Maryknoll Society on Enacting Laudato Si’
Fr. Frank Breen, MM, summarizes a major paper issued by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers calling on its members to listen to, identify with, and respond to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.
Myanmar: Famous Nun Helps COVID Patients
The following article, excerpted here, was first published by UCA News on August 13. This article was published in the September-October 2021 issue of NewsNotes.
Letter on Rohingya Genocide Determination
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns was one of 95 organizations to sign onto this letter calling on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to name the treatment of the Rohingya in Myanmar as genocide.
Philippines: Human Rights and 2022 Elections
Human rights and peace organizations are deeply concerned about Philippine President Duterte’s attempt to remain in power after the 2022 elections.
Pax Christi International Statement on Afghanistan
Pax Christi International issued a statement, excerpted here, on the situation in Afghanistan.
U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Afghans and U.S. faith groups navigate great challenges as they respond to the crises surrounding the U.S. military withdrawal.
Guatemala: Statement on Migration and El Petén
The following is an excerpt of an English translation of a May 25 statement by Fr. Flavio Pereira Tercero and lawyer Ramón Cadena analyzing the root causes of migration in Guatemala, especially the El Petén region, in anticipation of U.S. Vice Pres. Kamala Harris’ June 2021 visit to Guatemala.
Guatemala: Addressing Roots of Migration
Guatemalan groups expressed disappointment with Vice Pres. Kamala Harris’s visit to the country in June.
U.S. Immigration and Budget Reconciliation
The Fiscal Year 2022 budget resolution proposals recently passed by the House and Senate include opportunities for citizenship for many undocumented U.S. residents.
U.S. Border: Title 42 and MPP Remain
Two Trump-era policies severely restricting access to asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border have remained or been recently reinstated, to the dismay of immigrant advocates.
Economy of Francesco Initiative Progresses
The Economy of Francesco, Pope Francis’ initiative for young people committed to reimaging a just economy, will convene a global virtual gathering on October 2.
Just Transition For Defense Industries
The Institute of Policy Studies’ National Priorities Project offers ways to transition the U.S. military away from environmental destruction and toward more sustainable jobs. This article by Shea Leibow is reprinted with permission.
UN Report: Hopeful Actions for a Code Red Climate
In August 2021, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a new report on the precarious status of Earth’s changing climate.
Resources July-August 2021
Find resources on immigration policy, efforts to combat child labor, the intersections of COVID-19 recovery and climate action, and much more.
Updates on Israel-Palestine – July/August 2021
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, as a member of Churches for Middle East Peace, joined 100 national organizations in sending the following letter, excerpted here, to President Biden on June 8, 2021, asking him to halt new weapons sales to Israel.
Sustainable Transportation for the 21st Century
Shifting toward sustainable transportation will be necessary for combating global climate change. Climate scientists have ideas for making it happen.
Myanmar: Pope Joins Pleas for Aid
UCANews reported on June 21 that Pope Francis echoes calls by Myanmar bishops to respect religious sites as places of sanctuary.
Transforming U.S. Cold War Mentality with China
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns joined 65 other organizations in signing the following statement expressing opposition to a Cold War mentality that is increasingly driving U.S.-China policy.