The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities have had an active Peace and Justice Committee since the early 1980s. The committee focuses on increasing awareness through education and on promoting individual and communal advocacy on issues of immediate concern and of more lasting impact.  

• Living out Gospel values and Catholic social teachings

IN HARMONY WITH ALL OF CREATION

“We are all responsible for the protection and care of the environment…The deterioration of any one part of the planet affects us all." (Pope Benedict XVI)

The 40th anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated April 22 2010.  Earth Day is the largest secular holiday in the world as it is observed by 1 billion people.  The last 40 years have resulted in positive actions such as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the passing of the Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

The words from the CANTICLE OF CREATURES of St. Francis of Assisi, “Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water, who is very useful and humble and precious and pure,” spur us to reflect on the gift, the right, and the lack of it as we celebrate Earth Day this year.

Did you know, according to a 2002 report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, that:

• An estimated 1.1 billion people have no access to safe drinking water
•  2.5 billion lack proper sanitation.
•  More than 5 million people die from water borne diseases each year.

Also, according to an United Nations report:

•  More than 2.7 billion people will face severe water shortages by the year 2025,  “if the world continues consuming water at the same rate.”

Don’t ignore these figures, thinking that there is plenty of water for all.

•  Our earth is 70% covered by water, but 97.6% is salt water and only 2.3% is considered fresh water. 
•  Global climate change with considerable warming has increased areas of drought
•  Growing population calls for more water.
•  Industry and agriculture water needs have increased.
•  Strong increase in privatization of water has particularly effected the poor in developing countries who cannot always afford the price of water.

Make yourself more aware of your own use of water.  Can you use better stewardship?

Take with us the St. Francis Pledge which was created by the Catholic Climate Covenant www.catholicclimatecovenant.org

ST. FRANCIS PLEDGE

We pledge to:

PRAY and reflect on the duty to care for God’s Creation and  protect the poor and vulnerable.

LEARN about and educate others on the causes and moral dimensions of climate change.

ASSESS how we as individuals and in our families, parishes and other affiliations contribute to climate change by our own energy use, consumption, waste, etc.

ACT to change our choices and behaviors to reduce the ways we contribute to climate change.

ADVOCATE for Catholic principles and priorities in climate change discussions and decisions, especially as they impact those who are poor and vulnerable.

 PEACE SITES

Pittsburgh	Williamsville

FRANCISCAN ACTION NETWORK

NOTE: All materials on the Franciscan Action Network are taken from a leaflet published by the organization.

Transforming the World in the Spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare

What is the Franciscan Action Network?
Inspired by the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi and the long heritage of men and women who follow in their footsteps as present day disciples of Jesus Christ, the Franciscan Action Network is designed to bring a coordinated and effective voice to matters of Justice, Peace and Care for Creation in our world.  The particular focus of the Franciscan Action Network's advocacy is the U.S. Government and related Washington, DC based insitiutions (e.g., World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Organization of American States...).  The advocacy topics will be both international and domestic in scope.  In these arenas, the Franciscan Action Network hopes to bring a spirit of healing and reconciliation as they advocate for the transformation of the world, as inspired by the Spirit of God.

FRANCISCAN ACTION NETWORK VISION STATEMENT:

The Franciscan movement was born at a time of reform and change in its society.  This same spirit of reform and transformation inspires the creation of the Franciscan Action Network.

The Franciscan Action Network seeks a world that reflects the balanced and just society that the founders of the Franciscan movement, St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, believed that God invites all of creation to accept.  Such a society understands that the transformation of relationships occurs in the multiple realities of created experience: local, national and global settings.  Through the proper ordering of relations, using the Christian Social Teaching principles of solidarity and the common good, we envision a world where all have what they need to reach the fullest of their individuated humanity.  In such a world as this, creation, and humanity as part of it, would live in balance and peace with social justice.  Our vision is encapsulated in the phrase - Transforming the World in the Spirit of St. Francis & St. Clare of Assisi.

What issues and Topics are the foci of FAN's effort at Inclusive Social Transformation?

Numerous issues call for a response in our world.  As Franciscans, we believe our charism calls us to act in a particular way on three issue:

1. Peacebuilding/Peacemaking/Conflict Resolution
2. Care for persons who are poor and marginalized 
3. Care for Creation

Each of these broad issue areas will have both U.S. domestic and international dimensions.

How do I get more information about the Franciscan Action Network?
Visit their website at: www.franciscanaction.org

CONTACT FAN:
Russell Testa, Executive Director
PO Box 29053
Washington, DC  20017-9053
(202) 527-7575
testa@franciscanaction.org

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS – Major themes

Dignity of the human person
Community and the common good
Rights and responsibilities
Option for the poor
Dignity of work
Solidarity
Role of government and subsidiarity
Economic justice
Stewardship of God’s creation
Promotion of peace and disarmament
For a more complete explanation, go to:
www.networklobby.org
www.osjspm.org

ONGOING EDUCATION

LOCAL WNY AREA:

VIVE in Buffalo                                                           

www.vivelacasa.org                                                                        

NEW YORK STATE:

New York State Catholic Conference

NATIONAL:

Leviticus Alternative Fund   
Leviticus fund channels investments into low-income communities by creating flexible financing to develop affordable housing, community facilities and childcare centers. www.leviticusfund.org

Network
Based in Washington, D.C., this group, founded in 1972 by 47 Catholic sisters, now has more than 100,000 members. Network uses lobbying and legislative action as avenues to greater justice and peace. Their site provides educational resources as well as ways to take action on priority issues and current legislation under consideration.
www.networklobby.org                                                                      

WORLD:

Bread for the World

Fonkoze
Haiti's alternative bank for the Organized Poor, building a lasting institution on which the poor can rely.  www.fonkoze.org

• Bible as source of fundamental moral principles
• Ecological conscience
• Collective good of the whole planet
• Primacy of rights of humans over technology
• Divine reality of the natural world
• Universal destiny of all goods
• Collaborative development in poor areas
• International collaboration
• More sober lifestyles
• Spiritual response to Creator

Amnesty International

Franciscans International

PEACE AND JUSTICE TOPICS