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).
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Scripture reflections
All Souls' Day, November 2
November 2, 2014
Bertha Haas, a former lay missioner, prepared the following reflection.
Feast of All Saints
November 1, 2014
The following reflection was prepared by Fr. Dave Schwinghamer, who spent much of his mission life in Tanzania. He currently serves with the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns.
Feast of Corpus Christi
June 19, 2014
Sr. Mary Reese has served the people of Tanzania for more than 50 years.
Seventh Sunday of Easter
June 1, 2014
Sr. Mary Ellen Manz served as a missioner in East Africa for many years.
Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 25, 2014
Sr. Genie Natividad, MM serves in Tanzania.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
April 6, 2014
Former lay missioner Marj Humphrey writes about an experience when she worked in Kenya.
Second Sunday of Lent
March 16, 2014
Marj Humphrey is a former Maryknoll lay missioner who served in Kenya for many years.
Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time
March 2, 2014
Marie Dennis, co-president of Pax Christi International, is a Maryknoll Affiliate, and served as the director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns from 1997-2012.
Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
February 23, 2014
Sr. Janice McLaughlin spent much of her mission life in Zimbabwe; in 2008 she was elected to a six-year term as president of the Maryknoll Sisters.
Feast of the Holy Family
December 29, 2013
Fr. Mike Snyder has spent his mission life in East Africa.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 22, 2013
Sr. Theresa Baldini, MM, who writes this week's reflection, was a member of the Maryknoll Contemplative Community in South Sudan.
Feast of Christ the King
November 24, 2013
Curt Klueg writes this week's scripture reflection on the great gift of forgiveness.
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 3, 2013
Curt and Anita Klueg, along with their children, serve as lay missioners in Kenya.
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 20, 2013
This week's reflection was prepared by Marj Humphrey who spent many years as a missioner in East Africa.
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 13, 2013
Fr. Jim Noonan, who spent much of his missionary life in Asia, now serves God's people in South Sudan.
Africa Faith & Justice Network