News Archives » Central America & the Caribbean
World AIDS Day 2009 – Focus on Universal Access and Human Rights November 24th, 2009
December 1st each year is World AIDS Day. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV. The global HIV/AIDS pandemic is a major health and development issue. AIDS also continues to present pastoral challenges to the Church. Missionary Oblates in South Africa are regularly working directly with and supporting people living with HIV/AIDS.
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Lift the Ban on Travel to Cuba, Argue Prominent Senator and Congressman November 17th, 2009
Congressman Howard Berman and Senator Richard Lugar wrote an Op-Ed for the Miami Herald today arguing that the ban on visits by Americans to Cuba be lifted.
Legislation to abolish restrictions on travel to Cuba has been introduced in both chambers of Congress. This Thursday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing examining the rationale for the travel ban
For some time now, The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has urged Congress to pass legislation that would end travel restrictions to Cuba and encourage more contact between Cuban and American citizens.
Read the Berman/Lugar Op-Ed here.
Conservationists Argue Border Wall Blocks Migration November 16th, 2009
A wall being built along the Mexican border to stop illegal immigration is stopping wildlife that needs to migrate across that border, conservationists say. A photo exhibit titled Continental Wall: Borderlands, Wildlife, People and the Wall showing the impact of the wall along the US-Mexico border is on show in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, DC until November 20.
See a video clip about the show.
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…
Clergy Resources for Advent on Torture November 10th, 2009
Torture is a Moral Issue…
The National Religious Campaign Against Torture has created excellent materials for clergy to use during Advent. Advent 2009: Resources for Christian Clergy provides commentary on the scriptures and sermon notes that help connect the scriptures with today’s national dialog on the use of torture.
