CCVI Sisters: 20 Years Against the Death Penalty

Every October 10th is an important day in the human rights calendar; it is the world day against the death penalty.  This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the death penalty, considered the most extreme denial of human rights.

Our Congregation, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, first published our opposition to the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances on June 8, 1998.

Our congregational commitment to promote and protect human dignity compels us to denounce the death penalty. We believe that capital punishment is inconsistent with the Christian belief in the sacredness of human life.

The death penalty is violence condoned by the state that contributes to the climate of violence and is not an effective impediment to crime.

This corporate stance against the death penalty testifies to the mission of the congregation. and it allows us to add our voice to that of other religious groups of all denominations that have expressed their public opposition to the death penalty.

It is worth mentioning that Pope Francis has authorized a change in the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the death penalty and announced it during the October 2017 meeting that commemorated the 25th anniversary of the last Catechism. "However serious the crime, the death penalty is inadmissible because it threatens the inviolability and dignity of the person."

The new wording includes this request of the Pope and ensures that, from now on, the Church "commits with determination to the abolition of the death penalty throughout the world."

We will continue to pray and act against the Death Penalty because taking a life is never a solution to reduce crime or punish offenders.

  

US and Mexican Bishops Express Concern about Border Militarization

FOR THE DIGNITY OF MIGRANTS

STATEMENT OF THE BISHOPS OF MEXICO’S NORTHERN FRONTIER
AND OF THE COUNCIL PRESIDENCY OF THE MEXICAN EPISCOPATE CONFERENCE

APRIL 7, 2018


To all Mexicans on national territory and beyond our borders
To all believers and non-believers in Jesus Christ in Mexico and the United States
To the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump
To the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto


1. For the first time in the history of the Catholic Church in Mexico, the undersigned Bishops are addressing to all the inhabitants of Mexico and the United States, regardless of their religious convictions, and in a very special way and with great respect, to the Presidents of our respective countries, for the reason of the deployment of troops of the National American Guard at the frontiers that delimits our territories.

2. The Catholic Church in fidelity in the faith to Jesus Christ, cannot ignore the suffering of our migrant brothers who are looking for better living conditions crossing the border to work and contributing to the common good, not only for their families but also for the brother country that receives them.

3. We know that the present and future migratory flows will require a renewed regulation by both nations. Moreover, we are not oblivious to the fact that a constitutive dimension of a prosperous and peaceful society is the effective exercise of the Rule of Law. However, not all rule, nor all political or military decision, by the simple act of promulgating or defining it, is just and consistent with human rights.

4. If there has been a historical lesson that we as society have learned based on the experience of the global conflicts during the XX Century, this is, what’s legal needs to be legitimate; that the inalienable dignity of the human person is the true source of law; that the pain of the most vulnerable must be understood as a supreme law and fundamental criterion for the development of the peoples and the building of a future with peace. That is the profound origin of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. That is the universal foundation of a fraternal coexisting among nations.

5. For these reasons, Mexican Bishops wish to repeat what we said one year ago: “the cry of the migrants is our cry.” Their pain is our pain! Each migrant that gets hurt in his/her dignity and in his/her rights, Jesus Christ is once again crucified!

6. Mexican past and present governments have a grave responsibility for not having created enough development opportunities for our poor and marginalized people. For this reason, our incipient democracy has an enormous challenge in the near future: choose the people that must lead honestly, without corruption and impunity, a historic change that will help the people of Mexico to be the principal agent of his or her development, this, with peace, justice, and full respect of human rights. A road that involves, not to close, but to be open to the dynamic of the new global world, increasingly interdependent and needed of solidarity and cooperation.

7. However, the unfulfilled needs that Mexican people have cannot be justified to promote the antagonism between peoples that are called to be friends and brothers. It is not conforming to human dignity, and the best reasons and arguments thought of by men like Abraham Lincon or Bartholomew de las Casas, to build up barriers to divide us or implement actions to violate us. Migrants are not criminals, but vulnerable human beings that have the right to their personal and community development.

8.From there the defense that the Church makes on a universal level, and in a special way through the work done between the brotherly peoples: Mexico and the U.S.A., with Central America, the Caribbean, Latin America and Canada, in this necessary attention to our migrant brothers.

9. There is only one future in the promotion and defense of the equal dignity and of the equal freedom among human beings. The frontier between Mexico and the United States “it is not a war zone,” said by our Bishop brothers of the United States. On the contrary, this zone has been called to be an example of linkage and co-responsibility. The only possible future for our region is the future built with bridges of confidence and shared development, not with indignity and violence walls. Furthermore, Pope Francis has said to all of us: “A person that only thinks in building walls, wherever they may be, and not to build bridges, is not a Christian. This is not the Gospel”.

10. For the dignity of migrants and the dignity of all inhabitants of our countries, we propose to consume all our energies in the development of other types of solutions. By this we mean, solutions that can sow the seeds of fraternity and mutual enrichment in the humanitarian, cultural and social order.

11.That the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mother of the True God for whom we live and Patroness of our Freedom, may bless those who govern us, and our peoples. May She sustains us in the effort of improving our nations, and of all our region, a space of fraternal reconciliation, integral development, and service of solidarity to the poorest that will inspire the whole world.

By the Bishops of the Presidency Council (see full list of signers HERE)  

U.S. Catholic bishops of U.S./Mexico border respond to U.S. National Guard deployment

In response to announcements regarding deploying the United States National Guard to the U.S./Mexico Border, the U.S. Catholic Bishops of the U.S./Mexico Border issued a statement.

We are deeply concerned by the announcement that the National Guard will be deployed on the U.S./Mexico Border. The continued militarization of the U.S./Mexico Border distorts the reality of life on the border; this is not a war zone but instead is comprised of many peaceful and law-abiding communities that are also generous in their response to human suffering. We recognize the right of nations to control and secure their borders; we also recognize the need of nations to respect the rule of law. Current law in the United States rightly provides that those arriving to our country fleeing persecution are entitled to due-process as their claims are reviewed. Seeking refuge from persecution and violence in search of a peaceful life for oneself and one’s family is not a crime. Our faith calls us to respond with compassion to those who suffer, and to live in a spirit of solidarity with all human beings. We remain hopeful that our local, state and federal officials will work collaboratively and prudently in the implementation of this deployment, ensuring that the presence of the National Guard is measured and not disruptive to community life. We are also deeply concerned that at this time divisive rhetoric often promotes the dehumanization of immigrants, as if all were threats and criminals. We urge Catholics and people of good will to look past the dehumanizing rhetoric regarding immigrants and remember that they are a vulnerable population, our neighbors, and our sisters and brothers in Christ.

(See full list of signers HERE)

Zero Discrimination Day

March 1st is Zero Discrimination Day

Let’s come together to end discrimination and celebrate diversity, tolerance and inclusion. By joining our voices together, we can be part of a resounding call for human rights, compassion and tolerance that cannot be ignored. Zero Discrimination Day is an opportunity to celebrate everyone’s right to live a full and productive life with dignity—no matter what they look like, where they come from or who they love. Let’s come together to end discrimination and celebrate diversity, tolerance and inclusion.  Zero Discrimination Day is an opportunity to highlight how everyone can be part of the transformation and make some noise for fair, equal and just societies. Join the #zerodiscrimination movement.

MAKE SOME NOISE 

From the UNAIDS Press Release:

"Everyone will have experienced discrimination of some kind during their lives; however, non-discrimination is a human right. Equally, states and individuals have a legal obligation not to discriminate. This year, on 1 March, Zero Discrimination Day, UNAIDS is urging people to make some noise around zero discrimination, to speak up and prevent discrimination from standing in the way of achieving ambitions, goals and dreams.

Discrimination has many forms, from racial or religious discrimination to discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation or age, and to bullying at school or at work. In only three out of 10 countries worldwide do equal numbers of girls and boys attend upper secondary school, and people living with disabilities are nearly three times more likely to be denied health care than other people.

“Everyone has the right to be treated with respect, to live free from discrimination, coercion and abuse,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Discrimination doesn’t just hurt individuals, it hurts everyone, whereas welcoming and embracing diversity in all its forms brings benefits for all.”

continue reading: http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2017/february/20170301_zero-discrimination-day 

Social Justice: A Right

What common characteristic identifies the Latin American countries? It is undoubtedly inequality.
Inequality in the economic, social, and cultural spheres, results in a loss of human dignity and fundamental human rights inhabitants.  And has an even greater impact on indigenous minorities.

Inequality is not unique to Latin America but also exists in many other countries, particularly in the so-called "Third World".  And in recent times, millions of people in developed countries as well also suffer from discrimination and all kinds of abuse because of their status as migrants, refugees or undocumented persons. The world suffers from social injustice. For this reason, for the past 10 years we have commemorated the World Day of Social Justice on February 20th, established by the General Assembly of the United Nations. 

Equal opportunity and the observance of human rights are fundamental elements of social justice. And its basis lies in the equity that is essential for individuals to develop their full potential and to establish lasting peace. There is no peace without social justice.

Talking about social justice means "a respect for the human person, equality, the differences between people, and above all, human solidarity. Social justice is linked to the common good and the exercise of authority," says the Catholic Catechism (no. 1928 and 1929 to 1948).

At present we live in a world characterized by the unfair distribution of wealth, which is in the hands of a minority, generating a scandalous exclusion. It is urgent to share in our communal spaces and work, testimonies consistent with our faith which help eradicate poverty and inequality. We must work in a variety of ways against the corruption that generates increasing marginalization and greater poverty.

States should establish public policies related to decent employment, quality education, housing and, given the current context of the scourge of corruption we are experiencing, punishment of those responsible for corruption, which include political and business leaders from different Latin American countries. A peaceful and prosperous coexistence must necessarily meet these demands, which various social groups are calling for.

"Justice is that in which the heart rejoices: when there is enough for everyone, when one sees that there is equality, equity, when each has their own. When one sees that there is enough for all they feel a great happiness in their heart," Pope Francis told us in his visit to Ecuador. Amen

Victor Mendoza Barrantes (Director of the Social Justice Commission of the Diocese of Chimbote, Peru, and member of the CCVI International JPIC Committee).  

Educational and Prayer Resources on Human Trafficking

Many groups have created wonderful prayer resources for Human Trafficking Awareness Month and the Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita.  Below we share with you a list of these prayer and educational resources for your personal and communal use.  United together in prayer and action, we can defend human dignity and end modern day slavery in the form of human trafficking!

2017 Interfaith Tool Kit on Human Trafficking
Resources for Worship and Action
Created by the Washington Inter-Religious Staff Community, Working Group on Human Trafficking

2017 Trafficking Prayer and Ritual
Created by Rose Mary Meyer, BVM
Project IRENE

2017 Prayer Service for an End to Human Trafficking
Created by the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center

February 8, 2017 Prayer Service
They Are Just Children, Not Slaves!
Created by US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking

Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Day of Prayer Resources
Created by the US Council of Catholic Bishops

LCWR Calls for Civil Discourse for the Common Good

You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics. 

-- Pope Francis, Address to the US Congress, September 24, 2015

We live in a world increasingly marked by hatred, brutality, and violent conflict. We see our own country threatened by increasing disparities in economic, political, and social power. We are caught in a political system paralyzed by ideological extremism and hyper-partisanship. Those on both sides of the growing political divide too often appeal to our basest instincts and stoke the fires of fear that threaten to tear the fabric of our nation apart. We cannot let the voices of hatred and fear carry the day.

We call for a return to civility in our discourse and decency in our political interaction that promotes the common good, reaches out to others, engages in constructive dialogue, and seeks together the way forward.  We hope for political dialogue that reflects the principles and values upon which this nation was founded.

The need for courageous leaders has never been greater. We simply ask that all refrain from language that disrespects, dehumanizes, or demonizes another. All are created in God’s image and are worthy of respect. We ask that all who seek to influence public opinion, all who hope to serve this nation as leaders, be always mindful of the common good and respectful of the dignity of each and every person.

Citizens of this pluralistic nation form a diverse polity characterized by a wide variety of beliefs, experiences, and interests. Disagreements and differences of opinion have the potential to challenge all of us to abandon easy certainty and seek a fuller truth. The problem is not our many disagreements. It is how those conflicts are handled that spells the difference between building the common good and destroying the bonds that bind this nation together.

In his address to the US Congress last September, Pope Francis invited members of Congress to promote respect for the dignity of every human person and to renew their commitment to a spirit of cooperation.  He also addressed each of us and all who seek to lead this nation when he said,  

Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility . . . You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics. A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk . . . Building a future of freedom requires love of the common good and cooperation in a spirit of subsidiarity and solidarity.

Let us engage in careful listening and honest questioning.  Let us honor the dignity of those with whom we disagree and treat them with the respect that is their God-given right. Let us seek the common good, desire only good for all others, and offer our own truth with equal measures of conviction and humility.

Marcia Allen, CSJ -- LCWR President
Mary Pellegrino, CSJ -- LCWR President-Elect
Sharon Holland, LCWR Past President