Pray. Study. Act.
in this newsletter
* Letter to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
* Position of Pax Christi on Incarceration and the Death Penalty
* Catholic Climate Lobby National Conference, May 15, 2021 zoom
* Texas Pax Christi State Conference July 10,2021 zoom
* Pax Christi National Conference July 30-31 zoom
* Extracts from Pax Christi Statement of Principles
* Invitation to join Pax Christi San Antonio
Letter to the Governor and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
May 3, 2021
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
P. O. Box 13401
Austin, Texas 78741-3401
Members of the Board:
An execution is scheduled for Quintin Phillippe Jones on May 19,2021, and we are humbly requesting, as a citizens of the United States of America and the State of Texas, and members of Pax Christi that you grant clemency.
PaxChristi USA, a Catholic Peace and Justice Organization has taken the position, as has Pope Francis, for the abolishment of the Death Penalty.
Along with his friend, Suleika Jaouad, author, we are asking “not to forget, but to forgive.” We ask in our prayers that we be forgiven as we forgive, and ask you to join us in this prayer.
We humbly ask Governor Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to reconsider his sentencing, to allow him to live out the rest of his life in prison.
Sincerely,
Arthur Dawes
Coordinator Pax Christi San Antonio arthurdawes@att.net
Cc:
Governor Greg Abbott
Kristin Houle Cuellar, TCADP
You are asked to act on behalf of Mr. Jones, in opposing the Death Penalty, and write a letter.
Position of Pax Christi USA ON MASS INCARCERATION AND THE DEATH PENALTY
The United States has the highest per-capita incarceration rate in the world, clear evidence of a “throwaway culture,” as Pope Francis describes it in his first Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. The U.S. criminal justice system upholds and perpetuates a racial caste and economic disparities by criminalizing poverty, addiction, and mental illness. Jim Crow laws morphed into the targeted mass incarceration of Black people and other people of color, while racialized migrants fleeing violence and oppression fed by U.S. foreign policy are caged in prisons (‘detention centers’) at the U.S. Southern border and other prisons around the country. As a community of conscience, we stand together to support the creation and implementation of restorative justice practices rooted in respect for human dignity, healing, accountability, repair, and restoration; we call for an end to immigration incarceration and for the abolition of the death penalty.
Save-the-dates!
"Call to Action to Care for Our Common Home"
Saturday, May 15 11-3 pm cst Catholic Climate Lobby
(information provided by Diane Duesterhoeft)
Francis Rooney, former congressman
Rep. Francis Rooney, Republican Rep. from Florida's 19th District from 2017-2021, one of the lead sponsors of H.R. 763 in the 116th Congress and Ambassador to the Holy See from 2005-2008
Bishop John Stowe, Diocese of Lexington
First virtual conference. No charge.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ccl-2021-catholic-conference-call-to-action-to-care-for-our-common-home-tickets-149371232377
Texas Pax Christi State Conference (zoom link to be announced)
"Religion and Black Lives Matter"
R. Khari Brown, PhD, Wayne State University
Saturday July 10, 2021 1:30 pm. no charge
The annual Pax Christi USA National Conference
is back in July 2021!
Friday July 30-Saturday July 31 is the 49th anniversary Pax Christi USA Conference
The keynote speaker is Olga Segura, author of Birth of a Movement: Black Lives Matter and the Catholic Church.
Conference mass presider: Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv.
Recent interaction with a Pax Christi national reading group addressed
"Advancing Nonviolence and Just Peace" a publication of Pax Christi.
Four meetings included the writers as well as discussion groups
and resulted in many reflections of appreciation for this event.
Of note were the following:
Violence within ourselves: "Many things have to change course, but it is we human
beings above all who need to change.... a great cultural, spiritual and educational challenge stands before us, and it will demand that we set out on the long path of renewal." Pope Francis, "Laudato 202. All are asked to cultivate nonviolence, to pray, to study and to act. p 30.
"Confessing our moral amnesia, reclaiming our Christian memory": Public apologies by popes to the people of Cameroon, for the slave trade; the Jews for failing to take decisive action to stop the Holocaust; crimes against the native peoples in the so-called conquest of America; for persecution of gay people as part of a more general apology. p 200
"Integrating Nonviolence Throughout the Catholic Church"
Developing skills in restorative justice, nonviolent communication, unarmed civilian protection,
trauma healing, nonviolent resistance, and nonviolent civilian-based defense. p 285
We shared in a small group and found a kinship for nonviolence and an interest in further
meetings to build our knowledge and experience, and foremost our spirit.
Pax Christi Social Justice Principles
There are many, many social justice issues, which at times find us overwhelmed and wishing we could be more effective. The Pax Christi principles will be listed here in summary and should you have an interest in addressing one or more in our meetings, please share your thoughts and resources.
Extracts from Pax Christi Statement of Principles
Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge the displacement of Indigenous peoples.
Acknowledgement of the Legacy of Slavery: We recognize the profiteering and the continuing to benefit.
Acknowledgement of the Role of the Catholic Church: We acknowledge and repent for the sins of anti-Black racism, enslavement and segregation.
On Racial Justice: Violence inherent in systemic racism is an affront to the God who creates.
On (Im)migration: Migrants and refugees are fleeing poverty, violence, and environmental devastation. We support refuge, citizenship and justice.
On Climate Change: We support action on a condition which fuels poverty, food insecurity, displacement and violence.
On Militarism: We support the abolition of nuclear weapons, the funding of nonviolent solutions to conflict.
On Palestine: We support pressure of the leaders of Israel toward a just peace.
Covid-19: We support people of color, the elderly, people with disabilities.
Healthcare: We support a universal healthcare system.
LGBTQ+ Equality: We affirm the right to equality and an end to criminalization.
Mass Incarceration and the Death Penalty: We support restorative justice practices and an end to the death penalty.
On Education: We support an educational system which supports a historically accurate curricula.
Homelessness and Housing: We support affordable and accessible housing.
Gun Violence: We support reasonable measures and universal background checks.
On Labor: We support the dignity in all work, fair wages, and the ability to join unions.
The complete reference to the Principles are located at:
https://paxchristiusa.org/2020/09/16/statement-of-principles-elections-2020/
Learn more of San Antonio Pax Christi and consider joining our monthly zoom educational gatherings on the first Saturday of the month. https://www.paxchristisa.org/ Also learn of more at paxchristiusa.org and international Pax Christi https://paxchristi.net/
Future events of Pax Christi San Antonio will address Social Justice and Minorities, and International Peace. We will continue to address Mass Incarceration and the Death Penalty.
Join us in promoting Nonviolence and collaborating with and supporting others in our community
toward Nonviolence, promoting of youth and minority leadership, and all others who wish to
promote peace.
in this newsletter
* Letter to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
* Position of Pax Christi on Incarceration and the Death Penalty
* Catholic Climate Lobby National Conference, May 15, 2021 zoom
* Texas Pax Christi State Conference July 10,2021 zoom
* Pax Christi National Conference July 30-31 zoom
* Extracts from Pax Christi Statement of Principles
* Invitation to join Pax Christi San Antonio
Letter to the Governor and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
May 3, 2021
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
P. O. Box 13401
Austin, Texas 78741-3401
Members of the Board:
An execution is scheduled for Quintin Phillippe Jones on May 19,2021, and we are humbly requesting, as a citizens of the United States of America and the State of Texas, and members of Pax Christi that you grant clemency.
PaxChristi USA, a Catholic Peace and Justice Organization has taken the position, as has Pope Francis, for the abolishment of the Death Penalty.
Along with his friend, Suleika Jaouad, author, we are asking “not to forget, but to forgive.” We ask in our prayers that we be forgiven as we forgive, and ask you to join us in this prayer.
We humbly ask Governor Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to reconsider his sentencing, to allow him to live out the rest of his life in prison.
Sincerely,
Arthur Dawes
Coordinator Pax Christi San Antonio arthurdawes@att.net
Cc:
Governor Greg Abbott
Kristin Houle Cuellar, TCADP
You are asked to act on behalf of Mr. Jones, in opposing the Death Penalty, and write a letter.
Position of Pax Christi USA ON MASS INCARCERATION AND THE DEATH PENALTY
The United States has the highest per-capita incarceration rate in the world, clear evidence of a “throwaway culture,” as Pope Francis describes it in his first Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. The U.S. criminal justice system upholds and perpetuates a racial caste and economic disparities by criminalizing poverty, addiction, and mental illness. Jim Crow laws morphed into the targeted mass incarceration of Black people and other people of color, while racialized migrants fleeing violence and oppression fed by U.S. foreign policy are caged in prisons (‘detention centers’) at the U.S. Southern border and other prisons around the country. As a community of conscience, we stand together to support the creation and implementation of restorative justice practices rooted in respect for human dignity, healing, accountability, repair, and restoration; we call for an end to immigration incarceration and for the abolition of the death penalty.
Save-the-dates!
"Call to Action to Care for Our Common Home"
Saturday, May 15 11-3 pm cst Catholic Climate Lobby
(information provided by Diane Duesterhoeft)
Francis Rooney, former congressman
Rep. Francis Rooney, Republican Rep. from Florida's 19th District from 2017-2021, one of the lead sponsors of H.R. 763 in the 116th Congress and Ambassador to the Holy See from 2005-2008
Bishop John Stowe, Diocese of Lexington
First virtual conference. No charge.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ccl-2021-catholic-conference-call-to-action-to-care-for-our-common-home-tickets-149371232377
Texas Pax Christi State Conference (zoom link to be announced)
"Religion and Black Lives Matter"
R. Khari Brown, PhD, Wayne State University
Saturday July 10, 2021 1:30 pm. no charge
The annual Pax Christi USA National Conference
is back in July 2021!
Friday July 30-Saturday July 31 is the 49th anniversary Pax Christi USA Conference
The keynote speaker is Olga Segura, author of Birth of a Movement: Black Lives Matter and the Catholic Church.
Conference mass presider: Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv.
Recent interaction with a Pax Christi national reading group addressed
"Advancing Nonviolence and Just Peace" a publication of Pax Christi.
Four meetings included the writers as well as discussion groups
and resulted in many reflections of appreciation for this event.
Of note were the following:
Violence within ourselves: "Many things have to change course, but it is we human
beings above all who need to change.... a great cultural, spiritual and educational challenge stands before us, and it will demand that we set out on the long path of renewal." Pope Francis, "Laudato 202. All are asked to cultivate nonviolence, to pray, to study and to act. p 30.
"Confessing our moral amnesia, reclaiming our Christian memory": Public apologies by popes to the people of Cameroon, for the slave trade; the Jews for failing to take decisive action to stop the Holocaust; crimes against the native peoples in the so-called conquest of America; for persecution of gay people as part of a more general apology. p 200
"Integrating Nonviolence Throughout the Catholic Church"
Developing skills in restorative justice, nonviolent communication, unarmed civilian protection,
trauma healing, nonviolent resistance, and nonviolent civilian-based defense. p 285
We shared in a small group and found a kinship for nonviolence and an interest in further
meetings to build our knowledge and experience, and foremost our spirit.
Pax Christi Social Justice Principles
There are many, many social justice issues, which at times find us overwhelmed and wishing we could be more effective. The Pax Christi principles will be listed here in summary and should you have an interest in addressing one or more in our meetings, please share your thoughts and resources.
Extracts from Pax Christi Statement of Principles
Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge the displacement of Indigenous peoples.
Acknowledgement of the Legacy of Slavery: We recognize the profiteering and the continuing to benefit.
Acknowledgement of the Role of the Catholic Church: We acknowledge and repent for the sins of anti-Black racism, enslavement and segregation.
On Racial Justice: Violence inherent in systemic racism is an affront to the God who creates.
On (Im)migration: Migrants and refugees are fleeing poverty, violence, and environmental devastation. We support refuge, citizenship and justice.
On Climate Change: We support action on a condition which fuels poverty, food insecurity, displacement and violence.
On Militarism: We support the abolition of nuclear weapons, the funding of nonviolent solutions to conflict.
On Palestine: We support pressure of the leaders of Israel toward a just peace.
Covid-19: We support people of color, the elderly, people with disabilities.
Healthcare: We support a universal healthcare system.
LGBTQ+ Equality: We affirm the right to equality and an end to criminalization.
Mass Incarceration and the Death Penalty: We support restorative justice practices and an end to the death penalty.
On Education: We support an educational system which supports a historically accurate curricula.
Homelessness and Housing: We support affordable and accessible housing.
Gun Violence: We support reasonable measures and universal background checks.
On Labor: We support the dignity in all work, fair wages, and the ability to join unions.
The complete reference to the Principles are located at:
https://paxchristiusa.org/2020/09/16/statement-of-principles-elections-2020/
Learn more of San Antonio Pax Christi and consider joining our monthly zoom educational gatherings on the first Saturday of the month. https://www.paxchristisa.org/ Also learn of more at paxchristiusa.org and international Pax Christi https://paxchristi.net/
Future events of Pax Christi San Antonio will address Social Justice and Minorities, and International Peace. We will continue to address Mass Incarceration and the Death Penalty.
Join us in promoting Nonviolence and collaborating with and supporting others in our community
toward Nonviolence, promoting of youth and minority leadership, and all others who wish to
promote peace.
Pax Christi is an international peace action which grounds in the gospel and Catholic Social Teaching. We welcome all advocates of peace and invite issues and presentations by those who are not Catholic and share our concerns. We hope to extend our hospitality.
Grounded in the Gospel and Catholic social teaching, Pax Christi San Antonio is a membership organization that rejects war, preparation for war, every form of violence and domination, and personal and systemic racism. As a section of Pax Christi International, we are a Catholic peace and justice movement that seeks to model the Peace of Christ in our witness to the mandate of the nonviolence of the Cross
Grounded in the Gospel and Catholic social teaching, Pax Christi San Antonio is a membership organization that rejects war, preparation for war, every form of violence and domination, and personal and systemic racism. As a section of Pax Christi International, we are a Catholic peace and justice movement that seeks to model the Peace of Christ in our witness to the mandate of the nonviolence of the Cross
TCADP San Antonio, TX
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Check the notices for details.
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You are invited to engage in this process, help us identify leaders and engage in collaboration.
Arthur Dawes, MA, MSW
Coordinator
Pax Christi San Antonio
arthurdawes@att.net
210-213-5919
Notices
Anti-Nuclear Weapons Banners: Please take a look at the picture of the banner in the attachment. It refers to an international treaty that the Holy See has ratified. Pax Christi Dallas is working with the Nuclear Free World committee for the Dallas Peace and Justice Center to find good places in Texas to put them for the month of January--high traffic areas near a traffic light or stop sign where cars have to stop so then the drivers will have a chance to read them. In the bottom corners you will see the website link to ICAN (www.icanw.org) so that folks can go there and finds lots of information. ICAN is the International Coalition to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and won the Nobel Peace Prize about a year ago. For a banner, contact Joyce Hall: hallmj@sbcglobal.net
What really happens to the used clothing you donate? Read this revelatory article by Anna deSouza: https://www.rd.com/article/what-happens-used-clothing-donations/
Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio was the first local organization to endorse this bill, which has also been endorsed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. See https://mail.yahoo.com/d/folders/1/messages/AL3K2mRHejHBX9ewnwO9CKEAaFY
Texas Death Penalty Developments in 2020: The Year in Review, Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. Access the report at: https://tcadp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Texas-Death-Penalty-Developments-in-2020-FINAL.pdf
Watch Pax Christi USA’s Michelle Sherman, interviewed in the “Young Peacebuilders” series of Pax Christi International: https://paxchristiusa.org/2020/12/16/watch-pax-christi-usas-michelle-sherman-featured-on-young-peacebuilders-series/
Executive Director, Hope Border Institute
Sr. Norma Pimentel, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
Access the webinar at: https://justiceforimmigrants.org/webinars/border-realities-and-migrant-protection-webinar/
Calendar
[Times given for the Central Time Zone]
Saturday May 8, 11:30am-1:30pm, webinar “A Costly Failure: Why the Death Penalty Must be Abolished,” Robert C. Boruchowitz (Seattle University), Nicole C. Brambila (investigative journalist), Peter Collins (Seattle University), Edward Ray Keith, Jr. (public defender, Lubbock, Texas), and Diane Lozcano (Wyoming capital/public defender’s office), moderated by Rick Halperin (Southern Methodist University). Register at: https://amnestyusa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MeefAYniTEKGTQf6Sv7A0
Monday May 10, 6:30pm-7:30pm, online “Jesus and Muhammad: On Peace, Forgiveness, and the Golden Rule,” Craig Considine (Rice University), $10.00; register by May 3 at: https://sourceoflightsa.org/classes-and-events
Saturday May 13, 10:30am-11:30am, online “Dr. King’s beloved Community: Where Do We Go from Here—Chaos or Community?” Bishop Trevor Alexander, $5.00; register by May 7 at: https://sourceoflightsa.org/classes-and-events
Monday May 17, 7:00pm-8:00pm, online “Public Virtues: Rediscovering Civic Engagement,” Brandon Metroka (University of the Incarnate Word) ad Judith Norman (Trinity University), $7.00; register by May 10 at: https://sourceoflightsa.org/classes-and-events
Friday July 30-Saturday July 31, 49th anniversary Pax Christi USA conference, online. Keynote Speaker: Olga Segura, author of Birth of a Movement: Black Lives Matter and the Catholic Church. Conference mass presider: Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv. SAVE THE DATE
Online Resource for families or small groups:
If you’re needing some social interaction with depth, more than just listening to zoom webinars, longing for the social time that used to happen before and after Mass, consider using the Maryknoll Weekly Reflection Guides. Gather as family or small group and use these guides in Facetime, Skype, Zoom etc. This an easy online structure with prayer, an introductory theme, a link to the Sunday Readings and some reflection questions to guide group conversation. Using the SeeJudgeAct methodology, you will be led as a group to consider where, in light of the shared reflection, the Spirit is calling you this week. The Global Solidarity charism of the Maryknoll family will feed you spiritually for these challenging times. Find the Guides in both Spanish and English at:
https://www.maryknoll.us/home/resources/mission-spirituality/ordinary-time-2020
Pax Christi International
http://www.paxchristi.net/
Pax Christi U.S.A.
http://www.paxchristiusa.org
Pax Christi Texas
http://www.paxchristitexas.org
Pax Christi San Antonio
http://www.paxchristisa.org
COPS / Metro Alliance
www.copsmetro.com/
Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
www.msjc.net
Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, International JPIC Committee
http://saccvi.blogspot.com/
San Antonio Peace Center
http://www.sanantoniopeace.center
Interfaith Radio, (Interfaith Voices)
http://www.interfaithradio.org/
Texas Catholic Campaign to End the Death Penalty
www.txccedp.org
Pax Christi International
http://www.paxchristi.net/
Pax Christi U.S.A.
http://www.paxchristiusa.org
Pax Christi Texas
http://www.paxchristitexas.org
Pax Christi San Antonio
http://www.paxchristisa.org
COPS / Metro Alliance
www.copsmetro.com/
Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
www.msjc.net
Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, International JPIC Committee
http://saccvi.blogspot.com/
San Antonio Peace Center
http://www.sanantoniopeace.center
Interfaith Radio, (Interfaith Voices)
http://www.interfaithradio.org/
Texas Catholic Campaign to End the Death Penalty
www.txccedp.org