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LCWR is engaged in addressing the causes of many of the significant issues of social justice facing the global community. Below are some of the issues around which LCWR has taken recent action.
During the Convention for the Common Good held in Philadelphia July 11-13, 2008, a Platform for the Common Good was affirmed by more than 700 Catholics and faith leaders from across the country. During the months prior to the convention, two thousand Catholics and other people of faith gathered in 40 states to provide input for the development of a Platform that articulates shared principles about building a culture of lfie, promoting economic justice and peace, establishing foreign policy rooted in global solidarity, and caring for God's creation. To view the Platform, in summary and in full, and to sign on to it, visit www.votethecommongood.com and sign the Common Good Pledge.
Following President Bush's veto of the Intelligence Authorization Act passed by both houses of Congress, a public witness event was held on March 10, 2008, in Upper Senate Park near the U.S. Capitol. Speakers from several sponsoring organizations protested the veto of a bill which would have put an end to U.S. sponsored torture. Marie Lucey , OSF, LCWR associate director for social mission, spoke on behalf of LCWR, a member of the National Religious Coalition Against Torture, one of the sponsors.
Statement on behalf of LCWR delivered by Marie Lucey on Torture
Marking the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war and occupation, March 19, 2008, events decrying the war were held around the country, including several in Washington , D.C. At the invitation of Catholics United, Marie Lucey , OSF, delivered a statement on behalf of LCWR during a rally at Lafayette Park , across from the White House.
Statement on behalf of LCWR delivered by Marie Lucey on Iraq War
On March 25, 2008, at the Department of Energy in Washington , D.C. , LCWR participated in the last of several hearings held around the country on the proposal of the DOE for a “stable, secure and reliable” restructuring of the U.S. nuclear weapons complex, including the building of a new bomb plant at Las Alamos, NM. Representatives of many organizations delivered statements opposing the plan, similar to the 2006 Complex 2030 proposal which received zero funding from Congress in 2007. Speaking on behalf of LCWR, Marie Lucey , OSF made reference to this year's 25th anniversary of the U.S. Bishops Pastoral Letter on War and Peace, and objected to the use of the word “transformation” in connection with nuclear weapons.
Statement on behalf of LCWR delivered by Marie Lucey, OSF on US Nuclear Weapons
At the invitation of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a delegation of US women religious, accompanied by two lay CRS staff, traveled to Lebanon and Syria from January 11-20 to witness the suffering of Iraqi people who have fled the violence of their country and to raise awareness of their situation with their constituencies upon their return. Marie Lucey, OSF, LCWR associate director for social mission, and other current and former LCWR members were part of the delegation.
The purpose of the visit was to experience the reality of the Iraqi refugees in Lebanon and Syria, to increase understanding of the factors impacting their lives, and to become aware of the work of CRS and partners in the region in order to educate and advocate through the delegates’ respective constituencies and networks in ways that will advance justice and peace for Iraqi people who have fled the violence in Iraq.
Report and Photos of the Visit to Lebanon and Syria
Iraqi Refugee Trauma Training
The LCWR presidency expressed to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice their deep concern about current situations in Iran that could lead to military action on the part of
the United States. They called on the Secretary of State and President Bush to continue to engage in dialogue around Iran’s buildup of nuclear power and support of terrorist organizations in Iraq and the Middle East. They also asked that the US refrain from military action in resolving the critical issues.
Letter from LCWR Presidents to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
The LCWR National Board called for comprehensive immigration policy reform in the United States. As a member of the Justice for Immigrants Campaign of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, LCWR promotes legislation that includes family reunification, a path to earned legalization, worker protections, and an effective border policy that is humane rather than punitive.
LCWR National Board Statement on Comprehensive Immigration Policy Reform
Initiated by the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, a statement titled “Water: Essential for Justice and Peace,” was developed for consideration by participants in the
4th World Water Forum (WWF) held in Mexico City March 16-22, 2006.
Five Christian organizations, including LCWR, joined the Hopi Villages of Arizona
in issuing the statement.
" Water: Essential for Justice and Peace:
An Interfaith Statement to the 4th World Water Forum"
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