LCWR Statement on Solidarity with the People of the Middle East
October 10, 2023
Below is a statement from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), supported by the Sisters of St. Dominic.
“Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake.
War begets war, violence begets violence.”
Pope Francis, Angelus, September 1, 2013.
The members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), in solidarity with the global community of faith, stand in the shadow of the horrors initiated on October 7, 2023 in Israel and Gaza. As women of the Gospel, we grieve with those who grieve, seek release of those held captive, and recognize the root causes of violence as well as the urgent call for the use of all possible resources to stabilize the Middle East, secure refuge for those in humanitarian crisis, and negotiate peace that will last.
United with the interfaith community, we take seriously our responsibility to protect the safety of all people of faith throughout the world. We stand united with leaders of other faiths, intolerant of any form of hate or violence towards places of worship, and ready to witness to the transformation of consciousness necessary for sustainable peace.
LCWR is compelled to work toward a world where reverence for all living beings finds expression in a life of nonviolence. We stand in solidarity with the victims of brutality and with faith leaders as we heed the Gospel call to follow Jesus’ way of nonviolence, reconciliation, and care for the most vulnerable across lines of division.
We commit ourselves and the members of our religious communities to choose the peaceful path of Jesus and exercise all of our rights and duties as citizens to urge our leaders to act as responsible members of the world community. We join our prayer with religious people of all faiths who recognize that war is not the solution, and we commit ourselves to be those who believe that peace is possible.
We call upon world leaders and the United Nations to activate those mechanisms necessary for an immediate ceasefire and the negotiation of peace, so that justice may prevail. We are each responsible to be aware, to be informed by factual information, to look at root causes, and to reject rhetoric that fuels violence.
We, the members of LCWR, will continue to speak on behalf of the truth of faith, the strength of prayer, the power of nonviolence and the only pathway that will provide a future for our children: peace.
Letter of Support of Indigenous Rights in the Amazon Basin
Aug. 3, 2023
Dear Secretary of State Blinken:
As faith groups in the U.S. in solidarity with the peoples of the Amazon, we want to express our support for proposals submitted by REPAM, the Catholic Church-sponsored network for the Amazonian territory, in advance of the Summit of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO). The presidents of the nine Amazon nations will gather in Belém, Brazil, on August 8 and 9 with a focus on preservation of the Amazon and its sustainable development.
REPAM is present in the 9 countries that share Panamazonia: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela, and French Guyana. Promoting human rights is one of its core areas of work.
We especially share REPAM’s concerns around human rights violations associated with mining, major infrastructure projects, oil and gas exploration, and deforestation that trades rich biodiversity for monoculture plantations. While all of the proposals in the attached document are important, we especially want to bring these to your attention and to the attention of U.S. embassy staff in these countries:
- Approval of a Pan-Amazon Regional Comprehensive Plan for the protection of human rights against extractive, exploitation and development activities, which includes mandatory due diligence plans for companies to avoid negative impacts of their operations
- Ensuring that Free, Prior and Informed Consultation (FPIC) protocols are established and carried out for projects in the Amazon, in accordance with Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization
- Approval of a joint work roadmap to hold companies accountable if they do not adopt preventive measures against the threat of oil spills from their operations, and to require full reparations for harmed communities
The preservation of the Amazon is of utmost importance to the entire world. Honoring the voices and rights of the people who have cared for this precious biome for centuries is not only the right thing to do for them but also for the future of our planet.
Sincerely,
Alliance of Baptists
Congregation of Sisters of St Agnes
Daughters of Wisdom Office of Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation
Franciscan Action Network
Justice Team of the Dominican Sisters and Associates of Racine, WI
Leadership Team of the Dominican Sisters and Associates of Racine, WI
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Medical Mission Sisters - Justice Office
Pax Christi USA
School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province Shalom Office
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Western Province Leadership
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Congregational Leadership
Sisters of the Humility of Mary
Sisters of the Humility of Mary Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation team
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Justice Team
Sisters of the Presentation San Francisco, California
Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
St. Columban Mission for Justice, Peace and Ecology
U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph
World Christian Life Community
Racine Dominicans Statement of Support for Voting Rights Legislation
January 13, 2022
Every American citizen has a right to have their voice heard at the polls, and voters should have different voting options that ensure access, whether voting early, voting by mail or voting at the polls. Throughout our nation’s history, many have worked tirelessly and many have died to give Americans this right to vote.
In the last election, more people voted than ever before, but since then, hundreds of bills have been introduced across the country that will make it harder for Americans to vote. Many of these bills restrict the options that make voting more convenient and accessible, including early voting and voting by mail. There have also been challenges of voter fraud that time and again have been proven to be completely unfounded.
The assault on our democracy and the right to vote must stop.
We call on all political leaders to denounce the falsehoods of voter fraud, and immediately stop the introduction of bills that make it harder for Americans to vote. We call on election officials to operate in a non-partisan or bipartisan fashion to make sure that every eligible vote is counted. We further challenge all our elected officials to work together to write and pass legislation that protects voter rights for all. We support the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to ensure that our citizens can be heard at the polls.
The Racine Dominican Sisters and Associates believe the right to vote is a cornerstone of American democracy and that everyone should have a fair and equal opportunity to exercise that right. We will continue our work to ensure that voting is accessible to all American voters, support laws that make sure our elections are free and fair and encourage leaders to enact measures that ensure votes are counted correctly in a transparent process. We again renew our commitment to making this world a more just place, and that includes justice at the polls.
Racine Dominicans Voting Rights Statement
July 14, 2021
All Americans have a right to have their voice heard at the polls, and voters should have different voting options that ensure access, whether voting early, voting by mail or voting at the polls. Throughout our nation’s history, many have worked tirelessly and many have died to give Americans this right to vote.
In the last election, more people voted than ever before, but since then, hundreds of bills have been introduced across the country that will make it harder for Americans to vote. Many of these bills restrict the options that make voting more convenient and accessible, including early voting and voting by mail. There have also been challenges of voter fraud that time and time again have been proven to be completely unfounded.
The assault on our democracy and the right to vote must stop.
We call on all political leaders to denounce the falsehoods of voter fraud, and immediately stop the introduction of bills that make it harder for Americans to vote. We further challenge all our elected officials to work together to write and pass legislation that protects voter rights for all.
The Racine Dominican Sisters and Associates believe the right to vote is a cornerstone of American democracy and that everyone should have a fair and equal opportunity to exercise that right. We will continue our work to ensure that voting is accessible to all American voters, support laws that make sure our elections are free and fair and encourage leaders to enact measures that ensure votes are counted correctly in a transparent process. We again renew our commitment to making this world a more just place, and that includes justice at the polls.
A Statement from the Racine Dominicans on the Verdict in the Chauvin Trial
April 16, 2021
The trial of police officer Derek Chauvin is over, and he has been found guilty on all three counts in the death of George Floyd. The family of George Floyd has shared their relief that our justice system has held the officer accountable for his actions.
And yet we know this is only the first step toward the real change our country needs to make.
In the wake of this verdict, and of the racial and political unrest that has plagued our country for far too long, we must first stop and pray. We pray for George Floyd, his daughter, his family and all those impacted by the decision. We pray for law enforcement and their families. We pray for our leaders in government as they pursue change. And we pray for long overdue reform to address the systemic racism that is built into far too many of our institutions.
And after we offer these prayers, we must act. Each of us must be an active part of the change that is critical to healing of our nation. This week, our Sisters and Associates pledge to do one thing to be a part of that change. Will you join us? Write a letter to your representatives and demand change. Have an uncomfortable conversation about race. Seek out organizations that are taking on the issue of racism and get involved. Support a Black-owned business. Real change begins with each of us.
Now is the time for bold and courageous action that brings about real change. Only then will we begin to heal our nation and our world. May this verdict be a step toward that healing.
The Racine Dominicans are Committed to Truth, Compelled to Justice, and we pledge to continue working to create a more just world for all.
Statement from the Racine Dominicans and Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR)
April 16, 2021
As we are seeing more frequently, our society’s respect and appreciation for the diversity that exists within the human family seems at times to be diminishing. News reports in these recent weeks are replete with stories and images of violence committed against Asian-Americans and persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity. As the trial of Derek Chauvin continues this week, the reality of racial injustice looms before us. And today, news of another mass shooting makes us again raise questions about gun reform and access to mental health services.
The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), of which the Racine Dominicans are a member, has released a statement regarding this inequality and injustice. We give this our full support. Click on the link below to read the full statement.
https://lcwr.org/media/news/lcwr-embraces-call-respect-diversity-and-work-inclusion-and-equity-all
“As we work to understand the differences among us, we also pledge ourselves to work towards both inclusion and equity. We believe that all people need to feel valued and connected, and that they belong. All people thrive in environments where their inherent worth is respected, and where they are safe to express their authentic selves. Inclusion helps us all know that we belong to something bigger – the reign of God, in our view as religious. At the same time, we will work to guarantee a society marked by fairness, equal access and opportunity, and justice for all people.”
Statement from the Racine Dominican Leadership on the shootings in Oconomowoc and Atlanta
March 19, 2021
We are saddened and troubled by the tragic shootings in Oconomowoc and Atlanta this week. We condemn the violence against Asian-Americans that has intensified in the last year and pray for an end to all violence against people because of their ethnicity, race, gender or religion.
The Racine Dominicans have long fought against injustice, and we will continue to do the work of educating and advocating for people who are marginalized in our society. Our prayer today is for all of us to work together to create a world where our differences are seen as God’s most beautiful blessings.
Statement from the Racine Dominican Leadership on the Events in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021
January 8, 2021
The Racine Dominican Sisters and Associates are deeply saddened and shocked at the events which unfolded yesterday in our nation’s capital. We condemn the violent actions that sought to destroy the confirmation of our democratically elected President-elect and Vice-President-elect and, ultimately, our democracy itself.
Along with our fellow citizens, we yearn for a peaceful transfer of power and a return to the democratic values that founded this great nation.
In our increasingly divided country, we renew our commitment to the common good and pledge to take up the challenge to use our energy to repair our democracy and contribute to the work of building a more perfect union. Our Dominican Community lifts up our nation, citizens, and elected leaders in prayer today.
Celebrating our jubilarians amid a pandemic
On August 1, a sunny Saturday morning, the Racine Dominicans found a creative way to celebrate 18 women who have served the community collectively for 1,155 years!
Since March, all sisters living at Siena have virtually been quarantined inside the building, leaving only to attend important appointments (doctor, medical tests, etc.) and no one, including sisters living away from Siena, are allowed in the building. When a sister returns from an appointment, she is isolated for several days.
So many events have been canceled or postponed indefinitely during the COVID 19 crisis, the Executive Committee decided to seize the opportunity to give the sisters – jubiarians and everyone else – a bit of hope in this era that is so difficult for everyone.
See the Journal Times story about the jubilee celebration.
View a slide show from the celebration and meet some of our jubilarians.