| |
Justice Issues
The Mission Statement of the Dominican Sisters of Houston, Texas
embraces a concern for justice as an integral part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Corporate Stance on the War in Iraq
Adopted by the Dominicans of Houston at their annual convocation, June 4, 2006
We, the Dominican Sisters of Houston, stand with the Iraq Coordinating Committee and Dominicans throughout the world in calling upon the United States government to establish a plan and timetable for withdrawal from Iraq.
Our hearts go out to all who have been victimized by this war; therefore, this withdrawal must ensure the safety of our armed forces and all Iraqis. The withdrawal should include the closure of any military bases that have been established by the United States.
The United States must make the rebuilding of the Iraqi infrastructure and environmental restoration priorities and must commit to the rebuilding of Iraq utilizing Iraqi labor. We call upon the United States to collaborate with the United Nations and the international community to work with the Iraqi government on issues of national security and humanitarian aid. We urge the U.N. and Iraqi government to protect the rights of women and religious minorities.
As women of faith, we recognize this conflict needs our prayers. We pray for the people of Iraq, the U.S. occupying forces, and the Iraqi and international troops. We also pray for the humanitarian workers and the political leaders of the U.S. and Iraq as they work toward peace.
_______________________________________________________________
Rolling Fast and Prayer Vigils for Peace in Iraq
From Feb 15 to March 21, 2006
each day, one or more Dominican Sisters will fast for peace
and
Prayer Vigils are scheduled throught the month:
Feb. 15, 21, 28 and March 7, 14, 20
in St. Dominic Villa Chapel at 6:00 pm
We pray and fast in solidarity with members of "Voices for Creative Nonviolence" and other peace activists who are gathered in Washingtom, DC to demand an end to
U.S. military and economic warfare against Iraq.
Ongoing Justice and Peace Concerns
|
Currently, through the efforts of individual sisters, the Justice and Peace Commission
and community study programs, we have focused on the following:
|
| Networking and collaboration are important elements in our approach to justice issues. The Dominican Order through its Justice Promoters, Promoters of Preaching, Parable Conference, and regional councils, plan and implement projects, programs and conferences with justice themes. |
Next SOA/WHISC Rally and Vigil - November 2006
Groups from various communities travel to Fort Benning, Greorgia
for the annual protest and prayer. Groups from Houston have
been Rice University/Texas Medical Center Student Center,
Pax Christi - Houston, Houston Peace and Justice Center, First
Friday Forum, Dominican Sisters, and other citizens.
Public prayer vigils are held on the steps of
various churches on the evenings of scheduled
executions in Texas.
A prayer service is held at St. Dominic Villa
at 4:20 p.m. on the days of scheduled executions.
We pray for the victims of violent crime, their families,
for those sentenced to die for these crimes and for their
families, and for those men and women who
participate in executions.
For information, call (713) 747-3310
|
