Meeting of social justice promoters generates discernment questions

Thirteen Sisters from 12 different Religious Congregations located in Indiana and Michigan met in Adrian, Michigan, early last week for two days. They are each social justice promoters for their communities. These Sisters' ministry is focused largely on facilitating learning and action around social issues facing our communities, country and world today.

I am a new member of this group and attended this annual gathering for the first time. It was very energizing and enlightening. We came away with a commitment to work on a discernment tool in relationship to the upcoming elections. What are the factors we need to consider in light of our faith and Catholic Social Teaching?

We also had a serious conversation about how the issues of racism, climate and immigration intersect. We asked ourselves questions like:

- Why are policies around immigration of people of color so harsh?

- How do the dire effects of climate change, e.g., drought, affecting migration?

Sr. Beatrice Haines, OLVM Social Justice Promoter