Personal reflections from the 2005 church leaders' delegation to Mexico
This “BishBlog” comes to us from Bishops Sue Moxley and Ray Schultz, and other delegates who were in Mexico in March 2005 learning about the impact of free trade agreements on indigenous peoples, poor communities, women, and other. It reflects on their daily experiences with partners and community groups. Links have been added to provide you with more background information—KAIROS is not responsible for the content of these sites and they will open in a new window.
Day 1: Friday March 11, Mexico City
We met with Professor Alberto Arroyo, an economist who explained the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and how alternatives had been developed in Mexico. But no one in government wanted to hear about the alternatives. (If you want to hear about them check out Alternatives for the Americas.) It seemed that everything they proposed was contrary to the NAFTA legislation. Alberto commented that NAFTA was like a bullet- proof vest for corporations. He told us that an ethical critique of NAFTA was necessary, one that puts people at the centre. He challenged the churches to work with economists to do this work and to speak with a prophetic voice.
We met with the folks from Centro Pro, a human rights organization started by the Jesuits. They had participated in a diagnostic on human rights together with the UN Commission on Human Rights. When the report was released they had planned to participate in its implementation but when it became clear that it wasn’t really going to be implemented they withdrew from the process.
During their presentation, they signaled how important it was for Canada to sign on to the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights at the OAS if we really wanted to be credible in speaking about and supporting human rights promotion in the hemisphere. They made it clear that trade regulations should never be put in place without considering the implications on people and communities.
End of the Day Reflections.............
"We have tremendous admiration for people who are working in very difficult
circumstances."“We are here to listen to stories, hear testimony, and walk with our partners."
"Canada claims to be a country that champions human rights and if that is true we need to help forward the human rights agenda in Mexico."
"I felt like a sponge just soaking up all the information."
"NAFTA appears to be another form of colonialism."
"The importance of theologians and economists working together to do an ethical critique of NAFTA."
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Pink crosses mark the site in a cottonfield where the bodies of eight murdered women were found in Ciudad Juarez |
“Lessons from the local”. We heard about problems with maquiladoras that we would learn more about the next day. ( Maquilas are large scale factories set up to take advantage of free trade agreements. Their workers are generally young women and work for extremely low wages-- they manufacture clothes and other items for export. Read all about it at www.maquilasolidarity.org ) We heard about the deaths of women in the community and possible explanations. (See Amnesty International’s report on the many, many murders of female maquila workers in Ciudad Juarez.) We heard about business growth without social structure development to support it. We heard from a local worker about health projects and work with local women to build self esteem and work against the local dominant and prevalent culture that doesn’t respect women.
We ended the night listening to Latin American folk music at a local Pena.
Sunday March 13 - Bishop Sue Moxley in Ciudad Juarez
We began with Mass at Chapel Maria, Madre de la Misericordia, a Roman Catholic chapel that serves people who work in the maquilas. We were all invited to participate in the liturgy and then we listened to stories of people who worked in the maquilas. We heard about wages too low to live on, we heard about a variety of work conditions including 12 hour days with no breaks. We heard how on-the-job injuries were not to be reported to the public healthcare system. We heard about how a TV costs about 25$ to produce yet sells for $300 dollars in Canada.
The community invited us to sit and share lunch with them. We were impressed by their generosity to share with those even poorer than they were by collecting food which was brought up during the offering.
After another educational session on the effects of NAFTA on the border economy, it seems clear that NAFTA has been a disaster for Mexico, contrary to what the three governments claim.
We visited the Casa de Migrantes (Migrant House). We met with people who are migrants. We heard the stories of the difficulties they face getting to a border like Ciudad Juarez and the difficulties they face finding work. We heard how the term “Illegal Alien” isn’t used here-- they call them “undocumented people” because it’s not illegal to want to work or to have a better life or to ensure your family’s survival, which is all that migrants are doing.
Reflections from tonight...............
"Thinking about how the young girls in the choir were so full of life and they were the same age as the girls that were murdered."
"Even though the people were extremely poor they still had hope, they were still joyful, they were still caring for themselves and their families.
"Seeing the poverty and wondering how it would affect us and then realizing that it should affect us and if it doesn’t then there is something wrong with us."
“The day put a human face on NAFTA’s failures."
"The Sunday reading was about the raising of Lazarus. And when Jesus had raised him, he still told the people they had to take off the death bindings. Its God who provides new life but people have to participate in effecting that new life."
"The first commandment is about idolatry, and in, reality the market has become
an idol.""We have been hearing and reading a lot of analysis, and now that we are here, we see that it’s true."
“Pro-NAFTA people say that this is the only solution-- and yet each day we hear about alternatives that exist and the church needs to be part of promoting and developing these alternatives."
Sunday March 13, 2005: Lutheran Bishop Ray Schultz in Chiapas
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Delegates Mark Lewis and Ray Schultz with three Zapatista leaders in Chiapas. |
We visited the autonomous Zapatista municipality of Oventic where we met with the local Zapatista government (the Junta of Good Government), and heard about the vision of the Zapatistas to build autonomy, and their vision of democracy, justice and plurality in these communities. In the afternoon, we traveled to Acteal, remembered for the terrible massacre in 1997. The priest and members of the community, including survivors, led us through the town recounting the horrific events of the massacre. We returned to the church and prayed with them. Delegates brought blessings and solidarity from the Canadian churches.
An elderly man from the Acteal community places his finger in the bullet hole in the wall of the community chapel. This community is reconstructing itself after surviving a massacre of 49 of its members, mainly women and children including four unborn. Like Jesus inviting Thomas to feel the nail holes in his hands and believe the resurrection we were reminded that communities like Acteal can rise again.
The model of community development that drives the vision of these people comes out of the Zapatista movement, which has created autonomous municipalities in the Mexican state of Chiapas. We met with three Zapatista leaders from the Junta of Good Governance of Oventic. They were wearing the Zapatista uniform of a balaclava and neckerchief, and they explained that the balaclava symbolizes a people who have no face and no voice--the Indigenous peoples of Mexico. The Indigenous peoples, after being shut out of the political and legal processes of Mexico, decided to construct new communities based on their principles of self determination and equality. These communities stand as critiques of NAFTA which has impoverished local communities and deprived them of the opportunity to participate in globalized markets.
Shared reflections on the day. . . .
“I was impressed with the international presence and support for the Zapatistas--to many they are seen as a model and example.”
“Impressed by the earnestness and dedication even though the odds are so incredible. I know the Zapatistas will eventually gain enough political support to shift the nation.”
“The snail is a good symbol for the Zapatista alternative--it contrasts with everything that neoliberalism stands for--efficiency, hierarchy and fast pace.”
“The sense of sadness is still so strong in Acteal.”
Monday 14 March. Anglican Bishop Sue Moxley in Ciudad Juarez, a city along the Mexican-U.S. border.
Today’s theme might have been: "What's a human life worth?".
In the morning we met with six staff at the Human Rights Centre Paso al Norte and the Diocesan Social Ministries. It’s a group that is independent of the church and the government, that survives on grant funding. They work on capacity-building with women, and gender issues. And they do workshops with other neighbourhood groups to help leaders who will teach people about their human rights.
One of the neighbourhood workers said, "It is impossible to do this work and remain indifferent. Our work is serious and professional and it incorporates our faith."
They work at both social analysis and practical projects. They told us stories that showed how the justice system and the legal systems are inadequate and need to be transformed. Systemic change of the justice system was urgently needed.
They suggested Canada should insist that human rights and labour rights be respected when entering into any economic agreement. Human and labour rights have worsened since NAFTA was implemented. Currently labour and environmental rights are only found in side agreements, with Commissions that can make recommendations, but no binding rulings. Despite several cases brought forward to date, not one has resulted in any change or protection of labour rights or the environment. They gave us examples of how contracts used to give workers job security, but since NAFTA contracts are only three months duration, and can be terminated any time.
We were concerned for the human-rights workers’ safety in doing this important work in their community. They told the story of Digna Ochoa, a human-rights lawyer, who was found dead. Another lawyer was chased and killed by state police at close range.
We met with the Bishop of Ciudad Juarez, who said he thought NAFTA was a good initiative at first, because it opened up avenues for Mexico with the U.S. and Canada when Mexico was at a disadvantage. But then he saw that what was intended was not happening. He shared the example of Mexican truck drivers who aren't allowed to drive into the US. So what’s free about that?
He talked to us about a document produced by the U.S. and Mexican bishops on the border question. It says that each country is obligated to provide dignified work for its citizens. It also states that when a country doesn’t have any enough employment for its people, they should have the right to migrate for work.
In the afternoon we met with the diocesan staff who support workers, and with
CETLAC an organization affiliated with FAT, the only independent Mexican Union. CETLAC’s priority is to work with unions, to give advice to workers, to promote labour unions and to educate people about their labour rights. The diocesan group for workers focuses on three areas: building capacity, empowering people through skills development, and helping people integrate their faith and their lives.
We heard how campesinos, small-scale farmers, were among those most negatively affected by NAFTA. These groups are trying to support the campesinos who have been driven off their land. NAFTA rules make it difficult for them to create new employment for themselves.
We went to the cotton field to visit the site where the bodies of eight of the more than 350 murdered women of Ciudad Juarez were found. We were met by a van full of police who wanted to know why we were there. They let us pass to the crosses that mark the site. The local priest explained where the bodies were found and how people were marking the anniversary of the finding of the bodies. We heard about how at least one mother found it impossible to go there and impossible to talk to us. While we were there, a rainbow formed in the sky behind the crosses. We were told there are virtually no rainbows in Juarez. Was this a sign of hope?
The cotton field was a profoundly moving experience for us. These women’s deaths raised the question: What is a human life worth? The experience of maquila workers and the conditions they face raise the question: What is their life worth?
Shared reflections on the day. . . .
"The young lawyer at the human rights centre reminded me of an earlier experience with two El Salvadoran lawyers who were murdered two weeks after I met them."
"What is the church doing? The church includes bishops and lay people and all of these people that we met. The lawyers, the social workers, the activists are the church."
"These young professionals have both conviction and compassion, and continue to work in spite of knowing that they are watched."
"How do we make sense of suffering? How do we talk about suffering?"
"The apparent impunity for injustices is baffling. What is our government
doing to push for an authentic change in the justice system in Mexico?""Sometimes we may not understand but we still need to be present."
March 14, 2005 – Lutheran Bishop Ray Schultz - Visit to Señor del Pozo community in Comitan, Chiapas
We traveled to Comitan, Chiapas, where we met with representatives of four communities in Senor de Pozo (Lord of the Spring). CIEPAC has worked with these communities over the years doing training and educational workshops on economic policies and the impact on local communities. We heard testimonies from members of these communities on the impact of NAFTA, migration and agricultural policies on their lives as as the alternatives they are constructing. In the evening, we met with members of the Tepeyac Human Rights Centre, another KAIROS partner and heard about their work accompanying the indigenous communities in Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, that have been impacted by Plan Puebla Panama.
“Stay natural and stay healthy” could be the slogan for this community of the Chiapas region of Mexico located an hour and a half north of the Guatemala border.
Through the assistance of CIEPAC this farm cooperative has developed organic farming methods based on traditional practices. Avoiding the use of commercial chemical pesticides and fertilizers, they keep their families healthy and practice good stewardship of the environment. Strong education and leadership-training programs have made them an informed and articulate group.
NAFTA impacts heavily on their enterprise through its support for macro-scale agriculture, individualization of farmers, and easy credit that has lead to loss of individual land holdings and migration in search of livelihood. GMOs (genetically-modified organisms, referring to crop seeds that are owned by the companies who modified them) threaten the continuing bio-diversity of native seed stocks.
The leadership of this community demonstrates a strong spirituality, along with a growing understanding of the market forces that impact their lives. Women in this community show a high degree of self-assurance and seem to share fully in deliberating issues and decisions.
Shared reflections on the day. . . .
“This was the biggest day for me so far emotionally and intellectually. My parents were migrants, displaced by economic and political conditions. As well, the continent-wide political and economic strategy came together for me today.”
“This was the best example of community responsibility and expression. So many people spoke at the meeting, and spoke so well. Women played a very active role.”
“I was impressed with the level of analysis of the people we met, and their ability to link their personal and local experience with national and international political and economic policy. I admire their courage, their ability to resist government programs, like those to individualize land and privatize electrical and other services, because they know they will divide and impoverish the community in the long run. The temptation to accept these programs for the short-term benefits must be very strong.”
“How many Canadians do we know who would do this?”
“We see CIEPAC’s years of work in these communities reflected in these people. We met with people with extraordinary capacity.”
“There may have been a time when the trickle-down economy worked, but now
it doesn’t--the money stays with fewer and fewer people.”
Day 5 - Tuesday March 15th - Sunday March 13 - Sue Moxley in Ciudad Juarez
A day of contrasts
In the morning we met with the leaders of the Juarez Chamber of Commerce. We viewed their publicity video, designed to attract foreign investment into Juarez. They told us about the rapid growth of the city with the increasing number of maquilas, and how the infrastructure has not kept up with the growth of the city. They said they contribute taxes to the state and federal levels, but not enough comes back to Juarez to keep up with the growth of the city. They confirmed for us that only 2-3 percent of the goods used in the maquilas are Mexican. The other 97-98% come in from the outside. It was clear that they were trying to take advantage of NAFTA to improve the situation in Juarez, but it often doesn’t work out. Some of their views on what the maquila workers should be paid differed from what we heard from the workers and worker organizations. We heard over and over again that in reality, no one can live on the minimum wage.
We reflected on part of a eucharistic prayer that talks about the gifts of creation and the work of human hands and we wondered who are these for, for only a few or for the whole human family?
Members of the Diocesan Workers Ministry told us that if a person works full time and up to the job standard they should have the right to live with dignity. Yet sadly almost everything we have heard demonstrates that the reverse is true in Juarez.
In the afternoon we crossed the border into El Paso, Texas, to visit a home for undocumented migrants. They told us the home had started with a commitment to build relationships with and live among the poor in one neighbourhood. That led to the decision to welcome undocumented people to live in a community with them. The migrants’ stories caused them to question government policies and economic strategies that force people to leave their own countries just to survive. They told us about changing attitudes that lead to increasing security at borders and increasing personal animosity towards migrants.
As churches we were challenged to speak out, to say: "It’s a sin to deprive people of the right to work and a decent life. Churches need to welcome and listen to people in order to support them." We were challenged with the question: Are religious leaders too fearful?
Our heartfelt thanks to the Maryknoll Lay Missionaries, who organized our visit to Ciudad Juarez.
Shared reflections on the day. . . .
"We saw such different realities today. The venders, the maquila workers, they are all doing what they have to do to survive. Then we saw the business sector creating beautiful and impressive buildings with manicured lawns to encourage foreign investment. Those buildings were in stark comparison to the modest homes that people build to live in."
"The border seems so close and yet its completely unreachable for the migrants, due to a chain-link fence erected by the border patrol. On the Mexican side were cardboard-box houses and on the U.S. side were mansions on the hill."
"We heard about the billions of dollars invested in Juarez yet a person’s life if priceless."
"Nicodemus came out at night to meet Jesus because he didn’t want to be seen. Why didn't I speak up? Why didn’t I challenge some of the people we met today?"
"The church needs to step out and speak out, and not allow people’s lives to be minimized."
"How do we challenge those who believe that NAFTA is the only model?"
"The church has never been opposed to trade and investment. The church has always been opposed to a model that minimizes people and is fundamentally unjust."
"We were reminded of the words of the Magnificat, that God will pull down the mighty and lift up the humble and poor."
March 15, 2005 –Ray Schultz – In San Cristobal, Chiapas
Anomalies and Alternatives
Today in San Cristobal, Chiapas, we met with both the church hierarchy (Auxiliary Bishop Enrique Diaz) and then with the grassroots institute of intercultural education (INESIN, known here as the ecumenical Bible School). INESIN is a KAIROS partner. We heard very different perspectives regarding ecumenism, inter-religious conflict and Indigenous theology.
While some church leaders find ecumenical relationships in Chiapas congenial and collegial; INESIN, whose work focuses on transformational education, finds the local ecumenical context conflicted and divisive. While some church leaders in Chiapas are not disturbed by the presence of fundamentalists; INESIN finds it a source of grassroots community conflict.
So-called "traditional" religions here call themselves catholic, but reject the ecclesiastical authority of the Roman church and its doctrinal theology. If this sounds complex and confusing, it makes even more amazing the ministry of alternatives that INESIN carries on amongst these anomalies. It teaches courses on conflict resolution and peacemaking, and models ecumenical theology by living it. One INESIN faculty member said: religion is not for confrontation but for reconciliation and dialogue.
INESIN joins theological reflection with community action, and supports it with community leadership development. Women find a voice to assert themselves as full participants in society and church. Spirituality and social action are inseparable.
There are anomalies, too, between what church leadership at the top experiences and what happens on the ground. INESIN offers alternatives that can bring people together in dialogue around mutual issues of shared humanity. Many of its objectives begin with the goal of strengthening the heart.
We ended the day with a closing dinner and exchange with CIEPAC and grassroots human rights organizations in Chiapas. Here are some reflections from the dinner:
The delegates
“I have been moved by your suffering and strength.”
“We will go back and say that free trade has been a disaster for the people of Mexico.”
“You more than met my expectations. The program has been rich and exhausting because there was so much. I am proud of KAIROS and now I am proud of you.”
“Thank you for teaching us about alternatives.”
Our Chiapanecan friends
“You have given value and strength to our work. It is good to know that there are people among the privileged in your country who continue to be committed to the poor and marginalized and to work for social transformation.”
“We really appreciate your visit and you are most welcome, but you arrive late. While we are talking about NAFTA, our governments and elites are negotiating NAFTA-plus and deep integration, a proposal that includes common border, common military and security policy and a common currency. We need to be working on these issues too.”
“I hope you will be spokespeople with your government. Make them see our suffering.”
“You come from different religions but that doesn’t seem to matter to you. You work together for social justice. This is something I will take away in my heart.”
“As the elites are globalizing the economy, this dinner is a symbol of how we must globalize the struggle.”
Shared reflections on the day
“These people have experienced violence but they do not see themselves as victims. They take on the work with a strong sense of dignity and rights.”
“I was impressed by the strong grassroots work in the community and in the church.”
“The number of young people from around the world here is very hopeful.”
“The changing role of women in the church and in the communities is very hopeful. This may be the key to success.”
“I am struck by how quickly the state will be come brutal in pursuit of economic interests.”
“I will take away the African proverb we heard here in Chiapas: ‘Small people, in small places, getting small results, will transform the world’.”
Days 7-8, March 17-18, Mexico City and San Luis Potosi
From Destruction and Tears to Music and Laughter - Sue Moxley
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A view of Cerro de San Pedro. The hill (cerro) in the background will be the site of the open-pit gold mine if the Canadian mining operation goes ahead. |
We arrived very late last night in San Luis Potosi and we were up at 7:00 AM to meet with a representative from UNESCO. He explained to us about the small village of Cerro de San Pedro, the original capital. Gold was discovered there in 1592 and they realized there wasn't enough water to support the town so they ended up moving. The remains of the 400 year old town are still there, along with an active church and municipal office.
An open pit gold mine is proposed by Minera San Xavier, a subsidiary of Metallica Resources, a Canadian mining company. He outlined how the proposed mine would destroy the historic remains of the old town and destroy the environment because of the cyanide leaching and potentially poison the water of San Luis Potosi, a town of 1 million people.
Then community members and activists in the Broad Opposition Front accompanied us to Cerro San Pedro. En route we saw the barbed wired fences that were constructed around land that the company doesn’t own. In spite of the fact that all of their permits have been cancelled, we saw huge trucks, big tanks and workers on site, and land cleared for future use. The cleared land is in an environmentally protected area, so the clearing is obviously illegal.
We were shown around the village by a long-time resident and historian. He showed us the mountain that is the symbol of their heritage; the company plans to blast to create the open pit there. The pit is only about 600 metres from the town square. The company has told the people that there would be no damage from the blasting, but if there would be the company would move the municipal buildings and the centuries old church another 600 metres away.
The tunnels from the old town go under the church and the square. The guide showed us where a test drill resulted in the street collapsing because of the tunnels under the street. The company had "repaired the damage" by dumping a load of gravel. We were shown where the company had bought up buildings in the village to be used for offices.
As we walked around we saw the beauty of the place, the history of the village and the incredible variety of cactus and other flora and fauna. We were astounded that the company would destroy all this for a yield that would last only 6-8 years. We discovered that the actual profit from this exploitation was quite low in comparison to the amount of destruction and permanent ecological damage that would result. The potential poisoning of the watershed lands alone would have dramatic consequences for the Potosenos. The valley is the source of 73% of the water for the area.
If the company's latest appeal is rejected, they are threatening to use NAFTA's Chapter 11 to sue the Mexican government for potential lost profits.
We were told repeatedly how important our visit was and that we were there to see what was happening. Since 1995, information and letters have been sent to many officials but we were the first Canadians to come and witness the damage that has already happened, and the potential for more harm.
Reflections from the day........................
"Guilt is useless, what is needed is vision."
"Around Jesus community was formed and we formed a community today with the people of San Luis Potosi whom with we walked. And that community is a witness."
"We reflected on the piece of scripture that talks about the light of Christ in the darkness, a light that no darkness can extinguish. And we saw the light of Christ in the young people how are active in the Broad Opposition Front. "
"We were reminded of an earlier comment that when you look at the dark side of things or walk on the dark side. There are 3 different responses you can make: return evil for evil; the second one is avoidance - not wanting to hear or see what is really there, and the third one is to enter in to the darkness and hold and be the light in darkness. People of privilege need to enter into the darkness in order to be faithful to Jesus."
"When you have a dark room and a light room side by side and you open the door, the light pouring into the dark room, not the other way around. We want to be opening doors to let the light in to the dark places."
"Women's pride in her home. A man's pride in his home and the girls’ pride in the cafe they were building. People were proud of their homes and opened them to us."
"What I see, ten years from now is the houses and the churches and the buildings of Cerro de San Pedro fully restored. People living there in peace and joy. And welcoming visitors with pride to their village."
Last Day, March 19, Mexico City
Surprising Responses from the Canadian Ambassador - Sue Moxley
We got to sleep in today--until 7:00 a.m.! Over breakfast we refined our presentation to the Canadian Ambassador to Mexico, with whom we were scheduled to meet at 10:00 a.m. At 10:15 we were still waiting outside the small entryway to the Canadian Embassy. Finally we were shown into the ambassador's office.
Our presentation covered the following areas: human rights and impunity, the Acteal Massacre, the systematic murder of women in Ciudad Juarez, indigenous rights, migration, and Canadian corporate activity (watch for our upcoming report).
The Ambassador welcomed us and responded briefly to our presentation. We were surprised by several responses, including his insistence that for “political reasons” Canada would not ratify the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights (IACHR). In fact, many civil society organizations have worked out a "clarifying note" to address Canada’s “political reasons,” that could easily accompany our ratification.
The ambassador seemed unaware of the current situation in Cerro de San Pedro. When we illustrated how economic policies contribute to massive migration, he said migration was a Mexican problem that needed a Mexican solution. Overall, he was positive about the NAFTA experience, and suggested apparent failures of NAFTA were a result of Mexico's lack of initiative. The ambassador told us he would be attending the meeting of the three Heads of State (Prime Minister Paul Martin, U.S. President George Bush, and Mexican President Vicente Fox) in Texas March 23, and the solution to Mexico's problems would require a "grand bargain." In other words he was enthusiastic about extending NAFTA through deep integration.
We went from the ambassador's office to our press conference, organized by CENCOS (The Centre for National Social Communication), an important partner of the churches. The press conference was well attended including three major national papers.
We had a lunch meeting with the folks from the Movement for Peace, Justice, and Dignity, a KAIROS partner that accompanies indigenous communities and organizations. This group includes a youth worker, who works on an inter-faith basis to educate about justice and peace and social issues.
We had our first afternoon off--for a whole three hours! Some folks went to the market, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the Cathedral.
As we end our stay here, we have become a community, despite not knowing one another before we came. We have learned a lot about the importance of community and community support from the stories we heard. People’s testimonies have confirmed for us that NAFTA is failing people. We are encouraged by people’s faith and hope it continues in the face of huge obstacles. We are tired, and part of our tiredness is due to the energy it takes to listen carefully, to challenge our own thinking, to propose our alternatives, and to strategize on approaching our own government back in Canada.
We are deeply thankfully for the opportunity to meet such amazing people who are our partners. We are thankful to the KAIROS staff, who guided us through this mission with enthusiasm, humour, and great conscientiousness.
Stay tuned for our participation in the Global Week of Action on Trade (April 10-16th), and other follow-up.
Sue
March 22 – Back in Halifax
Experiencing Canadian Culture Shock – Sue Moxley
I found Sunday's liturgy difficult. Every reading took me back to Mexico while I stood in our cathedral. I guess this is a small bit of the culture shock folks experience on return to Canada.
The big elegant cathedral somehow seemed cold and impersonal after the chapel in the barrio. The well-fed, well-dressed folks looked less joyful, less engaged than the folks in the chapel with the dirt floor.
Our service began with the Palm Sunday story of the Entry to Jerusalem and all the hope and alleluias. Then the service moved on to the trial and crucifixion with the betrayals, anger, death. I heard parallels with some of what we heard about the hope and "alleluias" in NAFTA for Mexico, and the subsequent betrayals, anger, death, destruction.
I did have some great conversations with parishioners at the coffee hour afterwards. The Dean welcomed me home at the end of the service, so people had lots of questions about where I had been, etc. I expect my Easter sermons will have a different focus this year.
I keep thinking about that huge cross that I couldn't even lift, being carried around the dirt roads in the workers' community in Juarez. Maybe that is how they deal with the crucifixion that happens among them daily.
I may be present in body only on Good Friday!
Have a joyous Easter. See you in Ottawa. Sue
