Catholics Reps at the UN object to U.S. actions in Venezuela
Catholic organizations at the United Nations raise concerns over recent “actions that violate national sovereignty in favor of resource extraction and economic greed.”
As a collective of Roman Catholic Religious (Sisters, Brothers, and priests) and their mission partners with decades-long presence at the United Nations, we are writing to you to express our deep concern for the weakening of the international order and, particularly, for recent violations of the United Nations Charter. We are troubled by actions that violate national sovereignty in favor of resource extraction and economic greed. Our constituencies comprise some of the poorest and most vulnerable people on the planet, many of whom live in conflict zones and who are experiencing increasing hardship due to global political instability.
We would like to express our support to you and urge you to continue to speak out in defense of the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to champion international cooperation that serves to move humanity toward greater justice, dignity, and peace. The Charter and Declaration are foundational documents that provide an essential framework for maintaining peace and security, international cooperation, respect for human rights, and sustainable development. We are firm in our commitments to uphold the sanctity of life and the inherent dignity and rights of every person.
We echo Pope Leo XVI’s concern for the current weakness of multilateralism as well as his conviction that the UN remains a key player in international humanitarian support, the fostering of dialogue, and the unity of the human family. The challenges to multilateralism, disregard for international law, and retreats from collective responsibility that we see today make renewed commitment even more critical.
We urge your continued leadership in defending these principles, strengthening and reforming the UN system, and reminding all nations of their obligations under the Charter. We remain committed to working with you, as civil-society representatives within the UN system, and to fostering a renewal of international cooperation.
With respect and solidarity,
The following members and partners of the Justice Coalition of Religious:
Sr. Sarah Rudolph, CJ, Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Loreto Generalate
Sr. Ann Pratt, OP, Dominican Leadership Conference
Dr. Beth Blissman, CoL, Loretto Community (Sisters of Loretto)
Sr. Michelle Loisel, DC, Company of the Daughters of Charity
Fr. John Sivalon, MM, Ms. Susan Gunn, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
Ms. Annemarie O’Connor, Passionists International
Br. Kevin Cawley, CFC, Edmund Rice International
Ms. Kimberly Happich Moloche, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd
Dr. Jimmy Walters, Sisters of Charity Federation
Dr. Despoina Afroditi Milaki, International Presentation Association
Ms. Marya Farah, Franciscans International
Sr. Veronica Brand, RSHM, Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary
Sr. Joan Pikiell, SSND, School Sisters of Notre Dame
Sr. Mary Jane Caspillo, MMS, Society of Catholic Medical Missionaries
Sr. Isabelle Izika Tsamba, SNDdeN, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Sr. Marides Santos, SSpS, VIVAT International
Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI, Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Sr. Barbara Bozak, Congregations of St. Joseph
Fr. Rohan Dominic, CMF, Fondazione Proclade Internazionale-Onlus (Claretian Missionaries)
Fr. Mathew Thomas, SDB, Salesian Missions, Inc.
Sr. Melba Vasquez Rodriguez, CND, Congregation de Notre Dame de Montreal
Sr. Margaret Mwarili, RSCJ, Society of the Sacred Heart
Sr. Margaret Lacson, MM, Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic
Sr. Jean Quinn, DW, UNANIMA International