Origin of the Proposal
Global Concerns Committee

Statement of Resolution
As members of LCWR we commit ourselves to intensify our acts of advocacy, using our personal and corporate voices and influence to change government policy locally, nationally and internationally in order to create a more just world order. 

Rationale
Our LCWR goals urge us to continue “to use our corporate voice and influence in solidarity with people who experience poverty, racism, powerlessness or any other form of violence or oppression.” It is not enough that we urge our own members and our respective publics to engage in such activity. As leaders we are called to make the voice of the voiceless heard. If we are in a position of power and are in the presence of someone with less power, we have the responsibility to listen; if we are in a position of less power and in the presence of someone with more power, we have the responsibility to speak. (Eric Law, The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb  p.49)  Our positions of leadership give us more access to those persons who occupy seats of power. As leaders charged with the responsibility of speaking truth to power, we heed the words of Proverbs, “ Wisdom calls aloud in the streets, she raises her voice in the public squares; she calls out at the street corners, she delivers her message at the city gates.” (Proverbs 1: 20-21)

Recommended Actions 
As an elected leader I commit myself to undertake one or more of the following actions:

1. Within the next year, either as an individual or with other interested persons, I will make an appointment with a local, state or national elected official concerning domestic and/or international issues of peace and justice.

2. I will encourage my leadership team to act on legislative alerts posted on the NETWORK Home Page and/or sent from the LCWR National Office.

3. I will support LCWR/Network national lobbying days by participating personally or assuring that our congregation is represented.

4. I will encourage my LCWR region to collaborate with area Catholic organizations on justice issues.

5. I will respond to requests for action from Non Governmental Organizations at the United Nations regarding international peace and justice issues.

Endorsed by: LCWR Region 1,3, 10

Contact Person: Global Concerns Committee, c/o Marie Lucey, OSF, at 301-588-4955.
 

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) has approximately 1,000 members who are the elected leaders of their religious orders, representing 76,000 Catholic sisters in the United States. The Conference develops leadership, promotes collaboration within church and society, and serves as a voice for systemic change.