneve@fiop.org or pax@ofm.org
Asylum seekers in Europe seminar: In the afternoon of October 29, other representatives of the Franciscan Generalates reflected on how to help asylum seekers in Europe. The principal conclusions were: Draw up a list of Franciscans who are currently working with asylum seekers, provide them with information through FI Geneva, create a task force of two or three people to investigate ways of promoting greater collaboration in each country and, finally, to publish a document with testimonies of work with asylum seekers from each of the countries. Funds will be needed for the latter suggestion to be implemented. For a more detailed text contact Kristin in Geneva at geneve@fiop.org or pax@ofm.org
Franciscans International Newsletter: A Ônew lookÕ and very flashy newsletter has been published and is available. The theme of the first publication explains what Franciscans International is, the history and the fact that is now under the sponsorship of the Conference of the Franciscan Family (CFF). For further information contact New York franintl@franciscansinternational.org or Geneva feneve@fiop.org
Support refugees: Check this page on the OFM website for information on where to send contributions to help the Pakistani friars' work with the Afghani refugees: http://www.ofm.org/01eng/news/1024NeO74.html
Ecology Course in Washington: Joe Rozansky met with Sr. Ilia Delio of the Franciscan Centres in Washington and was informed that they are offering a course on Ecology and the Christian Tradition from January 22 to May 6, 2002. It will be given by six different professors (2 sessions each), at least four of the them (Scripture, history, ethics and spirituality) are Franciscan. For more information contact Joe: jrozanskyofm@juno.com or Sr. Delia delio@wtu.edu
1. Spain/Portugal Conference ( CONFRES)
Second publication: The second publication entitled ÒAusterity in order to share: growth into Universal FraternityÓ. There are five themes: 1) Share our goods: religious life and economy. 2) Share our work, our bread and citizenship: Immigrants. 3) Share our responsibility in the church: the Laity. 4) Share our dignity: woman. 5) Share our gifts and our time: Voluntary work.
2. Mexico/Central America/ Caribean Conference
Peace petition to the Plenary Council of the Order: Alejandro Castillo wrote to the Plenary Council asking delegates to make a statement calling for world peace and a cessation of the bombing in Central Asia, similar to that make by Pope John Paul 11. He also asked them to write a letter of solidarity to the family of Digna Ochoa y Pl‡cido, a human rights worker who was murdered on October 26, 2001. For further details contact Alejandro: ofmjpic@hotmail.com
Mexico: the JPIC commission of the Franciscan Family organized an inter-religious meeting on October 4 at which they publicised their position on the attack made against the United States. This letter was written at the second meeting of the Council of the Franciscan Family held in September. On October 12 they organized a seminar on ÒReligion and the Holy warÓ. The panel was composed of a Catholic theologian, a Jewish philosopher, a specialist on Islam and a Jesuit priest. There was an excellent response from the public and the participants were enabled to more critically understand what was happening. On November 11 they held a Peace Day and on 19 and 20 of November the General Assembly of the JPIC Commission of the Franciscan Family was held with forty participants, including all the OFM Provincial animators.
Open Letter by Mexico JPIC commission: In an open letter the JPIC commission of the Franciscan Family surmise that Òthe consequences of Sept 11 will be felt principally in two areas of life in Mexico: migration and in the economy, especially affecting the poorÉ with an increase in unemploymentÉ the future is in love and pardon and not hate and exclusion and our commitment to peace, threatened by the historical persistence of hate and violence, must prevailÉÓ. For copies of the statement contact ffimex@hotmail.com
Migrants on the Guatemala/Mexico border: Roberto Carbajal JimŽnez ofm, a member of the Vice Province of San Felipe works with mostly Central American migrants who pass through Tenosique on their way to the Untied States. He coordinates his work with the migration commission of the Mexican Episcopal Conference. Roberto describes in his report to the office the difficulties and dangers faced by migrants, the response by civil and church organizations, including the generosity of the ordinary people of the parishes. For copies of the report in Spanish contact Roberto at Migranteazul@aol.com or the JPIC office.
El Salvador: JPIC Inter-Franciscan commission called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace on November 3, 2001. for copies of the accompanying letter contact: bienjpe@navegante.com.sv
3. West Slav Conference
JPIC Conference commission meeting: this meeting took place in Poznan, Tuesday November 13, with the participation of four of the five Polish Province coordinators. A last minute change of venue may have caused difficulties for some delegates. Francisco went to support the commission. Great progress in the translation of the JPIC Resource Book is reported. One of the brothers will participate in the preparatory meeting in Milan for the 2002 European Congress. A final draft of JPIC Conference Statutes will be presented to the Provincials after the February 2002 meeting. Francisco met with the friars in initial formation from the St. Francis Province and was impressed with the interest shown in JPIC issues and with the quality of the questions.
4. Central European Conference (MEFRA)
JPIC Conference Commission meeting: took place 9-11 November 2001, in Gro§kotzenburg, near Frankfurt. Three Provincial delegates from Germany, and one from Switzerland and Austria were present. Francisco came from Rome. Each Province elaborated a plan for 2002. They will draw up a Provincial coordinator job description as well as a draft proposal for Conference Statutes. Ways to distribute the new Franciscans International newsletter was discussed. The German Provinces will be encouraged to join an organization, co-founded by the Fulda Province, which gives advice on Ethical Investment. The Cologne Province at their recent Provincial Chapter agreed to join this organization. The brothers made suggestions for the European meeting.
Publications: The Conference continues to produce two excellent publications: Tauwerk, a publication similar to Contact for the Franciscan Family ( four times a year) and Tauwetter, a publication for the ongoing formation of the brothers, which takes a specific theme every time.
Markus Heinz, Conference coordinator will visit both Hungarian Provinces, as well as the Rumanian and Slovak Provinces. Francisco will accompany him. The object of the visit will be to listen to the brothers and to look for ways to connect them with the JPIC work of the Conference. They will also be invited to attend the European Congress. They hope to meet the Provincials, as well as friars in initial and ongoing formation. After the meeting some of the brothers met with members of the Franciscan Family to discuss ways to continue their collaborative work.
Reaction to the war: The commission made a public statement calling for an end to the bombing and the war in Afghanistan. For a copy of the letter in the German language contact Markus at: Markus.Heinze@t-online.de
Letters from Bethlehem/Al Isqan: Louis Bohte ofm, JPIC coordinator for the Dutch Province is in Israel on a fact finding mission along with a delegation of Dutch NGOÕs. He has sent three reports to the office. In the third report he tells us that near Bethlehem he saw burned out houses with people living in tents as well as hearing gunfire on a regular basis. He comments on the wonderful hospitality of the people. Destruction of the Palestinian economy is forcing the people to leave the country something that, he feels, is desired by Israeli politics. It is difficult for young people to have hope in the future. Louis wished to be open to all parties. It involves standing beside people who suffer and thus contribute to a diminishment in the level of violence. For copies of the letters write to Louis: LouisBohte@hetnet.nl
5. East Asia Conference (EAC)
News from Japan: Francis Yazawa, who represented the Province wrote to the office. He tells us the Province at the recent Provincial Chapter decided to continue to keep the JPIC commission. They have a rough draft of the JPIC Manual in Japanese. Job Toda is acting coordinator until another brother is appointed. Francis continues in formation work and as a Parish Priest. For more information: seta@beige.ocn.ne.jp
6. Sub-Saharan Africa Conference
Mozambique: the Custody decided to elect a secretary for JPIC. Gabriel Gutierrez, a Colombian brother, writes that the situation of injustice and poverty is lamentable. He is looking for support to do his job. The country is vast and difficult to reach remote areas . He wants to help sensitise the brothers of the Custody to JPIC issues. He will then expand his focus to the Franciscan Family to missionary areas in the countryside worked in by the brothers . He asks for suggestions to help him prepare a three year plan. muposi@yahoo.com
JPIC commissions in West Africa : In October, Joseph Leganou, wrote to all the superiors of the Franciscan Family in the Ivory Coast and Togo/Benin, inviting them to name two representatives for an inter-Franciscan JPIC commissions in both regions. He said that the Franciscan Family is a visible reality in West Africa with 12 institutes and he thinks it is now the time for greater collaboration.
Special thanks to Australia: the Australian Province have given $20,000 to enable the JPIC commission of the Sub-Saharan Conference to meet on a regular basis. This is their second major international support for JPIC work. They previously published the English version of JPIC Manuel and distributed it to all entities in Asia and Africa.
7. Holy Land and North Africa Conference(COMONA)
Israele/Palistinian conflict:
David Jaeger ofm, Custody of the Holy Land, reacting to an article about the difficult of making peace in the Holy Land made the following comment: ÒIf the President (A. Sharon) is persuaded, he can "create" public opinion in favour of a peace initiative. The problem is that he is not persuaded Ð so far - that this is to his advantage. Of course, peace is possible and the specimen treaty is all but ready. There is need for political will in Washington D.C. - and in Europe. It will not be easy, but it is certainly possible.
Violence against a group of Christian Palestinians: Fr. Arthuro Vasaturo, former JPIC coordinator for the Custody of the Holy Land, writes that on October 25, 2001 a group of young Palestinian students were attacked by a group of Jewish students while on a school trip. They were beaten and insulted while the security guards accompany the Jewish youth did not intervene. The police did not investigate the incident nor were they even interested in taking the name of the school nor identifying those responsible. The paramedics refused to treat the wounded. Later three of them were hospitalised in Houlon.
8. Bolivarian Conference.
Internally displaced in Colombia:
A member of the itinerant fraternity working among the displaced in Colombia wrote to the JPIC office. He tells us that their fraternity is trying to clarify their Franciscan mission among the displaced, whose numbers are growing and becoming impossible to deal with at a national level. Most Franciscan fraternities can no longer ignore this tragic reality. The brothers formally ask the office to encourage other lay missionaries to come and help them with their work among the displaced. As we previously informed you a lay missionary from the US is already working there. The brothers receive so many petitions from displaced communities that it is impossible for them to respond to them all. Omar reminds us again of the need for financial assistance in order to continue their work.
JPIC and the Franciscan Family in Bolivia: Twenty seven representatives of the commission met in Cochabamba earlier in the summer, with the participation of the OFM and OFM Conv. Provincials. Carmelo ofm, JPIC coordinator of the Province, presented the JPIC Manual. Following the initial presentation an analysis of the Book was done in five groups by the participants themselves. The assembly agreed that it gathers the essential elements of our charism and should be a basic formation tool for those wishing to animate JPIC. The national and Departmental commissions are responsible for making it known and encouraging the integration of these values into daily life. One of the projects for 2002 is the organization of Peace Days with the use of non-violent methodology. They also committed themselves to organize Ecological groups in each Department of the country. The next meeting will be 4-7, July 2002.
9. Southern Cone Conference
News from Chile: The JPIC Secretariat of the Holy Trinity Province in Chile celebrated an ecumenical gathering on October 27, 2001, inspired by Òthe spirit of AssisiÓ. Representatives of other Christian churches along with Muslims and Buddhists prayed together for peace. It was held in the capital Santiago in the Church of St. Francis with local church people as well as members of the Franciscan Family in attendance
10. South Slav Conference
Boze Vuleta ofm, addresses the European Provincials: Boze was asked to present the work of the Institute for Peace and Reconciliation at the October meeting of the European Provincials. Three years ago the Provincials agreed to finance the work of the Institute. Boze reported on the instituteÕs work to promote peace and reconciliation. This has principally been done through seminars and publications. Some of the books are used in Croatia schools. For a copy of the report in Italian and German write to Boze at: kultura-mira@st.tel.hr or to the JPIC Rome office.
11. SAAO Conference
Unrest in Jayapura: Budi Hernawan ofm sent reports on the continuing unrest in West Papua. The situation continues to be tense with regular skirmishes between the TNI (Indonesian Armed Forces) and the TPN/OPM (Free Papua Movement). For more details contact J.dormomo@yahoo.com
Ministers Provincials (CONFRES): In a letter to the Rome JPIC office, dated November 2, 2002, the Conference of Ministers Provincials accepted to be host to a JPIC continental meeting. The European JPIC commissions thank this generous offer. A similar offer was accepted from the Italian President a few weeks earlier. Thanks to both Conferences.
JPIC Resource Book on Internet: http://www.wtu.edu/franciscan/packs/handbook/ Now available in Italian.
Reports on the Manuel:
FI and Ecumenical Alliance (EAA):
FI has been involved with the United Nations in advocating for greater access to medication and treatment, especially in Africa, where HIV/AIDS has reached epidemic proportions. FI has undertaken an international awareness campaign with the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance. To date, 70 organizations have taken voluntary membership with the EAA in a unified ecumenical front to tackle two specific issues: economic justice (global trade) and ethics of life (HIV/AIDS). John Quigley ofm was elected to the Ecumenical Alliance Committee. On 30 November, the first international EAA campaign will be launched with worship services throughout the world. You are invited to organize prayer services to coincide with the International HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and to work with us in the future campaign. For more information contact feneve@fiop.org
New JPIC coordinators:
Other email Addresses:
Gaudentius Kustusz ofm, St. Francis, Poland: oadam@man.poznan.pl
Reu Jose Galoy, former JPIC Philippines animator, new address: spbp@the.net.ph
Klaus Finkam, Bacabal, Brazil: New code. Tel: 55- 99 - 621.1558/ Fax: 55-- 99 - 621.2443
Valuable resources:
Please send us any news, dates of upcoming JPIC meetings, comments & suggestions to:
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