News Archives » Action Alert
Annual SOA Vigil and Direct Action: November 20-22, 2009 November 11th, 2009
The annual Vigil and Direct Action to shut down the School of the Americas is happening on November 20-22, 2009. Activists are converging on Fort Benning, Georgia to call for an end to the SOA and the demilitarization of US foreign policy. Despite promising comments from President Obama during his election campaign, the SOA/ WHINSEC is still in operation and the Pentagon is moving forward with plans for new U.S. military bases in Colombia.
Register for the event and learn more about SOA Watch…
October Action Alert: Update on Columban Priest Kidnapping and Action Urged on Climate Legislation October 22nd, 2009
The Columban Fathers are now asking that groups refrain from action in the case of the kidnapping of Fr. Mike Sinnott, due to the delicate nature of the situation. Your prayers for his safety are requested instead.
In addition, we urge your support of climate legislation pending in the Senate.
Read our latest Action Alert for details.
Irish Columban Priest Kidnapped in Southern Philippines October 13th, 2009
Fr. Mick Sinnott, a member of the Missionary Society of St. Columban (the Columban Fathers) and a friend of the Oblates in the Philippines, was kidnapped on Sunday, Oct. 11. Our colleagues with the Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach are asking for your prayers and action.
Click here for our Action Alert and more information
New Brochures on Water Use, Food, Safe Cleaning Products, Fair Trade and More! October 7th, 2009
Updated brochures on environmental issues from the Oblate JPIC Office are now available in English and Spanish.
Topics include:
- Earth Friendly Products
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- Focus on Food
- Hints for Saving Water in Your Yard
- A Look at Fair Trade
Spanish versions are also now available:
- Productos amigables para el planeta
- Reducir, Reutilizar, Reciclar
- Enfoque En La Comida
- Consejos Para Ahorrar Agua En Su Jardín
- Un vistazo al comercio justo
We are encouraging widespread distribution of these materials. Click on each topic above to download a PDF for printing and distribution.
Have you prayed for the Africa Synod today? October 5th, 2009
Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday celebrated a special mass to open a month-long synod of African bishops to discuss their continent’s conflicts, social injustice and poverty under theme: The Church in Africa at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace.” Pope Benedict praised Africa’s rich cultural and spiritual treasures, calling them a “spiritual lung” for the world. Almost 200 bishops from 53 African states have gathered to discuss how the Catholic Church can help resolve the continent’s social injustices.
Yes Africa matters, an initiative by the Catholic Task Force on Africa in Washington DC, of which the Oblate JPIC office is a member, brings YOU the latest information from the Synod especially through a Live daily blog on the African Synod by Fr Rocco (AFJN) and reflections published by religious communities in Rome.
There is a diverse representation by the Synod for Africa; amongst the participants is U.S. Catholic Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta, leaders from Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant churches in Africa; director general of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, Jacques Diouf, a Muslim, who will address the assembly and Rudolf Adada, the former head of the Joint United Nations-African Union Peacekeeping Mission for Darfur, Sudan.
Stay tuned!!