VOL. 12, #3, AUTUMN 2003

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

- Challenge for Change with Mary Jo Leddy
- Not So Fast
- Assorted Resources
- Bulletin Board and more!

COMMENTARY: "Be Still and Know that I am God". (Psalm 46:11)

NOTE: The following meeting nightmare actually happened. We changed the characters' names for their sake. Jane Q. Pewkneeler seriously heeds the Pope's admonition that we are called to build a culture of peace. Thus she gets involved in community building events, both justice-related and otherwise.

Recently, Jane planned to drive the car pool to an annual meeting that was to be held one night in a nearby city. But then, the organizer of a political-justice group that she belonged to e-mailed her about a crucial meeting that was being held on the same night. "Due to our small numbers, it would be invaluable if you could be present," the e-mail stated.

Surprised by the conflict of meetings, Jane Q. informed her car pool that she was not attending the long-planned for Meeting #1. But she got confused during the actual evening when she unsuccessfully contacted the co-ordinator of Meeting #2 about a last-second detail. The meeting was to be at his home, yet he was at another meeting!

After phoning, another Meeting #2 attendee, Jane realized that the co-ordinator confused dates in his e-mail. Ergo, she hastily informed the Meeting #1 car pool that she would pick them up in five minutes.

Upon opening her front door, however, Jane found Marie standing on the porch. Marie previously worked with Jane on an ecological issue. She stared at the car keys in Jane's hand and asked, "Where are you going? Don't you remember that you are hosting tonight's meeting?"

"Meeting?" answered Jane. "What meeting?"

We will not record their mutual reactions. Suffice it to say that Marie mixed up meeting dates with the wrong Jane in the wrong county.

This misadventure typifies a flaw that some busy Catholics exhibit. It is the cluttering of one's "free time" with meetings under the guise of "witnessing my faith" or "this is my spirituality". It also contradicts a personal choice that CONTACT fan and organic farmer, Ted Zettel of Chepstow, once told me: it is best for one to concentrate on one or two issues and then "do them well" (Ted's words, my italics).

"Doing justice" may be a core part of evangelization (Justice in the World, 1971), but doing it to excess coopts into the oppressive rat race. There is already an epidemic of overwork, over scheduling, and time famine that threatens our health, our families, our communities, and our environment. Already, we're putting in longer hours of labour (I am including volunteerism) than medieval peasants did.
Over-volunteering under the guise of "expressing my faith" is violence, not a means of building a culture of peace. It is violence against one's health reducing time for sleep, exercise, silent times, and encouraging the consumption of unfit, calorie-laden fast foods. It is violence against our relationships we don't have time with kith and kin when we're dashing off to the next meeting. (Marie and her husband, incidentally, agree that neither of them will attend more than two evening meetings per week, whether they be connected with their jobs or with their personal activism.) It contributes to violence against the earth (see next item).

Such self-violence endangers our relationship with God. Years ago, Rev. Doug McCarthy, SJ, observed that the most productive social activists are those who frequently pause for quiet prayer, retreats, contemplative gardening, and other God-full ways of being. Those who do not take time out for prayer either burn out or quit, bitter.

Certainly, I've seen overly-busy "churched" volunteers burn out as pitifully as the "unchurched" ones do. Or they assume so many commitments that they become counter-productive, frustrating others in the process. Such imbalances make one wonder whether such zealots are really doing it "for God" or if they have some hidden demon driving them. At least Jane Q. Pewkneeler and Marie knew what was happening to them!

We end here with one antidote for those who want to slow down while building a Culture of Peace.

It's the annual Challenge for Change Conference, featuring Mary Jo Leddy, with Pursuing a Culture of Peace as the theme. For the Jane Q. Pewkneelers in this diocese it offers hands-on workshops on topics such as Simple Living, Making Peace with the Earth, Faith & Justice in Family Life, Communal Worship, as well as lots of time to hang out with like-minded folks. See the enclosed flyer for more details.

Yours in Christ's Peace,

Diane P. Baltaz

NOT SO FAST

Donella Meadows, professor of environmental studies, Dartmouth College, U.S.A.
Slowing down could be the single most effective action to save the world.
Those of us who think the world needs saving from environmental destruction, rapacious greed, decaying morals, drugs, crime, racism, whatever keep very busy crusading for our favourite remedies. School Vouchers. Carbon Taxes. Campaign Reform. The Endangered Species Act. A lower capital gains tax. Strong regulation. No regulation. You know. That long list of mutually-inconsistent Holy Grails with which we like to hit each other over the head.

There's one solution to the world's problems, however, that I never hear the frenzied activists suggest.

Slowing down.

Slowing down could be the single most effective solution to the particular save-the world struggle I immerse myself in the struggle for sustainability, for living harmoniously and well within the limits and laws of the Earth.

Suppose we weren't in such a hurry. We could take time to walk instead of drive, to sail instead of fly. To clean up our messes. To discuss our plans throughout the whole community before we send in bulldozers to make irreversible changes. To find out how many fish the ocean can produce before boats race out to beat other boats to whatever fish are left.

Suppose we went at a slow enough pace to not only smell the flowers but to feel our bodies, play with children, look openly without agenda or timetable into the faces of loved ones. Suppose we stopped gulping fast food and started savouring slow food, grown, cooked, served, and eaten with care. Suppose we took time each day to sit in silence.

I think if we did those things, the world wouldn't need much saving.

We could cut our energy and material use drastically, because we would get the full good out of what we use. We wouldn't have to buy so many things to save time. (Have you ever wondered, with all our time-saving paraphernalia, what happens to the time we save?) We wouldn't make so many mistakes. We could listen more and hurt each other less. Maybe we could even take time to reason through our favourite solutions, test them, and learn what their actual effects are.
Said Thomas Merton, who spent his time in a Trappist monastery: "There is a pervasive form of contemporary violence to which the idealist...most easily succumbs: activism and over-work...To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many people, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to violence. The frenzy of the activist neutralizes his work for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of his own work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful."

A friend in India tells me that the onslaught of Western advertising in his country is a cultural blow, not so much because of the messages of the ads but because of their pace. The stun-the-senses barrage of all TV programming, especially ads, is antithetical to a thousands-year-old tradition of contemplation. I can imagine that. I have been driven crazy by the somnolent pace at which things get done in India. Don't these people know that time is money?

What they know, actually, that time is life, and to go zooming through it is to miss living.

Slow ...d o w n. Do that first. Then, quietly, carefully, think about what else might need to be done.

The only problem with this cure is that I can't prescribe it for others because I have such trouble following it myself to get swept up in the hurtling pace of the world. Like most of the other world-savers I know, I'm way too busy to eat well, sit quietly, take a vacation, or even, some days, think.

Edward Abbey, the great curmudgeon of environmentalism, knew better: "It is not enough to fight for the land; it is important to enjoy it. While you can. While it's still here. So get out there and hunt and fish and mess around with your friends, ramble out yonder and explore the forests, climb the mountains, run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for awhile and contemplate the precious stillness, that lovely, mysterious, and awesome space. Enjoy yourselves, keep your brain in your head, and your head firmly attached to the body, the body active and alive, and I promise you this much: I promise you this one sweet victory over...those desk-bound people with their hearts in a safe deposit box and their eyes hypnotized by desk calculators. I promise you this: You will outlive the bastards."

Good advice. Too bad I don't have time to take it. I have to go save the world.

Thanks to Joy Warner for e-mailing this message to our office.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

"Where there is too much, something is missing." - Jewish proverb

"Remember that when you leave this earth you can take nothing that you have received, only what you have given." - St. Francis of Assisi

Christians must always be ready to assume in unison their responsibility within the divine design for creation, a responsibility which leads to a vast field of ecumenical and interreligious co-operation. ...A solution to ecological challenges demands more than just economic and technological proposals. It requires an inner change of heart which leads to the rejection of unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. It demands an ethical behaviour which respects the principles of universal solidarity, social justice, and responsibility.

 

"Flags are bits of coloured cloth that governments use first to shrink-wrap people's minds and then as ceremonial shrouds to bury the dead."

Three scientists were talking to God, "Hey God, we don't need you anymore; we can make Man ourselves". God said, "Oh, really?" The scientists said, "Yeah, as a matter of fact, why don't we have a contest to see who can make a man faster, you or us." So God said "okay".
The scientists went back to their friends and said, "We are going to have a contest with God to see who can make a man faster, Him or us".
So the first scientist went out and scooped up a big pile of dirt. Just then a bolt of lightning struck the ground nearby, making him drop the pile of dirt. Looking up at God, he said, "What?"
God said, "Get your own dirt".

 

A useful website for determining who the polluters are in your neighbourhood:
www.pollutionwatch.org

This new site is a project of several environmental law associations. It merges 300 databases to create instant rankings based on pollution loads and health hazards for almost 2,000 polluting facilities across Canada. Comes with suggested actions.

Speaking of pollution... CBC Radio I meteorologist Natasha Ramsahi prepared an amazingly simple web site, which explains everything about smog that you should know if you want to keep breathing in Southern Ontario. With links to other groups such as Pollution Probe. Just type in toronto@cbc.ca and scroll down to the appropriate spot.

An Alternative to CNN: Part of an e-mail from a member of Holy Rosary Parish, Guelph:

"We are finding it necessary to turn off the news once in a while and concentrate on something other than the war. When we do log on, though, this is one of the first sites we check: http://electronicIraq.net/

It is affiliated with Voices in the Wilderness and gives a very personal and closeup look at life on the ground in Baghdad now in these days of madness."

---

What One US Presidential Candidate Is Saying: "The meaning of patriotism lies in working to make America more loveable... This means working to end poverty, discrimination, corruption, greed, and other conditions that weaken the promise and potential of America."

RESOURCES IN THE CHANCERY LIBRARY

LIVE SIMPLY: A Simplicity Circle Study Guide for the Waterloo Region (Kitchener, 2000; Working Centre Publications). We purchased one of the last 20 copies left in print! Written by fiona heath (no capitals in her name), the 10-week sessions within the guide provide focus and structure for discussion and hands-on ideas for those interested in voluntary simplicity. The texts, from international and local authors, illustrate the diverse range of lifestyles and concerns within the simplicity movement.

Taking Stock: the Ontario Conference of Bishops (OCCB) update of their 1998 political statement, Choosing a Government. This one scrutinizes the social, ecological, and economic situation of Ontario using the 10 questions of social justice in Choosing a Government. It is meant for parish groups to study prior to choosing a candidate in the upcoming provincial election. While it is on file at the chancery, the quickest way to access both documents is to download it from the OCCB website: www.occb.on.ca

---

Three popular magazines published during this UN International Year of Water
New Internationalist, March 2003 issue, whose cover states that issue's theme: "Water: Every Drop Counts".

Sample articles include revelations on how the World Bank and IMF insist on the privatization of public water supplies as part of their loan conditions; web sites for anti-privatization fights; a recommendation for the book, Blue Gold: the battle against the corporate theft of the world's water by Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke; and "Some principles of water justice."

Alternatives, the magazine of Canadian environmental ideas and action, published by the Environmental Studies Department of the University of Waterloo, Spring 2003 issue (vol. 29, #2), is a water issue. Articles discuss Canadian and international water issues, including tales of communities who have "gone against the flow". Especially noteworthy is a centre pullout of Canada's water hot spots, which include Hamilton and Norfolk County (as their governments have handed over public water municipalities to the corporations that the critics warn about). All issues of Alternatives come highly recommended because of their high Canadian content.

Call Alternatives toll free at 1-866-437-2587 or www.alternativesjournal.ca

Eco Farm & Garden, the official organ of Canadian Organic Growers, Canada's only voice for organic agriculture. The summer 2003 issue (volume 6, #3) is the water issue and includes hands-on ideas such as mulching for water conservation, constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, and details on the complex relationship between soil, water, and organic matter. Join COG for $30 and get all their magazines. Website: www:cog.ca

---

BEING THAT I PROMISED THIS INFO TO SEVERAL OF YOU... Our office set a record with phone calls regarding environmentally-friendly insect sprays this past summer. While your social awareness office director still maintains that it's best to let the good bugs thrash out the bad bugs, or else simply not to plant plants that stress easily (which in turn attracts bad insects), she does recommend the CBC Radio I website with Ed Lawrence and his now famous water-dish soap spray mantra ("one part dish soap to 40 parts water...").

Ed is the Chief of Grounds and Greenhouse Operations in the Official Residences Section of the National Capital Commission (i.e., "The Governor-General's Gardener"). He also fields questions from listeners on the Ontario Today phone-in every Monday. Official government policy is to keep Crown properties in Ottawa organic they know that thousands of people walk on the lawns and gaze at the flowerbeds and will not want to inhale poisons. (Indeed, our G-G apparently naturalized much of her residence's property with indigenous plants!) Ergo, Ed likes giving organic solutions to listeners' problems. Ed's gardening page on the CBC Radio website is as follows: ottawa.cbc.ca/ontariotoday/edlawrence.jhtml
Another site worth knowing: Toxic Exposure to Chemicals Web Site from Virginia's Centre for Health, Environment & Justice: www.noharm.org It deals with everything that you should know about pesticides and plastics. Ignorance is NOT bliss!

Top 10 Organic Tips for Growing a Healthy, Beautiful Organic Garden, by Lorraine Johnson | www.environmentguide.ca/garden.htm

---

BULLETIN BOARD

September 24

Spiritual Heritage Education Network (Shen Group) Seminar - SHEN is an organizational group committed to the spiritual heritage of humankind. This interfaith group holds free seminars on various topics on the last Wednesday of alternate months at the University of Waterloo, the next talk being tonight. Check their website at www.SpiritualEducation.org

First Wed. of Month

REEL RADICAL - OPIRG, Film Nights at the Staircase Caf‚, Hamilton. $4.00 for OPIRG members/full time McMaster undergrads, $5.00 general. The caf‚-theatre is at 27 Dundurn Street North (just north of King Street West and one block from the chancery office). See www.staircase.org for other listings.

Sunday, Sept. 28

"Present Crisis, Future Hope - Catholic Social Teaching in an Age of Globalization" Panel reflections from an international conference hosted by Regis College. Panel includes Bill Ryan, SJ, Wendy Tyndale, John Coleman, SJ, at Loyola House, Guelph. For details, contact Regis College at (416) 922-5474 or www.utoronto.ca/regis

Saturday, Oct. 4

GANDHI PEACE FESTIVAL, Gage Park, Hamilton. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Includes a peace walk, music, dance, free Indian food, a keynote speaker, showcase of local justice groups. Free. For details: (905) 975-4169 or e-mail: peacefestcoordinator@yahoo,ca

Saturday, Oct. 4

CCCB Social Affairs Commission ecology statement's scheduled release. The diocesan Justice & Peace Commission and various justice groups such as the Jesuit Ecology Project will promote this latest Canadian Bishops' statement throughout the year. Check the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' website for this statement and check your church bulletins for future events.

Wednesday, Oct. 8

Theologian Gustavo Gutierrez comes to St. Michael's College, U of T! An evening forum sponsored by the justice centre of the St. Michael's chaplaincy. For details contact the chaplaincy at (416) 926-1300, ext. 3439, or e-mail marilyn.elphick@utoronto.ca

Friday, Nov. 14

Understanding Terrorists & Martyrs: Personal Encounters with Religious Militants with social anthropologist Cynthia Mahmood of Notre Dame University. At the St. Jerome's Centre for Catholic Experience, Waterloo 7:30 p.m. Free admission. Her lecture is part of the Centre's annual lecture series, the theme of which is From Hate to Love: Are There Pathways to Peace? It is also part of the Challenge for Change Conference: Pursuing a Culture of Peace. For information, call Carol Persin at (519) 884-5759.

Saturday, Nov. 15

The Annual Challenge for Change Conference! THE faith-justice event of 2003. Co-sponsored by the diocesan Justice & Peace Commission. See the full-page announcement-registration form in this issue.

Saturday, Dec. 6

PREPARING THE WAY: The annual Advent Retreat for busy Catholics at Resurrection College, Westmount Road North, Waterloo. Guest retreat leader is Tarcia Gerwing, an associate at the internationally-renowned Loyola Retreat House of Guelph. Tarcia is also well grounded in Ignatian and Benedictine spiritualities. Sponsored by the diocesan Justice & Peace Commission. 9:30 - 3:00 p.m. For information, call Social Awareness Office (905) 528-7988, ext. 233.

Be Still. My Soul Attend. Attend.
Do not snatch and grab
Do not grab and run
Do not flip to the next channel of the universe.
Attend. Attend.
To what flows in the midst of flux
To what fires and is not consumed
To what stays and satisfies.
Be attentive to the graciousness
the glory and the goodness
that is here that is now
ever new. Amen.

Mary Jo Leddy in her new book, Radical Gratitude (2003)
Copies available at the November 15 Challenge for Change Conference

---

"It takes all kinds to build a Culture of Peace..."

MANIFESTO 2000 FOR A CULTURE OF PEACE & NON-VIOLENCE

One inspiration for this year's Challenge for Change Conference is the United Nations' 10-year initiative to create a Culture of Peace. (Another is the Pope's own words on this subject.) Some folks who are working on the UN's mandate locally are the Hamilton Culture of Peace Network. It is a gathering of peace, faith, social action, and environmental groups who share the UN's vision to create a culture of non-violence and social justice for the children of this world.

The Culture of Peace folks commit themselves to Manifesto 2000, which a group of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates such as Rigberta Menchu launched with UNESCO in 2000. Part of the manifesto, which is a pledge of commitment to a culture of peace is listed below. (Available in full on the Hamilton Culture of Peace Network website at www.hwcn.org and scroll to Culture of Peace).

As network member, Joy Warner, explains about the simplicity of this six-point manifesto: "All you've got to do is work on one issue that concerns you ...and you're building a Culture of Peace."

Recognizing my share of responsibility for the future of humanity, especially for today's children and those of future generations, I pledge in my daily life, in my family, my work, my community, my country, and my region to:

1. respect the life and dignity of every person without discrimination or prejudice;
2. practise active non-violence, rejecting violence in all its forms: physical, sexual, psychological, economical and social, in particular toward the most deprived and vulnerable such as children and adolescents;
3. share my time and material resources in a spirit of generosity to put an end to exclusion, injustice, and political and economic oppression;
4. defend freedom of expression and cultural diversity, giving preference always to dialogue and listening rather than fanaticism, defamation, and the rejection of others;
5. promote consumer behaviour that is responsible and development practices that respect all forms of life and preserve the balance of nature on the planet;
6. contribute to the development of my community, with the full participation of women and respect for democratic principles, in order to create together new forms of solidarity.

The Hamilton Conference of the United Church in Canada, St. Jerome's University & our Ecumenical Partners (including the Justice &Peace Commission of the Diocese of Hamilton) invite you to...

Challenge for Change 2003: November 14 & 14, 2003
Understanding Terrorists & Martyrs: Personal Encounters with Religious
Militants, with Dr. Cynthia Mahmood, Notre Dame University

Pursuing a Culture of Peace, with guest lecturer, Mary Jo Leddy
author, professor at Regis College, founder of Romero House for Refugees, Toronto,

Workshops on: Simple Living, Making Peace with the Earth, Cultivating a Just Peace (KAIROS), Christian Peacemakers Team, Project Ploughshares, Allowing Hospitality & Simple Living to Flow Together in a Peaceful Household (parenting).

And returning this year a concurrent Childrens' programme for kids 5-12: "Peace: let it begin with Me".