Working groups

We see there are many signs of vitality within the Consecrated Life today. Crisises in the world and in the CL call for a deeper search and questioning (Ezequiel 37. Dry bones). There is a greater awareness of JPIC (Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation) as a spirituality and a way of life for all consecrated. (Luke 4: 16 ff Jesus in the synagogue) This is seen in congregational documents, structures, formation programs, ministries and actions,

We try to live our option for the excluded and marginalized with creativity, radicality and with a sense of respect for the dignity of all persons. There is a greater openess to be evangelized by the poor. (Luke 21: 1-4 Widow’s mite). Some examples are simple lifestyle, insertion among the poor, solidarity actions, new ministries for women and children, migrants and HIV positive patients (Luke 10: 30 ff. Good Samaritan). Another sign is greater collaboration and networking among congregations and with NGOs that work for JPIC, Human Rights, and Reconciliation (i.e. Jubilee 2000) to have a greater influence on the structures of society. The witness of the martyrs for the cause of justice have inspired and animated the CL. These efforts can only be sustained by deep incarnated prayer, spirituality and theology.

We notice that there are major obstacles to JPIC commitments and praxis. For example, our attitudes of fear, fatigue, powerlessness, indifference, complacency and individualism.(Phil. 2:6-11) Lack of focus and priorities can lead to the lack of coherence, effectiveness and credibility. We need to deal with the resistance to change such as our baggage from the past (big institutions and reduced personnel), lifestyle of security and comfort, uncritical investment policies.

There are formation programs geared more to serve institutions than to the cause of the Reign of God. (Mt. 6: 33 Seek first the Reign of God and Justice) There is a lack of common understanding and dialogue among different generations, cultural groups and mentalities within our congregations. Some members of the hierarchical Church do not always encourage a more prophetic way of living CL. They use a more legalistic, moralistic and disciplinary approach. (Luke 6: 1ff. Person is not made for the Sabbath...)

All these realities call for structural transformation in lifestyle and ministries. We need to consolidate JPIC networking at local, provincial, congregational and intercongregational levels and create them where they are not yet organized. We need lighter and simpler congregational structures and hospitable local communities. While we have tried to empower the poor, we have not been successful in evangelizing the rich and powerful.

There is much to be done in the area of formation, initial and on going in order to overcome a too individualistic approach and to enhance more corporate efforts and commitments. We see the need for more practices of alternative economy of solidarity and justice, such as Socially Responsible Investments and Fair Trade. (John 10: 10 That they may have life in abundance.)

Convinced of an urgent need to globalize effective compassionate solidarity in all areas where we serve, we propose the following: (Micah 6 Act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly with your God)

To encourage new forms of international, intercultural communities to witness universal brother-sisterhood in Christ in the midst of a divided and violent world

To consolidate Networking with NGOS, UN (Earth Charter, MDGs) and USG/UISG JPIC Commission

Priority areas recommended are:

Trafficking in women
HIV/Aids
Building for a culture of peace and formation for evangelical non-violence where we live and minister (Mt. 5:9)
The need to focus on the lack of human rights (Statehood) of Palestinians in the Holy Land and the plight of Christians in the Middle East, especially in Iraq
Promotion of buying Fair Trade products and Socially Responsible Investment

In all these actions, let us not forget that we are not the voice of the poor but are called to empower the excluded and marginalized to have their own voice. (John 13. The Son of man has come to serve)

GROUP 1

46 participants: 28 nationalities, 43 congregations

JUSTICE, PEACE AND

THE SUFFERING OF HUMANITY



	GROUP 1 46 participants: 28 nationalities, 43 congregations JUSTICE, PEACE AND THE SUFFERING OF HUMANITY We see there are many signs of vitality within the Consecrated Life today. Crisises in the world and in the CL call for a deeper search and questioning (Ezequiel 37. Dry bones). There is a greater awareness of JPIC (Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation) as a spirituality and a way of life for all consecrated. (Luke 4: 16 ff Jesus in the synagogue) This is seen in congregational documents, structures, formation programs, ministries and actions, We try to live our option for the excluded and marginalized with creativity, radicality and with a sense of respect for the dignity of all persons. There is a greater openess to be evangelized by the poor. (Luke 21: 1-4 Widow’s mite). Some examples are simple lifestyle, insertion among the poor, solidarity actions, new ministries for women and children, migrants and HIV positive patients (Luke 10: 30 ff. Good Samaritan). Another sign is greater collaboration and networking among congregations and with NGOs that work for JPIC, Human Rights, and Reconciliation (i.e. Jubilee 2000) to have a greater influence on the structures of society. The witness of the martyrs for the cause of justice have inspired and animated the CL. These efforts can only be sustained by deep incarnated prayer, spirituality and theology. We notice that there are major obstacles to JPIC commitments and praxis. For example, our attitudes of fear, fatigue, powerlessness, indifference, complacency and individualism.(Phil. 2:6-11) Lack of focus and priorities can lead to the lack of coherence, effectiveness and credibility. We need to deal with the resistance to change such as our baggage from the past (big institutions and reduced personnel), lifestyle of security and comfort, uncritical investment policies. There are formation programs geared more to serve institutions than to the cause of the Reign of God. (Mt. 6: 33 Seek first the Reign of God and Justice) There is a lack of common understanding and dialogue among different generations, cultural groups and mentalities within our congregations. Some members of the hierarchical Church do not always encourage a more prophetic way of living CL. They use a more legalistic, moralistic and disciplinary approach. (Luke 6: 1ff. Person is not made for the Sabbath...) All these realities call for structural transformation in lifestyle and ministries. We need to consolidate JPIC networking at local, provincial, congregational and intercongregational levels and create them where they are not yet organized. We need lighter and simpler congregational structures and hospitable local communities. While we have tried to empower the poor, we have not been successful in evangelizing the rich and powerful. There is much to be done in the area of formation, initial and on going in order to overcome a too individualistic approach and to enhance more corporate efforts and commitments. We see the need for more practices of alternative economy of solidarity and justice, such as Socially Responsible Investments and Fair Trade. (John 10: 10 That they may have life in abundance.) Convinced of an urgent need to globalize effective compassionate solidarity in all areas where we serve, we propose the following: (Micah 6 Act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly with your God) To encourage new forms of international, intercultural communities to witness universal brother-sisterhood in Christ in the midst of a divided and violent world To consolidate Networking with NGOS, UN (Earth Charter, MDGs) and USG/UISG JPIC Commission Priority areas recommended are: Trafficking in women HIV/Aids Building for a culture of peace and formation for evangelical non-violence where we live and minister (Mt. 5:9) The need to focus on the lack of human rights (Statehood) of Palestinians in the Holy Land and the plight of Christians in the Middle East, especially in Iraq Promotion of buying Fair Trade products and Socially Responsible Investment In all these actions, let us not forget that we are not the voice of the poor but are called to empower the excluded and marginalized to have their own voice. (John 13. The Son of man has come to serve)