News Archives » Social Justice
Indigenous Peoples Celebrate but not in Bangladesh August 8th, 2011
More than 70 countries are expected to observe the International Day for Indigenous People on August 9 with a focus on “Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future”.
Yet in Bangladesh, the government refuses to recognize the existence of indigenous peoples, arguing instead that they are simply ethnic minorities. This designation removes the groups from protections and rights afforded by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and ILO Convention 169, both of which Bangladesh has signed.
Sanjeev Drong, a close collaborator of the Oblates in Bangladesh,
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California Dream Act Signed into Law August 8th, 2011
California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the California Dream Act (AB 130) on July 25th. This measure allows undocumented immigrant students who have graduated high school to use private grants to go to college.
The Governor is now considering a more controversial companion bill, AB 131, which would give undocumented students access to public grants as well. The Catholic Church supports the federal version of the Dream Act, which also offers a path to citizenship for undocumented students, saying it is consistent with Catholic social doctrine that is based on the dignity of each human.
It’s a small step for a big goal: the chance for a bright future for undocumented students.
Thanks to the faith communities and community leaders who made this victory possible.
Churches Sue to Block State Immigration Law Enforcement August 2nd, 2011
In this June 25, 2011 photo, marchers leave a park in Birmingham, Alabama, during a protest against the state's new law cracking down on undocumented immigration. (AP photo)
Leaders of the Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Methodist churches of Alabama filed suit in federal court on August 1st to stop the enforcement of Alabama’s new Anti-Immigration Law because it prevents the free exercise of religion. The bishops called the new law “the nation’s most merciless anti-immigration legislation.”
Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, of the Mobile Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Alabama, Bishop Robert J. Baker, of the Birmingham Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Alabama, Bishop Henry N. Parsley, Jr., of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Alabama and Bishop William H. Willimon, of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church have joined together as plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit. Some 338,000 Alabama residents are members of Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Methodist churches in the state.
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Oblate Work in Brazil August 2nd, 2011
On August 2, the Oblate JPIC staff hosted Fr. Bill Reinhard, OMI who has been working in Brazil for the last 42 years. Fr. Bill briefed the staff about social justice issues and initiatives for the Oblates in Brazil. He also recorded a video interview about his experience of working in Brazil.
Seamus Finn, OMI Now Blogging on Huffington Post July 22nd, 2011
Fr. Seamus Finn, OMI – Director of the Oblate JPIC Office – is now blogging on Huffington Post. His first blog is on “The Power of Religion To Influence Corporate Responsibility”.
Go to Huffington Post to subscribe to Fr. Seamus’ blog posts, which will appear twice a month.
