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More than 130 members of the Franciscan Family, leaders and justice, peace and integrity of creation representatives from 49 provinces, congregations, Secular Franciscan Regions and Ecumenical partners from throughout the United States, met March 7-9, 2007 in Baltimore, Maryland to discuss and discern ways to bring a more visible and effective Franciscan presence to the effort of repairing relationships to establish justice in the world.  In this meeting the attending Franciscans called for themselves and the larger U.S. Franciscan Family to "speak with one Franciscan Voice in order to effect the transformation of national social policy."  The sole purpose of the gathering was to discuss ways to be better advocates with persons who are poor, marginalized or victims of injustice.
The meeting began with prayer, which was woven through all the proceedings.  Following prayer, the participants interacted with three speakers to explore more deeply a Franciscan approach to advocacy.  Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, councilor  for the Sacred Heart OFM Province began the discussion by looking at the Franciscan Charism and how it requires its followers to be engaged in the transformation of the world, or, to put it in a modern contest, to be engaged in advocacy.  Next Sr. Meg Guider, OSF, professor of Missiology at Weston Jesuit School of Theology, explored the modern context of globalization and the reality of American Exceptionalism.  To be most effective, Our Franciscan advocacy work must be grounded in this context and boldly challenge how the U.S. interacts with the rest of the world.  Finally, Marie Dennis, SFO, director for the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, shared how religious communities have been and can continue to be effective shapers of public policy.  Each of the three presenters was paired with a "Franciscan Voice" who shared personal stories and realities.  Br. Rodrigo Peret, OFM of Brazil, Mrs. Mary Mwangi, SFO of Kenya and Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF from Wheaton, IL grounded the three presentations with the experiences of those ministering with persons who are poor or marginalized.  The "voices" were able to help make clear the connections between our experiences in the world and our rich Franciscan Charism. Back Next