International Peace Day
September 21 is observed as an International Day of Peace around the world. First observed in 1982, the United Nations General Assembly declares this day be devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The theme for the day this year is "Education for Peace." In a statement by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, says, "It is not enough to teach children how to read, write and count. Educations has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies." As adults, there is much to reflect upon as well. This past May, the 30th anniversary of The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response that was written by the U.S. Catholic bishops rejecting nuclear war and calling on the U.S. to reverse the arms race was remembered. The 50th anniversary of the March for Freedom and the famous "I Have a Dream" speech of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington at the end of August brought many celebrations. Both documents offer many opportunities for renewed action to live peacefully and empower peace building.
“Peacemaking is not an optional commitment. It is a requirement of our faith. We are called to be peacemakers, not by some movement of the moment, but by our Lord Jesus.” ~ The Challenge of Peace
The most recent SCN General Assembly calls us to a vision that promotes the dignity and equality of women. With regard to peace, it appears as though gender injustice is one of the many realities of our world that hinders peace. Women must be involved in the community laws, the local economy and seen as important in the social aspects of the community for the reality of peace. Inequality between females and males is an obstacle to peace. This can be seen in discrimination, lack of control over finances, underrepresentation of women in government, and lack of women's voices in the community among many other indicators.
Several United Nations' meetings have highlighted this relationship and worked to make recommendations to governments through various documents. Among these are the Fourth World Conference on Women, the Beijing Platform for Action, the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence against Women, and Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Individuals may also glimpse how national constitutions, these documents from the UN and recommendations can influence national laws and policies. Ultimately, there still remains a gap between these documents and the "reality on the ground" with regard to gender justice and thus movement toward greater peace. Thus much action remains in calling governments to accountability with regard to women's dignity and equality that brings about greater peace-making in the entire community/nation.
“Peacemaking is not an optional commitment. It is a requirement of our faith. We are called to be peacemakers, not by some movement of the moment, but by our Lord Jesus.” ~ The Challenge of Peace
The most recent SCN General Assembly calls us to a vision that promotes the dignity and equality of women. With regard to peace, it appears as though gender injustice is one of the many realities of our world that hinders peace. Women must be involved in the community laws, the local economy and seen as important in the social aspects of the community for the reality of peace. Inequality between females and males is an obstacle to peace. This can be seen in discrimination, lack of control over finances, underrepresentation of women in government, and lack of women's voices in the community among many other indicators.
Several United Nations' meetings have highlighted this relationship and worked to make recommendations to governments through various documents. Among these are the Fourth World Conference on Women, the Beijing Platform for Action, the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence against Women, and Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Individuals may also glimpse how national constitutions, these documents from the UN and recommendations can influence national laws and policies. Ultimately, there still remains a gap between these documents and the "reality on the ground" with regard to gender justice and thus movement toward greater peace. Thus much action remains in calling governments to accountability with regard to women's dignity and equality that brings about greater peace-making in the entire community/nation.
Reflection/ Action:
- Locate the documents listed above and contemplate their words. What do I hear and how am I called to act?
- In writing “The Challenge of Peace”, the bishops consulted lay women and men, theologians of other faith traditions, and experts in policy and ethics from around the world. All of this was long before social networking and other tools used today. How does this make the document more relevant to peace-making?
- What do I know about peace movements in other cultures and countries? Who have been some of the leaders in world peace?
- What are the gaps that exist between women's dignity and equality and that of peace where I live? What concrete action(s) can be taken to make positive improvements?
- September 11 -21 marks 11 days of Global Unity. Archbishop Desmond Tutu suggests to focus on the shift from "I" to "WE" during these days. We are global and one and any challenge anywhere to anyone must be a challenge to all of us.
- Play the Compassion Games: Survival of the Kindest. More information is located here.
- Who will you make peace with? In a short film, Peace One Day Ambassador Jude Law asks who you will make peace with for Peace Day 2013.
- Resources available for peace education for children through adults is here.
- Join people throughout the world in a one minute pause for peace at noon in your time zone.
- An excellent 144 page book entitled Peace Lessons from around the World is available here.
- Search the members of the "nuclear club" and their current stockpiles. How is the SCN Corporate Stand opposing nuclear weapons as pertinent today as when it was adopted?
- Organize a peace concert, write a poem, create a "Peace Exhibit" with a group or any other creative endeavor that integrates peace education.
- Set up a dialogue to engage two opposing viewpoints into the potential of a third viewpoint. What peace building skills will be necessary for the dialogue?
- Write a letter to the editor describing the importance of peace at the state, national, and/or international levels.
International Day of Charity
September 5 will mark the first ever International Day of Charity according to a recent United Nation's resolution. The Permanent Mission of Hungary to the United Nations and the Department of Public Instruction is hosting a panel discussion to mark the occasion that will be webcast on http://webtv.un.org/ from 3 to 6 p.m. Eastern Standard time. The first half will focus on the role of charity in securing access to clean water and sanitation while the second half will focus on partnership for poverty alleviation, eradication- the role of charity. Those attending the day at the United Nations will also have the option of attending an observance of the Day of Charity and a film screening and panel discussion on 9/11.
U.S. Legislative Updates
September brings many legislative issues to the forefront of Congress. Among these are immigration reform, the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and Fiscal Year 2014 budget that begins October 1.
Immigration reform still awaits action in the House that includes a reasonable path toward citizenship, however, the atmosphere is one of "piecemeal" at the present moment and could likely prolong comprehensive immigration reform. From September 9 to October 8 people of faith across the United States will be participating in FAST Action for Immigration Reform. This will include prayer, advocacy and fasting with encouragement to get others involved in this action. More information can be found at www.fastaction.us. Additionally, state information is located here and here for all 50 states. Individuals are invited to continue contacting their legislators at 1.202.224.3121 and at the Justice for Immigrants website (www.justiceforimmigrants.org).
The Senate included funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as part of the Farm Bill, however, the House has yet to make a decision on SNAP having left it out of their version of the Farm Bill. It is highly likely that the House intends to pass a separate nutrition bill with even more drastic cuts than when deliberating the Farm Bill reauthorization. These cuts or changes to the program will harm poor and hungry people and is against the Christian perspective. Individuals are invited to continue urging federal representatives to include the SNAP in the reauthorization of the current Farm Bill without any cuts in funding. There is need for improving people's lives.
On October 1, FY 2014 begins with regard to the U.S. budget. Remembering that on March 1 of this year, the sequester (mandatory across the board cuts to most federal programs) went into effect; this means that the upcoming budget is likely to remain in the form of a continuing resolution. Should a continuing resolution be passed, it may come up against the deadline to extend the U.S. Treasury's borrowing or "debt ceiling." Individuals are invited to contact their federal legislators urging them to replace the sequester with a fair and just budget that reweaves a circle of protection around those programs that provide necessary services to poor and hungry people, both domestically and internationally before October 1.
Immigration reform still awaits action in the House that includes a reasonable path toward citizenship, however, the atmosphere is one of "piecemeal" at the present moment and could likely prolong comprehensive immigration reform. From September 9 to October 8 people of faith across the United States will be participating in FAST Action for Immigration Reform. This will include prayer, advocacy and fasting with encouragement to get others involved in this action. More information can be found at www.fastaction.us. Additionally, state information is located here and here for all 50 states. Individuals are invited to continue contacting their legislators at 1.202.224.3121 and at the Justice for Immigrants website (www.justiceforimmigrants.org).
The Senate included funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as part of the Farm Bill, however, the House has yet to make a decision on SNAP having left it out of their version of the Farm Bill. It is highly likely that the House intends to pass a separate nutrition bill with even more drastic cuts than when deliberating the Farm Bill reauthorization. These cuts or changes to the program will harm poor and hungry people and is against the Christian perspective. Individuals are invited to continue urging federal representatives to include the SNAP in the reauthorization of the current Farm Bill without any cuts in funding. There is need for improving people's lives.
On October 1, FY 2014 begins with regard to the U.S. budget. Remembering that on March 1 of this year, the sequester (mandatory across the board cuts to most federal programs) went into effect; this means that the upcoming budget is likely to remain in the form of a continuing resolution. Should a continuing resolution be passed, it may come up against the deadline to extend the U.S. Treasury's borrowing or "debt ceiling." Individuals are invited to contact their federal legislators urging them to replace the sequester with a fair and just budget that reweaves a circle of protection around those programs that provide necessary services to poor and hungry people, both domestically and internationally before October 1.
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