Our
Congregation has a strong commitment to social justice
which is supported by a sister who serves as a full-time,
Social Justice Coordinator, a Commission
for Justice, a network of local Social Justice contacts,
a socially responsible investment
policy, effective processes for taking a corporate stand
(against apartheid/racism and against the death penalty)and
using our corporate voice,
and a commitment to work collaboratively with others.
The
Social Justice Coordinator, assisted by the Commission
for Justice, provides timely, concrete ways for Sisters
of Saint Joseph, Associates and friends to live out the
Mission, "that all may be one,"
both individually and corporately. This is done through
suggested actions toward ending human
trafficking, the death
penalty, ongoing education in justice
issues, (New)
Monthly Justice Resources, hotline
messages, action alerts
and execution alerts.
As of Spring 2009 the Human Trafficking Committee will be dividing its attention between the issues of Human Trafficking and Immigration.
We
recognize the sufferings of people throughout the world
on both the local and the global level. In response, we
support with personnel and resources ministries that offer
an opportunity for presence and direct service on behalf
of those who are materially poor as well as working for
systemic change. Wherever our sisters are, they use every
opportunity to integrate social justice values into their
ministries and daily life.
We
believe every human being has an inherent God-given dignity.
This belief challenges us to reverence life from conception
through death. We also deplore the patterns of discrimination
which still exist and continue to grow in our country
and world.
As Sisters of Saint Joseph, and as members of the global
community, we embrace a global
spirituality that is a vibrant contemporary expression
of our SSJ Mission and spirituality. It recognizes our
need to encounter the sacred within ourselves and to move
outward to encounter the sacred in all creation. As Thomas
Berry says, "The human community and the natural
world will go into the future as a single community or
we will both perish."
