Fostering peace and justice in Cambodia and beyond
22 Apr 2012

Fostering peace and justice in Cambodia and beyond

by | posted in: Education, Interreligious Dialogue, Social Justice, Spirituality | 0

The Metta Karuna Reflection Centre provided a sacred space for reflection for Hindu, Muslim and Christian peace seekers from Pakistan and Indian Kashmir in March.

“Many said the time of reflection they spent in our inter-faith sacred space helped them crystallise their desires and arouse their imagination for a peaceful way forward,” said centre founder and director of Jesuit Refugee Service Cambodia Sr Denise Coghlan RSM. “It was a special moment as Hindus, Muslims and Christians gathered around a very concrete and specific peace challenge in Kashmir.”

Fr General on refugees, communications and social justice
20 Mar 2012

Fr General on refugees, communications and social justice

by | posted in: Education, Social Communications, Social Justice, Spirituality | 0

While he was in Australia in January, Fr General Adolfo Nicolás SJ responded to questions on vital areas for the Society in the country, including refugees, communications and social justice.

Refugees

How can we advance and expand the educational work that is being done to foster peace-building and reconciliation in post-conflict settings?  

Fr General’s response.

Japan a year after the earthquake
20 Mar 2012

Japan a year after the earthquake

by | posted in: Social Justice | 0

Prayers and memorial services were held across Japan on March 11 as the country marked the first anniversary of the deadly earthquake and tsunami that struck its north-eastern coast. 

Much of Japan came to a standstill as the minute of silence was observed at the moment the quake hit, 14:46 local time.

In Sendai, where much of the devastation was concentrated, a Mass of memorial was held at the city’s Motoderkoji Cathedral.

A call for environmental protection and good governance
20 Mar 2012

A call for environmental protection and good governance

by | posted in: Reconciliation with Creation, Social Justice | 0

The Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro in northern Mindanao, Philippines, Antonio J Ledesma SJ, has called for environmental protection and good governance to be part of the post disaster response in Mindanao.  He did so in his homily at the opening of a forum for Bishops and Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao on the challenges of Tropical Storm Washi for Mindanao in February.

Jesuit held for protests against naval base on Jeju Island
20 Mar 2012

Jesuit held for protests against naval base on Jeju Island

by | posted in: Reconciliation with Creation, Social Justice | 0

The Church in Korea has taken a stand against the construction of a naval base on Jeju Island, a province of South Korea.  The Korean Jesuits are in strong support of this, participating in protests and conducting masses on-site.  As a result some have been arrested a number of times in the past for hindering the construction work. 

On March 11, the Jeju district court issued arrest warrants for Fr Joseph Chong-uk Kim SJ and Protestant Reverend Lee Jeong-hun.  As of March 14, Fr Kim was still being held for investigation and trial. 

Justice & peace award for Cambodia Campaign to Ban Landmines
20 Mar 2012

Justice & peace award for Cambodia Campaign to Ban Landmines

by | posted in: Social Justice | 0

As the destruction caused by explosive remnants of war continues, so too does the Cambodia Campaign to Ban Landmines – but with the compassion that these merciless objects lack. On March 14, that compassion was acknowledged when the Campaign was awarded the 15th Tji Haksoon Justice and Peace Award 2012 for its dedication to the welfare and rights of landmine victims.   Cambodia is the fourth most mine-affected country in the world. 

Suggested priorities for Vietnam
20 Mar 2012

Suggested priorities for Vietnam

by | posted in: Education, Migration, Reconciliation with Creation, Social Justice | 0

A Jesuit brother in Vietnam has highlighted several areas he feels the government should focus on in the coming years – education, corruption, legislation, ethnic minority groups and the environment.

Brother Anthony Ba SJ of the Jesuit-run Alberto Hurtado Center for Pastoral and Social Service in Ho Chi Minh City said this after completing a PESTLE analysis on Vietnam in 2011.