Peace and Justice
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Statement of the Leadership Team of the Franciscan Sisters of Peace
in Response to the Killing of George Floyd
The Franciscan Sisters of Peace, appalled at the senseless killing of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis, extend our sympathy as we mourn with his family, friends, and the nation. The array of actions of injustice perpetrated against people of color in our nation must cease. We will work together with all people of good will to eliminate racism and white privilege since we believe all are created in God’s image. We believe that every person, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, color, or religion is entitled to dignity and respect. The Franciscan Sisters of Peace are committed to the restoration of peace and justice for all.
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Immigrants Held in Detention Centers
For a number of years, our sisters have been working with First Friends of NJ & NY drawing attention to the plight of immigrant detainees in the Elizabeth Detention Center and three county jails in northern New Jersey. The Franciscan Sisters of Peace have a strong relationship with First Friends, since the mission
of First Friends closely coincides with the congregation’s focus on immigration issues.
The Franciscan Sisters and Associates provide support to First Friends through:- daily prayer intentions
- contribution of stationery supplies and funds to the 'Stamp Out Despair' campaign
- promoting awareness of the vigils, rallies, and fundraisers
Human Trafficking Prevention
Our study and actions on Immigration led us to an awareness of the fact that Trafficking of Human Persons or Modern Day Slavery has become an international industry. It exchanges women, children and men for huge profits to a network of criminals.
In January 2010 a Presidential Proclamation set the month of January as “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention” month. In 2011 the President declared that this should be an annual observance since evidence indicated that modern day slavery abounds in our country and all around the globe.
The Franciscan Sisters of Peace have joined other women's congregations in supporting LifeWay Network which has recently opened a Safe House in New York City to provide shelter and other services to women who have been rescued from sexual slavery.
Corporate Stance
Our congregation has voted unanimously in favor of a Corporate Stance against human Trafficking,
which reads in part:
“We, the Franciscan Sisters of Peace stand in opposition to all forms of human trafficking.
We pledge ourselves to:- Pray to end the injustice of trafficking
- Educate ourselves and others
- Collaborate with organizations to eliminate all forms of trafficking
- Support efforts to assist trafficking victims and survivors
- Use our power as consumers to work against incentives for trafficking.”
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LifeWay Network
LifeWay Network envisions a world in which human trafficking is abolished and every survivor is strong, connected and free.LifeWay Network joins the global movement against human trafficking by providing safe housing for women who have been trafficked and offering education about trafficking to the general public.
LifeWay Network confronts the reality of human trafficking every day by changing the future for women survivors through our Safe Housing Program and increasing awareness and engagement through our Education Program.
Since its founding in 2007, LifeWay Network has emphasized the power of collaboration in creating the slavery-free future we all envision. We believe in bringing people together to form community and address a global issue with significant local impact. Human trafficking occurs around us. It affects people in our neighborhoods. We must join together to end slavery today and empower survivors to reclaim a life of freedom.
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Minores Fund
The Franciscan Sisters of Peace have created a small fund called th
e Minores Fund, to which their members may apply. Grants may be requested for one of two purposes: -
to fund individual sisters for an experience of living and learning in a cultural setting other than their own
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to financially assist the poor in initiating or continuing programs which meet basic needs such as food, medical care or education.
Usually these requests for funds would apply to ministries in which one of our sisters is presently involved. Former association with a particular ministry would also be eligible for funding.
Grant applications are reviewed by the Minores Fund Committee and then forwarded to the General Council for approval. Grant amounts range from $200.00 to $3,000.00. -
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