Blessed be: Inclusivity
My head has been solidly in two zones this past fall: the election and the intensive revision of the Inclusive Lectionary Sunday reading series. Then the zones merged into one — the use of language, and how it can cause pain to “the poor, the lame, the blind, the deaf.” and so on.
The language of the campaign was crass, insensitive, and hurtful to so many people. It objectified them, denying them their dignity as human beings. “How can I insult you? Let me count the ways” seemed to be the mantra. Group after group of people were insulted and mocked.
NICA Act: Perpetuating Suffering in Nicaragua
The Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act (NICA Act) is a congressional bill introduced in July 2016. The NICA Act focuses on limiting long term aid to Nicaragua from financial institutions such the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank due to the Nicaraguan government’s restrictions on transparent elections and limitations on political freedoms (i.e. political opposition parties).
Homes of Hope - Manos Amigas
This August we began our first concentrated construction project through the Homes of Hope and our financing agreement with Banpro. Concentrating production allows us to save money on materials, transportation, and labor and gives the homes a strong social component as new communities are built with the houses.
Justice for Berta
On March 2, 2016, internationally recognized Indigenous and Honduran social movement leader Berta Caceres was murdered following an intense struggle against the Agua Zarca Dam in Honduras. Berta was the General Coordinator of the Indigenous Lenca organization COPINH and national Honduran social movement leader against the 2009 SOA-graduate led coup in Honduras and the resulting US-backed and financed repressive regimes. She received constant death threats, surveillance, and repression. Despite all the threats, Berta refused to be silent. Demand justice for her death today!
The Immigration Debate
Much of the election season to date has revolved around the questions of immigration reform and border security, yet little time has been given to the devastation that is now tearing through Mexico and the northern region of Central America. To address this pandemic of violence will require multiple government agencies, grassroots movements, and leadership in the White House and Congress. Why then, are we on the cusp Super Tuesday without hearing a single comprehensive plan?
What's next for Haiti?
Now, Martelly is legally obligated to step down on February 7th and no replacement has been elected. Hope of legitimately electing a replacement in the next week is absurd, but alternate solutions are faint. This past weekend, representatives from the Organization of American States were in Haiti to review possible options for moving forward. One viable option would be to create an interim government to hold power and organize elections.
A Roof for Every Family!
Located at the entrance of Santa Teresa (Carazo) municipality, only 53 kilometers from Managua, the walls are goingup in the first house that the Roncalli-John XXIII Association is building in an alliance with BANPRO. This is the foundation of a program that intends to respond to 46.7% of the population with income that is less than that traditionally required by financial institutions that grant credit.
The Inclusive New Testament Review
The Priests for Equality
West Hyattsville, MD, 1994, xxiv+468 pp.
Reviewed by Virginia Ramey Mollenkott
Reflections on the Pope's Visit
This week, DC and much of the US was buzzing with the presence of Pope Francis, tuning in to his speeches to the Congress and the UN General Assembly. This Pope has become the most popular in years, provoking dialogue among both Catholics and non-Catholics. His common sense and humane approach to many social issues that have allowed many to feel included again in the church.
Abortion Rights: on the frontier in Nicaragua
Pope Francis recently made headlines when he announced that parish priests would be permitted to forgive women for abortions if they show "a contrite heart." A positive step to be sure, but one which reveals the hard line the Church maintains, even under Francis, on the question of a woman's right to choose. In Nicaragua, where abortion (even therapeutic abortion) has been illegal since 2007.
Growing for the Future
In the fall of 2014 we had two important conferences which spearheaded activities for 2015. Both followed the same participatory model. First was the goat summit: on the first day we had 12-15 staff and leaders who planned out four stations covering goat food, goat parks, goat wellness, and milking goats. On the next two days about 40 people participated and rotated among the four stations and drew up action plans.
New Trees in Haiti
2015 has been a productive year for our partners in Haiti as they plant trees throughout the region of Gros Morne. In addition to planting in the model forest on Tet Mon, our partners distribute trees to families and schools for dispersed planting, improving the overall health of the soil. For the last several years, we have been encouraging the planting of fruit trees which have multiple benefits: shade and decreased soil erosion as well as increased access to nutrition from fruit and a source of income for families who sell excess fruit.