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Kairos Times
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From the battlefield to the bedroom, women are at risk. They are
the first to feel the lack of poor social services, the first to be
denied education and health care. The effects of economic globalization
are leaving more and more women trapped in poverty on the margins
of society. Poverty leaves women more exposed to violence, less able
to escape it. It severely restricts women's ability to organize and
fight for change. In this, as in so many other ways, governments are
failing to address the real 'terror' of our world that millions of
women face every day.” |
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Join our 2003-4 campaign, Cultivating Just Peace! Contact us for information:info or toll-free 1 877 403 8933, extension 233. New resources are now available for ordering through orders or our website. You can also leave a message at 1 877 403 8933 x246.
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Breaking news….
- KAIROS Middle East Mission is a Success
- KAIROS Middle East delegation heads to the region
- Thanks to our readers and an update on recent actions
Take action!
- Iraq one year later
- Over 1,000 Just Peace action cards received at the national office—keep them coming!
- An invitation to fast for peace through Lent
In other news…
Breaking news…
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KAIROS Middle East Mission is a Success |
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A national delegation of high-level Canadian church leaders, laypeople, and staff returned from the Middle East on Thursday, March 25, 2004. The mission was a response to a special request from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). The MECC, KAIROS’ partner in the region for more than 25 years, asked that Canadian Christians come to the region to witness and support people in Lebanon, Israel, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories who are working for peace and justice.
Middle Eastern church leaders warmly thanked delegates for having the courage to come to the Middle East in such a time of crisis. “One after another Christian Patriarchs and leaders called on us,” says Mary Corkery, Executive Director of KAIROS, “to see the Middle East not only as a suffering region, but as the heart of Christianity, the place where God became incarnate on a particular day, in an actual place. They called for help to keep Christianity alive in the holy land. Young people, Christian and non-Christian, are fleeing the violence, poverty and their lack of a future.”
In Lebanon’s Sabra and Chatilla refugee camps, delegates met Palestinian refugees from the Arab-Israeli War of 1948 who are stateless and unable to move. Fifty-six years later, three generations of refugees live in rooms without windows, lacking water, electricity or work, and are unable to travel because they have no passports. They seek basic civil and human rights, as well as the right to return to Palestinian lands.
In Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, delegates visited staff and programs of the Middle East Council of Churches; the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees; the Sabeel Liberation Theology Center; the Jerusalem Center for Women; and Bat Shalom. “The work of our partners in the region is a source of hope and inspiration,” said Corkery.
“We met Israeli groups working for peace and for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands. We met Palestinians groups working for human rights and peace. We saw evidence of daily killings, as well as the bulldozing of houses and olive groves that go unreported.”
“Yet despite all the pain and turmoil, Palestinians and Israelis are carrying out creative and constructive programs for change. We met leaders engaged in constructive dialogue, and collaborative actions for peace through Israeli and Palestinian women’s groups and academic networks. We visited clinics, vocational training, and a home for disabled children and youth, all of them funded with support from KAIROS.”
“We carried to the Middle East this message: You are not forgotten. We are praying with you. We stand beside all who suffer from injustice and violence. We continue to work with you for peace and justice in the region.”
“KAIROS has accomplished its goal for the mission, which
was to support those who carry the message of hope that, as has
been promised in the gospels, goodness will prevail, and waters
of justice will flow. Now we will continue our solidarity with people
of goodwill committed to justice.”
Members of the delegation were: The Right Reverend Peter Short,
Moderator of the United Church of Canada; the Right Reverend Peter
Coffin, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa; the Most Reverend
Martin Currie, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Falls,
Newfoundland, Sister Margo Ritchie of the Federation of the Sisters
of St. Joseph in London, Ontario; the Reverend David Harris, representing
the Presbyterian Church in Canada; Dr. Paul Kingston representing
the (Anglican) Primate's World Relief and Development Fund; Dr.
Andrea Mann, Regional Mission Coordinator for Asia and the Middle
East for the Anglican Church of Canada; Mary Corkery, Executive
Director of KAIROS, and Dale Hildebrand, manager of the KAIROS Global
Partnerships Program.
For further information see:
The delegation's
letter to the National Post
The delegation's
letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin
For media follow up contact Adiat Junaid, Communications Coordinator,
at
1 877 403 8933 x 223 or
ajunaid
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KAIROS Middle East delegation heads to the region |
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A national delegation of high-level Canadian church leaders, laypeople, and staff headed to the Middle East on Thursday, March 11, 2004. This KAIROS mission is a response to a request from the Middle East Council of Churches for Canadian Christians to come to the region to witness and support people in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Lebanon who are working for peace.
The delegation includes: The Right Reverend Peter Short, Moderator of the United Church of Canada; the Right Reverend Peter Coffin, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa; the Most Reverend Martin Currie, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Falls, Newfoundland, Sister Margo Ritchie of the Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in London, Ontario; the Reverend David Harris, representing the Presbyterian Church in Canada; Dr. Paul Kingston representing the (Anglican) Primate's World Relief and Development Fund; Dr. Andrea Mann, Regional Mission Coordinator for Asia and the Middle East for the Anglican Church of Canada; Mary Corkery, Executive Director of KAIROS, and Dale Hildebrand, manager of the KAIROS Global Partnerships Program.
The delegation will visit Jerusalem, Gaza, Ramallah, Nablus, Syria and Lebanon from March 11 - 25, and will meet senior Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders and visit the peace-building programs supported by KAIROS in the region.
KAIROS hopes the experience gained from the tour will bolster efforts
to persuade the Canadian government to take a more active role in
support of peace in the Middle East. For the full press release,
please see the KAIROS website under Media/ Press Releases. For more
information, contact Adiat Junaid, Communications Coordinator,
1 877 403 8933 x 223 or
ajunaid
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An update on recent actions and thanks to our readers |
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Kairos Times readers have been busy over the past month. On behalf of both KAIROS and our partners, thank you for taking the time to respond to an unusually high number of action requests. We know our readers and supporters are involved in many crucial justice issues, and have many demands on your time. We appreciate your thoughtful responses to recent urgent actions and other ongoing work. Some brief updates and corrections:
Bill C-9 (generic medicines). Many of you have already responded: THANK YOU. March 8-12 remains a critical time to make our voices heard and any message you can send is important. PLEASE NOTE: THE CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS FOR MP Brent St. Denis is St.Denis.B Our apologies.
Ricardo Esquivia: We have posted another brief update and thank-you
from Colombian partner Justapaz under Human
Rights/ Ending Impunity.
Thank you again for your responses.
Central America free trade negotiations: Despite receiving many
letters from KAIROS network members, the Canadian government continues
to negotiate in secret, and actually blames the Central American
countries for their lack of transparency.
It is not too late to send letters to Minister Peterson. Tell him
that you are disappointed that the draft text has not been released
for public and parliamentary consultation. Genuine consultation
in trade and investment negotiations is crucial because it provides
the necessary checks and balances for the protection of our broader
social goals. Such consultation is also a stated goal of the government.
See the action under Human
Rights: Impunity
Take action
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Iraq one year later |
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On March 5 KAIROS sent out a call to support the March 20 global day of action to protest the ongoing war in Iraq. The world community must make it clear that the illegal invasion of Iraq and the continued suffering of its people under the US-led occupation have not been forgotten. We must also remind our leaders that the supposed Weapons of Mass Destruction, which were the pretext for the invasion, have not been found, and that this lie will not be forgotten.
In cooperation with its member churches, KAIROS is preparing a statement calling for an end to the occupation of Iraq. The statement also speaks against the notion that the continuing violence in Iraq is a “war for human rights”. KAIROS also calls on its groups, activists, and friends to organize or join public events for peace –especially around March 20– and to offer both prayerful and educational events. Please see our Iraq “e-kit”.
Many groups are planning local events such as demonstrations, vigils, and discussions. Join an event in your area - or organize one. We will set up an events listing on the KAIROS website under Current Campaign. If you know of a local event that you would like posted, please email information about your event to info
Make sure you include information on the date, location, time,
contact person, and a brief explanation of the event. KAIROS will
send this information to the Canadian Peace Alliance: see their
comprehensive events listing at
http://www.acp-cpa.ca/en/events.html
A list of global events is available at http://www.unitedforpeace.org/
And see this additional link for resources on Iraq, compiled by
United for Peace (USA): http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=359
Get others involved with our Cultivating Just Peace campaign. If
you are going to a public event, bring extra copies of the Agenda
for Just Peace Action card for others to sign. For more information,
contact Adele Halliday, Network Coordinator at 1 877 403 8933 x236
or
ahalliday
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Over 1,000 Just Peace action cards received at the national office—keep them coming! |
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The KAIROS national office has received over 1,000 signed Agenda
for Just Peace action cards, and more are coming in every day from
every corner of the country. Many thanks to everyone for your efforts!
Remember that the cards are available on the KAIROS website for
free, or they can be ordered for ten cents each (postage included)
from
orders
or via our website order form under Resources.
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An invitation to fast for peace through Lent |
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Through the seven weeks of Lent, the Mennonite Central Committee invites individuals, families, congregations and groups to fast one day a week as a prayer of lament for the violence in the world, and as an act of hope for peace.
In January 2003, the Mennonite Central Committee initiated a Women's Fast for Peace. It was intended to encourage a spirit of solidarity with the women and children of Iraq; to nurture prayer, reflection and attentiveness to the voice of God; and to convey a message of resistance to the impending war against Iraq. By the time the fast ended at Easter, some 1300 individuals were fasting one day a week as a way of witnessing for peace.
Despite the efforts of millions of people around the globe, a U.S.-led coalition invaded Iraq on March 20, 2003. Although the war is officially "over," violence continues and insecurity remains an ever-present reality. In addition, 37 other armed conflicts are being waged in 29 countries around the world. Besides war, humans continue to commit violence against each other and the earth in countless other ways. The call to pray and act and witness for peace is as urgent as ever.
Each week during Lent, the MCC website will focus on a different context of violence. Built around the readings from the Common Lectionary, the materials will include articles, stories, a brief meditation and prayer. Participants are encouraged to use these materials as they fast and pray. The fast will begin on February 25 (Ash Wednesday) and continue until April 7 of Passion Week.
The Mennonite Central Committee is a member of KAIROS. See more
information and a registration page at http://www.mcc.org/canada/peace/lentfast
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In other news…
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Citizens for Public Justice celebrates its fortieth year |
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2003-04 marks the 40th year for Citizens for Public Justice and the Public Justice Resource Centre. From the Mackenzie Valley pipeline, to the Constitution, to student loans for refugees, these sister organizations have been faithful witnesses on policies that support the common good. KAIROS and its predecessor coalitions has long worked alongside CPJ, which, like KAIROS, is one of the justice expressions of the Christian Reformed community in Canada. We congratulate CPJ on its forty years of spirited justice advocacy and truth-telling—and wish them many more years of work. For more information on anniversary events across Canada which will feature excellent speakers and good celebrations, contact CPJ at 1-800-667-8046, ext 0, or email rebecca Learn more about CPJ at http://www.cpj.ca
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New on our website…. |
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Iraq: Our “e-kit” on Iraq has been updated with information and links related to the global day of action on March 20.
Campaign: Our Just Peace campaign page has been updated with new articles and reflections, and has a new section on theological reflection. Go to Education/ Current Campaign.
Letters: KAIROS has written three letters on key issues, filed under Media Room:
- To federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale on the upcoming federal budget, asking him to keep in mind specific demands and values related to the Agenda for Just Peace campaign and the churches’ belief that the poor has the first call on our country’s resources.
- To Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham on the need to support the peace process underway in Sudan, the site of Africa’s longest-running war.
- To Citizenship and Immigration Minster Judy Sgro on three key
concerns related to the rights of refugees.
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