When you have KAIROS in your name, it tends to lead you to think about kairos moments - the question of what time it is, not from a chronological perspective but from a significance perspective. What time is it in the world? What time is it in Canada, here where we are located on Turtle Island? What time is it at KAIROS? What is it the opportune moment for? The question calls all of us to reflect on the significance of this time and what action might be required of us.

The past year saw progress on a few of our advocacy calls, but mostly there was stasis and, in some cases, setbacks. We’ve streamlined our calls to action to help focus our advocacy, and we’re now referring to them as KAIROS’ “Calls to Action” rather than “Wishes” to better reflect what they are and their urgency. Please have a look and join us in advocating for them! 

In a time of war and climate crisis, women peacebuilders and environmental stewards are needed more than ever. Our opportunity to influence the government to increase its international assistance is now! The Finance Department is currently consulting with cabinet and the public on Canada’s funding priorities for 2024. Please join KAIROS in calling for increases in its international assistance and climate finance, and to support our other priority areas – Indigenous Rights and Migrant Justice. There are several opportunities to add your voice during the consultation period. Deadline is February 9. 

Two weeks before the 28th UN climate change conference (COP28) kicked off in Dubai, I was at a women-led nature centre in the heart of Colombia. Conceived and managed by the Organización Femenina Popular, La Comunera is helping to lay the groundwork for a return to a balanced ecosystem in the region — from a feminist perspective.

Canada’s National Observer published this opinion article by KAIROS’ Cheryl McNamara on January 23.

Watch Kelly Campo of the Organización Femenina Popular (OFP) provide a brief overview of the OFP’s Comunera Bionatural Centre. Launched in 2020 and located in Lebrija, Colombia, La Comunera is a natural space to reconnect with nature and life, based on feminist principles. The OFP is a KAIROS Women of Courage: Women, Peace and Security partner. Recently, KAIROS paid the OFP a visit, which included a tour of its inspiring La Comunera. This centre is connected to the OFP’s Guardians of Life program, which is the recipient of Global Affairs Canada’s Women, Peace and Security 2022 Award: Civil Society Leadership.

This Lent, KAIROS and For the Love of Creation are supporting Citizens for Public Justice’s 2024 Give it up for the Earth! Campaign. This national campaign mobilizes people across Canada to reduce personal greenhouse gas emissions while calling on the federal government to increase its emissions reduction target, build support for climate finance, and end fossil fuel subsidies - directing funds to a fair, inclusive and just transition. Register your community to participate in the campaign today!

Like so many, KAIROS has followed South Africa’s application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) closely, watching, listening and hoping that the outcome would strengthen justice, peace and humanity. We share here a letter from KAIROS member, United of Church of Canada, to the Prime Minister that urges Canada to support this case and these voices for justice and peace in the Middle East.  

KAIROS is deeply concerned about the escalation in violence in Ecuador and stands in solidarity with partners and victims of this violence. We echo the calls of partners in the region for peace, demilitarization and respect for human rights. Below is statement of international solidarity from our partner and regional network, Latin American Network of Women Defenders of Social and Environmental Rights (Red Latinoamericana de Mujeres Defensoras de Derechos Sociales y Ambientales).

In a world marked by shifting geopolitical landscapes and humanitarian challenges, Canada stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge and a better life. This message struck me when I attended the Canadian Council for Refugees’ Fall 2023 Consultation in Calgary, November 16 to 18. Focused on Canada’s immigration and refugee crisis, this gathering brought together refugees, migrant workers, activists, industry experts, and community leaders to explore the complexities of the issue and how to foster understanding and compassion for refugees among the Canadian public.

Now available! Watch the recording of In our own Words: Mapping the Sixties Scoop Diaspora. Colleen Hele Cardinal tells the truth about the 60s scoop, the ongoing child welfare crisis, the resilience of survivors and the road to justice and reconciliation that the Sixties Scoop Network is building.

Yusra Shafi is a 22-year-old immigrant from Kuwait. With KAIROS Canada, she is supporting women in Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Israel/Palestine and South Sudan. She works to empower women to sustainably manage natural resources, build climate-resilient communities and participate in negotiations and decision-making that contribute to lasting and equitable peace with environmental justice.

Canada’s National Observer features Yusra Shafi in this interview, published December 18.

Last year, I attended my first COP (COP27) as a youth delegate on the joint KAIROS and For the Love of Creation Delegation. My involvement had me feeling reinvigorated and determined to continue my climate advocacy with an enhanced robustness. I knew my COP journey wasn’t over. I was extremely grateful when I was given a badge by the United Kingdom Youth Climate Coalition for a place on their international delegation to COP28.

For Juan Rachael Roberto, the climate crisis is deeply personal. She has witnessed the tombs of her ancestors washed away by floods, and understands too well the impacts of food insecurity caused by drought in the communities she serves as the South Sudan Council of Churches’ advocacy coordinator. She calls on the global community to urgently respond to these devastating losses brought about by climate change. An international agreement on loss and damage for climate-vulnerable countries may be a game changer for climate justice—if it is done right. 

This Op-Ed by KAIROS’ Beth Lorimer and Development & Peace’s Randy Haluza-Delay was published in The Hill Times on December 11.

KAIROS actions to build a better world, such as e-petitions, letters to elected officials, and advocacy events are housed on the KAIROS Advocacy page. 

Sunday, February 4 @ 6:00 p.m. ET

Free online event

Join us for the screening of Palestinian pastor Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac’s Christ In the Rubble Sermon. We will then hear from a Palestinian-Canadian Christian speaker, followed by a report from Chris Ferguson, Canadian member of the recent international Christian delegation to Palestine.

Sunday, February 11 @ 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Free. Timothy Eaton Memorial Church: 230 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON 

The list of environmental challenges is long, but increasingly faith communities are experimenting with new and exciting possibilities. If you would like to hear some of these stories, exchange ideas, and discuss roadblocks, please join us for a warm afternoon of conversation and encouragement. This event is a collaboration between A Rocha Ontario and Timothy Eaton Memorial Church.