/rss/newsitems.xmlen-us/rss/rssImg/rss_news.gif/rss/newsitems.xml1616/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTEyFAN Action Commissioner At-Large for Ecumenical Franciscans, Francesca Wigle, TSSF, is offering a spring course on Care for Creation at the Servant Leadership School of Austin, Texas.  The school is an offering of the St. Hildegard Community (http://www.hildegard-austin.org), a faith community committed to justice and social outreach sponsored by the Episcopalian Church in Austin.Francesca's course utilizes a number of Franciscan resources - including those provided by Franciscan Action Network (FAN) - to address how Christians can be grounded spiritually and morally when learning how to live in right relationship with the earth.  She also addresses the crisis of global climate change and references Care for Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth, an informative work on the subject by FAN Research Analyst, Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF, Keith Warner, OFM, and Pamela Wood.The listing for Francesca's course, which can be found here, reads: "Earth, with all its creatures, is in crisis, and responding to this crisis will require every possible resource of our human community. The ancient Christian tradition that sees the Earth as our sister and mother provides fertile ground for wise, inspiring and practical contributions to ecological theology. Authors Ilia Delio, Keith Douglass Warner and Pamela Wood, are participating in a wider retrieval of Franciscan theology to help meet the challenges of our new time. We'll be using their book, Care for Creation, in which they offer a unique blend of three interrelated disciplines: scientifically informed ecology, theology and the practice of reflective action. Whether you already an informed and active friend of the Earth or just beginning to explore changes that you can make, this class will empower and encourage your deeper caring in a supportive community."FAN continues to educate, inform, and encourage local, regional, national, and international efforts in support of care for creation and solutions to global climate change that respond to the particular needs of the poor and marginalized.  FAN's current statements and information on U.S.-based legislative efforts to respond to global climate change can be found here, along with a number of other resources.creation@franciscanaction.orgWednesday, 10 Feb 2010Wednesday, 10 Feb 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTEzby Christy Elliott,  FAN Creation Action Fellow Following a day and a half of fruitful fellowship and reflective strategy with members of the FAN Action Commission, FAN staff and most of the Action Commissioners present "crossed the border" between Washington, DC and Virginia to participate in Ecumenical Advocacy Days. The journey across the Potomac, above by car or below by Metro train, was symbolically appropriate for the weekend’s theme of “A Place to Call Home: Immigrants, Refugees, and Displaced Persons.” Various FAN staff played instrumental roles in planning the conference, from workshops to worship, and all lent a hand and a face to representing FAN at the table in the exhibit room. A sizeable statue of St. Francis and creature companions welcomed EAD participants as well. EAD opened with worship on Friday evening, led in song by the Franciscan-parish based St. Camillus Church Multicultural Choir, and a powerful address from United Methodist Church Bishop Minerva Carcaño. She gifted participants with the image of the waters of baptism rising up to confront the injustices of our broken immigration system, just as the waters of the Pacific Ocean have risen up to reject the pillars of a would-be extension of the wall dividing Mexico and the United States. A full Saturday included moving testimonies from Sr. Mary McCauley, BVM, who spoke about her experience in ministry during the Postville, IA raid of May 12, 2008; and Laura Rico, a U.S. citizen who related the challenges of life since her husband was deported from California and then imprisoned when he tried to return to their family of four children. Participants next put themselves in the shoes of characters associated with immigration through an “Engaging Impasse on Immigration” exercise from NETWORK. Frank Sharry of America’s Voice  also offered experienced guidance for communicating the need for comprehensive immigration reform to audiences of various views. The remainder of the day featured three sessions of workshops across multiple “tracks” (Africa, Asia/Pacific, EcoJustice, Global Economic Justice, Latin America, Middle East, Peace and global Security, and U.S./Domestic). Many Franciscans and Franciscan-hearted persons gathered for a denominational lunch with Tony Cube of the USCCB’s Justice for Immigrants  campaign. FAN members then participated in a special presentation on trafficking of women by Sr. Helene Hayes, RGS, and an update on FAN’s care for creation work. The long day concluded with Mass. FAN Interim Executive Director Fr. Larry Janezic, OFM connected the Gospel reading of the woman caught in adultery to the need for God’s higher law of mercy in reforming U.S. immigration law. Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins offered a reflection on the call to be one human family in response to our worship of one God during Sunday morning’s interdenominational worship. Semi-plenary sessions on “Durable Solutions for Displaced Persons” and “Understanding the Root Causes of Migration” preceded advocacy training workshops to prepare for Monday’s lobby visits. Most of the 700 EAD participants traveled to the National Mall for the “March for America” rally in support of comprehensive immigration reform, which featured a range of local, regional, and national faith, civic, and political leaders, including Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles. After their return, anti-death penalty activist Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ (author of Dead Man Walking) inspired the gathering with the story of her life journey of awakening and committing to the call to love through justice. The first light of Monday morning called the EAD crowd out of the hotel and onto seven buses, which took them to the Church of the Reformation near the Capitol for final preparation before visits to Senators and Representatives. After a weekend of prayerful education and collaboration, this diverse group of Christians shared a united message of the need to reform immigration, to address root causes of migration through the Jubilee Act for debt cancellation, and to assist refugees and forcibly displaced persons. FAN members around the country added their voices through a national call-in effort. The eager crowd blessed Congress with their energy and conviction before returning to the places they call home for a bit of rest, as the work of justice for all God’s children continues.  elliott@franciscanaction.orgMonday, 29 Mar 2010Monday, 29 Mar 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTE0Steve Patti, OFM, a friar-priest at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham, North Carolina, recently had a guest column published in his local newspaper, The Herald Sun, about the moral unacceptability of torture in all forms from a Catholic and Franciscan perspective. Fr. Patti's column can be read in its entirety here.info@franciscanaction.orgThursday, 15 Apr 2010Thursday, 15 Apr 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTE2For a printable copy of this press release, click here. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington DC - The Franciscan Action Network (FAN), a national faith-based civic engagement organization, marked its two year anniversary with the adoption of a strategic visionary document designed to guide its continued success as a potent force for integral social transformation in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. At its April meeting, the FAN Board of Directors approved and adopted the first strategic plan for the organization since the original gathering of Franciscans in Baltimore, Maryland in 2007, which provided the initial vision and impetus for what became the Franciscan Action Network. The strategic plan adopted by the Board focuses on four vital areas for FAN: mission, network, actions, and sustainability. Each of these areas includes an aspirational statement, written in the present tense, for what the organization hopes to say about its development in the year 2012.  Following each aspirational statement, related strategic objectives assist the Board, Action Center Staff in Washington, DC, national Action Commission, and members of the organization to understand the specific activities and efforts necessary to realize the aspirational statements by 2012. The overall shape of the plan emerged through a process that represented FAN's ongoing commitment to Franciscan collaboration among its various constituencies. In October 2009, a planning process facilitated by external consultant Louise Diamond began. A strategic planning team of Board members and Action Center Staff gathered insights, reflections, and assessments of FAN's impact as an organization during its first two years. After several meetings - both online and in person - with active FAN members, participants in FAN's national Action Commission, institutional members, and external collaborating organizations, this strategic planning team began to correlate the data and discovered both significant advantages and current opportunities for growth for the organization. "Strategic planning is a very challenging process for any organization," said Rev. Larry Janezic, OFM, FAN's Interim Executive Director. "Yet, especially for a young organization like FAN, strategic planning is vital. The whole process was an experience that encouraged us to come to a better recognition of who we are, while also giving us a direction and vision for our future." The findings in the strategic area of mission encouraged the honing of a focused mission statement derived from the existing 2007 Baltimore documents. The strategic area focused on FAN's network of constituents invited a concerted effort designed to expand the organization’s 3,400 person membership through efforts to recruit additional institutional members (religious orders and congregations) and more Franciscan-hearted persons via outreach to Franciscan colleges and universities. Desired growth in the area of communications focused on ongoing efforts to highlight Franciscan vision and values as our unique contribution to ongoing evaluation of national policy in our key areas of care for creation, poverty and human rights, and peacemaking. The plan also encouraged the continued use of outreach through internet activities as a significant strategic advantage. Finally, the plan noted that financial sustainability required expanding efforts in development, recruitment, and retention of donors at all levels of the organization. The entire strategic plan as approved by the Board of Directors is available here.  The initial 2007 Baltimore documents are also accessible here. Sr. Margaret Mary Kimmins, OSF, President of the Board of Directors, noted that the strategic plan now in place helps set a direction for ongoing development while building upon the successes of the organization's first two years. "FAN is a respected organization whose positions are sought on policy matters by both governmental and non-governmental leaders." Kimmins credits the ongoing support of our personal and institutional members for this success. "Their contributions have made us a visible network of Franciscans committed to policies that promote peace, a conscientious care for the struggling and the poor, and a profound respect for God's creation," she said. For Diamond, the culmination of the process brought a desire to see FAN continue to succeed - a sentiment that the organizational leadership hopes others will share. "It has been a great pleasure and honor to serve FAN in this strategic planning process," Diamond said. "I come away not only a committed Franciscan-hearted person, but as a strong supporter of FAN's work and presence in the world." # # # Franciscan Action Network is a non-profit organization incorporated in the District of Columbia. FAN is committed to inclusive social transformation in the spirit of Sts. Francis and Clare. For more information please visit our website http://www.franciscanaction.org/.janezic@franciscanaction.orgThursday, 15 Apr 2010Thursday, 15 Apr 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTE3I am Luca Battocchio Bellamoli, an Italian student in International Relations and Diplomacy. I am in Washington, DC for two months as a volunteer for FAN. Education is very important to me and it seems to me that it is one of the best ways to create a better world. Two weeks ago the House approved with a reconciliation vote the Student Loans Bill. The bill passed during the voting for the Health Care Bill, by a vote of 220 to 211. It is considered to be the single biggest investment in federal student aid in US history. This measure permitted access to education loans for many students and helps them and their families pay the fees; but the more important thing is that there is no cost to taxpayers. The main goals of this reform are to prepare the students for the US economy and to help them and their families make college affordable. With this reform the Federal Government will invest the money that it earns from the income from the student loans into different projects. Two of the main projects are:  - Improve Pell Grant Program for poor students;- Invest money in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions. The Student Loans Bill will make federal student loans easier to repay.  We can say that this reform is in line with the Franciscan Principles for job growth because it will provide an opportunity to many students to have access to college. This opportunity will create educated workers with the necessary knowledge to help the nation develop.  Additionally, this opportunity respects their dignity as persons because they will be able to earn a living wage and be able to help those who are not as well off. In Italy we have a different university system. The majority of universities are public and each student pays tuition that is determined based on their family’s annual income. It is a tiered system where the wealthy pay more for their tuition and the less wealthy families pay less money. In the same way each student has a specific cost for the university cafeteria. Many universities, in collaboration with the different Regions, assign scholarships that are merit-based and that are for students with a low annual family income. Therefore, in Italy we do not have a similar student loans system. Recently, students have begun to take out a bank loan to pay their tuition for post-graduate degrees.  I can not say if the Italian system is better with respect to the American system because there are so many differences between the two. In my opinion the best university system is a system where universities and Governments collaborate with specific investments especially in the research field, with a good merit system where every student after a long time in studies can begin a proper life in dignity. All sectors of society should do their part in promoting a good education for everybody. In Italy we have great access to university but finding a job afterwards is the real challenge. info@franciscanaction.orgWednesday, 28 Apr 2010Wednesday, 28 Apr 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTE4by Luca BattocchioFAN Intern In early 2010, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) published five major principles for job growth legislative efforts. Those principles are: - Respect the dignity of work and the worker;- Employ people at a living wage with corresponding benefits;- Support creation of jobs, especially in green technology;- Maintain our infrastructure and transportation system;- Maintain unemployment compensation and health insurance for the unemployed. What aspects of the jobs legislation in Congress reflect these principles?  According to the article from The Washington Post by Ben Pershing (March 18, 2010):  The Bill passed in the Senate on March 17. The vote was 68 to 29. This measure will help all workers who have lost their job. New program giving companies a break for paying social security taxes until December 31, 2010 on any new workers they hire who don’t work for at least 60 days Bonus of $1,000 tax credit for each worker that all employers write on the payroll for at least one year Extension for one year of the law governing federal transportation funding and investment of $20 billion for highway trust fund. The second and third points mentioned in the list above are very important because in this way the Federal Government helps small businesses employ new workers. In this way the US economy will rise. Thanks to this help, it is possible to guarantee the dignity of each person. People who work are satisfied people and it is therefore helpful for them, for their families, and for the nation, too. In this way they can receive a living wage with corresponding benefits. Part of this money will be invested in health care for them and their children. This federal help could urge the entrepreneurs to invest part of the saved money in the creation of new jobs in green technology for the nation’s development and for a better life for all. The last point present in the list above supports another important principle of FAN for job growth: maintain US infrastructure and transportation system, because a nation that invests its money in the infrastructures is a nation prepared for the future. A nation that wants to plan its future develops for the next generations. In this bill we do not find a specific point about maintaining unemployment compensation and health insurance for the unemployed but we are sure that the Federal Government will attend to this issue the next time.info@franciscanaction.orgWednesday, 28 Apr 2010Wednesday, 28 Apr 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTE5Although he was with us only a short time as intern (a mere two months), no one at the FAN Action Center or the Action Commission will forget the positive influence our spring intern Luca Battocchio Bellamoli has had on FAN's activities!Luca hails from Verona, Italy, where he has been studying in the field of international relations and diplomacy at Padua University.  In fact, he is very interested in the United States system of government and teaching it to students back in Italy.  He found a connection with the Franciscans in Italy and through those came to have a conversation with Larry Janezic, OFM, FAN's Interim Executive Director.  Fr. Larry immediately saw a great opportunity to help Luca gain important exposure to the working of the U.S. Congress while assisting FAN in its effort to interpret legislative policies around health care, jobs, food security, and more. Fr. Larry also quickly noted the link the Franciscans have with the great University of Padua as well! Now we are blessed with another connection through that institution!Such is the Franciscan way of personal relationships bearing fruitful connections! Before we knew it Luca was here in the U.S. and working hard for FAN, visiting and taking part in interpreting committee meetings on Capitol Hill, attending conferences at the Department of State, and many other activities.Although much of Luca's efforts have been behind the scenes, we are happy that he has written two brief pieces for us: one on the recent approval of student loan legislation passed by the Congress, and another more recent piece on the way aspects of the 2010 Jobs Bill correlates with FAN's Principles for Job Growth.Luca is now finishing his time with FAN and preparing to return to Verona. While we have been grateful for his presence, Luca has shared how much his work with FAN has meant to him as well: "I have spent two months as a volunteer for FAN," Luca said. "This experience permitted me to understand that when you want to help other people or improve your society, you can do it if you work hard.  The best recipe for success is to work with a good staff and to have the help of the Franciscan spirit at all times!" We at FAN are so grateful for Luca's joyful presence among us and we wish him a heartfelt "Grazie!" ("Thank you"), and, of course, the great blessing of Francis himself: "Pace e Bene!"info@franciscanaction.orgWednesday, 28 Apr 2010Wednesday, 28 Apr 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTIwIn early May, the United States Senate will be voting on the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010.   There are many widely debated issues relative to what this bill should or should not contain.  As Franciscans and Franciscan-hearted people we may not have a significant material stake in the discussion.  Yet we know that this bill carries with it the weight of a greater burden for the poor and the struggling of our nation and of the world.   Marie Dennis is Director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns.   She is a Secular Franciscan.  She has been director of the Office on Global Concerns since 1989.  The Office is particularly interested in Africa and the Global economy.  In a white paper written for FAN, Marie talks about the situation of big financial institutions and their impact on the global economy, particularly on the lives of the poor of the world.info@franciscanaction.orgWednesday, 5 May 2010Wednesday, 5 May 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTIyThe United States continues to face its critical moment in establishing just and humane policy in immigration legislation.  U.S.  policy impacts the lives of 12 million people due to their undocumented status.  The U.S. policy impacts the communities where they live, and the spiritual, social, and economic well-being of the entire country.  Franciscan Action Network (FAN) relies on the great Catholic, Christian, and Franciscan traditions to promote immigration reform that expresses the Gospel message, “…when I was a stranger you welcomed me.” Inspired by Francis’ love of the poor and vulnerable we look to policy priorities.testa@franciscanaction.orgWednesday, 12 May 2010Wednesday, 12 May 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTI0by Marc DelMonicoFAN Web Outreach “It is interesting to see how, in the Gospels, fear is often the first experience of the Risen Christ.  Even today, in spite of the enormous strides in ecumenical dialogue and unity, our denominations often get very nervous when Christ appears ‘elsewhere’ – outside of our community, our church – wherever we expect him.  Yet the great conviction of the writers and first hearers of the Gospel message of Easter knew that Jesus did not come just for ‘us’!” With these words, The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church (USA), welcomed participants to the National Workshop on Christian Unity (NWCU) held in mid-April in Tampa, Florida. The NWCU is an annual gathering of diocesan, denominational, and other leaders in the ecumenical movement to network, reflect, and pray together about significant issues in contemporary ecumenism. I had the opportunity to participate in this year’s conference by submitting an essay reflecting on the ecumenical significance of Luke 24, from which this year’s conference theme – “You Are Witnesses to These Things” was taken. The essay contest for Catholic entrants was conducted by the Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers (CADEIO). During the four day conference I had the opportunity to network with many dedicated Christians engaged in amazing work for social justice and Christian unity.  In many respects, these two movements of ecumenism feed each other, and people find their way into the ecumenical movement through the hard work of dialogue or through finding common cause in building up God’s reign with Christians from many denominations. How appropriate, then, that I was also able to represent Franciscan Action Network at the conference and visit with some longtime supporters in the Tampa area. Why is it so appropriate for FAN to have been at NWCU? Simply put, FAN, with its roots in the Catholic tradition, is also very much an ecumenical organization.  Over the past two years, FAN has built up significant relationships with the Episcopal / Anglican Third Order Society of Saint Francis and the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans. Both organizations areinstitutional members of FAN and have been strong supporters of our mission from the very beginning.  In addition to other small communities of ecumenical and non-denominational Franciscans, my experience at NWCU indicated to me that there are many “Franciscan-hearted” persons among our ecumenical brothers and sisters.  A number of friends from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church in America, as well as some Eastern Orthodox, Quakers, and Pentecostals made it a point to stop by the display table (which had been donated to FAN by CADEIO and NWCU), and asked many questions.  Many specifically asked about our upcoming C4C care for creation group process and our recent efforts to begin conversations around civility in political discourse.  Of course, I was also fortunate to build up FAN’s Catholic connections as well, making first connection with ecumenical officers in a number of dioceses around the country and a short opportunity to meet Archbishop Wilton Gregory of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and former President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Archbishop Gregory was very pleased to hear of FAN's collaboration with the USCCB's initiative for immigration reform, Justice for Immigrants. In the midst of a very full schedule, I was also happy to take some time away from the conference for an informal lunch with two very active members of FAN from the Tampa / St. Petersburg area – Sr. Cathy Cahill, OSF and Sr. Marita Flynn, OSF. Both are members of another institutional member of FAN, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY. During our lunch, I was able to offer a summary of FAN’s activities over the past twelve months, information about the new strategic plan for the organization adopted by the Board of Directors, and discuss upcoming activities.  Both Sr. Cathy and Sr. Marita expressed their gratitude for the work of FAN and offered constructive feedback on how FAN might help them continue to spread the word about the organization in the Tampa area. I think I speak for all of the staff at the Action Center when I say we are grateful for their work and the work of so many others like them that continue to support the work of FAN. This opportunity to meet with our members was the first “FAN on the Road” event – one of what we in Washington, DC hope will be followed by others as FAN Action Center Staff and Action Commissioners travel around the country. Interestingly, Luke 24 – the chapter on which the theme of the NWCU was chosen – speaks about the resurrection appearances to the disciples, presented in the powerful storytelling style of the author of Luke/Acts.  It includes the discovery of the empty tomb by the women, the story of the two disciples on the journey to Emmaus and their encounter with the risen Lord,  the fear-turned-to-joy when Jesus first appears to the disciples in Jerusalem, the giving of the Holy Spirit, and the Ascension.  “You are witnesses to these things,” Jesus tells his disciples (Lk. 24:48). This was an appropriate theme for a conference focused on building upon a 100 year history of Christian ecumenism and a theme that reflects FAN’s ongoing efforts to be a genuine Franciscan voice for social change. In the tradition of Franciscan mendicancy, it was good to “share the road” with other committed Christians on the same path.delmonico@franciscanaction.orgSunday, 16 May 2010Sunday, 16 May 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTI1FAN members and staff have been very busy this past Spring! Numerous events, several action alerts, and a care for creation reflection series are among the items featured in our Spring Highlights newsletter (PDF).  We also look to a few programs in the future, including the much-anticipated C4C program, which will be available in July! herald@franciscanaction.orgWednesday, 9 Jun 2010Wednesday, 9 Jun 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTI2Aston- The congregational leadership of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia expresses its public support of the statement by the presidents of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the Conference of Major Superiors of Men calling for immigration reform. This statement was recently sent to President Obama and congressional leaders of both parties. The Sisters of St. Francis have called for comprehensive immigration reform for many years and took a corporate stand on this issue in 1996. (Visit their website, http://www.osfphila.org, to view their corporate stand documents.)  Some sisters work closely with immigrant families and know the struggles they experience. While we acknowledge the responsibility of any country to control its borders, recent raids, detentions, and deportations often separate parents from children. As mentioned in the attached statement, “it is an absolute necessity for Congress to act soon and comprehensively to fix our broken immigration system.”  The recent abhorrent Arizona legislation is not the way to address immigration problems, yet it underscores the need for national comprehensive immigration reform. The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia is a congregation of nearly 550 Catholic women religious who choose a Gospel way of life lived in community and uphold a long and honored tradition of loving God and being in relationships through loving service. We are committed to the needs of others, especially those who are economically poor, marginalized, and the oppressed.  We are willing to take the necessary risks to be a healing, compassionate presence in our violent world, especially for women, children, and those who have no voice.mirmurray@comcast.netThursday, 10 Jun 2010Thursday, 10 Jun 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTI4 "Over the past few decades those who give serious attention to Mission in the Christian traditions have laid out five elements which describe this fundamental vocation of the Church today. One could add or perhaps subtract from these five; but basically this list is considered the principal dimensions of Jesus’ command to "teach all nations". In no particular order of priority, then, here are the five elements: Witness – Dialogue with Other Traditions – Proclamation – Spirituality – Transformation of the World." With these words, Rev. Joseph Nangle, OFM, former missioner and current member of the FAN Board of Directors begins a short but salient reflection on a contemporary understanding of mission that is both broadly visonary and eminently practical. Fr. Nangle's reflections represent Franciscan Action Network's ongoing efforts to promote reflective and practical "white papers" that focus on a particular issue or challenge in an effort to address it more comprehensively for our members and other Franciscan and Franciscan-hearted people. Fr. Nangle's white paper can be found here (PDF) and other white papers produced by FAN researchers over the past two years can be found here. To read more about Fr. Nangle himself, click here.info@franciscanaction.orgFriday, 11 Jun 2010Friday, 11 Jun 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTI5by Stephanie Sormane, SFOFAN Action Commissioner (Note: This article is reproduced from Stephanie's local SFO newsletter.)I’d like to share my ideas regarding the transition within the Secular Franciscan Order from the Apostolic Commissions model to the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) model as we live the Rule in the areas of family, work, ecology and peace and justice. Bear in mind that first and foremost is our Rule – this is what we profess to, this is our way of life as Secular Franciscans. Our current Rule, approved by Pope Paul VI on June 24, 1978, has not changed since its approval – it is exactly the same as it was the day Pope Paul approved it. Therefore, nothing really has changed. What has changed, hopefully, is our better understanding of our call as Secular Franciscans.We are called to apostolic action because we are called “to observe the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Article 4 of the Rule). Perhaps the Gospel of Jesus can be briefly summarized by the Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40): "Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”The Apostolic Commissions came 6 years after the approval of our current Rule and were developed by Fr. Matthew Gaskin, OFM of Holy Name Province. William Wicks had an excellent article in the Winter 2007 issue of Tau-USA explaining how the Commissions came about. He said, in part: “The intention of the formation of these commissions was to encourage transition from the Leonine Rule (of 1883) that did not call the Tertiaries to apostolic activity, but directed them mainly toward the devotional; the goal, then was self sanctification. The Apostolic Commissions called attention to actively living out our SFO calling in the world, through participation.” Unfortunately, as time went on, at least is some areas, the concentration on the Commissions became exaggerated; thinking and activities became project-oriented, and the spirit of the Rule got lost in the shuffle. This needed to be corrected, and that was acknowledged before Franciscan Action Network (FAN) or JPIC entered our lives. Nothing really happened, however, until those two acronyms did come along, and a lot of confusion came with them – so let’s try to clarify that confusion.First, FAN does not replace the Commissions. FAN is an activity in which the SFO participates with the rest of the Franciscan Family under JPIC – but only one activity, not the whole thing! JPIC is a term used by the other branches of the Franciscan Family. The Friars and Sisters have had JPIC Committees, Coordinators, Chairpersons, etc. for years. Our using that term as well was for communication purposes – so we would all be referring to the same activities with the same words, a good thing as the various branches of the Franciscan Family work together more and more. This is something that happens within FAN – but that’s not the only place it happens. Right here in our Chicago area. Friars, Sisters and seculars work together in various ministries. This is, thanks be to God, becoming more and more common, but not as common as it should or could be – but hopefully that will come with time!So – if JPIC is simply a new name for the same activity, and FAN is simply one of the activities under JPIC, then what has changed? It’s more a renewed awareness than change. We must be clear on why do we do what we do and how do we do it, and it must be not out of obligation but out of love. We must be people of peace and reconciliation, not just some of the time, but all of the time, and that is very hard to do. But with God’s grace, we can do it – perhaps not perfectly, but well enough to make a difference in our world, and that is what we’re called to – to rebuild God’s house, to bring about God’s kingdom!  stefsfo@sbcglobal.netWednesday, 23 Jun 2010Wednesday, 23 Jun 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTMwby Christy ElliottFAN Creation Action Fellow&Monica Herald,Outreach & Communications Manager(Note: This article appeared in a spring 2010 newsletter of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.) What is Franciscan Action Network (FAN) and what does it do? The Franciscan Action Network is designed to bring a coordinated and effective voice to matters of Justice, Peace, and Care for Creation in our world. Through education and advocacy, the Franciscan Action Network hopes to bring a spirit of healing and reconciliation for the transformation of the world, as inspired by the Spirit of God. We see that we have the power to effectively educate advocate for redistribution of resources, the responsible care for creation, and the healing of relationships within society. One of the chief tasks for FAN is to develop vehicles that can support, develop, and organize Franciscan-hearted people to be more effective in their civic engagement. FAN’s foundation is different from similar organizations in DC, precisely because of its Franciscan heritage, which calls us to work for social transformation in a way that is different from the angry rhetoric and politics often experienced in our culture. Our process recognizes the need to challenge ourselves to live the Gospel life consistently and authentically. Whether we are heard or not depends on how loud we can be. Being "loud" in the political process is not about shouting, but about having a large enough choir singing in unison. This requires training others in the skills of civic engagement and social change. Four broad activity areas form and grow our membership: Spiritual formation and prayer—FAN provides resources for its members. For example, FAN has dedicated the month of June to prayer and action in response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Information and resources for individual and communal prayer and suggested action are available in the "Care for Creation" section of FAN’s website (http://www.franciscanaction.org/careforcreation). Capacity building— FAN helps members increase both the quantity and quality of justice, peace, and care for creation opportunities within their own ministries and institutions. In early fall, FAN will be hosting "Ours to Do" which is a workshop designed especially to meet these needs. Email Monica Herald  for more information. Networking— FAN helps Franciscans and Franciscan-hearted people connect locally, regionally and nationally for social action formation, direct service, and other opportunities. Effective Advocacy—FAN enables the growing network of Franciscans to share and amplify their message of change in efficient, timely, and strategic ways. We do this through action alerts  that our members receive. How can FAN help ACCU members? Students can take part in the various advocacy campaigns that FAN sponsors and learn, through actual practice, the skills needed for grassroots organizing. Faculty can stay abreast of important social issues and participate as individual members of FAN. In the fall, FAN will pilot a program that brings Civic Engagement Training to college students, much in the same way that "Ours to Do" provides training for adults in ministry. We look forward to future collaboration. Upcoming events for your consideration: In July, FAN will host a webinar with updates on the Gulf oil spill and Franciscan priorities for comprehensive climate change and energy legislation. Sign up  to receive more information. Also in July, FAN plans to release its Care for Creation (C4C) curriculum, a six-session program for adult faith formation. To learn more about FAN’s Care for Creation efforts generally, email or contact Christy Elliott at 202 527 7564.herald@franciscanaction.orgWednesday, 23 Jun 2010Wednesday, 23 Jun 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTMyby Christy ElliottFAN Creation Action Fellow The Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU) held its bi-annual Symposium from June 8-11 on the theme “Educating for the Care of Creation: Contemporary Verses for the Canticle of the Creatures.” The very able hostesses (and hosts) at the University of St. Francis (USF) welcomed participants to Fort Wayne, Indiana for four days of invigorating reflection and conversation, as well as several opportunities to explore Creation and the surrounding area. I represented FAN and held a breakout session to explore possibilities for FAN to collaborate with colleges and universities. Titles for the other fascinating session topics are available on the Symposium website . After an opening dinner that introduced attendees to the delicious hospitality of St. Francis University, Br. Keith Warner, OFM began the Symposium with a keynote address on the implications of the Incarnation regarding Franciscan education for ecological conversion. He highlighted the need for greater “ecological literacy” along the terms proposed by David Orr, who addresses the implications of fragmented pedagogies. Br. Warner developed Orr’s perspective to propose that disaggregated pedagogies lead to disintegrated worldviews which lead to a dismembered world. He likened specialization to dissection and identified a corresponding need to teach how to heal the earth. Br. Warner claimed that an integrated education (including religion, ethics, and science) should be as transformative as the conversions of St. Francis and St. Clare. He also showcased the lives of several lesser-known Franciscans: Bernardino de Sahagún, a proto-anthropologist who studied and recorded the lives of indigenous populations in Mesoamerica during the 16th century; Bartholomew the Englishman, who produced a forerunner of the encyclopedia during the 13th century; and Roger Bacon, who pioneered elements of the scientific method. Br. Warner cited Bacon’s conviction that reform of society requires the reform of education, his emphasis on the importance of direct observation and experimentation, and his respect for communication and language skills. Br. Warner also shared Bartholomew’s observation that “earthly things can lead us to an understanding of heavenly things and to reconciliation with God.” He urged Symposium attendees to think of higher education as a team of persons creating linkages as part of a greater whole. Whether participants chose to experience Tai Chi exercise, attend daily Mass, or head straight to a hearty breakfast, all enjoyed a full Wednesday focused on theFranciscan Intellectual Tradition (FIT). Srs. Pat Smith, OSF and Kathleen Moffatt, OSF introduced the group to the themes of FIT and the recent history of its recovery. Sr. Smith distinguished the Franciscan tradition as a “vernacular theology” that is “laity-friendly” and experiential, focused on actuality and practicality. As with Christ, Francis left his followers the “human and graced text of his life” as inspiration for reflection. Sr. Smith emphasized that early “Franciscan” thought was not an innovation but a synthesis of the Gospels and previous Church teaching. She noted the dominance of Thomism since the Council of Trent and pointed to affirmations of Franciscan thought in Canon Law in 1917, in Pope Pius XI’s 1923 encyclical Studiorum Ducem, and in the beatification of Bl. John Duns Scotus in 1993. Sr. Moffatt promoted Franciscan thought as an intellectual tradition that can address the most pressing needs of our time and includes a necessary ecological worldview. She shared her experience of developing “God’s Extravagant Love,” an introduction to FIT, and its primary themes: the goodness of God, the primacy of Christ, and the dignity of the human person. Sr. Moffatt concluded by asking attendees to guess who had stated that “in the final age, the whole Church will be Franciscan.” The answer was Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, in 1969. Br. Bill Short, OFM next presented on the goodness of Creation, the importance of matter, and the relationship of the human person to the rest of the world. He also featured Roger Bacon’s life, as well as that of Robert Grosseteste, who pioneered light theory and saw the natural sciences as a gateway to theology; Ramon Llull, a married Spanish layman and Franciscan associate who developed a ladder of the sciences and a combinatory wheel; and Luca Pacioli, a friar and friend of Leonardo da Vinci who explored divine proportion and also understood theology as a reflection on the experience of scientific observation. Sr. Pat Hutchison, OSF shared her perception during the talks that in Franciscan thought, there is nothing that does not belong, and that Franciscan thought is therefore responsible for addressing all areas of knowledge. She explained the structure of small-group conversations that took place before reconvening for a town hall panel with each of the four presenters. During the panel’s response to questions selected from the small groups, Sr. Moffatt emphasized the goodness of the human person with Scotus’ analogy of the lamp shining from within (which deepened Bonaventure’s analogy of light shining through stained glass). Br. Warner described the recovery of FIT as “old” values that produce new knowledge under contemporary circumstances; as Francis retrieved the Gospel for his time, the retrieval of FIT must apply to present challenges. Reemphasizing the Incarnation, he suggested that Franciscan thought is not so much read as lived in communities and that it cultivates dialogue between ways of knowing in diverse contexts. Sr. Smith contrasted the logic of Thomism with the simplicity and accessibility of Franciscan thought. Instead of Franciscolatry, or the worship of Francis through overly literal imitation, Br. Short recalled attendees to present realities and suggested that the former view of the order and beauty of nature now gives way to compassion and even fear in recognizing the destructive influence of human action, as in the case of the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.} In solidarity with the oil spill prayer vigil  that FAN co-sponsored at St. Camillus parish in Silver Spring, MD, Symposium organizers encouraged attendees to participate in Wednesday evening’s Eucharistic Adoration, which began at the same time as the prayer vigil. From prayerful silence, participants could continue on to the nightly social hour (with drinks and dessert!), which on this evening included shows in the science hall’s planetarium. Thursday began with complementary Franciscan reflections on created beauty. Prof. William R. Cook from the State University of New York passed on the claim that Francis was the most sacramental person who ever lived and persuasively argued for the significant impact that Francis’ spirituality and the values of his followers had on the development of Renaissance art. USF Prof. Esperanca Camara shared what she has learned about God from her professional and personal study of the Book of Creation, including that God loves life and that God loves variety. The remainder of Thursday and the final morning on Friday focused on breakout sessions, with a festive gala dinner and final dessert social in between sunset and the next sunrise. USF President Sr. M. Elise Kriss, OSF oversaw the passage of the AFCU Executive Director position from Sr. Gabrielle Kowalski, OSF of Cardinal Stritch University to Dr. Kevin Godfrey of Alvernia University. Godfrey expressed well the sense of energy and identity animating the Symposium when he reminded participants: “The Franciscan tradition is not a monument but a movement.” Representatives of Viterbo University, the next AFCU Symposium host, announced the upcoming theme of Franciscan Leadership. As attendees returned to their respective institutions or organizations the following day, they left with a renewed calling to leadership in the living Franciscan movement.elliott@franciscanaction.orgWednesday, 23 Jun 2010Wednesday, 23 Jun 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTM1  Franciscan Action Network Seeks Executive Director Position entails administering a young but rapidly growing advocacy network of people committed to the public exercise of Franciscan values relative to shaping and reforming public policy based in Washington D.C. Candidates should be knowledgeable in Franciscan values and Catholic Social Teaching, experienced in leadership with strong development and human resource skills, and the ability to engage others in the growth of Franciscan Action Network. For more information, view this brochure (PDF). To apply submit a letter of intent and resume to Margaret Mary Kimmins, OSF, via email, or to 50 F. Street NW # 500, Washington, D.C. 20001.mkimmins@verizon.netThursday, 29 Jul 2010Thursday, 29 Jul 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=OTM=Washington, DC - On the evening of March 4, 2010, two dozen religious education and youth ministry leaders formed a virtual classroom to learn about Care for Creation resources for their ministries. Participants represented parishes of the Holy Name Province of the Order of Friars Minor (OFMs), one of the Franciscan Action Network's over forty-five institutional members.They heard from panelists Candice Harris of CRS; Sr. Katherine Feely, SND of Education for Justice at the Center of Concern; Christine Miesowicz, Director of Lifelong and Middle School Faith Formation at the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi in Raleigh, NC; and Christy Elliott of FAN. Russ Testa, JPIC Director for Holy Name Province, moderated the presentation of remarks and slides as well as a question and answer session. Candice Harris reported on CRS’s educational efforts to communicate the experiences of the communities they serve in the context of a changing climate. Youth tend to be well aware of the humanitarian projects of celebrities and need to witness the Church’s level of commitment and action. Sr. Katherine Feely, SND explored some of the theological foundations of Care for Creation in our faith tradition and resources available from Education for Justice. Christine Miesowicz shared her experiences with youth in parish and school settings and emphasized the importance of forming adults and using existing programs and resources, such as religious education texts, as opportunities to focus on Care for Creation. She noted that young people often know more about climate change and environmental concerns than adults and that practices in the home have the greatest impact. Christy Elliott highlighted the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2010 as an appropriate occasion for proclaiming the Franciscan perspective and reviewed resources available through the FAN website for observing Earth Day. She also shared resources and examples from participating parishes and tools for engaging youth in advocacy. Anyone can access these resources at www.franciscanaction.org/earthday2010. A streaming recording of the webinar is available here. FAN eagerly provides such interactive educational experiences to its members and would gladly offer a similar program to other communities. For more information, please contact us.  creation@franciscanaction.orgSaturday, 26 Sep 2009Saturday, 26 Sep 2009/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTE1 For our members near New York City, Franciscans International is hosting a "Hear it from the Experts Series" over the next three months. This engaging event will feature experts sharing information about poverty, the environment, and human trafficking. If you are in the New York City area, and would like to particiate, click here for the flyer (PDF) and more information. h.metcalfe@fiop.orgThursday, 15 Apr 2010Thursday, 15 Apr 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTI3 For a printable version of this press release, click here.Washington, DC - In a June 3 meeting with White House Officials a letter was delivered to President Obama from more than 40 Franciscan organizations calling him to strong leadership to help pass comprehensive immigration reform. The letter was facilitated and delivered by Franciscan Action Network (FAN), a grassroots efforts of the Franciscan family in the U.S. to achieve a more effective collective voice on public policy. Franciscans represent a religious order within the Christian tradition which traces their inspiration from St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi and their early followers, dating back more than 800 years. Their various branches represent the largest religious order in the Catholic Church, and there are also Franciscans in the Anglican / Episcopal tradition and other Christian and Protestant denominations. Through their work in parishes, schools, hospitals, social service organizations, and a myriad of other ministries, Franciscans witness and minister to thousands of immigrant persons who are destroyed by the current immigration system. In their letter, the leaders state, "Many members of our communities, congregations, and orders minister directly with immigrant families. We witness to their victimization through the current policy. We believe that as a nation of immigrants, immigrants contribute to the wellbeing of our nation through their skills, talents, hard work, and values. At the present time, their lives are filled with fear and the assurance of family life together is threatened." Franciscan Action Network Interim Executive Director, Fr. Larry Janezic, OFM, when commenting on the Franciscan Leader’s letter, said, "Our immigrant brothers and sisters are scapegoated as the cause of numerous problems in our nation. Nothing could be further from the truth. We hope that the Franciscan spirit of balance and reconciliation contained in the letter to President Obama can be a small part to helping immigrants achieve the justice required for all persons." The Franciscans communities and Franciscan Action Network are committed to continue their work for comprehensive immigration reform. testa@franciscanaction.orgFriday, 11 Jun 2010Friday, 11 Jun 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTMxFAN Executive Director Fr. Larry Janezic, OFM recently attended a hearing in which Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar explained the current moratorium on new offshore drilling for oil. Fr. Larry wrote the Secretary a letter expressing the Franciscan commitment to care for creation, affirming the suspension of new oil drilling projects until the implementation of additional safety measures, and calling for greater freedom from fossil fuels.janezic@franciscanaction.orgWednesday, 23 Jun 2010Wednesday, 23 Jun 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTMzby Maria BalataFAN Summer Intern “When the second angel blew his trumpet, something like a large burning mountain was hurled into the sea. A third of the sea turned to blood, a third of the creatures living in the sea died, and a third of the ships were wrecked.”  ~ Revelation 8: 8-9 The recent disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has presented us Franciscans and Franciscan-hearted persons with a very intricate problem. As the June 9th hearing on Capitol Hill illustrated, the issue at hand is much more than an environmental problem. This disaster represents a multi-faceted tragedy for our economic well-being and sustainability, in addition to the ever-present ecological concerns.Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, testified before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on the status of the current situation. Before the signs of angry protestors that read “eco-terrorist,” Salazar spoke of a six month moratorium suggested by the administration on all new permits for offshore drilling and the current 33 wells present in the Gulf area. Salazar explained that the purpose of the temporary moratorium was to give the government sufficient time to evaluate the problem, initiate efficient clean-up operations, assess what went wrong, in order to prevent similar events in the future, and assure that all other wells meet current safety standards.While this approach may seem greatly needed from an environmental perspective, Senators from various parts of the country have articulated concerns on behalf of their constituents, many of whom are dependent on the oil industry for their livelihoods. Senator Mary Landrieu from Louisiana voiced her deep reservations with the moratorium, explaining that those dependent on the Gulf waters for their livelihoods have already suffered tremendously and the additional burden of the moratorium would exacerbate the already difficult conditions for the 300,000 people in Louisiana’s oil industry. The Franciscan tradition speaks to the complexity of these issues. Our tradition calls us both to care for creation and to rectify the social injustices of our world. Like Francis at the foot of the cross, we are called by our Creator to rebuild God’s house. To embark full-heartedly on this mission, we must consider all of the issues at hand. Protecting our planet is important, but assuring that all our brothers and sisters are cared for is also an imminent concern. We must embrace both dimensions of this issue in order to advance in a way that is worthy of service to the One who calls us. Since the senate hearing on the safety of offshore oil operations took place, Americans have continued to grapple with the issue. The Department of the Interior has issued the moratorium, which since then has been overruled by a Louisiana judge, and will be appealed by the federal government.  BP has agreed to pay $20 billion in damages with an additional $100 million to start a fund for workers who have become unemployed in Gulf states. Prayer services have been held and continue to be held in hope of intervention. Environmentalists have flooded the Hill begging for change. Scientists and engineers have joined forces, while volunteers rushed to the Gulf to lend helping hands.  And all along, committees have gathered to discuss this complex issue that has aroused so many. While these actions are noble and necessary, they are hardly sufficient. President Obama’s statement on June 15th regarding the oil spill reiterated many of the same concerns. He assured the American public that the government is working around the clock with experts to find a solution to the problem. He stated that BP will be held accountable for the damage they have inflicted on the environment and the Gulf coast communities. He assured that no victim of this disaster will go unnoticed and uncompensated for the damages they endure. Obama encouraged the scientific community to explore, now more than ever, alternative energy sources. However, our president seems to have forgotten the role that the American people have played in this disaster and, most importantly, he seems to have forgotten the strength and the goodwill of the American public. While the errors of many have brought us to this point, most notably, BP and the MMS, we cannot overlook our own role in this equation. Our ever-growing demand for oil and exuberant carelessness with our natural resources accounts for BP’s presence and perhaps mistake. The current moratorium on offshore drilling has the potential to decrease our supply of oil and yet many of us have done very little to alter our lifestyles and our dependency on oil. Perhaps President Obama could have made a plea to the American people to be more conscientious of our gas consumption. Perhaps we can take it upon ourselves to carpool when possible or find some other way to do our part to alleviate the demand for oil. However one chooses to contribute to relief efforts, one thing is certain: we are far more likely to find a solution if we join BP and the government in their efforts, rather than demonize those whom we feel have erred. After all, is this not the message that Francis preached? Our tradition holds that the true fruits of penance lie in the restored relationships that flow from true reconciliation.  Reconciliation is always our goal because it leads to the harmony and peace of which Francis spoke. As Franciscans and Franciscan-hearted people, we can neither accept nor neglect the effects of the devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Likewise, we cannot ignore our Creator’s call to respond to the needs of our world.  This is our opportunity to rise to the challenge before us and reconcile our lives with the realities that we face. Our resources are limited. Our earth is a precious gift. Our brothers and sisters in the Gulf states need our help. Now is the time to embrace the call to action.  info@franciscanaction.orgThursday, 1 Jul 2010Thursday, 1 Jul 2010/news/exec/frmNewsDetails.aspx?sankhya=MTM0by Christy ElliottFAN Creation Action Fellow On June 24, the celebration of the birth of St. John the Baptist, FAN members in key States honored his witness as a voice crying out in the wilderness by urging their Senators to include the Congo conflict minerals amendment in the final Financial Reform bill. Franciscans are called to reverence the dignity of the human person and to approach natural resources with gratitude rather than greed. In the DRC, illegal exploitation of creation contributes to the violent abuse and even destruction of human life.   Violent conflict in the Eastern DRC has killed millions and displaced more than 1.7 million persons; an estimated 400,000 women and girls have been raped there in the past ten years. Armed groups’ control over lucrative mines and mineral trade routes in the region finances much of the instability, displacement, conflict, and sexual violence. One “conflict mineral” is coltan, a critical component for the production of cell phones, laptops, and other electronics. Much of the DRC’s coltan is illicitly mined in conflict zones and illegally exported through neighboring countries.    The evening of June 24, the House-Senate Conference Committee reconciling the Financial Reform bill included the Congo conflict minerals provisions which FAN members support. The provisions require companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to report annually whether the products they manufacture are “conflict free” in order to reduce the demand for minerals that are illicitly mined and sold on the international market by armed groups operating in Congo. The Conference Committee also included additional provisions that reach beyond Congo and require companies to disclose the payments they make to foreign governments for the natural resources they extract. Greater transparency will help local communities to hold their governments accountable for the stewardship of income generated by natural resources.   The final reconciled financial reform bill. under the title Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act passed the Congress on July 14 and is due to be signed by the President the week of July 19.elliott@franciscanaction.orgThursday, 1 Jul 2010Thursday, 1 Jul 2010