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J/P Alert is the newsletter of the Justice and Peace office of CMSM. It is intended to inform and stimulate discussion and involvement among the members. Its contents do not necessarily represent official positions of CMSM.
The World Social Forum in Nairobi
The annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, of the World Economic Forum was held this year from January 24th to 28th. The WEF brings together powerful international economic and business leaders, politicians and celebrities to discuss the state of the world while ensconced behind security barricades in a luxury resort. The seventh World Social Forum, in contrast, took place from the 20th to the 25th of January, 2007, in Nairobi, Kenya. The WSF began in 2001 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, as a counterweight to the WEF. Here is this year's self-description of the WSF from its web site:
The 7th edition of the World Social Forum brings the world to Africa as activists, social movements, networks, coalitions and other progressive forces from Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe and all corners of the African continent converge in Nairobi, Kenya for five days of cultural resistance and celebration; panels, workshops, symposia, processions, film nights and much much more; beginning on the 20th of January and wrapping up on the 25th of January 2007.
From its modest origins in Porto Alegre in the year 2001, the World Social Forum has mushroomed into a global counter-force challenging the assumptions and diktats of imperialism and its associated neo-liberal policies that have over the decades, imposed colonialism and neo-colonialism; devastated Southern economies; bolstered the disastrous and repressive reigns of assorted tin pot dictatorships; marginalized women; disenfranchised youth; intensified the destruction of the environment; unleashed bloody, inhuman and needless military conflicts in nation after nation, region after region and deepened the exploitation of poor peoples around the world.
Religious voices have always played a large part in the WSF. Jim Hug, SJ, president of the Center of Concern in Washington, DC, summarized his reaction as follows:
The main important thing I experienced happening at the WSF through the workshops, marches and cultural exchanges was the building of solidarity and hope among people who need to know that they are not alone in their serious and at times desperate life struggles. It was the affirmation of the justice and importance of those struggles. It was the linking of people's struggles around the world. It was esteem building. It was legitimizing. As the children chanted, leading our march: ‘We are somebody' and we don't have to stand for this. Another kind of world, a world of justice for everyone, is possible if we struggle together for it.
If nothing else occurred here, that would be enough to make the WSF inestimably valuable.
Another participant put it this way:
I appreciated the presence and role of religious institutions at the Forum. Their solidarity made it possible for those who could not afford it to attend the Forum and speak directly of their own problems (for example, the future of indigenous peoples, issues related to poverty, debt, AIDS, exploitation of natural resources, the impact of globalization and marginalization, democracy). Even the most destitute people from Nairobi who felt excluded made their voice heard thanks to their parallel Forum (Jan. 21st-23rd), or through the demonstrations by street kids outside and inside the Forum's space. Not only through speeches but also through theirs songs, dances and other artistic shows, the participants created a joyful and festive atmosphere - creating a tone that was specific to this first Forum on the African continent. Indeed, many joined easily in the dances and marches. It was the moment when one experiences the fall of barriers. [Antoine D. Bérilengar SJ, Chad]
The following are some excerpts from reports provided by the Jesuit Social Justice Secretariat in Rome.
Since the first World Social Forum (WSF) in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 2001, six WSFs have taken place around the world. The 7th World Social Forum under the title "People's Struggles, People's Alternatives" will further the aim of previous Fora, to - in the words of the organizers – "expand the democratic spaces of those seeking concrete, sustainable and progressive alternatives to imperialist globalization." As an international platform, the WSF "has placed social justice, international solidarity, gender equality, peace and defense of the environment on the agenda of the world's peoples."
The WSF was organized around nine thematic 'terrains':
1. Building a world of peace, justice, ethics and respect for diverse spiritualities;
2. Liberating the world from the domination of multinational and financial capital;
3. Ensuring universal and sustainable access to the common goods of humanity;
4. Democratizing knowledge and information;
5. Ensuring dignity, defending diversity, guaranteeing gender equality and eliminating all forms of discrimination;
6. Guaranteeing economic, social and cultural rights, especially the rights to food, healthcare, education, housing, employment and decent work;
7. Building a world order based on sovereignty, self-determination and rights of the peoples
8. Constructing a people-centered and sustainable economy;
9. Building real democratic political structures and institutions with people's participation on decisions and control of public affairs and resources.
Previous WSFs have been criticized for concentrating on general and vague criticisms of neoliberalism and imperialism and producing few practical ideas. The 'terrains' listed above seem to be practical enough to stimulate participants and organizers to come up with concrete steps to make "another world possible."
** Challenges in Africa's social transformation
In a very provoking intervention, Dr. David Kaulem, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics in Harare (Zimbwabe), outlined the main paradox of African modernity: the predominance of the 'political' over all other realms, and the existence of ambiguities and ambivalences as a reaction to past colonial history. Areas as diverse as economics and religion are today dominated by the discourse and practice of politics, and different aspects of social life have become the playfield of those wanting to acquire political power.
The phenomenon of the simultaneous existence of love and hate - he added - marks the present African consciousness: we hate the idea of the nation-state built on the colonial objective of exploiting the natural resources of a country to the fullest extent possible, and yet we defend the nation-state as the solution to our problems.
Dr. Kaulem went on to list six main challenges in Africa today. He spoke of, first, the 'search for truth,' that is, the struggle to name, to define what is happening to us; what seems to be important today is to understand who tells whose story. Next is the challenge to encourage the participation of grassroots individuals and organizations in social life - the very pre-condition for stability. The third challenge, he said, was the paradox that as poverty increases, wealth keeps growing among the very few. The other three challenges are the fight against disease (malaria and HIV/AIDS), the establishment of human rights and security for all, and gender issues.
** Africa walks
"Africa Walks..." was one of the things I was told when I first visited Africa. Today, Africa and her friends walked en masse, taking another set of steps towards justice, equality and real independence. Large numbers of Africans, mostly from the poor areas of the city of Nairobi, marched to the opening ceremony of the World Social Forum in Uhuru Park, a space itself defended by these people from those who wished to turn it into more buildings.
As our group settled onto grassy ridges on the hillside overlooking the stage, music guided arriving groups and kept most of us in motion. In truth, I was a bit disappointed in the turnout - certainly not the 100,000 that was advertised. The hot sun had driven people to the few shady spots; and the speakers and entertainment were mixed.
This event is a forum for those who have no voice on the world stage - rivaling Davos (whatever number these days) etc. - but today I was very aware of the large number of people like myself, first worlders who are trying to be friends of Africa, but not many poor people of Africa themselves. This is one of the few moments in which their reality is spoken out loudly in creative and passionate ways. And that reality is that "Africa has NOT died." Despite and through the sufferings of this people "on the road to Jericho," as was the unnamed victim in the parable of the Good Samaritan, another world IS possible, and perhaps being created before our eyes in this previously unimaginable event in Nairobi. [Jim Stormes SJ, Jesuit Conference, USA]
The workshop on conflict, war and peace highlighted both the causes of the conflicts, (and war) and the struggle for peace in Africa. As Peter Wanyade, Dean of the Faculty of Arts (University of Nairobi) emphasized, the type of leadership is the main cause of conflicts and war in Africa. The issue is how African leaders manage public resources. He added that to understand African conflicts as tribal and ethnic problems is misleading. Talking about the process of conflict resolution and peace building, Peter pointed to the fact that people often deal with symptoms rather than the real causes, and that this is the main reason why some efforts to build up peace in Africa have been unsuccessful. Some of the steps in our way forward can be: introducing mechanisms to control political power; educating people; promoting equal distribution of public resources; and reinforcing the power of civil society." [Loua Hyacinthe SJ]
* Mixed Feelings
As a newcomer to the World Social Forum, I have mixed feelings about the event. From the organization to the content and usefulness, there are many aspects which are good, and many which can be improved. Unfortunately, not having attended any previous World Social Forums, I cannot compare this event to those of the past. During the first two days I experienced no-shows, rescheduled events, very general discussions and very detailed ones, powerful pleas and roof-raising cheers. In some workshops the grassroots presence could be felt strongly, for example, the Human Rights Caucus, which featured amazing dancing, singing and stories from the Kenyan Peoples Settlement. Others gave general overviews of themes ranging from water and gender to corporations and human rights.
In the area surrounding the main stadium there have been marches for Equality of the Dalits in India, an independent Western Sahara, the Kenyan Peoples Settlement, and the Ethiopian Social Forum, among others. The World Social Forum represents a beautiful idea and dream, and while many ideas are hatched and brought forward, and much progress is surely made through networking, it remains to be seen what concrete outcomes will emerge from this event and what its long-term possibilities might be. [Tanya Ziegler, OCIPE, Brussels]
* A parish Mass
Last Sunday morning a large group from our Ignatian family decided to start the World Social Forum with a Mass at the slum of Kisambani where the Jesuits have a parish. Some of us who were not entirely sure we would attend the Mass were moved to do so by the informality of Jon Sobrino, SJ, in a talk spontaneously organized the previous evening on the topic "Salvation can only come from the poor...." One of the objectives of this Forum is undoubtedly to bring us closer to African society, to give the world to this continent and facilitate the process by which this social movement can listen to Africa. I believe that the simple fact of making ourselves present in this parish has made the World Social Forum reach these people who, quite obviously, are not going to be present at most of the debates and conferences. By attending the Mass, many of us had the chance to feel welcomed by the people of this poor slum of Nairobi and share with them in the Eucharistic banquet. [Marcos Ibanez, ALBOAN, Spain]
** A day at the Forum
After an hour spent in crossing the city, our bus finally stops in front of the Moi stadium. We are ready to face another intense day at the World Social Forum.
As soon as I reach the main road that encircles the stadium I become aware again of the "organized chaos" that the Forum in some way represents. The great variety of languages, music, colors, smells, leaflets, banners and mottos (so often contradictory!) serves to increase our confusion. They are at the same time a joyful song to life and to the value of diversity.
I walk between people in Indian saris, traditional African dresses, and the typical European uniform of a professional adventurer. Often I have to move away to let one of the small but animated marches pass by; many of these crisscross the stadium surroundings. A group marching in defense of the Adivasis in India is followed by another group of African women reclaiming the sole right to take decisions regarding their own bodies.
I consult the voluminous Guide of Events to find the place of the workshop I have decided to attend from the myriad other events taking place simultaneously at the Forum. Some workshops have well-known speakers and are held in huge tents. Other events gather anonymous persons telling their own experiences in confined spaces which they sometimes have to share with other groups.
After attending a couple of workshops and going around the stalls to enjoy the festive atmosphere, I decide that I have finished for the day. Seated again in the bus that took us to the Forum I see through the window the faces of slum dwellers looking at me from the shantytowns we pass by. I wonder if they have ever heard the words "World Social Forum." The paradox is that the 'real' protagonists of the Forum seem to be excluded from it, or at the very least, their participation is limited to selling water bottles or handicrafts. I tell myself that this reflects the contradictions that we as individuals, organizations and societies are facing today.
Another memory seems to emerge from this disturbing thought--the memory of a small workshop where very different persons shared their experiences, preoccupations and problems on issues touching our entire humanity. It was a small and unimportant workshop where the different voices could not be clearly heard; the words were full of stumbling limitations, even contradictions. But all these voices shared a moving common trait: they clearly conveyed the sense that they feel accompanied in building this other world which is not only possible but necessary. [Zigor Uribe-etxebarria, ALBOAN, Spain]
** Is another World Social Forum Possible?
As the curtain comes down on the 2007 Nairobi World Social Forum it is good to ask what the Social Forum has achieved. The Forum has managed to bring different social movements from all over the world to join in the quest of another world, a better world. I think this is something that we should be grateful for!
The irony is this: where are the poor? Despite the noble agenda of the Social Forum and the fact that it is taking place in a city that has thousands of poor people and is home to one of the biggest slums in Africa, the participation of the "poor people of Nairobi" has been minimal. Why is this so? Fees, the cost of food, the distance -- these factors have made the World Social Forum sideline the poor. Only those who can afford it (the 'haves') are able to participate; the 'have nots' remain at the gates. No wonder demonstrations over the high costs have been staged daily against the Forum; most ordinary Kenyans have not been able to attend.
Walking through the grounds at the massive Moi Sports Centre, the World Social Forum seems to be more of a fun fair for visiting tourists and NGO delegates, paying only token attention to the poor people of Nairobi in the various deliberations. There is a lot of merry-making, buying and selling, eating and drinking, yet most of the workshops are nearly empty, or are simply not taking off.
As I leave Kenya I wonder why we had gathered in Nairobi! For whom was the World Social Forum organized? Is another Social Forum Possible; a forum of, and for the poor; a forum of ordinary people? [Ngonidzashe Edward SJ, Zimbabwe]
**Last Day
It has been a day of contrasts: poverty and wealthy, courage and desperation, energy and exhaustion, new friendships and early farewells, projects and vague ideas, hope and difficulties. All these were seen and experienced by many of us who have been here.
In the end, all of us gathered at Uhuru Park as we did on the day of the inauguration. Slogans, proposals, music from everywhere, dances, demonstrations... these were part of the closing ceremony. I will remember forever the hope and energy of African social movements, the solidarity of people from different countries and the will to create a possible world among people of different ideologies, religions, spiritualities, cultures and societies.
It was very difficult to arrive at concrete proposals, but some about which we heard were:
- health: to ensure that the government puts aside 15% of the GNP to ensure health; universal access to health; sex education and education on sexual and reproductive rights; a global conference on universal health, and sexual security;
- peace: an appeal to the UN Security Council to approve women's participation in peace-building processes; to pull US troops out of Iraq and Somalia; a nuclear disarmament campaign; a campaign for the abolition of arms and weapons;
- youth: to ensure that youth, especially women, have access to education;
- future: to work for another kind of economy and democracy.
- Where is the World Social Forum headed?
As the seventh edition of the World Social Forum, held in Nairobi between January 20th-25th 2007, comes to an end, one of the questions that have prompted much debate is that of the future of the Word Social Forum itself. Where is the World Social Forum heading? What path must it follow if it is to remain relevant? What must be its future? Created in 2000, following the Battle of Seattle, the World Social Forum (WSF) has become a sort of Mecca for all those in search of a fairer world under the motto "Another world is possible". It comprises an amalgamation of organizations, big and small, international and local, pertaining to very different ideologies; social movements, base communities, trade unions, and many dissenting groups. All are searching for concrete solutions to the challenges facing the building of another world based on the principles of justice, equity and respect of human rights, where, thanks to a more humane globalization, the economy will be at the service of people.
Undoubtedly, from its first meeting, the Forum exceeded all expectations as to the number of participants and its geographical expansion. It is also unquestionable that it has transcended the Davos Economic Forum, which, on those very days, gathers prominent leaders of the world's economy. The WSF keeps the same dates not because it pretends to copy the Davos meet, but because it aims at a larger goal: addressing the concerns, hopes and alternatives of civil society. It is equally true that a number of the Forum's demands have come to form part of the political agenda and have become a worldwide reference. As Bonaventura de Sousa puts it: "The international institutions and other power-holding authorities, in recent years, have been obliged to take into account proposals and demands made at the WSF". Nonetheless, after a few editions, the Forum is now going through a bad patch with regard to its future and this has given rise to intense debate. As Sami Nair, an Egyptian intellectual and one of the leaders of the Forum of Alternatives, points out: "The World Social Forum has played an important role, but it is a system that is beginning to wear out".
Must the Forum remain, as its charter of principles indicates, a democratic venue for ideas, in-depth reflection, formulation of proposals and a link between civil society organizations without issuing documents, joint declarations or taking collective steps? Or must it, on the contrary, make stronger proposals and take collective steps? What is sure is that, almost from its beginning, that question has been intensely debated between those who consider that the Forum, given the huge diversity of the organizations that attend it, should be an encounter and space for dialogue, and those who want it to take unique stands, issue joint documents and carry out collective actions. That question and that debate come up at every Forum with increasing urgency.
It is not easy to answer those questions without knowing what might be the most adequate solution. What seems certain, however, as Roberto Savio, member of the organizing Committee pointed out, is that the Forum's success cannot be measured by the criteria of the number of participants or geographical expansion alone; more importantly, we must ascertain that it is contributing to the building of that other world that it proclaims. [Valeria Méndez de Vigo, Entreculturas, Spain]
LCWR Resolution on Torture
A new LCWR Resolution to Action on torture is now on the
LCWR website at:
http://www.lcwr.org/lcwrpublications/resolutionstoaction/RTA2-07.pdf
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
The Compendium is now available
online at:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/
rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html
Rev. Robert Drinan, SJ—R.I.P.
[The following is taken from
a New England Jesuit Province press release and a Boston Globe story by
Mark Feeney.]
The Rev. Robert F. Drinan, S.J. a member of the New England Province of
Jesuits and former member of the United States House of Representatives,
died after a brief illness at Washington's Sibley Memorial Hospital at
3:15 P.M. on Sunday, January 28, 2007.
His fellow Jesuits mourn the loss of their distinguished brother. The
Provincial of New England, the Very Reverend Thomas J. Regan, S.J., who
was visiting Jesuit missionaries in the province works at Kingston, Jamaica,
W.I., called to express his prayerful sympathy and admiration for Fr.
Drinan's sixty-five years of faithful and dedicated service to the Society
of Jesus and in particular the Jesuit mission of education, social action
in the promotion of justice and service to the people of the United States.
"Father Drinan was a forever gentle, resilient, tenacious advocate
for social justice and fundamental decency," said Senator John F.
Kerry, who was Father Drinan's campaign chairman in 1970. "He lived
out in public life the whole cloth of Catholic teachings. In the most
divisive days of Vietnam when things were coming apart, this incredible
man and most unlikely of candidates showed America how a man of faith
could be a man of peace."
Several of Father Drinan's colleagues said his character and conscience
made him a strong voice on Capitol Hill. In a statement, Senator Edward
Kennedy cited Father Drinan's principled commitment to, among other causes,
ending the war in Vietnam. "He was a profile in courage in every
sense of the word, and the nation has lost one of the finest persons ever
to serve in Congress," Kennedy said.
A Liturgy of the Resurrection was celebrated at St. Ignatius Church at
Boston College on Saturday, February 3, 2007, with burial following at
the Jesuit cemetery at Campion Center in Weston, MA.
JusticeCraft: Knowledge
and Skills for Justice Ministry
Sponsored by the Holy Cross International Justice Office
and the Sisters of the Holy Cross, JusticeCraft is an intensive weeklong
seminar that prepares participants to lead and coordinate justice activities
of religious congregations.
Interactive sessions focus on:
- a theology/spirituality of justice ministry;
- today's critical issues: global economic justice, ecological sustainability, peacemaking and nonviolence;
- practical strategies for engaging congregations in the work of creating a peaceful, just and sustainable society; and
- rituals that shape and sustain commitment.
The JusticeCraft 2007 seminar will be held at Saint
Mary's, Notre Dame, Indiana, beginning Sunday, June 3, at 7 p.m. and concluding
Sunday, June 10, at noon.
Information brochure and registration form
(1.42 MB–downloadable PDF file)
Online
Registration Form
Registration deadline is May 10, 2007.
For more information, contact Mary
Turgi, CSC, or Ann
Oestreich, IHM.
With the theme "…and How are the Children?"
the 2007 Ecumenical
Advocacy Days conference will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Crystal
City, Arlington, VA, March 9-12, 2007.
From the 2007 EAD Moral Statement:
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; defend the rights of all those who have nothing. Speak up and judge fairly, and defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9
"Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action." 1 John 3:18
Drawn from a wide range of churches across the United States, we gather in Washington, D.C. to speak up for children. The eminent theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote that "the test of the morality of a society is how it treats its children." How we value and respect children – and whether we shape our public policies to bless their present and future – reflects who we are and the kind of world in which we want to live.
Information is available on the web site or by contacting Michael Neuroth at info@advocacydays.org. CMSM is a sponsor of EAD.
April 13-15 - The Future of Catholic
Peacebuilding
The Catholic
Peacebuilding Network will sponsor a conference on the future of Catholic
peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame, April 13-15, 2007. It will
be a major conference for scholars and practitioners to reflect on the
theological, ethical and practical dimensions of the Church's peacebuilding
work. The conference is connected to a major research project which will
produce a major book on the theology, ethics, and praxis of Catholic peacebuilding.
It will also provide an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned from
Catholic peacebuilding around the world and future directions for this
often unexamined and unheralded dimension of the Church's ministry.
For further information, contact cpn@nd.edu
or 574-631-6970.
May 6-8 - "For the Peace of Jerusalem"
Churches for Middle East
Peace will organize a Middle
East Peace Advocacy Conference
May 6-8, 2007, in Washington, DC.
Advocates from churches around the country are invited to participate.
This ecumenical conference will focus on US policy and the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict with speakers, workshops, advocacy preparation and a day of lobbying
your elected officials. The program will begin on Sunday evening and conclude
with Tuesday's Hill appointments and will include a special session for
denominational gatherings.
Information and registration form are available
on the Conference web site. The CMSM Justice and Peace Director serves
on CMEP's board.
June 9-12 - Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement
This June, thousands of people of faith and conscience will gather in
our nation's capital to sow the seeds of a movement to end hunger and
poverty.
The
Gathering 2007, June 9-12, American University,
Washington, DC, is organized by Bread
for the World, Bread for the World Institute, and the Alliance to
End Hunger in partnership with denominations and religious organizations
across the United States. Further information is available on the web
site.
October 26-28 - "Are not our
hearts burning?"
Spirituality of Mission in the 21st Century
The U.S.
Catholic Mission Association will hold its annual conference October
26-28 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Austin, Texas. Keynote Speakers
will be Ron Rolheiser, OMI and Gerald Arbuckle, SM. More information is available on the web site, or
by calling 202-832-3112 or e-mailing meetings@uscatholicmission.org.
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
How can the Justice and Peace Office help you get involved?
T. Michael McNulty, SJ, editor
mmcnulty@cmsm.org
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8808 Cameron St., Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tel: 301-588-4030 • Fax: 301-587-4575 • www.cmsm.org
