VOL. 11, #1, LENT/SPRING 2002

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

GUEST COMMENTARY:

OVER 100 NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS STATE THAT WORLD SECURITY HANGS ON SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL REFORM

Editor's note: Inside this issue, you will read that Father Bill Ryan, S.J., a former secretary of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, will lead a special Lenten Study Day on Catholic Social Teachings in this diocese. In light of this, we repeat the statement by more than 100 Nobel laureates released in December, 2001, the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize. The statement exemplifies many truths that Catholic Social Doctrine teaches us to see. (Indeed, one signatory, Carlos F. X. Belo, the 1996 Peace Prize winner, is a bishop.)

Furthermore, as Canadian laureate John Polanyi, who co-drafted the above statement explained in a December 7 Globe & Mail commentary, "To avoid a tragic outcome, the statement says, we shall be forced to do what we should have done previously. That is to recognize abroad what we have long recognized domestically: the right of all to food, shelter, education, and freedom of expression. This is a revolution of thinking that is already underway. What is lacking, in this country as elsewhere, is a sense of urgency.

The most profound danger to world peace in the coming years will stem not from the irrational acts of states or individuals but from the legitimate demands of the world's dispossessed. Of these poor and disenfranchised, the majority live a marginal existence in equatorial climates. Global warming, not of their making but originating with the wealthy few, will affect their fragile ecologies most. Their situation will be desperate and manifestly unjust.

It cannot be expected, therefore, that in all cases they will be content to await the beneficence of the rich. If then we permit the devastating power of modern weaponry to spread through this combustible human landscape, we invite a conflagration that can engulf both rich and poor. The only hope for the future lies in co-operative international action, legitimized by democracy.

It's time to turn our backs on the unilateral search for security, in which we seek to shelter behind walls. Instead, we must persist in the quest for united action to counter both global warming and a weaponized world.

These twin goals will constitute vital components of stability as we move toward the wider degree of social justice that alone gives hope of peace.

Some of the needed legal instruments are already at hand, such as the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the Convention on Climate Change, the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties, and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

As concerned citizens, we urge all governments to commit to these goals that constitute steps on the way to replacement of war by law.

To survive in the world we have transformed, we must learn to think in a new way. As never before, the future of each depends on the good of all.

(Signatory list on file at the Social Awareness Office)

Yours in the Peace of Christ,

Diane P. Baltaz

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

We read the Gospel as if we had no money and we spend our money as if we know nothing of the Gospel. John Haughey, S.J.

From The Assembly of Quebec Bishops: Besides strengthening the existing instances of solidarity, Christian communities must strive to establish new ones with individuals and groups committed to social justice. For example, without wanting to limit the type of responses possible, we suggest that urgent consideration be given to the "brave new solution" that is cropping up in our society: "the mobilization of the regions". People in these areas talk about local and sustainable development, the redistribution of power and economic democracy, individual responsibility, and collective empowerment based upon the needs of the people. Their achievements so far already demonstrate that it is possible to think and act for other motives besides dehumanizing financial profit.

"The Involvement of Christian Community Within Society", Chapter IV, 1995

JOHN PAUL II ANALYSES THE STATE OF THE WORLD

Extracts from his January 10, 2002 Address to the Ambassadors of 172 Countries - For the full version, check the ZENIT archives, January 10 page at www.ZENIT.org

5. The troubled situation of this world of ours at the dawn of the third millennium has one advantage, if I may say so: it makes us squarely face our responsibilities. Everyone is forced to ask the real questions: the truth about God and the truth about mankind. God is not at the beck and call of one individual or one people and no human venture can claim to monopolize him. The children of Abraham know that God cannot be commandeered by anyone: God is to be received. Standing before the crib, Christians can better realize that Jesus himself did not impose himself and he rejected the use of power as a means of promoting his kingdom!...

6. ...I confide these reflections which rise from my prayer as well as from the things I hear from those who visit me. ...Let us not be overwhelmed by the distress of the present time. Let us instead open our hearts and minds to the great challenges lying before us:

the defence of the sacredness of human life in all circumstances, especially in relation to the challenges posed by genetic manipulation;

the promotion of the family, the basic unit of society;

the elimination of poverty, through efforts to promote development, the reduction of debt, and the opening up of international trade;

respect for human rights in all situations with special concern for the most vulnerable: children, women, and refugees;

disarmament, the reduction of arms sales to poor countries and the consolidation of peace after the end of conflicts;

the fight against the major diseases and access by the poor to basic care and medicines;

the protection of the environment and the prevention of natural disasters;

the rigorous application of international law and conventions.

Of course, many other demands could also be mentioned. However, if these priorities became the central concerns of political leaders, if people of goodwill made them part of their daily endeavours, if religious believers included them in their teaching, the world would be a radically different place.

Editor's Note: The Pope's last sentence exemplifies why "if" is the biggest word in the English language.

The Rites & Wrongs of Spring by P.D. Hill

The flowers and birds that return in the Spring seem like an answer to prayers; But the joy recedes along with the weeds At the onset of the sprayers. "Makes employment" they say in a satisfied way, not knowing how true this assertion Allergists thrive when your health takes a dive from this highly toxic diversion. The organic way, the users will say...takes too much valuable leisure As they head for the lake, exhaust fumes in their wake, and no thought for the natural measure. With fame not yet legion, we have in our region A group whose thinking runs deeper. They respect the true stature of the forces of Nature Not those of some Multi-national that work on statistics - don't consider wholistics and are not ecologically national. The quick fix is extensive and very expensive Since we pay then, now, and later - More effective as tools, are the simple ground rules Bequeathed by a Loving Creator. So if you care to take pause, and reflect on the cause Then cancer can truly be beaten, Just look deep enough; it's most likely some stuff Sprayed, spread, breathed, or eaten.

- from the Spring, 1999 Ecological Farmers' Association Newsletter

This has been circulating through the e-mail system....

BULLETIN BOARD

Monday, MARITA ALVAREZ OF PIURIA, PERU - A youth worker with her diocesan Justice February 11 & Peace Office will be speaking at the D & P Vigil at Canadian Martyrs Church, Main Street West, Hamilton, 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday morning, she meets with Bishop Tonnos. For information, call (519) 528-0770.

Wednesday, "LIVING PEACEFULLY ON THE EARTH, A NON-VIOLENT APPROACH", Jim February 20 Profit, SJ, Jesuit Ecology Project, Guelph - Rev. Profit talks about the violence that our culture inflicts upon the earth, both consciously and unconsciously, as well as what a "pacifist stance" might involve. Working Centre, 43 Queen Street South, Kitchener, 7:30 p.m. For information, call (519) 824-1250, ext. 225.

Wednesday, "OUR ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT", Fr. Paul Hanson, formerly of the March 13 Redemptorist Office for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation in Rome. Holy Rosary Church, 175 Emma Street (off Stevenson), Guelph, 7:30 p.m. For information, call (519) 824-1250, ext. 233.

Saturday, INNER SIMPLICITY: Many people who are living simply hope to find a sense of March 16 inner peace and contentment. We will discuss what people are doing to attain this feeling and how successful they have been. Also starting is the 11-week discussion group, Living Simply on Less. Five to 10 people meet every week to talk about a wide range of topics related to Simple Living. It is worthwhile for people new to Simple Living and for people who are living simply and looking for support. Please call Sherrie at (519) 743-1151 to register.

Sunday, SEPTEMBER 11: WHAT ABOUT CATHOLIC SOCIAL DOCTRINE? A Lenten March 17 Study Day on Catholic Social Doctrine with Fr. Bill Ryan, S.J. Father Ryan is the former secretary of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and is currently with the Jesuit Centre for Social Faith and Justice, Ottawa office. See last page of CONTACT for details.

Wednesday,"OBSERVATIONS OF AN OPTIMISTIC CHRISTIAN", Elizabeth May, April 10 executive director of the Sierra Club of Canada, is well-known for her environmental activism on issues such as the Sydney Tar Ponds and cosmetic pesticides. She's also an optimistic Anglican who sees hope that local communities and the planet will have a healthy future. Old Walkerton Town Hall, Walkerton, 7:30 p.m. This is part of the diocesan RIGHT LIVING, RIGHT RELATIONSHIP Lecture Series, co-sponsored by the Justice & Peace Commission, the Working Centre, the Jesuit Ecology Project, the St. Jerome's Centre, and this time the Walkerton Healthy Community Initiative. For Information call Chris Peabody (519) 881-2318.

Great Web Sites and email Subscriptions

www.ethicalfunds.com - is opening dialogue on their website to get clients' opinions on GMOs. A friend of mine took the survey (open to anyone, not just Ethical Fund investors) and found that the questions (for a survey) were not composed in a biassed way.

www.oen.ca - The website of the Ontario Environment Network - a great resource for information about events occurring concerning many environmental issues.

Diane's Bookmarked Web Sites for Catholic Social Doctrine and Issues: (note: you may either type in the name or the actual web site to get to it)

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) - a priority site; it can also be linked to through the Diocese of Hamilton web site (www.hamiltondiocese.com)

ZENIT News Agency - The World Seen Through Rome: Updates of the Pope's talks; there is a good archives of his previous talks. www.zenit.org

Canadian Council of Churches - the CCCB is a member; site lists current statements, campaigns. www.web.net/~ccchurch (but check CCCB site first)

Adbusters the magazine by Vancouver's Media Foundation; essays, campaigns, spoof ads, etc.; it also links to other anti-consumer sites. www.adbusters.org

Access to Catholic Social Justice Teachings, by Justpeace Oklahoma City, with Catholic Worker ties; mounds of information from lifestyle reflections to encyclicals to orthopraxis ("right living"). The heading on page one says, "WARNING: the study, practice, and spirituality of Catholic Social Justice Teachings may be hazardous to your hard heartedness, complacency, skepticism, indifference, and hubris. Proceed at your own risk!" www.justpeace.org/

AEQ assemblee des eveques du Quebec: Click through to their English translations of some documents, such as "The Cry of the Earth; Cry of the Poor". www.eveques.qc.ca

Catholic Conservation Centre: A US website that inspires and informs people on ecological justice in light of scripture and Roman Catholic Tradition, including a summary of the Pope's comments. http://conservation.catholic.org/pope_john_paul_ii/htm

Alternatives: The US alternative lifestyle site with the most Christian references and resources; inspired by Doris Janzen Longacre's Five Pillars of Living (Janzen's books and some Alternatives resources are in the Chancery Library.)

Sojonet: website of the Sojourners community of Washington (Sojourners Magazine) who are on the same wave length as us; commentaries and actions on important issues of the times.

l'Osservatore Romano www.vatican.va/news_services/or/home/_eng.html : not as complete as the real newspaper but it covers the top stories of Pope and other statements and news from Rome.

Jesuit Centre for Social Faith and Justice: www.jesuits.ca/justicecr/ Has pages on Catholic Social Doctrine. The site also describes the centre, whose Jesuit Ecology Project is located in Guelph.

Hamilton Culture of Peace Network: Its mission statement says, "To advance the goals of the UN Manifesto 2000 by working together...(for) a culture of peace, non-violence, and social justice in Hamilton and around the world." A very hands-on group of folks who are doing things. www.hwcn.org/link/cpd/Culture_of_Peace.html

http://povertylink.com A new poverty and faith info website for the north end of the Archdiocese of Toronto, financed in part by Toronto Catholic Charities.

For Our Hamilton-Area Readers...

POURING OUT SOME JUSTICE:

Our office periodically receives comments about this area's shortage of fair trade, organic coffee outlets.

There are at least two local sources:

First, IDEA Burlington, the veteran inter-faith education group, carries or takes orders for fair trade coffee. Glynis Maxwell can provide details at (905) 637-3110.

Second, an independent, non-franchised coffee shop in Dundas, JAVA FAIR, carries some fair trade coffee. Located downstairs at 8 King Street East (beside the Thirsty Cactus patio), you can drink fresh coffee on the spot or buy beans, ground for your personal needs. For information, call (905) 628-6537.

Otherwise, 10,000 Villages, the fair trade stores run by the Mennonite Central Committee, sells several brands at their outlets in Elmira, Kitchener, Waterloo, and New Hamburg. Indeed, they have bulk discounts, which you may learn about by calling the Waterloo store at (519) 888-7180 or their New Hamburg store at 1-877-289-3247. Website: www.tenthousandvillages.com

Note: Fair Trade Coffee must have this logo or it is not Fair Trade Coffee.

Also, some health food stores such as the one in downtown Paris carry organic coffee with the fair trade logo.

THE "REAL COST" OF INDUSTRIAL FARMING AND "POOL-TABLE-TOP" SUBURBAN LAWNS

Only one per cent of pesticides reach their target. The remainder can affect birds, beneficial insects, and other life forms, including us.

About 75 per cent of pesticides are sold purely for cosmetic reasons. They don't improve quality or taste; they simply prevent blemishes and other so-called disfigurements.

More than 7,000 pesticide products are registered for use in Canada and 91 percent of those purchased are used in agriculture.

So far, 504 types of insects and mites have developed resistance to pesticides, as have 150 plant diseases, and 188 species of weeds.

Even with pesticides, farmers suffer the loss of 20 per cent of their crops, the same percentage that they lost 70 years ago, before the use of pesticides.

Yields per hectare have increased with pesticide farming. Nevertheless, organic farmers have found that although their yields per hectare are lower by roughly 10 per cent, their net financial returns (except for corn) are just as good and can range up to 30 per cent better. That's partly because organic food generally sells for more.

British researchers have calculated that the external costs of organic farming are one-third those of conventional farming.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which was quoted in the recent pesticide report of the federal committee on environment and sustainable development, "approximately 60 per cent of the poundage of (agricultural pesticides) are known endocrine disrupters."

- from a Toronto Star column by environmentalist Cameron Smith, September 2, 2000

NEWSFLASH! FAITH & LIGHT COMMUNITY IS ORGANIZING IN WATERLOO REGION!

Faith and Light, the L'Arche-inspired retreat movement founded by Jean Vanier, is returning to our diocese after a long hiatus.

On February 12, Tony and Kathleen Slegers of Kitchener met with other interested folks over music, fellowship, prayer, and snacks to discuss creating a "Faith and Light Community".

For more information on the movement itself, the Slegers recommend the Colorado Springs Website at www.faithandlight.net

For more details, contact the Slegers at (519) 743-1659 or e-mail them at Tony_Kathleen@hotmail.com

A Lenten Study Day on Catholic Social Doctrine -

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS: HAS IT ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT SEPTEMBER 11? with Father William F. Ryan, S.J.

A look at what are the Catholic Social Teachings, especially as they relate to the role of lay Catholics' vocation to implement it in their daily lives, with liturgy, lunch, and fair trade coffee.

Father Ryan is a former director of the Social Affairs Department and the former general secretary of the Canadian Catholic Conference of Bishops (CCCB). He is also a co-founder of the Centre of Concern in Washington, D.C.

Date and Time: Sunday, March 17, 10:00 - 4:00

Place: Resurrection College, Westmount Road North, Waterloo

Cost: $25 per person (Note: Prepaid registration by Wednesday, March 13 is a must due to the meal count.)

Sponsored by the Justice & Peace Commission of the Diocese of Hamilton

For information, (905) 528-7988, ext. 233.

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Please make cheque payable to the Catholic Diocesan Account.

Name .................................................

Address .............................................

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Mail to: Social Awareness Office Diocese of Hamilton 700 King Street West Hamilton, ON L8P 1C7