Full Stories - December 2007
Missionary Societies meeting with Pope on Nov. 16 – see story & pictures
From November 15 - 17, Frs. Jack Lynch sfm and Michael Traher sfm, the superior general and vicar general of Scarboro Missions, attended a three day meeting in Rome of the superiors of the pontifical missionary societies of apostolic life that fall under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples at the Vatican.
The meetings were called and presided over by Ivan Cardinal Dias the Prefect of the Congregation, Archbishop Robert Sarah, Secretary of CEP and Fr. Joseph Koonamparampil, a canon lawyer who is the liaison for all of the missionary societies of Apostolic life (MISAL's).
This was the first time in recent history that a meeting has been called that allowed the officials of the Congregation and members of leadership of the MISAL's to meet, get to know each other and initiate an exchange. The theme for the gathering is summed up in the title of address that Archbishop Sarah gave to the participants: Mutual Relationship: CEP - MISAL's: Partners in Mission; expectations, concerns, observations.
On Friday morning, the entire group had an audience with Benedict XVI. In his address the Pope expressed his gratitude for the generous contribution of all the societies toward the missionary outreach of the church. He acknowledged that one of the promising indications of a renewal in the church's missionary consciousness has been the growing desire of many lay men and women to cooperate generously in the 'missio ad gentes'.
The next meeting of the leaders of the mission institutes will be in Abuja, Nigeria.
See pictures of meeting with the Pope
Large gathering for Thanksgiving Mass on Nov. 4 – see pictures from that day
After Noel's Fury in the Dominican Republic
Experiencing the power and fury of a hurricane is unforgettable. On October 30th, the Dominican Republic tasted the wrath of Hurricane Noel whose powerful winds and rains swept up from the Caribbean striking a devastating blow to that country's central region. Located along the affected south central coast is the diocese of Bani, an area with a long history of Canadian missionaries serving its people. To the west of Bani is a road that takes one north, passing by picturesque valleys while hugging the sides of mountains on its way to the town of San Jose de Ocoa. Noel passed this way too.
Ocoa Highway North to to El Pinar
"Ocoens" still remember another hurricane and its devastation in the early 90's. This time however, though fewer deaths were reported, the people were reported saying, 'this Noel is worse than David'. Shortly after the initial shock of Noel had subsided, a survey was taken by ADESJO, a Church-based local committee which has managed many development projects for years in the area of Ocoa. The committee initially identified 2,800 families that were the most adversely affected by the hurricane. Those families were asking for mattresses, blankets, clothing, tents, and other basic items to enable them to persevere over the next few months. The report went on to illustrate damage results that would have a staggering effect on these and other farming families and whole communities, whose lives depend daily on growing and harvesting food and caring for their animals.
The report found that among the 2,800 affected families (16,800 people), 597 homes will need to be rebuilt and repairs made to 400 kilometers of road, 80 irrigation aqueducts, 35 water reservoirs for irrigation and 25 greenhouses. Some 125 families will need new plastic water tanks for the homes and fertilizers for replanting their decimated grain and vegetable farms.
Ocoa houses destroyed
Essential bridges and whole sections of roadways were wiped out by the energy of Noel's huge volumes of water that had raced down normally quiet river beds and canals. Drinking water itself has become a concern, along with the movement of emergency supplies and people in need of medical care.
But statistics do not tell the whole story. Scarboro Missions has been working with the generous, gentle people of the Dominican Republic for over 75 years, and we know them well. We also know that it takes years for the people to recover from a hurricane like Noel. Along with other Canadian missionaries in the area, diocesan clergy and lay leaders are counting on the generosity of Canadian Catholics' to help us help the people of Ocoa and other affected parish areas in the diocese of Bani.
In a twist of irony, less than two weeks prior to Noel, the people of Ocoa had just mourned the loss of their beloved pastor, Scarboro missionary, Fr. Lou Quinn. On the same roads where they had come down in the thousands in mid October, dressed in their Sunday best to greet the arrival of his body, they now stood wondering, when things will be well again. Read about his funeral on this web site.
Many of their homes, the extensive irrigation systems and the hundreds of kilometers of mountain roads which serve them are all part of the amazing legacy of 'Padre Luis'. His entire life as a priest, 42 of those years in Ocoa, was dedicated to helping the poor have a better life. His funeral on October 19th was attended by well in excess of 25,000 people from the mountains and the town, including major heads of church and state in the Dominican Republic.
The people of Ocoa have learned much from Padre Luis Quinn, especially to believe in themselves as he did. He taught them that united together they will continue to share a hope-filled vision of life. Where faith and action are woven together for the sake of each other and their neighbour, a true glimpse of the Kingdom of God is seen by all.
Help us to support the affected peoples of Ocoa and the Diocese of Bani in their time of need. We know that they will be grateful for your support. Your donations will be channeled directly to those in need through Canadian Catholic missionaries working in the Diocese of Bani, Dominican Republic.
Rural cement bridge destroyed
Sabana Larga Highway Bridge north of Ocoa destroyed by Noel
The Town of Ocoa, the highway going out of town heavily damaged
Water Truck refilling from the river
Funeral for Fr. Lou Quinn on October 19th, including a 10-minute video of funeral
Double-click on image to get full screen version.
To download a copy to your computer for replay, see below.
The large funeral was held at 10 am in San Jose de Ocoa, Dominican Republic. At the same time, a Memorial Mass was held here at Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road.
The funeral day (and prior to the funeral) were "national" events in the Dominican Republic (DR). Superior General Fr. Jack Lynch, who attended the funeral, said he was overwhelmed with the outpouring of affection and public manifestation of the DR people for their "Padre Luis" Quinn. The President of the DR, Lionel Fernandez, declared that the funeral day (Oct. 19th) a National Day of Mourning. The flags of all government/municipal buildings were flown at half mast.
On October 17th, the body of Padre Luis was transferred from the Santo Domingo Airport (as he died in Florida) in a procession of vehicles all the way to Ocoa. It was met by thousands who came from the mountains and everywhere to greet their beloved pastor. His body was waked all that evening and the next day. And thousands came to pay their last respects for this Canadian missionary who had inspired enormous hope among them, resulting in a transformation of community life that reached every part of Ocoa (see detailed writeup below for additional info).
At the funeral itself, numerous dignitaries were in attendance – including the president of the Dominican Republic, the Papal Nuncio, Supreme Court Justice as well as the current and former Canadian Ambassadors to the DR. The funeral Mass was presided by Fr. Lou's bishop, Msgr. Freddy Breton, held in the large Plaza outside the parish church in Ocoa. His body was interred in a crypt inside the church.
For additional information, the following are also provided:
- a detailed writeup (PDF document) of Fr. Quinn's funeral plus obituary
- a 10-minute video of the funeral (edited from the original 60-minute version). Unlike the video above, this has to be downloaded which may take a few minutes as this is a large video file. It's suggested to use Windows Media Player or equivalent to play this. As the quality of the original version was not so good, this is also similar - but hopefully you can get some idea of those special events.
- song for Fr. Lou by Jiselle (a professional singer/writer who was a former choir member in his parish) This particular piece was written for Fr. Quinn a few years ago but was sung live by Jiselle at the end of the funeral Mass. This again should start by double-clicking on the above - otherwise suggest using Windows Media Player also.
- Further news items and magazine articles about Fr. Lou Quinn can be found on this website by entering Fr Lou Quinn. in the Search Box on the upper left of the web page.
Ocoa Banner remembering Fr. Lou Quinn
Procession carrying body of Fr. Lou Quinn to Ocoa
The wake for Fr. Lou Quinn in the Ocoa church, Dominican Republic, Oct. 18, 2007
2008 Magazine Calendar and Year-at-a-Glance Calendar now available (images of all 12 months of the Magazine Calendar available)
Advent Meditation Series - Wednesdays 7:30 pm (Nov. 28 - Dec. 19)
LAY MISSION OFFICE NEWS
Are we making a difference?
by Mary Olenick
Co-coordinator
Lay Mission Office
Most of the time, we never know or hear what kind of a difference our presence in a mission country is making to the people we interact with. We only know, with certainty, the positive impact they have on us. My seven years in Malawi has taught me to look at what is a priority in my life, has deepened my faith, and has helped me to trust God more. The people of Malawi have shown me joy, in the midst of crisis, that can only come from God.
We (Betty Ann Martin and I) with humility, consider ourselves fortunate to have had some positive feedback from some of our ex-students in Malawi and want to share them with you.
The following two emails were received by Betty Ann Martin (former Scarboro missioner) from one of her students, Bubile Ngwira, whom she taught at Marymount High School in Mzuzu, Malawi in 2002. Betty Ann was missioned to Malawi from 2002 - 2005.
Bubile Victoria Ngwira
My name is Bubile Victoria Ngwira, I was a student at Marymount and I graduated in 2002. I cannot tell you how your article "Out of Africa" touched my heart. I can relate completely to the frantic studying to pass exams that are part of Marymount. I was that girl five years ago. My mentors - Mr Chituzu, Sister Yolanda, Sister Hellen, Mrs Nyirenda, Mr Banda, the boarding mistress and all my other teachers - helped to shape and mentor me to be the person I am today. I am happy to know that a generation of Marymount girls have benefited from your compassion and caring.
If you still have students, tell them that those cold 3:00AM mornings are all worth it in the end, and that the friendships and sisterhood that they build at Marymount never dies, and also that they should all keep dreaming for bigger and better things. I will graduate from Missouri State University (in Springfield Missouri, U.S.A.) December 2007 and as I look forward to the journey ahead of me, I look back and I see my shining past... shining, only because Mr Chituzu took the time to pound those History dates in my head and Sister Yolanda took the time to sit and help me... just like you have been doing with your students. Marymount is a pad that launches you into the stars... it all depends on how willing the student is to jump.
If you can, pass this thanks to all the teachers, the headmaster or headmistress, the nurse, the boarding mistress and the Sisters who help shape the lives of Marymount girls everyday. It is a hard and difficult road but one that I am happy to have gone through. The teachers at Marymount have success stories spread all over the world. The girls who have been through Marymount will never forget it. I will never forget it.
Thank you so much for what you do and have done.
Your sincerly,
Bubile Ngwira
Marymount graduate
Form 4 (Grade 12) class of 2002
Thanks for writing me back. I was actually really surprised to hear from you since I had just sent that e-mail. For me, I have always considered Marymount the place that I started. At Marymount, they introduce a lot of things to you, the most important being the ability to dream. If only you work hard, play hard and live, then you will succeed.
I am a Biology/Microbiology major at Missouri State University. I will be graduating in December 2007 and plan on going to graduate school and possibly pursuing a PhD in my field. My research interests are pathogenic bacteria since I have always wanted to stay in the Medical field. I currently work in the laboratory at St Johns, one of our local hospitals so I am definitely getting experience with disease causing bacteria. I am happy here and plan on moving to Chicago to complete my graduate work before making plans to possibly teach in a Malawian medical college (that's a ways down the road).
Sadly, I haven't been back to Malawi for almost 5 years. I am excited to be returning to Malawi next year in June for my wedding though. It will be a great opportunity to show my fianc., who is from Missouri, my roots. Marymount is definitely top on the list of places to show him. I am hoping some of the teachers I remember so dearly are still there.
Marymount has so many success stories, I am only a footnote... I have contacted so many of my old classmates on the Internet. Some are in the UK, South Africa, Germany, and many stayed home. There are some girls who are now doctors, accountants, engineers, clinicians and even the best dance choreographer there ever was (I am biased since she is a close friend). I am not the only Marymount graduate in Missouri... Ellen Mdebwe who graduated a class behind me is doing amazingly at Missouri State. I believe she is studying international business and economics. All we have to do is introduce a Marymount hall of fame and you will find proud, strong amazing women who have Marymount to thank.
Marymount is an experience, you grow up 10 years in the 4 years that you are there, but I have never met anyone who regretted it. I am glad your experience was positive and you would like to return (I hope you do).
Thanks Mama Kapenta
Bubile
Marymount School
Betty Ann Martin with her class
The following article was written by Edmond Nyoka, presently in his 5th year at St. Peter's Major Seminary in Zomba, Malawi. Edmond was one of my (Mary Olenick's) students during his spiritual year at Christ the King Formation Center in Rumphi, Malawi. I taught his class English and Life Skills, Sr. Simkoko taught psychology and Fr. Longwe is the Director of the Formation Center and taught the spiritual components of their program.
Edmond Nyoka - Seminarian
I Am Because We Are
by Edmond Nyoka
There are many school drop outs in Malawi. If you ask them why they dropped out their answer is usually the same, "I lacked support." This lack of support can come in various ways, often, it's a lack of money for school fees or other material needs but sometimes, more importantly, it's a lack of support emotionally or spiritually. It is vital to me to have someone that I can talk with, to encourage me, pray for me and know there is someone who cares about me and what happens to me.
The year 2003 is an important year for me. It's the year I joined Christ the King Formation Center as a first step in my studies toward priesthood. I had enthusiasm but I was filled with doubts and weighed down by uncertainties, wondering if I was choosing the right path or not. The Resource Teachers at the Formation Center played a big part in helping me to decide whether priesthood was to be my lifetime vocation. This is not an easy decision to reach so I needed support. Often support from people would come in words such as "Chiuta wamuchemani, omerani na mtima wose" (God has called you, accept his calling whole heartedly). I felt encouraged and these words helped me make my decision to continue to discern priesthood.
Our English and Life Skills teacher must have known that the way to priesthood not only involves academic feeding but also other types. She never stopped encouraging us while we were at the Seminary for Philosophy for three years and now at the Theological Seminary. I especially remember her words to me, "Edmond, God would not call you and then leave you to fail. He will continue to guide you." Words of great wisdom indeed. She has been a source of inspiration to us seminarians and me in particular, giving me the assurance that I am not on this journey to priesthood alone. Her words gave me a spirit of perseverance.
The motto of our Christ The King Spiritual Center in Rumphi, "It takes the whole village to raise a child" is very true. Not all people can suckle the child, but they will in one way or another help in raising the child. This is support. I have learned that the support that has been given to me has had a very positive impact in my life and helped me to keep advancing and stay focused on what I'm doing and where I'm going.
I hope someday I can stand up and say I am because we are, referring to I am a priest through the grace of God because we are a people who stand together to help each other and work together to do the will of God.
In our human life, support is necessary. I thank God for all the people who have been and continue to be that support for me. A special thanks and farewell to Mary who returned to her homeland, Canada, in March. "Amoyo salekana" meaning the living never part.
Sr. Simkoko taught psychology at Christ the King Formation Center
Fr. Dominic Longwe - Director of Christ the King Formation Center
Mary Olenick with Edmond Nyoka's class at Christ the King Formation Center in 2003. Edmond (in front of Mary, crouced down)
Christ The King Formation Center
Mary Olenick with her former students at Kachebere Major Seminary; Edmond Nyoka, left front row, December 2005
Remaining seminarians from Formation Class 2003 at St. Peter's Theological Seminary in Zomba, Malawi in their 5th year of studies to priesthood. Edmund Nyoka is second from left in back row.
Overcoming Challenges on Mission in Malawi
by Gwen Westwell
Gwen Westwell with choir members at Marymount Girl's Secondary School
Gwen Westwell teaching English to students at Marymount Girl's Secondary School in Malawi
Gwen Westwell at Marymount Girl's Secondary School
I am teaching grade 10 English grammar at Marymount Girl's Secondary School in Mzuzu, Malawi. The challenges of teaching three classes of 55 girls each can be overwhelming at times especially with limited educational resources and at times without electricity.
However, being a woman is a tremendous asset in building relationships from which to address the social, teenage and educational needs of the girls. As a woman, the girls seem to open up and share their problems with me more readily. Just to be present and listen to their concerns is mission at Marymount.
In addition to classroom teaching, I am leading the English Choir at Mass. My previous studies in music are a valuable asset here as I accompany the choir with my guitar and guide the girls in an effort to develop their musical range and understanding of singing in a choir.
by Michael Westwell
Michael Westwell at Marymount Secondary School talking to students
Michael Westwell at Marymount Secondary School's Computer Lab teaching students computer skills
Chivanga Primary School Grade 2 Class
On a recent visit to Chivanga Primary School, I was overwhelmed by the spirit of the local people in their sincere desire to educate their children.
Our journey began at the Bishop's Administrative Offices in Mzuzu where we climbed aboard an all terrain vehicle. I soon realized why there is a need for this type of vehicle. I was jostled and thrown as if I were riding a roller coaster. Given the harsh conditions of the road, I am certain that if we had attempted this journey in the rainy season we would have been forced to return to Mzuzu. Driving through the beautiful Malawi countryside lifted my spirits as this day was quite cool and damp with light showers.
When we arrived at Chivanga Primary School the Head Teacher, Mr. Peter Mase, greeted us with a warm and welcoming smile. As I visited each classroom and greeted the children, they eagerly expressed a spirit of joy and excitement despite a total lack of books, desks, chairs, and electricity to provide lighting. Each classroom has an old and worn blackboard. Hand drawn maps posted on the wall provided the resources from which to teach Geography. None of the school buildings have windows or doors and the roof is a combination of plastic bags and straw thatch.
These innocent and beautiful children gave me hope for a better future. On this day the students were Eucharist for me. This was a blessing I will not soon forget.
Welcoming new Labourers in God's Field
By Kate O'Donnell and Mary Olenick
Mary Olenick, Kate O'Donnell and Sharon Willan (in foreground) collaborating on Calendar for 2008 Formation Program
Kate O'Donnell and Mary Olenick making preparations for new candidates arriving in January 2008
The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few.....Matthew 9:37
We have five labourers discerning their call to work in God's field at Scarboro Missions in January 2008. It's always exciting to bring new life into the mission field. To walk with the candidates during their four month live-in Formation Program brings back happy memories for us, as we remember the familiar feelings of apprehension and excitement.
Our calendar for the four months has been prepared by Sharon Willan who has worked with us for the past six years. She has kindly consented to join us again this year to facilitate the spiritual component of the program.
Some of the components of the program that our candidates will be taking are Spirituality, Cultural Adaptation, Scripture, Social Analysis, Missiology, Trauma in Mission, Social Justice to name a few. Due to the fact that many of our mission places are not necessarily Christian, it is important to understand and appreciate other faith traditions. Therefore, our Formation Program also provides a workshop on Interfaith as well as visits to a Hindu Temple, Islamic Mosque and a Buddist Temple etc. Once a week they will also have a hands-on opportunity to work in Outreach to give them a feel for working with the marginalized.
The Formation Program is a time of continued discernment and to nourish, stretch and develop their unique giftedness. Living as part of Scarboro's community helps prepare them for the challenges of living and working as a team in overseas mission.
By our baptism, we are all called to be missioners. Some of us are called to minister to the world at home. Others are called overseas. Where is God calling you?
Are you interested in becoming a Scarboro Missioner?
Lay Mission work in October 2006 Magazine Issue
To read about the current Lay Mission work in the latest magazine issue, click here
INTERFAITH DESK NEWS
Fr. John Carten's Japan Talk in latest Interfaith Series – see story & pictures
An Interfaith Series is usually presented in the spring and fall each year at the Scarboro Missions. In this last series was the interesting talk given by Scarboro missioner Fr. John Carten based on 25+ missionary years in Japan. Elegantly dressed in a kimono, he talked about "Discovering God in the Culture, People and Religions of Japan". In his Powerpoint presentation, Fr. John spoke about how he discovered the presence of God, far beyond the boundaries of the Catholic Church - in many aspects of the Japanese cultures, in his daily encounters with people and in various aspects of the richness and wisdom of other religions.
Besides his interesting talk, Fr. John displayed an impressive collection of Japanese paintings and souvenirs that he had received from parishioners and friends in Japan. Please enjoy the numerous pictures from his collection in our Photo Gallery with a good explanation of the displayed items. If some of the displayed items are of interest to you, further information can be found in the following websites:
- about kimono and various apparel (like the haori in #2 & 23): www.kimonosource.com
- about washi paper (#18): www.japanesepaperplace.com and select About Japanese Paper/About Washi/.
A strong connection continues between the Scarboro priests (back from Japan) and the local Japanese. The Toronto Japanese-Catholic Community has been gathering at the Scarboro Missions since 1979. On the second Sunday of each month, Mass is celebrated in Japanese by one of the Scarboro priests who have spent many years in Japan - such as Fr. John Carten, Fr. Tom O'Toole, Fr. Alex McDonald and Fr. Jim Gauthier. A writeup of our 25th Anniversary in June 2004 is in the 2005 March issue of the Scarboro Magazine www.scarboromissions.ca/Scarboro_missions_magazine/Issues/2005/March/celebrating.php
13 Golden Rule texts translated into Portuguese
The thirteen Golden Rule texts on the Scarboro Missions Golden Rule poster have been translated into Portuguese and are now available on the Scarboro website along with French, German, Italian and Spanish translations. The Portuguese translation is the fruit of the collaboration of individuals from three continents; this effort was coordinated by Scarboro missioner, Fr. Ron Macdonell of Brazil.
Building a Global Interfaith Community – Jan-Feb 2007 issue
This special edition of Scarboro magazine reports on the international interfaith activity of the Catholic Church. The reader is taken on a journey from Egypt to Rome, Canada, Guyana, the United States and to Africa and across Asia. With inspiration from the last four Popes, Catholics around the globe are embracing interfaith dialogue and often in leadership roles. Read articles from this Jan-Feb 2007 issue.
Golden Rule Curriculum for Schools
This comprehensive and well-organized curriculum can be used in public, religious and private schools as well as by Sunday school teachers, home-schooling parents, scout leaders and other youth educators. Read more
Learn more about Interfaith Resources
There is a wealth of information about Interfaith Dialogue (e.g., Golden Rule, Teaching Models, Guidelines for Dialogue) on this web site. Read more...
JUSTICE AND PEACE OFFICE NEWS
Make Poverty History News: Better Aid is stalled in the Canadian Senate
Parliament has passed a bill that would make the aid Canada gives to foreign countries much more effective – but it is at risk of dying in the Senate. If it does not get passed before the next federal election, this opportunity to improve Canada's foreign aid will be lost.
Senator Romeo Dallaire is the Senate sponsor of the Better Aid Bill (C-293, Official Development Assistance Accountability Act), which proposes to put poverty reduction at the centre of Canada's aid spending in the future. This bill has already been approved by the House of Commons, but Conservative Senators are stalling its discussion in the Senate.
Saturday December 8th: International Demonstrations on Climate Change
Demonstrations are being planned around the world to coincide with the United Nations climate talks taking place in Bali, Indonesia for December 3 to 14, 2007. Participants will call on world leaders to take the urgent and resolute action that is needed to prevent dangerous climate change, including a stronger emissions reductions treaty which is equitable and effective.
KAIROS News: Challenging billions in subsidies for oil and gas companies
On November 13th KAIROS submitted a petition to the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development in the Office of the Auditor General of Canada soliciting information concerning the contradiction between government policies that promote fossil fuels and other policies that are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This petition is part of the KAIROS Re-energize campaign.
The essential question raised by the petition is "Why does Canada spend millions of dollars subsidizing oil and gas extraction, a prime cause of climate change, while we spend so little on energy efficiency, conservation and renewable alternatives?"
Under Canadian law the Ministers of Finance, the Environment, Natural Resources, International Trade, International Cooperation and Foreign Affairs are required to submit substantive replies within 120 days after the Commissioner accepts our petition.
The petition, filed at the same time as one by Ecojustice, an environmental group formerly known as Sierra Legal, also seeks appropriate remedial actions by the government.
Teachers K-12: Resources on Climate Change and other Environmental Topics
Looking for lesson plans, activities, games and stories for teaching about climate change and other environmental topics? The KAIROS Re-energize campaign has a section at Zerofootprint Kids where teachers can find resources on global warming, pollution, energy, transportation, water and other topics arranged by class level. Go here for teacher resources.
There is also a Zerofootprint Kid's Calculator which measures a child's ecological footprint. This child friendly version involves answering some lifestyle questions after which a child can discover how much carbon, land, water and trees are needed to support the lifestyle in comparison to the average Canadian. Go here to Zerofootprint Kids Calculator.
Adults and youth can measure their ecological footprint as well at Re-energize. Go here.
Ecuador seeks compensation to leave Amazon oil underground
The Ecuadorian government is adopting a civil society initiative calling for the country's largest oil reserve located in Yasuni National Park to remain untapped. They have suspended oil drilling there for one year, and are proposing to foreign governments, international bodies and non-governmental organizations that Ecuador be paid compensation for leaving the oil undisturbed.
They hope to raise 350 million dollars a year for 10 years, equivalent to half of what the state would earn from extracting the oil. The state would issue certificates for the crude and commit to protecting Yasuni National Park as well as never extracting the oil. Ecuador also proposes that its foreign creditors could reduce Ecuador's debt payments or cancel debt, in exchange for the oil not being extracted.
Yasuni, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1989, is one of the most biodiverse areas of the world with many different species identified including more than 500 birds, 173 mammals, 100 amphibians and 43 tree frogs. The oil reserve lies in the territory of the Huaorani indigenous people, and is used as the hunting grounds of other indigenous groups that live in voluntary isolation.
Ecuador is promoting this proposal based on the need to combat climate change, curb the destruction of biodiversity, protect the indigenous people, and transform the country's economy by adopting a new development model. So far there have been over 100 expressions of interest in supporting Ecuador's proposal, from governments such as Norway and Spain, international organizations and individuals.
Find out more at www.sosyasuni.org.
KAIROS News: Re-energize – Time for a Carbon Sabbath
"Our addiction to oil is killing people and the planet ... sometimes slowly through the degradation of the air that we breathe and the ecosystems on which we all depend, and sometime quickly as a result of human rights abuses and conflict over the control and use of fossil fuels. Are there alternatives?" Visit the new KAIROS campaign website www.re-energize.org to discover more about our dependence on fossil fuels and how we can change ourselves, change our communities, and help change our world as together we re-energize.
The KAIROS campaign Re-energize: Time for a Carbon Sabbath looks at the role oil plays in our individual and community lives to see how we might take a "Carbon Sabbath" and reduce our reliance on oil. It proposes that we critically examine how fossil fuels are supported in government policy and with taxpayer dollars. KAIROS calls on the Canadian government to conduct an audit of subsidies to the fossil industry in order to determine if they contribute to ecological destruction, human rights abuses, and conflict around the world. The campaign includes a call for binding legislation to hold energy corporations operating overseas accountable for human rights and environmental abuses committed in the course of their work.
The re-energize website includes the campaign advocacy action as well as various education and faith resources. Find a "Carbon Sabbath" bible study, planning notes for a "100 Mile" church picnic or harvest dinner, and an outline for a 12 hour Power Down Day or "energy fast." Go here to learn more.