Spiritualité de la Terre (2007)

Quand vous étiez très jeune avez-vous senti, en un moment, une présence de Dieu au moment d’être proche à la nature? C’était peut-être au bord d’un lac, dans la forêt, sur une montagne, devant une fleur, un oiseau ou un petit animal. En ces moments-là Dieu se révèle très proche et l’expérience est souvent d’une paix et harmonie que nous reste dans l’esprit longtemps après.

The Work of Peace-building

This is an oldie, a presentation at an Ontario regional meeting of Development and Peace early in the decade I believe. The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) is the hands and feet for international development of the Canadian Roman Catholic Church. I worked there for a while. Although the reflection is directed to CCODP members, I think the message is true also for all of us who work for peace.

Pacem in terris
April 11 marked the 40th anniversary of Pacem in terries (Peace on Earth), the encyclical published by John XXIII shortly before his death. It was a ground breaking document that opened a number of paths for the Church at the close of the Second Vatican Council. On the occasion of this 40th anniversary, John Paul II issued a letter this year for the celebration of the World Day of Peace (January 1, 2003). In it he underlines four pillars of peace: truth, justice, love and freedom. We might do well to consider these pillars in reflecting on our work of peace-building in CCODP.

Recent Trends in Liberation Theology: Pluralism and Eco-theology

This is a presentation I made at the "Call to Action" congress in Milwaukee last November. My main point is that Liberation Theology is far from dead and in fact is moving into some very interesting areas lately.

The title of the workshop, “Recent Trends in Liberation Theology” is vast. I will speak mainly of some trends emanating from the Latin American Theological Commission of the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians (EATWOT) with whom I have most contact. I realize that, in doing so I am cutting a narrow slice of all that is going on: EATWOT has also an active Women’s Commission. It is organized internationally to include Africa, Asia and also minorities in the USA. Moreover EATWOT is not the only association of Liberation Theologians.

Holy Cross International Justice Office

Take a look at this site -- it's in my blog list. There is some good stuff there especially on Climate Change including the Earth Charter. It would be good to sign up as a supporter of that. The brochure on Climate Change is an excellent tool for groups in parishes and schools. Take a look !