Laudato Si Quote:
#54 It is remarkable how weak international political responses have been. The failure of global summits on the environment make it plain that our politics are subject to technology and finance. There are too many special interests, and economic interests easily end up trumping the common good and manipulating information so that their own plans will not be affected. The Aparecida Document urges that “the interests of economic groups which irrationally demolish sources of life should not prevail in dealing with natural resources”. The alliance between the economy and technology ends up sidelining anything unrelated to its immediate interests. Consequently the most one can expect is superficial rhetoric, sporadic acts of philanthropy and perfunctory expressions of concern for the environment, whereas any genuine attempt by groups within society to introduce change is viewed as a nuisance based on romantic illusions or an obstacle to be circumvented.
Questions for reflection: What will YOU do to respond to this paragraph by the ways you engage in the COP26 Summit? What ONE thing might you do to address Climate Change?
Addressing Climate Change Committee
COP 26
The COP 26 UN Summit on the Climate Crisis has been convened in Glasgow, Scotland. In UN Secretary General Guterres’ opening remarks, there was a stark warning and an indication of how important these deliberations are to the planet. He said that our “addiction to fossil fuels was pushing humanity to the brink. We face a stark choice - either we stop it or it stops us. It's time to say ‘enough.,” To read what the U.S. is pledging to date at the Summit click here. To read Canada’s commitment to date, click here
Read Patriarch Bartholomew’s inspiring reflection on Earth’s sustainability “Saving Democracy and the planet” Click here
Dismantling Racism Committee
NETFLIX subscribers: Recommended series Colin in Black and White. In this series Colin Kaepernick, former San Francisco 49ers player, who was suspended from the NFL for “taking a knee” at the National Anthem, narrates his formative years navigating race, class, and culture while aspiring for greatness. Check the NETFLIX menu for series information.
Click here for the Calendar for Black Catholic History Month
Haiti
The 2020-21 SSND-Beyond Borders partnership report includes important information about successful interventions to end child slavery in Haiti. Through the partnership, 109 Haitian children were provided with access to protective services and/or reunited with their families.
To view a story of one such success story click here: Mireille and Caitline Story Final Version
End Human Trafficking
Human trafficking earns global profits of roughly $150 billion a year for traffickers, $99 billion of which comes from commercial sexual exploitation. (Source) The most important first step is to learn more about human trafficking and share that information with others.
This PBS Frontline documentary, “Trafficked in America” (2018) is an excellent and accessible introduction to the issues involved in human trafficking. Watch the full documentary here.
Justice for Immigrants
Having a Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) allows a person to live and work permanently in the United States. But do you know what it takes to get a Green Card? Here’s the Dept of Homeland Security webpage describing how to apply for a Green Card. Take a look at the pages and click on a few random links. Imagine that you are in this country, English as your second language, trying to understand and negotiate what is required of you. What do you think and feel as you imagine this? Where would you look the support needed for the process? Stop and pray for those who are in this process or attempting this process.
