Contact
No.
8, November 2002
Newsletter of the OFM International Council for
Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation
(Prepared by the JPIC Office in Rome)
Special
JPIC Africa meeting
Nairobi, Kenya, Sept
16-20, 2002
Introcuction: Brothers representing several entities of the Sub-Saharan Conference
attended; South Africa,
Mosambique, Zimbabwe, West Africa and East Africa. Also present were Chris
Duckett, FI Geneva, and Francisco O Conaire ofm from Rome. Each of the entities gave a short
report, followed by questions and commentaries. A day was spent examining the role of the JPIC animator,
especilly in the context of formation, parishes and evangelization. An update
was given on the JPIC resources available, including the JPIC Resource Book and
ways to incorporate it into the formation processes, with very good ideas
shared by South Africa. Most of the speakers invited to address the commission
were women. The final evaluation
was very positive. The themes were informative and the Conference comission is getting stronger. Communications
continue to be a major difficulty, hindered by poverty and languages. However,
a suggestion to promote the study of languages, especially French and English,
might help to resolve these problems. Regret was expresed at the absence of
some of the entities representatives. Thanks were expressed to the Austrialian
Province whose financial assistance made the meeting possible.
This edition of Contact will
give some information on the most important points discussed: (i) The African Reality (ii) Franciscans
International (iii) JPIC as an
integral part of our charism (iv) Overview of the HIV/AIDS
Epidemic in Kenya (v) JoÕburg and
the Sumit on Sustainable Development (vi) Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) (vii)
JPIC and Structural change (viii) Proposals for the General Chapter.
African
Reality: An overview of some of the major issues in the
Sub-Sahara and the challenges
facing Franciscans in the next five years was given by Anthony Njui, a layman
and a member of the Kenyan Episcopal JPIC commission. He gave a brief
background explaination to the
problems; globalization has opened
the floodgates to ruthless competition favouring investors, mounting foreign
debt, a legacy of the cold war, corrupt puppet leaders, and the imposition of
Structural Adjustment Policies by the IMF. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the West has disengaged
itself from Africa, leaving unimaginable suffering due to civil wars and tribal conflicts in itÕs
wake.
Anthony highlighted five areas of
concern and challenge: HIV/AIDS, Accelerating Poverty, Weak Governance
and Democratic structures, conflicts and land/environmental issues.
To take stock of the challenges
he reminded us that between 30-50% of the populations are living below the
poverty line with a growing division between the rich and poor, unemployment and spiraling crime.
State corruption is rampant. According to one African leader the Contintent has
lost $140 billion to corrupt leaders since independence and 40% of the ContinentÕs
savings are deposited in foreign banks, compaired to 4% by Asian and 7% by
Latin American leaders. The
colonial division of countries with scant regard for ethnic and cultural
differences has been a contributing factor to conflict. Internal conflicts have
escalated since the 80Õs in large part due to outside interference, motivated
by the desire to exploit vast deposits of mineral resources. Water and land
will be focuses for conflict in the future. Finally, Anthony challanged the Franciscans with a number of
questions: Do you have a
stragegy to deal with these grave problems? Do
you have a policy paper on HIV/AIDS and poverty? What advocacy role can
Franciscans play in favour of Africa?
Franciscans
International: Chris Ducket gave a persentation on
Franciscans International using examples on how FI took up and followed through
with (advocacy) requests brought to them by the Franciscan Family, particularly
in West Papua and Vieques Island in Puerto Rico. When Franciscans make an appeal for help to FI, especially
when their members are in danger, FI set a process in motion to get an appeal
out to as many Franciscans as possible, to members of Government delegations based in Geneva, to the
press and other partner organizations.
It takes time, a lot of energy and expense to insure the information is
correct and to give a professional response. When the immediate action is over,
a planned and a well organized follow-up needs to happen, usually by
encouraging Franciscans to come to the Human Rights Commission meeting in
Geneva. This annual meeting provides an opening for Franciscans to present
their case to Governments, meet diplomats and members of other NGOÕs working on
similar issues, as well as to get to know the staff in FI. These meetings are set up by FI
staff. Chris emphasised the desire
to have representatives from East and South Africa at the Human Rights
Commission meeting in 2003. For a copy of the talk contact Chirs at: duckett@fiop.org
We were joined in this session by
Sr. Mary Francis, a Franciscan, who will work one day a week in the FI office in Nairobi. She is actively
engaged in social justice issues; community building and now with training monitors in order to mitigate
electoral violence.
JPIC and integral part of our
charism: Francisco introduced the reflection by asking the
questions: What is JPIC? What is JPIC animation? What is the
spirituality of animation? Then he shared ideas on the themes of JPIC in parish
ministry, JPIC in the fraternity and spoke about the JPIC resources
available.
Some responses to the
questions:
1. What
is JPIC?:
v It is a way of life. ItÕs an integral part of evangelization and a way of being in solidarity with others in their struggles.
v ItÕs Kingdom Spirituality Ð a perspective on life and ministry. When the vision of the Church and the Order is one of being at the service of the Kingdom, JPIC is accepted as integral to itÕs mission. When the vision of church is self serving , JPIC makes no sense.
v ItÕs the political dimension of our faith Ð the prophetic dimension of the gospel and of every baptised person. To say and do nothing is a political statement.
2.
What is JPIC animation?:
v ItÕs about getting people to meet and reflect on their lives and on the reality around them (local and global) from a gospel and Franciscan perspective using the ÒSee-Judge-ActÓ method.
v It is about showing how to integrate JPIC into our lives.
v It is also about supporting brothers in ministries with a greater emphasis on the social dimension of the gospel.
v It is about helping people ask the questions: What? Why? How? What is happening in our world? Why is it becoming more ecologically devastated?
v It is about helping the poor locally and working with others who have similar objectives.
v Forming critical conscience: Question the structures and find out what is behind the news.
v It is about what happens in our fraternities and not just in our ministries.
v It is about acting justly, loving tenderly and walking humbly with God. ( Hosea)
v It is about helping people to read the signs of the times, to be compassionate and try to help those in need, responding to their immediate necessities, as well as working to influence the policies at the local and international levels that cause poverty and exclusion.
3. Spirituality of JPIC animation: The article used by Francisco for the Vossenack meeting was the basis for this reflection. It can be accessed at: http://www.ofm-jpic.org/congress2000/english/035_039_en.pdf
4. Reflection on the following themes was based on material given in Vossenack: i) JPIC in Fraternity : http://www.ofm-jpic.org/congress2000/english/150_154_en.pdf: ii) JPIC in Formation: http://www.ofmjpic.org/congress2000/english/143_149_en.pdf: iii) JPIC in Parishes: http://www.ofm-jpic.org/handbook/english/ENGLISH03A4.pdf
5. JPIC Formation Resources: Most of the resources are now available on the an additional web page set up by the JPIC office at: www.ofm-jpic.org
Overview of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Kenya: This talk was given by Dr. Margaret Ogola, a medical doctor, who works for the Episcopal Conference and for an orphanage with children infected by the disease. She is a mother and a committed Christian who spoke excellently, giving her professional understand, as well as the pastoral dimensions relating to the problem. The following are some of the important points she raised:
1. The worst repercussions of the epidemic are still hidden.
2. Epidemiologists believe the epidemic is starting to plateau ( 1 million orphans: on the edge of the extended family; problems for them to inherit land).
3. Unravelling delicate health system: 40-50% beds occupied, expense of HAARTÕs (Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy).
4. Epidemic Acquiring a Òfemale faceÓ with consequences:
v Women between 15 Ð24 years are three times more likely to be infected than men.
v Older men look for younger women.
v Male/female imbalance
v An increase in children born with HIV/AIDS and orphans
v Breadwinners (women) are dying.
5. HIV and Culture: Jettisoning positive values ( abstinence before marriage, stable families, extended families, communal sense of destiny) of African culture and retaining many negative ones ( wife inheritance, widow cleansing, Female Genital Mutilation, violence towards weak).
6. Church and Prophylaxis: The Church is the principal organization working to overcome HIV/AIDS in Africa. They get bogged down on the ÒcondomÓ issue. Some scientific points need to be taken on board: Abstinence might be okay for Òfinite yearsÓ (those with a couple of years of life left) but it is not a realistic long-term solution (for those who are in treatment and live longer). Abstinence must still be preached to those who are HIV negative and the condom may not be a viable solution. Sex is not necessary for life, but is an integral part of most peopleÕs relationships. There is a serious problem concerning re-infection, of those already infected, with new strains of the virus (mutants). Therefore, for those who are positive there is a need to avoid mixing seminal and vaginal fluids.
7. Pastoral Care of the sick: Chances of a woman infecting a man is 1 in 1000, where the chances of a man infecting a woman is 1 in 100! Risks of infection are low unless there exists trauma to genetalia. There is a need to cure Sexually Transmitted Diseases. HIV cannot be transmitted by touch. Dr was scandalized by a priest who administers the Sacrament of the sick with gloves!
8. Voluntary Counselling and Testing: Church leaders need to give the example and be voluntarily tested. We need to break the taboo. HIV is not a statement on anyoneÕs morals Ð so many children are infected. Voluntary testing indicates that I have accepted HIV as a disease and not a curse.
9. Reaction by the brothers: Many friars are working to overcome this pandemic. They need to be supported. We need to promote reflection on the subject. The JPIC commission asked the Provincials to sign a letter directed to the brothers of the Order outlining the problem and asking for reflection and assistance for Africa, where the pandemic is having itÕs most devastating consequences.
A. Situate JoÕburg:
1992-2002.
Rio (1992):
v Hopes were high for a concerted effort to deal with worldÕs problems: Berlin wall comes down, military spending to be invested in eradicating poverty and tackling environmental problems.
v The focus was on ecology with the drafting of the Rio +10 Agenda.
v Then in 1995 the birth of the WTO (Marrakech) Ð outside the UN system, text of 20,000 pages containing rules on trade and no real commitment to eradicate poverty, promote the environment and development. (Uruguay Round).
v Hugh growth in world economy, particularly growth of TNCÕs.
v Aid strategy of 0.7% as agreed on at Rio is not met and is even reduced. USA gives 0.01% of GDP. Governments forced by IMF to reduce investment in development projects ( health and education).
v Simultaneously, along with drop in aid comes the growth in private sector investment in developing world.
v Many of the promises were broken and an eco-sustainable route was not taken.
v Over the last 10 years a recognition grew that environment needs to be closely linked to development and to the eradication of poverty.
v A single super power emerged as well as powerful financial and corporate groups, with weaker trade unions and civil society.
45,000 delegates attended. When it opened on August 26, Chinese workers were scrambling to contain the surging Yangtze River, and Czech police recovered the 16th body from floods that had ravaged the country - two events that many have linked to climate change. As delegates packed their bags, millions of Muscovites were advised to stay indoors as thick smog from forest fires engulfed the city.
Church delegations: The Vatican had several delegates, led by Bishop Renato Martino, a secular Franciscan. He has been nominated since then as the new head of the Pontifical Commission for Justice and Peace. Many religious congregations sent delegates. There were several informal meetings, but no coordinated Church voice. A sister of Mercy, a member of the World Council of Churches delegation said that she was there to bring Òa moral and ethical dimension to the discussionÓ
Franciscan Family: The local OFM Franciscan province was
represented by Vumile Nogemare ofm (Minister Provincial), Teddy Lennon ofm,
Sub-Saharan JPIC coordinator and three other brothers; Sr. Florence of FI, New
York and two other sisters; three lay people and some OFM CapÕs. The Franciscan
delegates visited some local projects and events. A Mass was celebrated in
Evaton, a parish run by Franciscans,
by Bishop Paul Khoarai, representing the South African Bishops at the
Summit. He encouraged people to become involved in development and implement
projects locally. They visited an ecological project in Orange Farm.
Sr.
Roxanne Schares SSND and Teddy Lennon ofm shared (at the OFM JPIC meeting in
Kenya) their reflections on the Summit. They said it was:
v an experience of opportunities to collect much information and hear many speakers on various topics, particularly the five themes highlighted: WEHAB - Water and Sanitation, Energy, Health, Agriculture and Biodiversity, and much about eradication of poverty
v
a challenge and struggle some days to stand in long lines for a
few hours to get the passes to get into the convention centre, and then to get
tickets to get into plenary sessions. Major groups/NGOs were really angry about
this limitation of entry and participation. It also seemed to many that
business groups were able to get into contact groups which influenced the
working document, but NGOs were not allowed; many sessions were closed. People
were impressed by Robert Swan who made a commitment in Rio. He organized with
people from every background and race the removal of 1000 tons of waste from a
scientific base in Bellings-hausen on the Antarctic Peninsula. He is now
supporting South AfricaÕs ÒLove-LifeÓ project; to fight AIDS. The moral of this story is that everyone can
do something, no matter how small, to make a difference.
v
an opportunity to listen: Fr. Albert
Nolan, OP, the homilist for a special Eucharistic Celebration for the occasion
of the Summit on 1st September, said that so many voices, a variety of voices -
of advocacy; of the poor, of the not-so-poor, of the rich, even of the
obscenely rich; of different cultures and spiritual traditions; of mother
nature. But something else needs to be done as well - listening. Listening is
crucial, an important part of the solution. The temptation is to listen to only
what we want, to our own voice...This is the time to listen ... to the whole of
earth - human and non-human, for God is speaking.
In formally agreeing the text, delegates of almost 200 nations applauded for just 10 seconds. Reason: Too weak a plan to tackle global problems.
What happened at the Summit?
v Abdication of politics. An attack on the heart of multi-lateralism made by US delegation. Since 1971(Stockholm) over 300 International agreements have been made to regulate the international community on many issues of common concern ( e.g. water, air etc).
v Effort were made to give more importance to the WTO by prioritising Trade agreements. Thanks to a last minute intervention by an Ethiopian delegate this proposal was resisted.
v
Resources: USA/OPEC/77
blocked a proposal made by Brazil and supported by the EU to have 10% of the
worldÕs energy produced by renewable energy (solar and wind power) by
2010. The final document only
urges a ÒsubstantialÓ increase. The EU committed itself to increase renewable
energy.
v
Bush was one of the few major leaders
not to attend.
v
US Plan: Roll back Rio
agreements. One of the most
important agreed-on principles which was called into question was that the
North had more responsibility to solve the worldÕs environmental problems
because they had caused most of them. (e.g. climate change). Bush always insists that the South has
equal responsibility.
v
But: Some believe that the USA failed to impose a unilateralist system
on the world by systematically obstructing proceedings (300 USA delegates) Ð at
least for now! The Conference ended by renewing commitment to the Rio agreements
Ð common but differentiated responsibilities. On the last day the US gave their interpretation - they
would not agree to implement what endangered their economy (way of life). They reminded delegates that the
65-page plan was not legally binding - Washington insisted it cannot bind the
American people to vague goals. Bush Senior declared in Rio that he would
Òdefend the American way of lifeÓ.
C. What was achieved?
v Governments have been given a warning. The planet is in crisis (Green peace)
v Bright Spot: The agreed goal in the final document, the plan of implementation, is to help half a billion world citizens to a proper sewage system and fresh water within 15 years, minimising harmful effects from chemicals by 2020; plans to safeguard world fish stocks. Globally, 1.1 billion people lack access to clean drinking water and 2.4 billion people do not have adequate sanitation.
v The notion of ÒpartnershipÓ was advanced in the official texts. Kofi Annan recognized the valuable contributions made by civil society on such issues as debt relief and on the international criminal court.
v With the depletion of resources (e.g. water/oil) and with increased demand, the likelihood of war increases. A reflection is developing on the link between Òenvironmental securityÓ and ÒpeacemakingÓ.
v Summit did not collapse in acrimony. Keeps door open for dialogue between rich and poor and between polluters and environmentalists.
v A greater sense of urgency about pollution of the planet and the plight of the poorer people.
v Environmental issues are back on the public and political radar screen (Director Green peace).
v
Mounting evidence of a looming world
water crisis, stemming from rising consumption, inefficient use, pollution,
changing weather patterns, and invasive species.
v Òwithout the NGOs shouting as loud as they have done, we might not even have got what we did," (Robert Watson, chief scientist at the World Bank.)
v
United States unveiled dozens of
projects with business which aim to clean up the planet, including $970 million
to help provide fresh water to the Third World. (US were accused of putting
obstacles in the way of new targets to half poverty by 2015.)
Failures?
v To win a strong blueprint to fight poverty.
v Lack of targets in the Action plan.
v The only mention of the words "human rights" was deleted.
v Governments were trying to shirk responsibility by involving businesses. (World Wildlife Fund)
v Little fresh cash. Current aid from rich nations totals about $54 billion a year - $67 from each of their citizens. The United Nations reckons goals like halving poverty by 2015 could be solved if aid was doubled.
v Citizens in some countries are not requiring leaders do the right thing. (Friends of the Earth International).
v A wake up call for NGOÕs: governments and big business had sidelined them.
Recommendations:
v Franciscans present were impressed by a booklet circulated by Green Peace entitled Òwhy are you here?Ó. It made the following important points: in order to implement agreed upon decisions we need (i) targets and time frames Ð what is the objective? How will it be met and by whom (ii) Means of implementation and financial resources Ð what are the tools and delivery mechanisms? How much money is needed and who will provide it? (iii) Institutional requirements Ð who is tasked with the implementation of the target? (iv) monitoring and evaluation systems Ð How will governments and international institutions monitor whether targets are being met?
v What can Franciscans do locally? Ð we must become the change we want for the World: (i) document what is taking place locally (ii) research in local areas to get facts on: water and sanitation, energy, health, agricultural production, biodiversity and ecosystem management (iii) compile the information on the extent of AIDS (iv) contact people in our localities concerned with these issues (v) share knowledge (vi) take one step at a time, using the scheme proposed by Green Peace.
v A change in strategy by the Green movement is needed to wield more clout at future summits.
v Need to influence public opinion.
v The World Bank - a traditional foe of the NGO community - said the activists had a bigger impact than they think.
v Business cannot be ignored. Strategic alliances between NGOÕs and industry needs to be developed. (Green peace)
v Churches need to become organized, professional, informed, and more vocal.
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KEY POINTS AGREED * WATER/SANITATION. Agreed to halve the proportion of people without access to proper sanitation by 2015, a goal Washington had resisted. This complements a previous goal of halving proportion of people without access to clean drinking water by 2015. * ENERGY. Agreed to take action to improve access to affordable energy but failed to agree on specific targets to increase share of world energy produced from renewable "green" sources such as solar or wind power. EU was in favour of targets, but United States and oil producing countries refused to budge. * FISH. Agreed to restore depleted fish stocks by 2015 at the latest, recognising oceans are essential to ecosystem and a critical source of food, especially in poor countries. * CHEMICALS. Agreed that by 2020 chemicals will be made and used in ways to minimise severe harmful impact on humans and the environment. Sound management of hazardous waste will be promoted. * HEALTH. Agreed a World Trade Organisation accord on patents should not prevent poor countries providing AIDS drugs medicines for all who are HIV positive. * WOMEN. They agreed that access to healthcare should be consistent with basic human rights as well as religious and cultural values. * AID. Substantial increases in aid was needed for poor countries to meet agreed development goals. Rich countries were urged to give 0.7 percent of national income, a target first set in 1970. Only five countries have reached that level. * GLOBALISATION. Plan acknowledges globalisation has both good and bad sides. While it offers great opportunities for growth of the world economy and better living standards, poor countries face special difficulties and should be included. * TRADE. Bolsters trade and environment without saying that World Trade Organisation rules override global environmental treaties. Seen as victory for environmental groups who feared deals such Kyoto Protocol could be undermined. Wealthy countries reaffirmed will to lower trade-distorting subsidies. * BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY. Agreed to cut significantly by 2010 the rate at which rare animals and plants are becoming extinct. * GOVERNANCE. Recognise good governance nationally and internationally is essential for sustainable development. Rich states wanted aid tied to less corruption and more democracy. * STRATEGIES. Countries agreed to initiate strategies to preserve resources for future generations by 2005. * POVERTY. Agreed to establish a solidarity fund to eliminate poverty, "the greatest global challenge facing the world today". They stressed that contributions to provide funds are voluntary. * PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH. Reaffirmed principle to act to protect the environment even if evidence of potential future damage to Earth's ecosystem is not conclusive. * COMMON BUT DIFFERENTIATED RESPONSIBILITY - Reaffirmed all nations must try and save planet but rich countries are expected to shoulder more of the financial burden than poor nations. |
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Challenge for Religious:
What does the Earth Summit say to us, religious women and men, and what must we do now?
1. The theme of Sustainability is centre stage. Natural resources are disappearing faster that they are being replenished. Poverty is increasing. What does ÒsustainabilityÓ mean for us religious men and women? How can we live and promote sustainability? What challenges does environmental destruction pose to us and our life-style? How can we contribute to the ÒlobbyÓ for good?
2. Nonviolence is about promoting and restoring Òright relationshipsÓ within oneself, in oneÕs community, with others and with all of creation. Is there a link between the theme of nonviolence and sustainability? Can both these themes be worked together to bring about a greater involvement by religious in the struggle for the survival of life on the planet?
Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN): Sr Begonia Inarra, a Missionary Sister of Africa, introduced AEFJN to the delegates. It was founded in 1988 by the Major Superiors of Congregations working in Africa, with the objective of bringing structural changes there into line with the gospel. They have a secretariat in Brussels which prepares research papers and lobbies the EU on issues affecting Africa: Trade, International Debt, Trafficking in women and children, child soldiers, etc. They have groups (antennae) in most European countries made up of religious and friends from these congregations. Each country organizes itself and chooses the themes they wish to work on. They also have groups in many African countries; in Cameroon they work on the issue relating to an oil pipeline between Chad and Northern Cameroon, in the Ivory Coast they work on access to medicines, and in Mozambique on promoting the culture of peace. The AEFJN asked the Franciscans to consider joining. The General Definitory in late 2001 agreed to join, but wished to consult the entities in Africa first. The Conference of Provincial Ministers then consulted with their entities. The following entities have agreed to join: South Africa, Mosambique and Zimbabwe. The East Africa Province and the Democratic Republic of Congo are still in the process of deciding. The General Government will pay half the membership fee (1.5 Euro for each friar) and each of the entities will provide the other half.
JPIC Office and Structural changes: the JPIC Conference Commission agree with the proposal made by the Presidents of the Conferences of the Order in Rome, May 2002, that the JPIC office should remain as it is, an independent office, and that itÕs animation work be done in coordination with both the Secretariat for Evangelisation and the Secretariat for Formation and Studies.
Proposals for General Chapter by the Sub-Saharan
JPIC Commission:
1. The General
Chapter strongly invites each Friar Minor to commit or recommit himself to Gospel Nonviolence as Francis and Clare
embodied it. It is a way of life which cultivates right relationships with
God, within himself, in his fraternity, with others and with all creation.
Friars Minor should live in
"environmentally sustainable fraternities" and give an effective
counter sign as contemplative missionaries to a culture that adopted the values
of the market economy. They
will do so by working in solidarity with the excluded of our world, for peace,
human rights and dignity for all. This
is the way of respecting the sacred in each human being as Francis has shown us.
2.
During the sexennial 2003-2009 the
General Definitory will elaborate an ethical investment policy for the Order,
in collaboration with the Provinces and the Conferences, to take effect before
the next General Chapter.
Sub-Saharan JPIC commission
members: Teddy Lennon (lenjus@yebo.co.za), Gabriel Gutierrez (muposi@yahoo.com), Eugene Barrett (ebarrett@mweb.co.zw), Joseph Legonou (paroisse.hanoucope@ids.tg),
Joe Ehrhardt (joemasumbuko@yahoo.com).
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