South Sudan: Urgent cries for peace
Famine and a refugee crisis grow while violent conflict continues.
Our concern for Africa is shaped by long term relationsips between Maryknoll missioners and the people of Sudan and South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Namibia. We honor their strength and wisdom and believe that African cultures and traditions often suggest solutions to seemingly intractable local and global problems.
In Africa our Global Concerns work is at times country-specific, focussing, for example, on the slow process toward peace between Sudan and South Sudan, or the genocide in Darfur; the political and economic collapse of Zimbabwe; the introduction of genetically modified seeds or the political situation in Tanzania; efforts to stop corruption in Kenya, among other issues. We also address transnational issues of great concern to all people in Africa: deep and endemic poverty; the HIV and AIDS pandemic; the call for the cancellation of illegitimate and overwhelming debt without conditions that worsen poverty; just trade agreements; the rights of women and children; and environmental degradation.
Famine and a refugee crisis grow while violent conflict continues.
Liz Mach, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in Tanzania, reflects on the challenge of following Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives.
The life story of South African Anglican priest Michael Lapsley, a friend to many Maryknoll missioners, is an inspiration for forgiveness.
Coralis Salvador, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in Kenya, reflects on the presence of the Holy Spirit during her regular visits to the homes of families affected by HIV and AIDS.
There are numerous influences in Africa pushing and pulling people to migrate either within their country, or across, away from, or into the continent, spreading new ideas and changes in culture.
A new Pan-African movement is gaining momentum in an effort to build strength by joining forces to work for peace, justice and dignity across the continent.
In advance of the general election in 2018, the Zimbabwe Catholic bishops issued a pastoral letter calling on the government and citizens to respect the Constitution and reject the use of violence and coercion.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011 as the outcome of a 2005 peace agreement that ended Africa’s longest-running civil war. Independence did not bring conflict in South Sudan to an end. Currently, more than 3.5 million people have been displaced and 7.5 million need emergency aid as a result of South…
For the first time in six years, the United Nations has declared that a situation of famine exists on the continent of Africa.
Maryknoll Father David Schwinghamer recalls a chance encounter with someone who, like the Samaritan woman at the well, demonstrates that even ordinary folk, once baptized, are meant to be messengers of the good news.
On January 31 several news organizations reported the African Union (AU) had agreed to a strategy of mass withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.
Michael Leen, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner tells the story of a friend in Mwanza, Tanzania who did what can seem impossible – offer love and mercy to his enemies.
Maryknoll Sister Theresa Baldini, who was on mission in South Sudan, reflects on the biblical call to forgiveness and reconciliation for justice to be restored in our relationships.
Maryknoll Sister Veronica Schweyen describes how God has chosen each of us and we can put our trust in God.
Maryknoll Father Dave Schwinghamer writes that, as Donald Trump begins his U.S. presidency, many in Washington, Dar es Salaam, and Harare can only speculate on what direction the new president will take in regard to Africa.
Teresa Villaruz, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in Kenya, reflects on seeing the light despite the darkness.
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Ashley Leen in Tanzania writes this week’s reflection on the meaning of family.
Curt Klueg, a returned Maryknoll Lay Missioner, writes this week’s Scripture reflection on the great gift of forgiveness.