3001 11th St. South * Fargo, North Dakota 58103
(701)237-8246 * FAX: (701)237-9822
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
In Collaboration with the International Presentation Association, the Presentation Peace and Justice Center in Fargo works to promote systemic change and a sustainable society
through direct aid, education and social activism.
PRESENTATION SOCIAL JUSTICE CONTACTS
Aberdeen, SD
Dubuque, IA
Fargo, ND
New Windsor, NY
St. John’s NFL
San Francisco, CA
Staten Island, NY
New Orleans, LA
JUSTICE CONTACTS
The Social Justice Center at 3001 11th St. S., Fargo, is just one of eight Presentation Offices across North America working in collaboration with each other and with our NGO/ECOSOC Representative, Sr. Sharon Altendorf, at the United Nations in New York. Sr. Sharon alerts all the contact persons of international issues pertinent to our priorities and regions. Where and when appropriate, we respond with actions to effect change
“PEACE IS BORN OF JUSTICE”
(Pope John Paul II)
Ss. Sharon Altendorf, Maris Stella Korb, Frances O’Neill and Paula Ringuette spent most of November, 2007 in India as part of the Fifth Assembly of the International Presentation Association (IPA). They, along with approximately 80 Presentations from around the world, took to heart the Assembly theme of “Listening to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor.”
After listening, praying, reflecting and discussing, these women ultimately spoke with one voice the following Proclamation:
“In these critical times
it is imperative that we find ways
to ensure that human dignity is everywhere upheld and honored,
and that we name, challenge and seek to change
the systems and lifestyles in which we are complicit
and which contribute to the present extremes
of wealth and poverty
and the degradation of Earth.”
Justice Contacts from all Presentation Congregations then set to work to put forth a “Resolution” that would help focus the IPA Mission for the next five years. Working were Sisters from across the globe.
Srs. from Zambia
Srs. from India & Philippines
Srs. from North America
Srs. from Peru
Srs. from England & Ireland
Srs. from Fargo, Dubuque & Newfoundland
The Resolution into which these Sisters had in-put, reads as follows:
“Therefore
we will address the root causes of poverty,
especially by confronting personal and corporate greed
which exploit Earth, her peoples and the whole community of life.”
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE ON FAIR TRADE
Theological Reflection
“Eliminating Poverty through Trade Justice and Debt Cancellation”
“This Theological Reflection is an excellent way for educators, religious and lay people alike
to explore the relationship between poverty and trade.
Presented in an easy to follow, step-by-step reflection, ‘Eliminating Poverty through Trade Justice and Debt Cancellation’ not only asks the tough questions, but leads us to find the answers to help eliminate poverty.” - Lisa Schwinden, concerned citizen
Peace and Justice Collaborative Council
Back row: Rose Mukanyangezi, JoEleen Smith, Don Smith, Sr. Anne Hablas, Brian Arett Front: Jessica Thomasson, Ellen Mahli, Sr. Maris Stella Korb, Kristen Behrens, Lonnie Pederson. Absent: Martha Castanon & Kathy Hogan
The Peace and Justice Collaborative Council is an important component of our Peace & Justice Office. It meets periodically with staff to:
- offer insights and advice
- discuss and help develp projects
- promote awareness of peace and justice issues in the wider Fargo-Moorhead community
This Council, along with Sisters and Associates, will play a critical role in the implementation of the recent IPA Assembly Directions for Ministry.
“… we listen deeply to the cry of Earth…”
2007 IPA Assembly
"Sisters and friends anticipated 'Earth Day' and celebrated on April 19, with prayer, reflection and refreshments at Cove Lane Garden on the Convent grounds."