June 2011

Genetically Modified Organisms and Food Sovereignty

The Universe Story shares with all species the interconnectedness and sacredness of creation and evolution over the billions of years to present day reality. Christians view the sacredness of the Universe Story as inspired by a Divine Creator that permeates all species. Yet, when the human species changes gene maps to form genetically modified organisms, what are the consequences for all species? What is the cost to food sovereignty?

Data suggests that research on the risks of genetically modified organisms is not transparent to the American public. This is not necessarily true in other countries. Many countries have banned GMOs in foods they consume as a result of these risks. Stephen Bartlett, author of Why the World Needs Food Sovereignty, defines food sovereignty as "the democratic control by communities of producers AND consumers over the agricultural system and markets, from production to food processing to distribution, guaranteeing an equitable and inclusive access to healthy, culturally appropriate food while maintaining the fertility and ecological sustainability of the land and its creatures.” Thus the question, “Do genetically modified organisms used in the food that is consumed by individuals really provide the option for food sovereignty?” Perhaps that depends on whom is making the choices and how it fits these criteria.

According to the documentary, The World According to Monsanto, 90% of GMOs are owned by Monsanto. Monsanto believes that genetically modified organisms result in no more harm than that of the natural (non-genetically altered) seed organism (i.e. principle of substantial equivalence). The corporation does not see genetic engineering as a food safety issue. Yet most of those who study GMOs realize that food, health, and ecosystems are at risk. As a result, food sovereignty is not easily obtained for individuals and communities unable to voice their choices for preference of food (i.e. natural or non-GMO food or GMO food). Furthermore, health concerns find difficulty in making their way into the public through the media who often are told how to present the story through a particular lens. Without further detail, non-fiction stories of industry and government actions used to perpetrate this belief are outlined by Jeffery M. Smith in Seeds of Deception.

Countries in need of food may reject food aid if the food is genetically modified. These countries do not desire to have genetically modified organisms "contaminating" their countries. Scientists have demonstrated GMOs contain toxins, produce allergies, generate new diseases and exhibit lack of control in the genetic engineering process (i.e. risks associated with gene alteration process). Thus this data leaves those who desire healthy, culturally appropriate food without this opportunity. Additionally, what country in need of food desires to intentionally embrace these concerns? As a consequence of this rather political process, scientists who challenge the biotech industry suffer much as a result. Smith creatively shares stories in Seeds of Deception that exemplify how the use of GMOs in the U.S. came about is more political than scientific. In no way is his intent to harm any person but rather to bring the facts to the consumer of food.

Individuals and communities concerned about health, food and ecosystems are highly encouraged to educate themselves on genetically modified organisms that end up in the foods consumed by citizens of our world. Most troubling is that of the process of genetic engineering and its consequences. The World According to Monsanto and Seeds of Deception call individuals to connect the complex issues of genetically modified organisms with nutrition, food sovereignty, health, ecosystems, media, and corporate and government relationships. Moreover, the Universe Story and the SCN mission to care for Earth challenge us to act in ways that nurture the sacredness and interconnectedness of all life such that food sovereignty is available to all.

Reflection/Actions:
• What do I know about genetically modified organisms within my country and what groups are working to oppose their presence?
• Care of Earth is part of the SCN Mission Statement. How have I challenged myself to live The Universe Story beyond reduce, reuse, and recycle? How is this demonstrated in purchases? Challenging of corporations and governments? Networking with others? Education of self and others? Ways that I connect complex issues to others?
• A Non-GMO Shopping Guide is located here.
• The Institute for Responsible Technology offers the most comprehensive source of GMO health risk information.
• The World According to Monsanto is located in the Media Center at Nazareth. A study guide is here.
• Seeds of Deception and Responsibile Technology are two websites for education on the issue.
• June 5 is World Environment Day. A prayer has been put together by the Carmelite NGO Office.
• June 8 is World Ocean's Day. The annual theme is Youth: the Next Wave for Change, 2011 &2012. Resources for use with students and currricula is available.
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Scarves for the Women in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Upon gathering at the recent Charity Federation Meeting in May, those attending were reminded of the women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who continue to suffer epidemic proportions of rape and other atrocities forced upon them.

In April, an Ursuline sister in the DRC shared at the United Nations the situation in the country at the time. Another sister recently interned at the United Nations. In a brief communication she proposed that those of us at the UN might garner support for fair and just elections that are scheduled to take place in November 2011. It is her belief that a change in government is of utmost importance if positive change is to happen in DRC. She sees government and military working together in the escalation of violence and unrest, especially in the case of violence against women.

One of the two sisters mentioned that the women enjoy wearing colorful scarves as head scarves. The NGO liaisons thought it a colorful, feminine action to collect pretty scarves for the women to wear. This July one of those sisters traveling to DRC will take with her some of the scarves from their Sisters in the United States. This will let the women in DRC know that we are in solidarity with them.

Action: Locate a colorful scarf that can be worn over the head to be shared with the women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Look for details on the SCN Newsline soon or send to Office of Global Ministries (% Joetta Venneman) PO Box 172 Nazareth, KY 40048 by June 15, 2011.

Prayer: “Christ our Peace, our hearts are heavy with grief as we hear of the sufferings of our sisters and brothers in the Democratic Republic of Congo who suffer again from armed conflicts which destroy the peace, safety and very existence of hundreds of thousands of your children. May our hearts and those of all involved in these conflicts heed the words “no more war” and choose instead to work together for a just society where all share in the many gifts of nature and ethnic richness of the Congolese nation. Inspire and move our hearts and minds to act for peace and justice, calling others to be peacemakers and helpers in responding to the needs of the people of Congo. We ask thin in your name and through your befriending Spirit.” Amen. (Source: www.educationforjustice.org)
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World Day Against Child Labor

On June 12, individuals and groups around the world are invited to gather support from local governments, businesses, media and civil society in opposition to child labor. The day has been highlighted since 2002 with the theme this year, “Warning! Children in hazardous work – End child labor.” The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that 115 million children are involved in hazardous work. Over half of these children are exposed to the worst forms of child labor. The 2011 World Day Against Child Labor calls for urgent action to tackle the problem. The ILO website has resources that will assist you in taking up this important cause to bring about safely and protection for all children.
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June is Torture Awareness Month

The Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), a United Nations’ treaty created in 2002 requires participating nations to create mechanisms to prevent torture from occurring in detention centers, police stations and prisons. Unfortunately, only 57 nations have ratified the OPCAT as of mid-March 2011. While the United States has signed the Convention Against Torture treaty in 1994, it voted against OPCAT and has not signed nor ratified it. U.S. citizens may print a petition urging President Obama to sign OPCAT and the Senate to ratify it.

Additionally, new resources have been added to the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. Among the new items are worship resources, an adult study guide on torture, advocacy resources and a study guide to accompany Reckoning With Torture.

Action: Citizens of all countries are urged to check on the ratification of this Protocol for their own country and urge ratification if it has not been taken.  U.S. citizens are urged to download a petition and obtain signatures for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.