Report from Mercy Global Action Network Conference Call

On 16th October eight members of the MGAN (Mercy Global Action Network) who are the justice coordinators for their Mercy Institute or Congregation, had a conference call meeting via phone link up. 

In a wide ranging discussion, members from New Zealand through to the United States spoke on their work for justice related to the two major themes MIA-Global Action is working on.  These are: ‘Degradation of Earth’ and ‘Displacement of Peoples’. Specific issues related to the former that Pope Francis calls us to under the general term ‘Care of Our Common Home’ were discussed.  These included the mining process known as fracking; water shortages and sharing on the campaign to ban one-use plastic i.e. straws, coffee cups, bottles and bags that are destroying our oceans, seas and marine life. The plight of refugees was raised as a major concern for us, particularly in terms of the ‘root causes’ leading to the huge increase in the numbers of refugees seeking asylum across the world.  Harsh legislation that some Governments have adopted, to prevent refugees entering their country and the response of the Mercy Family, many of whom are lobbying and advocating strenuously to reverse legislation that denies the rights of people fleeing conflict and life-threatening situations was discussed.  Members are particularly concerned about the negative impact even short periods of detention will have on children not just now, but into the future.

In the final part of the meeting we shared resources that are valuable in terms of keeping us fully informed and spoke of upcoming events like the ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence’ that commences on November 26th through to December 10th which is International Human Rights Day.

Messages to: Denise Boyle fmdm - Team Leader Global Action