A tale of two Sudans
The people of both Sudan and South Sudan are experiencing grave uncertainties about the possibilities of freedom, democracy and peace.
Africa
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.
Articles, alerts, events
Tanzania turns away private investment in agriculture
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.
South Sudan: Concerns about peace accord
The future of the young nation’s peace agreement, signed last year to end a five-year civil war, is unclear.
Uganda welcomes refugees
Uganda is one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world. With few resources to offer to more than one million displaced people, Uganda represents a case study for generous refugee-hosting policies.
Zimbabwe: Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace Election Report
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) offers its analysis of the recent elections held in Zimbabwe.
Uganda: Rising calls for political change
Waves of protests against the autocratic rule of Yoweri Museveni, 74 years old and president of Uganda for close to 33 years, raise questions over how long he will remain in power.
World AIDS Day: Challenges to ‘Know Your Status’
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Susan Nagele, a family physician who returned to the United States in July from East Africa after 33 years of service, writes about the work of Maryknoll missioners in Kenya and Tanzania.
Botswana: Nearly 90 elephants found dead near sanctuary
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns sent a letter to the Embassey of the Republic of Botswana to share our concerns.
United States military presence in Africa
A summary of a four-part report by the African Faith and Justice Network examining U.S. military presence and activity in Africa by region.
Zimbabwe: Church can lead healing process
In the first election in Zimbabwe since long-time leader Robert Mugabe was ousted from power, the ruling ZANU-PF party has managed to hold onto control of the presidency and Parliament. But society remains fractured.
South Sudan: Possible peace agreement
Amid a humanitarian catastrophe the parties to the internecine conflict in South Sudan surprised many international observers when they signed a permanent ceasefire agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on June 27. Whether this ceasefire will hold is anyone’s guess. What we do know is the humanitarian crisis continues.
Zimbabwe: New democratic spirit
The United States offers to lift sanctions if Zimbabwe can conduct a free and fair vote.
Francophone Africa: Solving land grabbing
The following article is adapted from a report by CIDSE, an international alliance of Catholic social justice organizations based in Brussels. The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns is a member of CIDSE.
South Sudan, DRC: Prayer and Fasting for Peace
Pope Francis designated the First Friday of Lent, February 23, to be a day of prayer and fasting for peace for South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Zimbabwe’s “electric moment”
Maryknoll Sister Elizabeth “Claris” Zwareva writes about her homeland of Zimbabwe. Sr. Claris serves as Maryknoll’s representative at the United Nations where the Maryknoll Sisters and the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers have consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Pages
Scripture reflections
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 4, 2016
This week's scripture reflection was prepared by Chris Bodewes, who served as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in Kenya.
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 26, 2016
In this reflection, Maryknoll Sister Theresa Baldini remembers women she encountered in South Sudan.
Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 8, 2016
Joanne Miya, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner serving in Tanzania, writes this week's reflection.
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
November 8, 2015
Fr. Wayman Deasy, MM, who served in Tanzania, wrote the following reflection which was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
October 4, 2015
Liz Mach, a Maryknoll lay missioner in Tanzania, wrote the following reflection which was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
September 6, 2015
The following reflection was prepared by Susan Gunn, and can be found in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
August 23, 2015
Sr. Veronica Schweyen, MM, who served in Tanzania, wrote the following reflection which was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
July 5, 2015
Fr. David Schwinghamer, MM currently works with the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns; he wrote the following reflection which was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Easter
April 5, 2015
Sr. Rebecca Macugay has spent much of her mission life in east Africa and South Africa
Fifth Sunday of Lent (Year B)
March 22, 2015
Sr. Connie Krautkremer has spent much of her mission life in Tanzania. " ... God decides that our hearts will be responsible for holding the law. God decides to forgive and forget our past failures, and we can go on from there."
Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)
February 8, 2015
Sr. Genie Natividad, MM, who serves in Morogoro, Tanzania, wrote the following reflection.
Third Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)
January 25, 2015
Along with her family, Joanne Miya serves with the Maryknoll in Tanzania. Her reflection, published here, is also found in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Baptism of our Lord
January 11, 2015
Fr. John Sivalon, MM, who served in Tanzania, wrote the following reflection. It is also published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Third Sunday of Advent (Year B)
December 14, 2014
The following reflection was prepared by Sr. Patricia Gallogly, who served many years in Tanzania. Her reflection can also be found in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Feast of Christ the King (Year A)
November 23, 2014
Fr. Mike Snyder has served in East Africa for many years.
Africa Faith & Justice Network