JPIC Office Blog

February 19, 2007

Dear Friends,

Peace and all good to you! I have returned from my very moving experience in Africa.  I continue to be mindful of the people who are valiantly making a difference in so many lives by their programs to combat HIV/AIDS, to encourage peace building relationships and to care for the environment. Over and over again, I was reminded of how our advocacy efforts in the United States have global implications. In turning our attention to the U.S., we are all aware of a number of current issues.

The Congressional debates to consider other courses of action for the War in Iraq have provided an opportunity to propose other alternatives. We continue to pray for a peaceful resolution to that war and responsible transition of U.S. military involvement in Iraq.

The minimum wage legislation will soon be in a Conference Committee to work out the differences between the Senate and the House versions of that legislation. We are advocating that the $7.25 minimum wage be adopted, but that the concerns of small businesses be addressed in effective ways as well.

Thanks to your incredible efforts and those of many others concerned about our brothers and sisters affected by HIV and AIDS. Your strong response convinced members of Congress and President Bush to robustly increase funding for global AIDS initiatives to more than $4.5 billion for the remainder of the 2007 fiscal year.

Advocacy efforts for stopping the genocide in Darfur continue with the United Nations and other global partners. There is still much to be done to influence Khartoum’s cooperation to help with this war torn area in Sudan.

On February 19th, Archbishop Odama has asked for immediate international action to save the Peace Talks in Northern Uganda, the place of the Night Commuters. The cessation of hostilities expires on February 28 and it is feared that war could break out again with the Lord’s Resistance Army if peace talks are not resumed. Click here to view them.

The immigration legislation will be considered at a later date. We are hopeful that a more comprehensive legislation will be adopted. While I was at the recent Franciscan Solidarity Experience in Africa, Friar Filipe Ortiz, from Mexico, showed some slides of the currently erected wall in Mexico. I continue to be haunted by the reality of that wall and the deaths of Mexicans who have risked their lives to go to the U.S. because of the deplorable living conditions in Mexico. Click here to view them.

Thanks for all your prayers and for all you are doing to make this world a better place.

Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF
JPIC Coordinator
Wheaton Franciscans

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