Contact
No.10, December 2002
Newsletter of the OFM International Council for
Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation
(Prepared by the JPIC Office in Rome)
Pan-American JPIC Congress.
San Luis Rey, California, 24-31 November 2002
Extracts from the Minister GeneralÕs letter to the Congress.
1. The gathering is the third in a series of Continental meetings in 2002.
2. The fact that brothers from the all over America are assembled is Òa sign of hope that the divisions created by social, cultural and economic factors, as well as by national borders, can be overcome in the light of gospel valuesÉÓ.
3. ÒIt is impossible to reflect on gospel responses unless we open our eyes to the worldÉdiscovering the goodÉ and to the dehumanizing structures that affect the vast majorityÉÓ
4. ÒOne of the signs of hope is the growing unease with globalization in its present formÉÓ Pope John Paul call(s) for a Òglobalization of solidarityÓ. It is a challenge to Òthe unsustainable lifestyle of many in the North. It is a call to simplicity, austerity and an ecological conversionÉIt is a call to be poor and to live among the poorÓ.
5. Bro Giacomo proposing six challenges (Contemplation in Action; Collaborative Ministry in the fraternity and the world; Violence, Human Rights and Peacemaking; Internally Displaced and Migrants; Integrity of Creation and Prophecy) asks ÒWhat does ÒcontemplationÓ mean in the context of JPIC?...To be contemplatives in action means to be ÒlistenersÓ sensitive to the signs of the times, recognizing the movement of GodÕs Holy Spirit in the poor, in the events of the world, and in Creation, as well as in our own daily labour in favour of a more just and peaceful world.
6. ÒÉJPIC animation must be promoted within the fraternity as well as within pastoral ministries.Ó The Minister General emphasizes that Òour ultimate goal is to help generate Òright relationshipsÓ for each friar, in each fraternity, with others and with creationÓ and that each JPIC animator has Òa particular responsibility to incarnate these valuesÉÓ This must be done Òby working in collaboration with the entire Franciscan Family, with Franciscans InternationalÉwith all men and women of good willÉÓ
7. Bro. Giacomo states that Òthe proclamation of peace is fundamental to our evangelizationÓ and asks, ÒDo we understand and appreciate the tradition of gospel nonviolence and conflict resolution?
8. With regard to the implementation of the General Chapter resolution on refuges and internally displaced he recognizes that Òto date we have not been very successfulÉyet the challenge of people fleeing the land to cities and to other countriesÉcontinues to be a serious problem on the continent.Ó ÒUnless the causesÉ are addressed there is no long-term solutionÓ. They need to be addressed by Òquestioning the negative aspects of the market economy, by influencing politicians, drawing on the social teachings of the Church, to promote economic policies favorable to the dignity of the poor and by not leaving it to corporate lobbies to dictate the agenda.Ó
9. Another question Bro. Giacomo asks is: ÒWhat do we need to do to so that our fraternities are environmentally sustainable?Ó He gives some indication by saying that Franciscans need to Òlive in harmony with Creation and to work for legal structuresÉto guarantee the protection of the EarthÕs eco-system.
10. Remembering his visit to Guatemala in 1998 for the UCLAF the Minister General recognizes that Latin America Òhas been blessed with recent prophets and martyrs, most notably Mons. Romero (El Salvador) and Mons. Gerardi of GuatemalaÉThe prophet works for justice and peace, loves and defends truth, and works for the reconciliation of all men and women, not only by calling for pardon and reconciliation during conflict and re-establishing harmony after war, but by making sure the causes of conflict are addressedÓ
11. He concludes by wishing that the gathering become a blessing for the Order and that he awaits the Òconclusions and proposalsÓ.
Overview of the meeting:
Around Sixty brothers (and one sister, Donna, JPIC animator for the St. John the Baptist Province), JPIC animators and support staff from the OFM entities North, Central and South America met in Mission San Luis Rey, 24-31 November, 2002 for the first JPIC Pan- American Congress of the Continent. It was the third in the series for 2002, arising out of an agreement made at the International Congress in Vossenack, October 2000. The 15 members of the JPIC International Council also participated. It is hoped that the brothers from the Asia will meet in 2003, possibly for an ongoing JPIC formation course to take place in the Philippines.
The participants were welcomed by Bro. Peter Schorr ofm, Director of the Rome JPIC office and both Ministers Provincial from California: Bro. Finian McGinn ofm, Santa Barbara and Bro. Ignacio Muro, Blessed Junipero Sierra. Also attending, Gerald Moore OFM (Def. Gen.) and John Vaughn OFM (Ex-Min. Gen.).
The overall objective of the meeting was to ensure that JPIC continues to be incorporated into the life and ministry of the Order. The specific objectives were to:
Francisco O Conaire ofm shared on the implementation of the 21 Vosseanack proposals and emphasized that nearly all of them had been worked on with significant success, despite being so numerous. A plenary session was held to discuss the work taking place in the Conferences, which temporarily got sidetracked onto the theme of the impending war in Iraq. Some of the brothers from the USA shared what Franciscans are doing, emphasizing a letter sent to President Bush and Prime Minister Blaire, to prevent war and ensure their government respect the United Nations arbitration.
Key note talks:
1. There were two keynote talks; one by Dr. Kenneth Weare on ÒGlobalization and the economic challenges in the context of the Free Trade AgreementÓ, and the other by Bro. Manual Arnaut ofm, Provincial of the Holy Gospel Province, Mexico on the ÒThree Temptations for the Church in AmericaÓ using Mexico as an example. Most people agree that Globalization is the biggest challenge facing us today. Many of the professional classes are enjoying the benefits while the majority is experiencing increased impoverishment. Pope John Paul in the document ÒChurch in AmericaÓ says that globalization has to be analyzed from the perspective of dignity for all and solidarity with the poor. The promotion of Kingdom values implies that we strive to ensure that all people have the basic necessities to live a dignified life.
2. Bro. Manuel, analyzing the Mexican BishopÕs document ÒFrom an encounter with Jesus Christ to solidarity with allÓ, thinks that the churchÕs response to the chaos caused by globalization has been defensive, influenced by neo-conservative attitues. The second temptation is catagorized as ÒMessianic NationalismÓ and the third is the tendency towards ÒrestorationÓ instead of Òre-foundationÓ.
During the dialogue that followed animators were encouraged to deepen their analytical capacity concerning themes such as: migration, poverty and unemployment, resulting from Free Trade Agreements (FTA). The brothers need to reflecte on these themes amd make them part of their pastoral concerns. Sensitizing brothers to these issues is not an easy task but most agreed that the work of counteracting the negative effects of globalization needs to be done.
JPIC and Structures:
In the light of the reflection on the possible changes in the Structures of the Order, Francisco distributed a paper and briefly shared some ideas on the importance of ensuring that brothers are appointed to animate JPIC at every level of the Order, with adequate financial resources, a clear job description and support to do their job.
JPIC and Formation:
Fernando Figueredo shared a theme on JPIC in formation. Each of us works out of a specific context and a political situation. Spirituality has to be understood and lived from two important perspectives, both divine and human. Spirituality cannot be separated from the option for the poor, an option made by God. Fernando suggests that one of the best methodologies for the spiritual journey and a deepening in the values of JPIC is that of Ò see, judge and actÓ. A crucial question is how can the brothers be helped to react positively in favor of JPIC? Fernando emphasised the importance of helping to sensitize the brothers to the reality of suffering and marganilazation in all itÕs manifestations. For example, the economic downturn in Argentina and the stand-off in Bethlehem provide excellent opportunities to open the brotherÕs eyes. Once they pass, a golden opportunity may have been missed. The ultimate goal of JPIC formation is to encourage the taking of gospel options. Reading the signs of the times and involvment with others, in itÕs transformation, are spiritual activities. We need to participate in popular movements (civil society) and in public denunciations. We need to learn to see ourselves from the peopleÕs perspective. Where we live can also influences our spirituality.
Followed a brief presentation by one brother from each of the four Conferences a very rich sharing on how JPIC is being incorporated into the life and ministry of the brotherhood took place.
Free Trade Agreement and Plan Puebla Pamana:
Responding to a request for more information about the ÒFree Trade AgreementÓ and ÒPlan Puebla-PanamaÓ two short presentations were made. On three evenings after supper, sessions were held on specific themes: The School of the Americas, the JPIC Washington office and Francsicans International.
A) Free Trade Agreement: In 1994 thirty four leaders from North, Central and South America met to discuss Free Trade. According to President Clinton the objective was to guarantee unhindered access to the markets of the south for US corporations.
Many believe that this proposed agreement will: accelerate environmental devastation, destroy and/or pirate bio-diversity and consolidate the power of the United States. The big companies are pushing for this agreement. There are 23 companies involved in the negotiations, but without popular participation. The plan envisages the free flow of capital, goods and services but not of peoples. Many fear the agreement, to come into affect in 2005, will ultimately exacerbate unemployment, reduce wages, weaken labour rights, weaken cultural identity, increase poverty in Latin America. (Luciano Bruxel ofm)
B) Plan Puebla Panama: The origin of this plan can be found in an economic and political strategy to control the Meso-American corridor. Mexico is considered to be the ÒTrojan HorseÓ of Free Trade. The United States needs Mexico and Central America to compete with Japan. United States has already made a trade agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico, a strategic partner, in order to help enter the rest of Latin America, particularly into Central America and Panama. In the southern States 70% of Mexican oil reserves are to be found. These regions, populated by indigenous peoples, are also the richest in the world in bio-diversity. Tropical Plants are of particular interest to pharmaceutical companies. There are plans to build super-highways, factories and hotels, with scant preoccupation about the future of the local populations. These plans should be challenging Franciscans to read the signs of the times and evaluate our presence in these parts of the world, supporting alternative models of development to the ones being offered. (Gabreil Romero ofm)
Recommendations for JPIC in Provinces and Conferencres:
1. Deepen the knowledge with regard to the ÒFree Trade AgeeementÓ, ÓPlan Puebla PanamaÓ and ÒPlan ColombiaÓ. What are the implications for the peoples of the Americas? What can Franciscans do?
2. Continue the work already started in JPIC in initial formation programmes and encourage ongoing formation of the brotherhood in JPIC.
3. To re-found the JPIC Washington office for Latin America. The ÒFree Trade AgreementÓ will be one of itÕs principal focuses over the next few years.
4. Analysis of Environmental problems and a commitment to a more simple lifestyle: excessive use of resources, particularly in relation to Water which is an international concern during 2003; genetic modification (particularly maize).
5. Committent to the promotion of the laity with the incorporation of JPIC into evangelization, particularly into parish ministry.
6. Collaboration with lay organizations, especially those working on environmental and human rights issues.
7. Participation in the Social Forum in Puerto Alegre, Brazil, in January 2003.
8. Franciscan Peace Missions: Visit March 2003 to Colombia by Franciscans from the USA.
9. Work for the closing of the School of the Americas and the abolition of capital punishment in the United States.
10. A recognition for the need to improve language skills. English language courses are offered for friars from Latin America willing to help in the Washington office for at least six months.
11. Another Continental meeting should take place withing the next three years. The Coordinators of the conferences are encouraged to participate in the formation course in Brazil in 2003 and take the opportunity to organize a programme for the next Continental meeting.
Inserted Fraternities: A group of JPIC animators interested in insertion as a way of life decided to elaborate a booklet in order to document the journey and experiences in relation to insertion in the Order. The first two sections will examine the background to insertion and document at least one experience from each province. The third section will look at the biblical, ecclesiological and Franciscan justification for insertion. The fourth section will document the benefits, the challenges and proposals. It is hoped that it will be published by the end of 2003. The work was farmed out to different brothers and the elaboration of the final document will be done by Carmelo Gald—s ofm (galdoscarmelo@hotmail.com) (Bolivia) and Manuel Alverado ofm (nemas2000@hotmail.com) (Chile). Fernando Figueredo ofm (berleru@tutopia.com) helped outline the schema and will oversee the work. For further information contact Fernando.
Proposals for the General Chapter, 2003: The brothers were given time to examine various proposls made by the African and European Congresses and were asked to submit their own proposals, either by supporting those already made or making new ones. They then presented their ideas to the JPIC International Council. The Council, after a discernment process, sent five proposals to the General Chapter committee responsible for proposals. The themes of the Proposals are: (i) Fraternities and Eco-Sustainability; (ii) Active Gospel Non-violence; (iii) JPIC Chair(s) at the Antonianum and Franciscan Institutes and Universities; (iv) Refugees and The Excluded and (v) Ethical Policy for the Order Regarding Economic and Financial Practices.
Letters: Letters of solidarity were sent to Bro. Luis Vitale Ofm and Jerry Zapata Ofm, both serving prison sentences in the USA for their conscientious objection to the School of the Americas.
Summery of the Final Evaluation:
The brothers were very positive about the preparation, logistics and execution of the programme.
v Some of the positive aspect were: large number of participants, sharing of experiences, networking, fraternal atmosphere, information, opening out to the international aspects of our commitment, clear conclusions and proposals, good discussions and economic support.
v Some of the difficulties were: Secretaries did not arrive, poor dynamics for integration of the group, language, lack of clarity in questions for small groups.
v Suggestions: Next meeting in the South within three years, sharing of experiences, good key note presentations, prepare liturgical manual to accompany themes, early communication of programme etc, improve methodology, visit to local sights, prepare a two track assembly: one broader and general, dealing with reality, work of different entities and training on how to animate; the other specifically for coordinators and emerging leaders, dealing with internal JPIC structures and JPIC Rome office.
Peter and Francisco wish JPIC animators, all the brothers and those who receive copies of Contact a prayerful and peaceful Christmas and every blessing in 2003.
When the song of the angels is stilled
When the star of the sky is gone.
When the kings and princes are home.
When the shepherds are back with their flocks.
To find the lost.
To heal the broken.
To feed the hungry.
To rebuild nations.
To bring peace among people.
To make music in the heart
(Howard Thurman)
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