Minister General's exhortation for prayer for Peace: The Minister General calls on all brothers to unite with the Pope in Assisi, January 24, in his prayer for peace with the religious leaders of the world. For a copy of the text see www.ofm.org

Invitation to participate in fasting and prayer for Peace

(Union of Major Superiors, Rome)

As leaders of Roman Catholic religious congregations of Brothers and Priests active in nearly all countries of the world, we wholeheartedly associate ourselves with the call of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, to pray and to work for peace and mutual understanding among religions. In particular, we call on the members of our religious institutes to participate fully in the Day of Fasting on December 14 and the Day of Prayer on January 24, which have been proposed by the Holy Father.
We feel especially concerned by the increase in violence and war at the present time. We unequivocally condemn all recourse to terror, which can never be justified by any motivation. True religion promotes peace, mutual understanding, reconciliation, and non-violent resolution of difficulties. We condemn any use of God's name to justify violence.
We call on our own members, on ministers of all religions, on political and economic leaders, and on people of good will to join together in decisive and united efforts, much more intensive than before, to combat poverty, injustice, and marginalization in their root causes. We recognize that these situations often lead to desperation and irrational hatred.
We call on world leaders to take every means possible to avoid using war as the way to resolve differences. We urge them to avoid the rhetoric of revenge. We call for a concerted campaign to stop the proliferation of arms.
We express our condolence and our promise of prayers to the many victims of violence and war. We commit ourselves and our members to comfort the afflicted and to serve as agents of consolation and reconciliation.

 

Vossenack Publications: the presentations given in Vossenack, 2000, have been published by the JPIC office in the Spanish and English languages. Five hundred copies in each language are available for those who participated in the Congress and for the initial and ongoing formation process of the Provinces. Please inform the office if you would like copies. The material can also be accessed on the following web site: http://www.franciscans.de/kongress/english/doc/english.pdf

http://www.franciscans.de/kongress/espanol/doc/spanish.pdf

 

Continental meetings: Continental meetings will be held in Assisi for European JPIC Provincial animators (7-12 October, 2002) and in San Luis Rey, California, (November 25-30, 2002), for those of the Americas. The JPIC International Council will meet in the same location December 1-5, 2002. Provincial Animators should have received an invitation and their Provincials a copy. Should they not have arrived please contact Cesare Azimonti c.azimonti@tin.it for Europe and Alejandro Castillo ofmjpic@hotmail.com and/or Joe Rozansky jrozanskyofm@juno.com for the Americas.

Quotes: " Let us remember that none of the issues that faced us on 10^th September has become less urgent. The number of people living on less than one dollar a day has not decreased. The numbers dying of HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other preventable diseases have not decreased. The factors that cause the desert to advance, biodiversity to be lost, and the Earth's atmosphere to warm have not decreased." UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the UN General Assembly on November 10.

 

 

The JPIC commissions of both provinces of COPEF met in Paris, 14-17 January 2002. Two members of the commission work with asylum seekers and gave reports on the current situation. Explanations of particular cases highlighted the difficulties faced by so many. Those who have had trouble with the law are automatically deported, despite living most of their lives in France, with permanent separation from immediate family and repatriation to a country foreign to them. The brothers are particularly concerned with new regulations permitting the automatic expulsion of people at the point of arrival. The asylum process can take years before a verdict is given and, in the meantime, people are not permitted to work. This often leads to them being exploited and sometimes resorting to crime in order to survive.

The commission is also interested in promoting a greater ecological consciousness. Patrice, a Belgium brother working in France, joined the commission and has agreed to help the reflective process in the Conference, emphasising global problems arising as a result of global warming.

Both commissions agreed to meet together three years ago after their respective Chapters. They have compiled a common report for their Provincial Chapters which takes place mid 2002. They also have agreed to make some proposals to their chapters to strengthen the integration of JPIC into the life and ministry of the Provinces. The need for a part time or full time person to assist the work of the commission was discussed. There is a general agreement that inter-Franciscan collaboration is vital and will become even more important in the near future.

For ongoing formation in JPIC two seminars were organized, one in November 2001 and another for March 2002. The theme is non-violence.

Francisco encouraged them to participate in the European JPIC animators meeting in Assisi next October.

 

EAC Conference meeting. February 21-24, Hong Kong.

Japan: Job Toda, JPIC coordinator of Japan wrote an open letter to our brothers in the United States on behalf of ÒJapanese Christians and members of Franciscans International of Japan,Ó sympathising with them over the tragic loss of life in September. He urged them to encourage President Bush to ratify the Kyoto protocol and Òactions that will help to curb climate change. Job added that, Òwithout international cooperation the future of the globe and its abundant life is in such danger that there is a real possibility our planet will cease to exist.Ó He mentions the immanent dangers faced by the small island states of being submerged by the rising oceans, as well an increasing number of environmental refugees. He criticises, what he believes to be, an isolationist attitude of the US government and adds that this is Òan era in which world peace and coexistence are issues that go hand in hand, and will have to be worked on together.Ó He says, that Franciscans in Japan are committed to influencing their government to ratify the Kyoto protocol. The letter is also signed by the president of the National Christian Council of Japan. For a full text of the letter write to Job at: francis@xp.wind.jp

 

Itinerant Fraternity, Colombia: Omar informs us that two Capuchin sisters will be joining the project, along with the three ofm brothers and a lay missionary from the US already working. They are interested in forming sister relationships with fraternities in other countries who could help economically with some of their projects. Any brothers interested in coming to visit, even for a brief time, are welcome. Knowing what they do and the conditions of the displaced would enable a sister relationship to develop more satisfactorily. One of the brothers, three sisters, a religious student and the lay missionary spent Christmas with people who hadnÕt seen a priest in years. The visit resulted in a follow up visit by the parish priest who, until then, had been afraid to go to this conflictive area. For further information contact: fidmed426@hotmail.com

 

West Timor: through appeals make by the office for development in conjunction with the JPIC office $30,000 US was raised for the refugee work three of our brothers are doing in Atambua, East Timor. He reported that the situation there is calm and a visit by Xanana, East Timor Leader, has invited them to return home. Many of them have decided to return home. Peter Amon, has consistently sent excellent undates on the work. The brothers have been asked to take a parish on the border between East and West Timor. They will continue to work with the refugees from there.

In December 2001 he went to Poso (Sulawes). He commented that the situation was still dangerous in and around the camps. Many people have been forced to leave their homes and experience life as displaced due to attacks by Muslim Jihad terrorists. He was elected to the Definitory and will take up a teaching post from March onward. For anyone interested in a copy of the report you can access it on the www.ofm.org

 

Chile: Just before Christmas the brothers from the JPIC commission and initial formation promoted a campaign, Ò A message of Peace for ChristmasÓ. They spent the day travelling on public transport in the capital, Santiago, inviting passengers to reflect on the message of peace. (Manuel Alvarado ofm nemas2000@hotmail.com )

 

School of Assassins SOA Watch, Fort Benning, GA 16-18 November 2001: Jim Hoffman ofm, Sacred Heart JPIC animator, informed the office that more than 8,000 people marched four abreast up to the main gate, placed their cross or banner on the chain link fence of Fort Benning and returned. They were protesting the training that thousands of Latin American soldiers receive at this instillation many of whom have been responsible for gross human rights violations in their countries. The city of Columbus banned the normal funeral process and any gathering on the main road leading to the main gate. SOA WATCH appealed the cityÕs ruling in federal court and won, despite the fact that the judge was the same one who sentenced 26 of last yearÕs protesters to six months in a federal prison, including an 85 year old religious woman. He ruled that the cityÕs attempt to stop the procession Òwould be denying the SOA WATCH participants their first amendment rights.Ó

Jim comments that the participants were mostly young people and according to Minister General we need to be where the young are. There were only 7 Franciscan Friars present this year.

England: Seamus Mulholland ofm, reports that the Franciscan Forum for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation which we set up at the Franciscan Study Centre in Canterbury is working very well. Franciscans, politicians and other qualified people have reflected on themes relating to JPIC, refugees and Globalisation.

 

International fraternity dedicated to Ecological issues. Brothers from the San Benedict Province are reflecting on the possibility of having an international JPIC fraternity dedicated to ecological issues. With so many people exploiting the natural resources of the Amazon for financial gain they feel a Franciscan counter proposal is needed. They invite reflection and ideas. The fraternity could be make up of brothers already with Ecological expertise or those open to learning. Those interested in the idea could contact Johannes Bahlmann ofm, freijohannes@hotmail.com

 

Hungry: Brothers call to prayer for world Peace. Jakab V‡rnai OFM, Minister Provincial, informed the JPIC office of a Franciscan initiative to organize a "Prayer for Peace" in the City of Szeged in southern Hungary. It took place at the end of November, 2001. The National theatre of Szeged welcomed about 700 people representing major world religions. The local community of the Province of St. John Capistran helped organize the event.

 

 

Animation Committee meeting: February 1-5, Rome.

 

Tragedy in Geneva: One of the young interns in the FI Geneva Office, Steven Gimbl, from New Jersey, was killed in a skiing accident in mid January. We extend our sympathies and prayers to his family and the staff in Geneva.

 

Pax Chisti USA Peace Award: Louis Vitale, ofm, former Minister Provincial of Santa Barbara Province, was given this recognition in November, 2001 in Colombus, USA. Congratulations.

 

Ethical Investment: Information, mostly in the English language, on other CongregationÕs Responsible Investing policies , decisions made at General Chapters etc., is available from the JPIC office. Francisco prepared a report for the General Definitory in the ongoing reflection process on what Franciscans at the local, provincial and general levels might do to bring their economic policies in line with the stated mission goals of the entities.

 

Missionary support for Indigenous community: Fernando Figueredo ofm, asks the JPIC office to highlight the situation faced by the Inga Community, in the north west of the Department of Putumayo. ÒPlan ColombiaÓ, supported by the United States, with the stated objective of combating the drug trade, is having detrimental affects: resulting in forced displacement, sickness and ecological destruction. The Inga community feel particularly vulnerable.

Brothers from the San Pablo province have worked with this community since 1994. They help the formation of young indigenous with an Ethnic-educational (bi-lingual) project, helping them express their way of seeing the world and of presenting their own proposals for social, political, economic and cultural organisation.

The brothers would welcome any religious or lay missionary willing to work with them and the people. An international presence gives a certain security to the people. The type of work and duration could be worked out with the local fraternity. Should anyone be interested or require more information please contact the JPIC office at pax@ofm.org. The Franciscan Mission Service is willing to train and support interested and suitable candidates willing to work with OFM brothers accompanying refugees and displaced peoples. The above mentioned is an example of one of these projects. Direct contact with the brothers and the community at: yunguillo1@latinmail.com

 

Appeals by FI:

1) FI call upon the Government of Indonesia to protect Christians and other religious minorities in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. According to Franciscan friars in Indonesia Laskar Jihad destroyed entire villages resulting in the forced displacement of thousands. FI made their appeal, in December 2001, at a time many other villages were under immanent attack from militia, estimated to number 1000 men. FI called on the Government; to protect the people and Òassume full responsibility with respect to their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian lawÉÓ; provide adequate relief to those displaced and Òsupport the Bishop of Manado in his call for the Government of Indonesia to disarm and disband all extremist militia groups, such as Lascar Jihad, and disarm the local people.Ó The Indonesian Government replied to FI and a follow up meeting with the Government delegation is planned. For a full text of the letter and reply contact Chris Duckett (FI Intern) at: duckett@fiop.org

2) Franciscans International also wrote to the Indonesian Government expressing grave concern by the politically motivated murder of Mr. Theys Hiyo Eluay, Papuan community leader, on 10 November 2001. The integration of Papua Ð a former Dutch colony - into the Unitary State of Indonesia took place in 1969. This event utterly failed to adequately address the concerns of the Papuans, a people that have since suffered gross and flagrant violations of their human rights and fundamental freedoms by the Government of Indonesia. The Government of Indonesia has embarked upon a long-term campaign of extra-judicial executions, violence against women, torture, arbitrary detention, intimidation, harassment against the Papuan people. The Inquiry Team on Human Rights Abuses (KPP HAM), established by the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) in February 2001, concluded that these gross violations of the Papuan peopleÕs human rights constituted crimes against humanity.

 

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, French and German.

10^th Anniversary of Peace Accords in El Salvador: for a copy of the report in Spanish contact Carlos Torres ofm at bienjpe@navegante.com.sv

Germany: Mission Central Press-Declaration on weakening of International law.

The over reaction on the terror-attacks of September 11 in the USA has weakened and violated human rights, the rights of citizens as well as international lawÉ The reactions of the world-wide Òalliance against terrorismÓ have led in many member countries of the alliance to a dangerous restriction of human and civil rights... Just to mention the ongoing discussion in Great Britain to withdraw from the obligations of the European Human Rights-Convention (EHRC), the tightening of the rights of asylum seekers and foreigners in the planned anti terrororism laws of the Federal government of Germany, the far-reaching measures within the framework of the acquisition and storage of personal data by the Federal Bureau of Criminal Investigation and by the Federal Agency for Internal Security as well as the amendments of the passport lawsÉ

It is extremely doubtful, whether the use of military force through the USA and its allies is covered by international law. Instead of strengthening the fragile international law based on the outlawing of war, the return to war represents a heavy setback for the future development of the United Nations. So far it is not foreseeable whether the USA especially as the main actor in this military intervention would in future be ready to allow its actions to be judged by the standards of international law and the statutes of the International Criminal Court (ICC). (for copy of text signed by 16 NGOÕs): herbst@missionszentrale.de)

 

Useful Information:

Human Rights Watch warned Anti-Terror Campaign Cloaking Human Rights Abuse New Global Survey Finds Crackdown on Civil Liberties at: http://hrw.org/wr2k2/.

Resources for reflection on Peace: www.acpp.org.

"Educating for a Sustainable Future". UNESCO has developed a multimedia teacher education programme. The pilot version (English) of the programme, is available online at http://www.unesco.org/education/tlsf Eventually it will be available in several languages.

90 second slide show on debt (power point) http://www.jdc-web.org.uk/slideshow.htm

ZENIT - The World Seen From Rome ( 6 languages): www.zenit.org

Islam (Spanish) at http://www.webislam.com/ 

Information and reflections from Churches on current issues (English): http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/behindthenews.

 

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