News Archives » North America
NCRLC – A Great Resource on Rural Life Issues October 23rd, 2009
The National Catholic Rural Life Conference – NCRLC – offers resources on a range of issues related to rural life. Sign up for a weekly E-bulletin on their website/ This contains brief offerings on rural life programs, agriculture & food issues, and environmental justice concerns. A seasonal prayer or inspirational message is sometimes included.
NCRLC also has a faith-based campaign on stewardship of the earth and climate change. The website offers good resources on this issue and other environmental and food-related concerns.
Shareholders Press PPG Industries on Toxic Emissions October 23rd, 2009
The Missionary Oblates joined other faith-based and socially responsible shareholders in pressing PPG Industries, a chemical manufacturer, on pollution stemming from its operations in its Lake Charles plant in Louisiana. A letter to the CEO seeks clarification on the company’s policies with respect to community engagement and accountability.
Residents of the nearby community of Mossville, Louisiana have high rates of cancer and respiratory diseases. In their letter, concerned shareholders cited research showing a possible connection between the company’s chemical emissions from its Lake Charles, LA facility to documented medical conditions afflicting residents of Mossville.
Oblate JPIC Staff joined an ICCR fact-finding mission to Mossville in June 2009 where they met with community members affected by the toxic emissions of surrounding chemical plants.
Read the full text of the letter (PDF Download)
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.
Oblate US JPIC Committee Gathers in Godfrey, Illinois October 19th, 2009
US JPIC Committee Members and Staff Visit the Shed Dedicated to Darrell Rupiper, OMI on the Community Supported Agriculture Project at Godfrey, IL
On October 15 and 16, the United States Province Oblate Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) committee held a bi-annual strategy meeting in Godfrey, Illinois to review, share progress and discuss how to continue the JPIC work most effectively. Part of the agenda included brief updates from staff from the Washington JPIC office, the Oblate Ecological Initiative based in Godfrey and the General Service office in Rome. Committee members also reported on their JPIC work.
Click here to read more »
Catholic Principles for Comprehensive Immigration Reform October 19th, 2009
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington testified on behalf of the U.S. Catholic Bishops in Congress about Comprehensive Immigration Reform on October 8 before the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security on Comprehensive Immigration Reform. The hearing sought faith-based perspectives on comprehensive immigration reform.
