The following resources were published in the March-April 2016 issue of NewsNotes.
Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2016: Plan now to attend Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) in Washington, D.C., April 15–18. The theme is “Lift Every Voice! Racism, Class and Power.” In a major U.S. election year when lives, votes, and the global economy are at stake, followers of Christ ask, “Who has a voice?” Join other Christians in responding, “Everyone!” during a weekend of workshops and information, followed by a visit to Capitol Hill on Monday, April 18. More information is available at www.advocacydays.org, or contact the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns.
El Salvador’s violence: No easy way out: In response to the spike in violence in El Salvador, the Center for International Policy and the Latin America Working Group Education Fund have produced an eight-part series to explore the different sources and dynamics of the violence in El Salvador. Read it online at http://bit.ly/LAWGElSalvadorViolence.
Lenten Reflection Guide, Forty Days with Scripture and Laudato Si’: The Lenten Reflection Guide from the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns contains reflections, questions, prayers, and actions based on each week’s Gospel reading and the teachings of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’. Use this guide individually or in small groups to reflect upon our life patterns, to pray more deeply, and renew our spirits to face the realities of our world. Download the guide at http://bit.ly/MaryknollOGCLentGuide.
Path from Paris: The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns offers Path from Paris, a two-page flyer to answer the questions: What is climate change? Why is climate change an issue of faith? What is in the Paris Climate Agreement? What can people do to support it? Download at http://bit.ly/PathfromParis.
Marrakesh Declaration and Call to Action: Read and share this significant pledge of support by Muslim scholars and intellectuals from more than 120 countries for the protection and freedom of religious minorities in Muslim-majority communities. The declaration was issued in January by the gathering of mostly Sunni Muslims but also some Shia in Marrakesh, Morocco. It represents an effort to respond to the rise of extremist groups in the Muslim world. The statement appeals for going beyond simple tolerance to affirmative cooperation that confers “full protection for the rights and liberties to all religious groups.” It also calls for concrete actions to achieve this goal. Read more at www.marrakeshdeclaration.org.
On Care for Our Common Home, Laudato Si': The Encyclical of Pope Francis on the Environment, with commentary by Sean McDonagh: In this new book from Orbis, the full text of Laudato Si’ is enhanced by reflections by Father Sean McDonaugh, an Irish Columban priest and eco-theologian who has worked to raise awareness of the connections between justice and peace issues, environmental sustainability, and faith. Copies are available for sale by Orbis Books at www.orbisbooks.com.