Archive for April 2020

Migrant workers are not to blame for outbreak in meat-packing plants

April 30, 2020

KAIROS offers thoughts and prayers to the families of the meat-packing plant workers who recently succumbed to COVID-19, and extends solidarity and support to the temporary foreign workers and immigrants facing discrimination and being blamed for the coronavirus outbreaks at the Cargill and JBS meat-packing plants in Alberta. …

Post filed in: Migrant Justice

Spirited Reflection: National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

April 30, 2020

There are specific days that I remember, which forever changed my understanding and perspectives about being a First Nations woman in Canada. Like so many in this country, I grew up with the cliched ideas of Canadian society-polite people surrounded by clean cities and…

Post filed in: Gender Justice/Women of Courage, Indigenous Rights, Spirited Reflections

Canadian Phase of MERE Hub to Launch in June

April 29, 2020

Later this June the Canadian phase of KAIROS’ digital platform Mother Earth and Resource Extraction: Women Defending Land and Water (MERE Hub, for short) is scheduled to launch. This phase will bring together content and material to support research, advocacy, information sharing, and movement building around…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Gender Justice/Women of Courage

For the Love of Creation: A faith-based initiative for climate justice

April 22, 2020

(le français suit) Canadian churches and faith-based organizations have a long history of work in ecological conservation, environmental activism, and advocacy for climate justice. To mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we are coming together on a journey of…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, En français

Letter to federal ministers with direct oversight of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

April 20, 2020

In its letter to those federal ministers with direct oversight of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, KAIROS expresses appreciation for the government’s inclusive and positive response to calls for assistance from temporary foreign workers, especially seasonal agricultural workers, and emphasizes…

Post filed in: Migrant Justice

KAIROS signs joint statement on human rights oversight of governments’ COVID-19 responses (English & French)

April 16, 2020

A total of 157 organizations and 144 individuals – including Indigenous organizations, civil society groups, unions, academics and former politicians– are urging federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to adopt robust oversight measures to strengthen human rights protection and guard…

Post filed in: En français

Prayer for Earth Day

April 16, 2020

On April 22, 2020 people around the world will recognize Earth Day for the 50th time. This year’s international theme is climate action; a part of our action as spiritual people is bringing our hopes and fears to God in…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Spirited Reflections

Online Teach-in on Community Self-determination in the Face of Resource Extraction in Guatemala and Canada

April 14, 2020

On Wednesday, April 22, join MiningWatch Canada for “Finding Common Ground: Community self-determination in the face of resource extraction in Guatemala and Canada.” This KAIROS-endorsed online teach-in will focus on the peaceful resistance to the Escobal silver mine in southeastern Guatemala owned by Pan American Silver (formerly…

Post filed in: Gender Justice/Women of Courage, Latin America

Support for the National Council of Churches in the Philippines and their Lenten Call

April 8, 2020

Care and compassion for the poor, do not arrest or shoot them  “A systematic distribution of food and other assistance are imperative right now. Again, our Lenten call, test more people and help the poor, do not arrest or shoot them,”  …

Post filed in: Asia-Pacific, Gender Justice/Women of Courage

Easter video message to share: Easter mystery in extraordinary times

April 6, 2020

Dear Friend, These are tough times we are living in right now. We are very concerned for the grave risks, particularly to vulnerable peoples and communities in Canada and around the globe. It can be hard to keep our spirits…

Post filed in: Executive Director, Spirited Reflections

A message to Canadians from religious leaders in Canada in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

April 2, 2020

Hope, gratitude and solidarity Canadians are experiencing the devastating impact of COVID-19 in what has become a rapidly evolving crisis. Understandably, this crisis has brought about feelings of anxiety, apprehension and fear. Critical elements of our daily lives are being thrown…

Post filed in: Executive Director

Spirited Reflection: Join the Passion of the Lord

April 2, 2020

Scripture Matthew 26:14-27:54   Growing up I remember Palm Sunday with the sermons focused on those of us who would cheer for Jesus, and who were soon to betray him. We waived our palms in some services and more commonly, in Protestant…

Post filed in: Spirited Reflections