Statement for justice with peace made by the Carmelite Communities Associated [CCA] at their 23rd national meeting in Faulkner , Md.
BALTIMORE – June 14
“We are Discalced Carmelites, women religious of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, a contemplative Order in the Roman Catholic Church. Our Order has Associations and Federations throughout the world. Founded in 1970, CCA is one of four Associations of Carmelite monasteries in the United States. The five goals of our association are in the areas of prayer/witness, person, community, unity/pluriformity, government (preparation of the nuns to participate in decision making in areas affecting their lives).
As followers of Jesus Christ, we stand in solidarity with all civilians and military personnel who suffer injury and violence in Iraq and in other war-torn countries of our world. In the spirit of Elijah the Prophet, the inspiration of our Order, and the Virgin Mary, our patroness and first disciple of Jesus, we are impelled to give a prophetic witness that arises from our Carmelite life of prayer and contemplation.
We join our voices to those of the whole human family as it strives for true justice whose fruit is peace. Our God is the God of love and of peace. We feel the anguish of the children, women and men suffering the atrocities of war and famine. Our prayer is for the oppressed, that they be given relief and freedom and for the oppressors, that they come ‘…back to their senses.’(1 Kings 18:37 )
We are deeply pained by our American government's inordinate attachment to military might and action as a way of intervening in areas of conflict. This blunts the national conscience and blinds those serving in political offices to seeking other responsible means available for justice and peace such as diplomatic efforts, negotiation, increased commitment to dialogue with allies and the United Nations, etc.
We encourage all world leaders, particularly our President, George W. Bush, and the government of the United States to promote justice with peace through generous humanitarian aid (aid which respects the culture and particular needs of the people being helped), economic development, the right to suffrage and education for the peoples of all the nations, regardless of religion, gender and ethnicity.
Peace is a gift that is given and received. At this time in the history of our world, every person has a responsibility to seek justice with peace, to preserve it by passing it on to others. We call, especially, upon our President, the administration and all public servants to make unselfish efforts to attain this goal. We find direction in the words of the prophet Micah: ‘Act justly, love goodness and walk humbly with your God’ (6:8). ”
