As Asia’s population approaches four billion, or more than half of the world’s population, the continent presents startling contrasts of wealth and poverty. While its governments range from the autocratic to the democratic, Asia has the potential for exponential economic growth and significant advances in science, health and technology. But the cost of development must take social justice and environmental values into account. In Asia the U.S. encounters ancient cultures and values from which it could learn much, as well as markets and trade opportunities that could benefit both Asia and the U.S. At the same time, robust Asian economies are potential competitors that could challenge the U.S.’s economic dominance in the world. With the U.S., Europe and giants such as China and India competing for critical natural resources, the globalized economy will demand political considerations – and concessions – of the U.S.
The Office for Global Concerns depends on the experience of Maryknoll missioners in Asia, who are deeply involved in many aspects of their hosts’ lives – religious, social, political and economic. Maryknoll personnel act as partners in diverse apostolates – in parish ministry, health work and education. Missioners work with persons with HIV and AIDS and with special needs. They support those living on the margins – people who are displaced, refugees, foreign workers – as they seek to promote peace, social justice and the integrity of creation.
In most of the world, May 1 is the day to celebrate workers. This year’s commemoration included memorials for the at least 1,127* people who were killed in the terrible collapse on April 24 of a factory in Bangladesh, a disaster that could have been avoided had the building’s owners not shirked their responsibility to provide a safe environment for workers. *Death toll updated from printed version.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) made headlines again in March as Japan was welcomed into the trade negotiations, despite protests from Japanese rice farmers concerned the treaty could undermine their livelihoods.
Sr. Janet Hockman served as a missioner in the Marshall Islands and in Nepal.
This week’s reflection is written by Sr. Mary Ann Smith, who spent many years as a missioner in the Philippines.
For the past 60 years, since the 1950-53 civil war with South Korea ended in a truce, North Korea has been stuck in a vicious cycle, a strategic plan that can be described in short as oppression coupled with threats of insanity and aggression, all enabled by North Korea’s economic lifeline: China.
Myanmar, celebrating nascent political, economic and social changes, is at a crossroads. But like the widespread graffiti slogan “Plug the City,” a plea for more electric power in the capital city of Yangon, it is unclear if the prevailing powers will commit the energy and resources necessary to ensure permanent long-term progress.
Last November, Maryknoll Sisters Janice McLaughlin and Jean Fallon traveled to Japan, where Sr. Jean lived and worked for many decades.
The following is based on an article written by law professor Shin Yong-In and published on the website of Save Jeju Now, the campaign to end the construction of a naval base on Jeju Island, South Korea.
Sr. Mary Grenough lives and works in Myanmar.
Fr. Joe Thaler, a missioner in Nepal, writes this week’s reflection.
Fr. Charlie Dittmeier, who lives and works in Cambodia, writes the reflection on the baptism of Jesus.
Br. John Beeching works with Burmese refugees in Thailand.
The December 4 typhoon that hit Mindanao is the latest indicator of the critical importance of addressing climate change.
The reflection for this final Sunday of Advent 2012 is written by Maria Montello, a lay missioner in Cambodia.
Maryknoll Sr. Marjorie Ann Bush returned to the U.S. on September 14 after making a short trip back to China where she worked in mission from 1999 until 2010. Sr. Ann Braudis interviewed Sr. Marjorie Ann regarding her sense of China’s movement toward sustainable development and whether or not a sense of peace is being strengthened through China’s development.
The following article is contributed by Fred Goddard, who recently moved to the Philippines after stepping down from his role as executive coordinator of the Maryknoll Affiliates.
This Sunday’s reflection is written by Fr. Jim Kroeger, who has served as a missioner in Asia for many years.
Sources for the following article, which was published in the September-October 2012 NewsNotes, include BBC News, FMT News, and the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN).
