Over the past few years, Our Faith in Action program has supported communities in Peru, Brownsville, and the South Bronx by raising money, connecting with the people, traveling to those communities to stand in solidarity and advocate for the poor. This year, we decided that even though we could not travel to these places, it was even more important that we continue to support these communities not only financially but by empowering out students to speak out for the poor in these communities.
On February 10, 2021, members of the Edmund Rice Network in England and North America joined together for a second time via Zoom. In this second “Discussion Across the Pond,” the topic of conversation was how participants can take action on climate change. The conversation brought together a group of more than 30 participants; Christian Brothers, school administrators, teachers and students from 7 Edmund Rice schools in 4 countries (Canada, England, Ireland and the United States).
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, various members and groups of the Edmund Rice Global Network have stayed busy advocating for a variety of human rights virtually with the United Nations. Brother Kevin Cawley recently delivered a statement on the outcome of the UPR (Universal Periodic Review) for the United States. To watch Br. Cawley’s statement, please click here.
In response to the continued incidents of racial justice in the United States in May of 2020, the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America Province made a commitment to promote and encourage antiracism in our schools in North America. In addition to resources that were created and published online during the summer, the Mission Frère Advocacy Office has continued to hold conversations about how we can continue to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in our schools.
Some of the highlights of virtual events for the ERCBNA community include: Celebrating the Artistic Genius of Br. Ken Chapman, Teaching and Learning in the Edmund Rice Tradition, and Pope Francis and the Human Community.
“What will you give me? What shall be my pay If I deliver him to you? It’s worth how much I pray?” Pharisees pay well. “Thirty pieces of silver,” they say. Judas made his bargain, started on his way, And wondered how his Christ he might conveniently betray.
