Longing for Reconciliation: Lamenting over 70 years of Division Between North Korea and South Korea
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns signed on to the following statement in July 2020 in support of the Korean American Churches.
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.
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns signed on to the following statement in July 2020 in support of the Korean American Churches.
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns joined a number of organizations in sending the following letter to House leadership asking Congress to include humanitarian assistance for North Korea in the next COVID-19 relief bill.
We celebrate this new vision for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
"As Pope Francis has insisted, dialogue is the only way to peace."
Eight years after 112 died in a fire at a garment factory, survivors stage protest calling for help from the prime minister. UCANews published this article, excerpted here, on November 25, 2020.
A new youth protest movement calling for greater democratic norms has emerged in Thailand.
Bangladesh has experienced severe flooding, storms, and loss during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Catholic Church in Hong Kong raises concerns that a new security law will threaten the basic rights and freedoms of the territory's people.
Korea Peace Now!, a global movement of women mobilizing to end the Korean War, commissioned an international and multidisciplinary panel of independent experts to assess the human cost of sanctions on North Korea, and particularly on North Korean women. The following is the executive summary of the 48-page report.
Fr. Thomas J. Marti, MM, a Maryknoll Father serving in Seattle, WA, wrote the following reflection which was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Sr. Helen Graham, MM, who serves in the Phillipines, wrote the following reflection which was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Fr. John McAuley, MM, has spent much of his mission life in Asia.
Fr. Jack Sullivan served many years in Hong Kong. "Let us rejoice that our Brother Francis is calling us to awaken and repent; let us rejoice that the nations of the world are finally awakening to the challenge to save our earth, to save ourselves, to love each other and all creatures so loved by God."
Cecelia Aguilar Ortiz, who served as a Maryknoll lay missioner in Thailand, wrote the following reflection.
The following reflection, prepared by Maria Montello, a Maryknoll lay missioner serving in Cambodia, was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Sr. Helen Graham has served in the Philippines for many years.
The following reflection was prepared by Cecelia Aguilar Ortiz, a former Maryknoll lay missioner in Thailand
Kathy Morefield, a Maryknoll Affiliate serving in Cambodia, wrote the following reflection.
Sr. Lu Ahrens has served in Cambodia for many years.
Fr. John McAuley spent much of his mission life in Asia.
Br. John Beeching has spent years in Thailand, and share many beautiful reflections about living his Christian life surrounded by Buddhism.
Maryknoll lay missioner Maria Montello lives and works in Cambodia.
Sr. Helen Graham, MM is a theologian who lives and works in the Philippines.
After working as a nurse in the Philippines for many years, Sr. Mary Grenough now lives and works in Myanmar.