Social Justice Statements

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The Sisters recognize racism as a social sin in which all people take part and that "every sin has repercussions on the whole human family.” (Pope John Paul ll)
The Sisters recognize racism as a social sin in which all people take part and that "every sin has repercussions on the whole human family.” (Pope John Paul ll)
The Sisters acknowledge the rich contribution made by immigrant people and decry the unjust treatment they endure.
The Sisters acknowledge the rich contribution made by immigrant people and decry the unjust treatment they endure.
The Sisters ask that all who value the non-violent path hear the voices of those affected calling for an end to gun violence, the regulation of firearms, and the monitoring and control of messages of hate.
The Sisters ask that all who value the non-violent path hear the voices of those affected calling for an end to gun violence, the regulation of firearms, and the monitoring and control of messages of hate.
The Sisters believe human trafficking in all its forms is a denial of the presence of Christ in all of us.
The Sisters believe human trafficking in all its forms is a denial of the presence of Christ in all of us.

Sisters' Response to the Tragedy in Christchurch, New Zealand

March 18, 2019

The Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery are deeply saddened by the tragedy that has occurred in the mosques of Christchurch, New Zealand. We join our voices with those of so many others offering prayerful support for our Muslim brothers and sisters, for those killed, for the injured, their families and friends, and for those caring for all affected by this traumatic violence both in Christchurch and around the world.

As Benedictines committed to peace, we recognize that prayer is the catalyst to action and ask that all who value the non-violent path hear the voices of those affected calling for an end to gun violence, the regulation of firearms, and the monitoring and control of messages of hate. We call on leaders who have the power and authority to make these changes to do so now so that this type of violence may never occur again.

Peace, Salaam.

Sister Beverly Raway, Prioress
St. Scholastica Monastery

Response to Gun Violence in Florida by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery

February 16, 2018

 

As Benedictines committed to peace, we recognize that prayer is the catalyst to action and ask that all who value the non-violent path hear the voices of those affected calling for an end to gun violence and the regulation of firearms.

We affirm the statement of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (see below), and join with others who call for the regulation of firearms including the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Council of Churches, and Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence.

May the cries of those affected by this tragedy move the leadership of our country to make the changes needed so this type of violence may never be experienced again.

Sister Beverly Raway, Prioress
St. Scholastica Monastery

St. Scholastica Monastery endorses the Catholic Climate Declaration

June 14, 2018

We endorse the Catholic Climate Declaration as a public expression of support in solidarity with the Catholic community in the United States for action to address climate change.

The Declaration:

  • reflects the Church’s long-standing moral basis for the care of God’s creation, as integral to our care for the life and dignity of all people in our one human family;
  • calls for action on climate change, which threatens our common home and future, and impacts our poor and vulnerable neighbors the most;
  • is an act in prayerful solidarity with the We Are Still In campaign, the largest and most diverse coalition of organizations across American civil society, calling for climate action and U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement;
  • is organized by Catholic Climate Covenant and supported by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

   

With the Catholic Climate Declaration, the U.S. Catholic community:

  • Demonstrates faithful commitment to climate action, consistent with Catholic social teaching that calls upon us to care for our poor and vulnerable neighbors, and to care for creation, so that all people may thrive.
  • Articulates the most significant expression of support for climate action by the Catholic Church in the United States since Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’ in 2015. The Catholic Climate Covenant will announce the number of declaration signatories on June 18, 2018, the third anniversary of Laudato Si’.

You can go the website listed below for more information about the Declaration:

http://www.catholicclimatecovenant.org/catholic-climate-declaration

In March of 2013, the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses approved social justice statements on gun violence and human trafficking. In February 2017, they added statements on racism and immigration.

These can be read by clicking on the links below each prayer.

A heartfelt thanks to the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica for allowing us to use their artwork and prayers.

Prayer to End Racism

Read Social Justice Statement on Racism

Prayer for Migrants & Refugees

Read Social Justice Statement on Immigration and Refugees

A Prayer for the End of Human Trafficking

Read Social Justice Statement on Ending Human Trafficking

A Prayer to End Gun Violence

Read Social Justice Statement on Ending Gun Violence

“Our humanity comes to its fullest bloom in giving. We become beautiful people when we give whatever we can give: a smile, a handshake, a kiss, an embrace, a word of love, a present, a part of our life...all of our life.”
–Henri Nouwen