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.
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.
Curt and Anita Klueg and their children were Maryknoll Lay Missioners in Kenya. They reflect on the call to radical hospitality.
This week’s reflection was prepared by Marj Humphrey who spent many years as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in East Africa.
Fr. Jim Noonan, spent much of his missionary life in Asia as well as South Sudan.
This week’s reflection was prepared by Father Tom Tiscornia, who served the people of Sudan/South Sudan for many years.
The following reflection on the growing protest demonstrations in Zimbabwe was written by Maryknoll Sister Janice McLaughlin, former president of the Maryknoll Sisters and a longtime missioner in Zimbabwe.
This week’s scripture reflection was prepared by Chris Bodewes, who served as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in Kenya.
Maryknoll Sisters in Zimbabwe ask for prayers as a nonviolent campaign by church leaders and citizens against systemic corruption and economic mismanagement by the government grows.
Africa Faith & Justice Network (AFJN), Africa-Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN), Caritas Nigeria, and Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) issued the following joint statement.
In this reflection, Maryknoll Sister Theresa Baldini remembers women she encountered in South Sudan.
Joanne Miya, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner serving in Tanzania, writes this week’s reflection.
The following article examines the evidence supporting Pope Francis’ startling warning in Laudato Si’: “the warming caused by huge consumption on the part of some rich countries has repercussions on the poorest areas of the world, especially Africa, where a rise in temperature, together with drought, has proved devastating for farming.”
The following article describes eight positive trends on the African continent.
Last June, Congress mandated that U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman examine ways to advance trade relations with African nations beyond one-way trade preferences. In response, Ambassador Froman held a hearing in Washington, D.C. in January.
Just days before Congress votes on the Electrify Africa Act, 18 African civil society organizations issued a statement calling on African governments and public and private financiers to find socially and environmentally sustainable solutions to Africa’s energy needs.
