Our most recent Chapter Acts call us to re-examine and deepen our responses to the challenges of our times. The following links provide information that can help us take a fresh look at the Acts.
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Response to the HIV/AIDS crisis
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Response to the crisis of our environment
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Response to the need for dialogue within the Church
• Response to the need for dialogue with other cultures and religious traditions
Our two corporate stands:
The SNJM Corporate Stand against trafficking in women and children:
The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary stand in support of human rights by opposing the trafficking in women and children for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor. We will educate ourselves and others regarding the magnitude, causes and consequences of this abuse, both wherever we are missioned and throughout the world.
Through our NGO affiliates, the SNJM Justice and Peace Network and our other justice efforts, alone and in collaboration with other religious congregations, advocacy groups, and nongovernmental organizations, we will advocate for policies and programs that address the prevention of trafficking or provide alternatives to women and children in danger of being trafficked.
Corporate stand on water:
The Sisters and Associates of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary affirm that:
• Water is a sacred gift that connects all life.
• Access to clean water is a basic human right.
• The value of the earth's freshwater to the common good takes priority over any possible commercial value.
• Freshwater is a shared legacy, a public trust and a collective responsibility.
Therefore, we support actions and policies that:
1. Ensure universal access to sufficient, affordable, safe water for all people, especially the most vulnerable.
2. Protect freshwater as a sustainable, renewable resource.
3. Implement the objectives of the UN Millennium Goals on water.
We oppose actions and policies that:
1. Endanger the world's supply of freshwater.
2. Deprive humans and other species access to adequate, safe water essential for life.
3. Favor the privatization of water as a commodity to be bought and sold for profit when in reality it is a heritage we all hold in common.
Video: The Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center in Seattle recently announced the winners of its first "Just Video" contest for high schools. "Water Realities" by Laura Jansen of Marin Catholic High School, Homewood, Illinois, took first place.
Below: Sisters and Associates of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary are called to re-examine and deepen our response to the challenges of our times:
