September-October 2021

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guatemala: Addressing Roots of Migration

Guatemalan groups expressed disappointment with Vice Pres. Kamala Harris’s visit to the country in June.

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.

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.

Pax Christi International Statement on Afghanistan

Pax Christi International issued a statement, excerpted here, on the situation in Afghanistan.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conscience and Vaccine Acceptance

Dr. Don McCrabb, chair of the Catholic Cares Coalition and executive director of the U.S. Catholic Mission Association, wrote the following article on conscience and the Church’s encouragement of COVID-19 vaccines.

Campaign for Global Vaccine Access Continues

Faith leaders in the United States continue to call on the U.S. government and global leaders to ramp up access to COVID-19 vaccines, especially for impoverished countries around the world.

Resources September-October 2021

Find resources for taking action to help Afghan refugees, for the Season of Creation, for the International Day of Peace, and much more.