Paro Internacional de Mujeres

El Paro Internacional de Mujeres convoca a nivel mundial, el 8 de marzo del 2017, a todas las mujeres a auto-organizarse para que cese toda labor remunerativa y de cuidado. Está acción es un gesto de lucha contra la desigualdad y la violencia estructural e histórica que continúa oprimiendo de manera transversal la vida de las mujeres en su diversidad.

ÚNETE

1. Únete al cese de labores de cuidados por toda la jornada (labores de aseo, cocina, lavado, asistencia, labor emocional)

La feminización del trabajo doméstico y de cuidados de las mujeres es un factor estructural de la desigualdad de género. 

Trabajo invisibilizado, desvalorizado y no remunerado. 
¡Cese de trabajo de cuidados por todo el día! 

2. Únete al cese de labores remuneradas por toda la jornada o en su defecto desde las 12:00 p.m. hasta la 1:00 p.m.

Comparte con tus compañeras de trabajo “La Hora M” para dialogar sobre la desigualdad que afecta a todas las mujeres, los derechos que gracias a las luchas de mujeres se han conseguido y los que aún faltan alcanzar. 

3. Genera espacios de diálogo e informa el por qué paramos la mujeres el 8 de marzo. 

ACTÚA

● Realiza una intervención en el espacio que ocupas, por ejemplo: una discusión en tu centro de labores durante la hora de almuerzo, explica por qué las mujeres paramos este 8 de marzo.

● Comparte tu foto o video a través de las redes sociales Facebook, Twitter e Instagram durante cualquier momento del día contándonos por qué estás parando. Utiliza los hashtags: #MujeresEnHuelga #HoraM #8M 

● Sé parte de la #HoraM desde tu centro de trabajo junto a tus compañeras transmitiendo en vivo o compartiendo cómo paran juntas.

● Asiste a las movilizaciones en tu país, ciudad o región (marchas, plantones, vigilias). 
- Perú: https://www.facebook.com/ParoDeMujeresPeru/ 
- México: https://www.facebook.com/ParodeMujeresMexico/ 

● Viste con prendas de color morado y/o también utilizar pañoletas moradas. Este color simboliza la lucha histórica de las mujeres trabajadoras. 

Luchemos unidas para lograr nuestros objetivos, invitemos a más mujeres a unirse y articulemos con todas las mujeres del mundo, porque la solidaridad es nuestra arma y es la que conseguirá las transformaciones que queremos.

Visita la página web oficial para conocer más sobre este evento: http://parodemujeres.com 

#MujeresEnHuelga

#SolidaridadNuestraArma

#8M

Compassion Unites Us Across Faiths

By Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI

In the early hours of the morning on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, a fire destroyed the Islamic Center Mosque, a place of prayer for about 140 people in Victoria, Texas. Investigators reported Wednesday that the fire was arson. A diversity of people had been expressing concern and many gathered for prayer the next morning. Sr. Elizabeth Riebschlaeger, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, participated in that "Service of Unity and Peace" at the site.

She observed, "Hundreds of people — Christians, Jews, Universalists, atheists and agnostics —came together to stand together in prayer, on the basis of our common humanitarian values and the U.S. Constitution. We began with the Pledge of Allegiance together: as 'one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.' Never before have these words had such depth of meaning."

During the service Sr. Elizabeth filmed M.J. Khan, the president of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, who spoke of the good that had happened in only one day since the fire. He said that while we have thought of this as a mosque for the Muslims, now we can see that it belongs to all the people of Victoria. He added, "All the places of worship belong to all of us." People of faith and people of no faith are welcome to "come here, find solace in your heart so that your heart is more peaceful." As if to underscore his words, the rabbi of the Jewish congregation in Victoria invited the Muslim community to pray in their synagogue.

Dr. Shahid Hashmi, the Islamic Center's president, asked that the event not be politicized, but that the community focus on the idea that "God is love, and those who live in love, live in God." Peter Bella, a friend of Sr. Elizabeth, wrote that over 13,000 people have already given small and large donations to help rebuild the mosque. He said, "This is the America I call home, in which we come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in time of need."

My congregation, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, has been blessed to have fine professionals of many faiths including Islam, working in our hospitals. As a university teacher on a research sabbatical at Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem over twenty years ago, I was inspired by the goodness of Muslims, Jews, and various groups of Christians around me. This led to travel for research and more interfaith dialogue. Turkish Muslims in the Hizmet (Service) movement work very hard to promote understanding and dialogue. We have become partners working together frequently.

Muslim families in Victoria especially like the Catholic schools because in these their children are learning the ethical principles common in the Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Prompted by Sr. Elizabeth's connections in the Victoria area, a few years ago I was invited to lead a Muslim-Catholic Dialogue for the Victoria Diocese Religious Education Conference. I was assisted by people of this mosque in the dialogue. We used the film "In the Footprints of Francis and the Sultan: a Model for Peacemaking." The study guide for that film (created by Franciscan Sr. Kathleen Warren) has helpful educational materials to build understanding and overcome prejudice.

Sister Alice Holden, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, had considered entering our community's retirement facility on her 80th birthday, but instead felt a call to develop the area where she has lived, on the property of the University of the Incarnate Word, as a center for interfaith activities called "Interfaith, INC." For eight years she had had a ministry of spirituality programs in the lovely wooded area, but she felt a deeper call that her spirituality ministry should be centered in drawing together people of many faiths. Our university has students and faculty of many faiths from over sixty countries, so her call could support the diversity of the university. Sr. Alice reveals that as we go deeper in own religious tradition, we are closer to the Holy One and transformed by love. A poet herself, she often quotes the Muslim poet Rumi who writes of the love of God uniting us beyond our divided religious paths.

In his message for the 50th World Day of Peace, "Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace," Pope Francis said that violence will not quell violence. He suggested we follow the example of Muslim Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, perhaps because we need to appreciate the good work of Muslims more. Francis also noted that "Women in particular are often leaders of nonviolence, as for example, was Leymah Gbowee and the thousands of Liberian women." Gbowee gathered Muslim and Christian women to organize "nonviolent protest that resulted in high-level peace talks to end the second civil war in Liberia." The pope's example of Leymah Gbowee invites us to set up conversations between Muslim and Christian women on how we can nurture nonviolence and peace. We will have one of those soon here at the University of the Incarnate Word, where we have many Muslim students, including about 200 from Saudi Arabia. There is so much anxiety among students and faculty here.

I first got to know of the Muslim community in Victoria when our mother was critically ill in Citizens Medical Center where my brother works. It is a fine hospital, with a room for prayer. As I went there to pray, I often saw a Muslim physician praying there also, since observant Muslims pray at regular times five times a day. Prayer brings healing. Praying together can help bring healing. We hope that we do not need fires to bring us together for prayer, but if they do, the Compassionate Holy One will cry with us and help us.

I have been influenced by Jesuit spirituality and the idea of "finding God in all things." The Quran says that everywhere we look we can see the face of God. I have grown through Muslim friends who have shared their spirituality and we have found common ground trying to be people of more compassion, justice, and service. In the challenges that we face now, may each of us compassionately try to listen to others, build bridges between communities, and open our eyes to recognize the face of God. So much compassion and unity is growing from the ashes of the mosque.

Originally published by Global Sisters Report

Lenten Reflection Guide on Nonviolence

The season of Lent begins March 1. In this time of turmoil on so many fronts, we offer our 2017 Lenten Reflection Guide. Come pray, study, and act with us. 

Our 2017 Lenten Reflection Guide: A Journey with Gospel Nonviolence contains reflections, questions, prayers, and actions based on each week’s Gospel reading and the discussions by Catholic peacemakers at the landmark Nonviolence and Just Peace conference in Rome in April 2016. Use it individually or in small groups. Share it with your friends, family, and faith communities.

Now more than ever we need to pray, study, and act for peace.

Download our Lenten Reflection Guide today.

From the Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns

Take Action to Build Bridges, Not Walls!

LCWR is partnering with Faith In Public Life (FPL) in a prayer campaign to call on members of Congress to overturn President Trump's executive orders through public prayer vigils scheduled Feb. 17th-20th. These national days of prayerful action are tied to the anniversary of the Pope's visit to the border and the upcoming Congressional recess (Feb. 21-24th). 

One year ago, when Pope Francis prayed for migrants and refugees at the U.S.-Mexican border he transformed a dusty fence into an oasis of hope. Just days into the Trump administration, immigrant and refugee families are now at greater risk than ever.  We need to “Build bridges, not walls”.

We will be kicking off our campaign of prayer on February 15 when FPL will host a “tele town hall” with Fr. Jim Martin and Sr. Norma Pimentel to inspire listeners and give guidance on how to take action.  

1.   RSVP today to join our teletownhall on Feb. 15th at 2:30pm, to rally our communities before our days of action. Ask two stalwarts for immigration and refugee rights -- Father Jim Martin and Sister Norma Pimentel -- your questions about how people of faith can stay hopeful while protecting our immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters.

2.   Join your community members and leaders February 17-20th to pray for and stand with immigrant and refugee families across the country. Stay up to date to find out what’s being hosted close to you at www.faithinpubliclife.org/bridgesnotwalls.

As people of faith, we respond with one voice: “Build bridges, not walls”. Together our voices will echo through the halls of Congress and throughout the land.  

People of all faiths will be holding vigils, protests, and press conferences outside their local Congressional offices. Learn more about when and where at “Build bridges, not walls” or take the lead and get a few friends together and plan to form a prayer circle at the office of one of your Members of Congress. Please Join us . . . Be a prayer leader . . . Signup here.

Click here to join a prayerful witness in your area to pressure and pray for Congressional leaders.

President Trump's attacks on our immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters has begun - and an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. As a community of faith, it is our responsibility to defend our immigrant brothers and sisters. It's time for us to take action.

Inspired by Pope Francis as well as Muslim and Jewish leaders, we can send a powerful message that Congress needs to stand up to the President and we can reaffirm our commitment that the faith community won’t back down.

Take Action for Immigrants and Refugees

Social Media Campaign

Women Religious from across the country are joining together through their social media networks to stand up for immigrants and refugees.  

You too can join in by sharing the graphic below on your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.  Also share this image with the White House, President Trump, and your elected representatives on their social media accounts with the message, "People of faith welcome immigrants and refugees." #NoBanNowall #RefugeesWelcome

Sample Facebook Posts:

• President Trump, As a faith group, we are STRONGLY opposed to your Executive Order that denies access to refugees based on their religion or nationality. Please reject the religious litmus test for safety is an affront to religious liberty.
• As faith groups that work with thousands of members of our communities in churches and synagogues across the country to welcome refugees every day, we oppose your Executive Order which reduces refugee admissions and to prevent Muslim refugees from being resettled in the United States. We urge you to allow the U.S. refugee program to continue to resettle refugees that need our protection regardless of where they come from or how they pray.  Thank you for your leadership in ensuring the U.S. remains a beacon of hope for all those who are persecuted that seek peace, safety and freedom. 
• More than 3,500 faith leaders have said: "The U.S. Refugee Resettlement program has been and should remain open to those of any religious tradition who face persecution on account of the reasons enumerated under U.S. law. We oppose your Executive Order  that prevents Syrian refugees or individuals who practice Islam and other faiths from accessing the U.S. refugee resettlement program. Proposals that have the U.S. State Department disqualify refugees from protection based on their nationality or religion fly in the face of the very principles this nation was built upon, contradict the legacy of leadership our country has historically demonstrated, and dishonor our shared humanity." bit.ly/2000FaithLeaders4ALLRefugees
• Or Author your own posts and include the graphic and #RefugeesWelcome.

      Sample Tweets: 

 @realDonaldTrump We stand with refugees and immigrantshttp://tinyurl.com/zete2rf

o   @realDonaldTrump & @WhiteHouse Americans support refugee resettlement #RefugeesWelcome

o   @realDonaldTrump & @WhiteHouse Keep America welcoming. Refugee resettlement is a proud American legacy with bipartisan support #RefugeesWelcome

o   @realDonaldTrump & @WhiteHouse People of faith OPPOSE a religious litmus test for refugees and immigrants #RefugeesWelcome

o   @realDonaldTrump & @WhiteHouse Denying Muslim refugees safety is an affront to religious liberty #RefugeesWelcome bit.ly/2000FaithLeaders4ALLRefugees hias.org/1500rabbis

o   @realDonaldTrump & @WhiteHouse More than 3500 faith leaders are opposed to your Executive Order that keeps Muslim refugees from seeking safety: bit.ly/2000FaithLeaders4ALLRefugees

o   @realDonaldTrump & @WhiteHouse Christians oppose policies that would deny Muslims refuge and preference Christians bit.ly/2000FaithLeaders4ALLRefugees

Phone Calls

Tell the White House you oppose President Trump’s announcement on Refugee Resettlement and the Bar on Travelers from Muslim Countries

President Trump has announced that the U.S. government will stop resettling refugees from certain countries; pause the entire refugee resettlement program for 120 days; preference religious minorities; and reduce the number of refugees we welcome at the very time when they are most in need of safety. These announcements fly in the face of our best values of compassion, hospitality, and welcome. With more than 65 million forcibly displaced in the world–the worst in our global history–it is more important than ever to take action by condemning this new policy.

Barring refugees from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen from resettlement and giving preference to religious minorities is tantamount to a Muslim ban. And by reducing refugee admissions from 110,000 to 50,000, Trump is going back on America’s promise to refugees and abdicating America’s leadership role on human rights. Halting resettlement for 120 days will grind refugee processing to a halt. Each step of the security check process is time sensitive, so a pause will force refugees who were set to arrive in the United States soon to instead wait months and maybe even years, to go through fingerprinting, interviews, health screenings, and multiple security checks all over again, all while families are separated and lives are endangered.

We cannot discriminate against refugees for how they pray or where they are from. Refugees are the most thoroughly vetted immigrants in the United States, undergoing biographic and biometric checks, medical screenings, forensic document testing, and in-person interviews. It is critical that President Trump and all Members of Congress hear their constituents decry these announcements and declare their support for refugees from all over the world.

CALL THE WHITE HOUSE AND CONGRESS TODAY!President Trump: (866) 961-4293
Your Senators and Representatives: (202) 224-3121  
**Please call this line 3 times to be connected with your 1 Representative and 2 Senators

Sample Script: 

“I’m your constituent from [City, State], and I support refugee resettlement in the U.S. I am strongly opposed to President Trump’s announcements to stop the resettlement of refugees from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen; pause the refugee resettlement program entirely; preference religious minorities; and reduce the number of refugees we welcome. This discriminatory announcement is morally reprehensible, runs counter to who we are as a nation, and does not reflect the welcome for refugees I see in my community every day. I urge you to do everything in your power to see this announcement reversed.”

Please also share a personal story about why refugee resettlement is important to you, your community, etc. Let them know the specific ways that refugees contribute and are welcomed into your community.