Issues

Nonviolence . . . Human trafficking . . . Women . . . . The elderly . . . Immigrants' rights . . . Housing. . . Children . . . Prisoners' rights . . . Health care . . . World Hunger . . . Globalization, as it affects Latin America . . . Care of the earth . . . Seamless ethic of life

Note: The ideas and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author's and should not be ascribed to the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes or its members.





Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Catholic Sisters Act and Pray

End family detention now. Families face high bond, ankle shackles & more to obtain asylum.

The Obstacles for Families Seeking Safety and Due Process in the U.S




The obstacles for families seeking asylum are unconscionable.  Stop stacking the barriers against families seeking asylum.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Catholic Sisters Use Campaign to End Human Trafficking

Catholic Sisters Use Campaign on the Buses to End Humman Trafficking 
General Vicar Sister Jomarie spoke with Action 2 News last October 15. Here are the report and short video clip on human trafficking. 

Catholic Sisters Use Campaign to End Human Trafficking

Care of Earth

Marian University’s Social Justice Committee and the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes welcomed the public to a free presentation and panel discussion on “Care for Earth” held on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 in the Stayer Auditorium. 

The following are videos of the presentation.
Care of Earth - Keynote Speaker Dianne Bergant, CSA 
The Panelists
Sister Jean Addresses Moral Choices The panelists
Questions and Answers

Presenters built on Pope Francis’ encyclical letter On Care for Our Common Home issued by the Vatican in June. They also referenced his recent addresses to the United States Congress and the United Nations in which Pope Francis urges courageous and responsible effort to redirect our steps” in order to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity. Pope Francis speaks not to a narrow audience – to legislators, to world leaders, or to people of faith – but rather to all people of good will.  With a message rooted in Sacred Scripture and in traditional teaching of the Catholic Church (and other major religions as well), Pope Francis calls on all people to “till and keep” the garden of the world that is home for present and future generations and all living species. 

“Pope Francis’s recent visit in September and his emphasis on the urgency of care for Earth makes this a very timely topic,” said Sister Sally Ann Brickner, one of the organizers of the event.

As the keynote speaker, Sister Dianne Bergant, a member of the Congregation of St. Agnes and Distinguished Theologian & Professor Emerita of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, stressed the interconnectedness and interdependence of humans with all creation. “We are a part of creation not separate from it, and subject to the wondrous cosmic design of God” Sister Dianne states.

The dialogue continued with a panel of experts considering various aspects of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’ (Latin for the opening words, Praised Be”).  Dr. John Morris from Marian University spoke about the science of climate change. Dr. Kevin Quinn from St. Norbert College considered the economic ramifications of care (or failure to care) for the environment.  Mr. Steve Borowski described how and why Monroe Clinic erected one of the most “green” medical buildings in the state of Wisconsin. Sister Jean Steffes, General Superior of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, addressed moral choices that individuals and organizations must make in order to care for Earth and all its inhabitants. Speakers also responded to questions and comments from the public.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Humanity Project Aims to Break Down Stereotype

 
On the surface, Fond du Lac may seem free of racial tensions, but undercurrents of harassment and discrimination continue to run through the community. 

“It’s time to get past race as a barrier and see it as an inevitable, positive aspect,” said Judy Goldsmith, social justice activist and member of the Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors. Read more.

(From The Reporter, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, September 28, 2015)

Chief: FDL PD doesn't racially profile

 
Last December, The Reporter ran a story about Christopher Cross, a bi-racial man living in the community who said he felt Fond du Lac was less than welcoming of people from diverse backgrounds. He took issue with statues of black caricatures on the lawn of a home near a sign that welcomes visitors to Fond du Lac. “C’mon in!” the sign says. 

Fond du Lac Police Chief Bill Lamb and Assistant Chief Steve Klein expressed concern over arrest rates of blacks compared to non-blacks that appeared in the story and were gleaned from a USA TODAY database. Read more  

(From The Reporter, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin September 28, 2015)

Ishamon Harris 'a man of peace'

A park bench was dedicated to the late Ishamon Harris Jr. 

The late Ishamon "Ish" Harris Jr. was a firm believer in giving peace a chance.

He and his wife Barbara Harris were the driving force behind Fond du Lac's first peace rally, held May 4, 1996, and through the years his passion for social justice continued to spark change in the community.
Read more.

(From The Reporter, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, September 30, 2015)