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.
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns signed the following letter to Secretary Mnuchin urging him to support debt cancellation and the use of Special Drawing Rights by the International Monetary Fund to help developing countries, particularly in Africa, manage the COVID-19 crisis.
The Catholic Bishops of Zimbabwe issued a strongly worded pastoral letter in defense of human dignity and fundamental human rights as the government clamps down on dissent.
Prepared by Fr. Joseph Healey, MM, in collaboration with the South Sudan Catholic Refugees Community in Small Christian Communities in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya.
Intercommunal violence and government corruption pose serious challenges for South Sudan during the pandemic.
Father William Vos, a priest of the Diocese of St. Cloud, MN, was a member of the Maryknoll Lay Missioners, serving in Eastern Africa for 19 years.
Steve Veryser, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in Tanzania, considers how the readings for this Sunday give us hope and strength for these challenging times.
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Susan Nagele, who worked as a medical doctor in East Africa for 33 years, analyzes the region’s response to the pandemic and shares updates from Maryknoll Missioners.
Returned Lay Missioner Chris Bodewes reflects on the courage it takes to be a true disciple.
June 3 is the Feast of the Ugandan Martyrs, commemorating the execution of 45 young men for their faith in 1886. A similar massacre has again occurred on this day, this time in Sudan.
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Mary Oldham Hannemann reflects on the care and compassion she has witnessed in her community in Mombasa, Kenya.
The people of both Sudan and South Sudan are experiencing grave uncertainties about the possibilities of freedom, democracy and peace.
Tanzania plans to end the investment program within the SAGCOT initiative, a high-profile public private partnership, due to concerns for smallholder farmers’ land rights and economic security.
Marj Humphrey, who spent many years as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in East Africa, reflects on the well-known but still challenging Parable of the Prodigal Son.
Maryknoll Sister Teresa Hougnon in Kenya reflects on the transformation that happens when we enter into conversation with our enemies.
The future of the young nation’s peace agreement, signed last year to end a five-year civil war, is unclear.
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Mike Garr in Kenya reflects on loving one’s neighbor.
Maryknoll Father John Barth in Uganda reflects on Jesus’ teachings on the framework for Christian living
Dr. Anne Berry, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in Tanzania, reflects on the beauty in Tanzania of extending compassion and care beyond typical American cultural norms.
