I N T E R C O M M U N I T Y P E A C E & J U S T I C E C E N T E R

This issue: Accountability in Government, Corporations, Media, Church No. 67 Summer 2005

We Are What We Eat Kathy McNeely of John the Baptist—who bore acquisition of wealth. Faith com- he bread with which we nour- good news, and talked straight. munities and churches, perhaps t ish ourselves has everything What kind of straight talk do we get intoxicated by the lure of power or to do with becoming more from media today? threatened by the Kathy McNeely is accountable to the Judeo-Chris- Media messages fear of powerless- are void of “good ness, sometimes Associate Director tian traditions of covenant and Many corporations discipleship. Our stomachs and news,” unless that fail to speak truth of the Corporate would rather keep Accountability bodies will let us know how news is encap- to these pow- Project at Center accountable we have sulated in sound people hungry than ers that laugh in of Concern. www. been when the belly bites to promote lose a profit. the face of coc.org. aches, the heart burns, a product or a accountability. To or the buzz of caf- political point of truly speak out, feine keeps us from view. Most of people of faith sleeping at night. the time media bombard us must embrace the role of servant Accountability is with “bad news” which serves leader; we must be willing to that direct—it is to keep us living in fear of our risk the stability to which we so taking responsi- neighbors rather than willing tightly cling. bility and being to serve that neighbor. The biblical grounds on willing to answer It is difficult to satiate the which the nations shall be judged to any and all of hunger for profit and power represent an entirely different our actions and demonstrated by multina- set of criteria: giving food and inactions. tional corporations who drink to the hungry and thirsty, act with impunity. Many welcoming the stranger, cloth- Binge and Purge corporations would rath- ing the naked, and visiting the If we look at er keep people hungry sick and imprisoned. Given the what we are “fed” than lose a profit. A day U.S. Government’s record on by our societal of rest for workers is poverty in the face of outlandish institutions: the me- hard to come by in many affluence, its flagrantly restrictive dia, corporations, countries. Monopoly, immigration policy, and its government, and control, and the appalling betrayals of trust such the church, it is expanse of as the Iraqi prison abuse scandal, not hard to imag- power are it seems that many people in the ine why there are the op- U.S. government have turned some 850 million erative their backs on true accountability, hungry people in themes; all the while shamelessly claiming the world, while oth- their influ- the high ground on a select set of ers battle obesity. ence on gov- “moral values.” We expect the media to bring ernments has assured We are in a wilderness without news, not unlike the biblical model corporate executives that new laws much accountability, but the good

and treaties will facilitate their news is that the Judeo-Christian1 tradition comes directly out of respect the Sabbath as a day is something that Martin Luther the wilderness and desert expe- of rest. God set them free, but King, Jr. did very well. “With riences. So there is hope. Society demanded obedience and obser- only the powerless at his side, he can become more accountable. In vance of the Sabbath. This was formulated actions that would the gospel of Luke, John’s is the the essential covenant—they were provoke and make visible the voice crying in the wilderness: “… made free to serve God and, in re- institutional violence of racism.” prepare the way of the Lord, King insisted that racism be make his paths straight.” seen as a moral and spiritual (Lk 3:4) When asked how sickness. He addressed the “We are called to live a radically people are to act, John tells soul of people in the U.S. them: “The man who has new kind of life that challenges He called the nation to re- two tunics is to share with society’s lack of accountability.” pent—and as many people him who has none; and responded, the spirit of the he who has food is to do nations began to change. likewise” (Lk 3:11). This is Our society’s institutions good news for those who respect turn, God fed and sustained them have fed us an unhealthy diet leav- Sabbath and Jubilee, but for those as they wandered in the desert. ing us to believe that fear, avarice, who have much to lose, these in- Jesus also experienced hunger and misguided power are the final terpretations are only selectively in the desert. He faced the temp- words. But as Christians we know applied or totally forgotten. tations of bread, power, and fame. that it is only through committing He chose none of these options, ourselves to the work of service A Diet of Biblical Justice but emerged from the wilderness and justice that we can be freed. Once freed from Egyptian to preach good news to the poor The covenant made in the desert slavery, our ancestors wandered and release to the captives, to still applies—if we serve God, we in the desert facing hunger, bring sight to the blind, and to will be sustained. Like John the despair, and temptation. Their proclaim the “acceptable year Baptist, who ate locusts and wild liberation is an essential defining of the Lord.” This would be the honey, we can prepare the way for moment; but their wanderings Jubilee year, “par excellence,” Jesus in this world. We can choose were also significant because bringing on the age of salvation. a diet of manna from heaven. it was in the desert that laws In the Jubilee, or Sabbath year, As the servant leader, Jesus not were given to guide their fragile the soil is left fallow, debts are only serves a meal as the central society. remitted, slaves are freed, and act through which he asks to be Our ancestors received man- family property is returned to remembered, but he becomes na from God, “…each gathered each individual. The essential law the bread of life, the manna that according to what they could eat” of Sabbath—taking only what you is “just enough” to nourish and (Ex 16: 18). They were able to need while respecting a day of rest, strengthen his followers. take just enough to feed them- including the Sabbath or Jubilee As disciples we are called to selves each day, except on the year—has all but been forgotten live a radically new kind of life sixth day, when they brought in in this 21st century. Sabbath and that challenges society’s lack of twice as much, so that they could Jubilee depend on radical trust in accountability and seeks to trans- God to provide what is needed. form it to liberation. We must RECIPE for Biblical Justice Through this radical trust, we “become what we eat,” choosing discover true freedom. the bread of life, service, and ¼ cup Wild Honey & Humor justice. We must make visible 1 cup Locusts & Love Which Vision Do We Feed? the lack of accountability in our 2 cups Critical Analysis ½ tsp Yeast (dialogue) Change is possible, but, as institutions and demand that those 1 tbsp Political Action Walter Wink claims in his book in power fill all who hunger with 2 cups Conflict Resolution Naming the Powers, “only if the good things. spirit as well as the forms of Power In a large bowl of prayer, mix with grace. Let rise. are touched.” He writes that this Serve warmly. 2

Telling the Story of Hurt Marie Marchand another and involved themselves eties. Then, and only then, will s a starting point in in the political process through the future have less chance of a considering government Reconciliation Learning Cir- repeating the horrors of the past. accountabil- cles. This year will mark the fifth Ubuntu ity, we look to two anniversary of “Bridge Walks,” Marie Marchand cultures for insight. when hundreds of thousands of The word Ubuntu comes from is the editor of A Indigenous and non-Indigenous the Zulu and Xhosa languages, The Stolen Generations Matter of Spirit. Australians walked together for and translates into “I am because “Eyes need to be opened, reconciliation. we are.” Affirming the universal ears unstopped, and hands and The Indigenous Peoples of bond that connects all of humanity, bodies set free to hear and act Australia still suffer from extreme Ubuntu was a founding principle on the plight of so many in our social disadvantage as a result of the post-apartheid South Afri- can Republic. How community. Until reconciliation is of colonization © Sheila Smart entwined within the fabric of and the stealing do people move our Australian identity, we will of generations of from apartheid to remain fractured in this land of their children. Ubuntu? promise and plenty,” said Rev Their life expec- The South Afri- John Henderson, speaking on tancy rates are can Truth and Rec- behalf of the National Council 19 years less than onciliation Com- of Churches in Australia.1 The those of non-In- mission (TRC), first Sorry Day was held on May digenous Austra- chaired by Nobel 26, 1998, one year after Bringing lians, and they Peace Prize Lau- Them Home was issued to the are imprisoned reate Bishop Des- Australian public. This powerful at 16 times the mond Tutu, was created in 1995 to report documented how Aborig- rate of non-In- Aboriginal girl in face paint. inal and Torres Strait Islander digenous people. publicly document children were removed from Sorry Day organizers hope that human rights vi- their families as a means of forced the annual recognition will help olations that occurred during assimilation into a white colonizer repair and heal the visible legacies apartheid. Historical precedent culture. The Inquiry concluded of colonization. for truth commissions emerged that between one-in-three and “We hope that this year we from Latin American countries as one-in-ten Indigenous children will see Sorry Day used to better organized public responses to were forcibly removed from their understand our history,” wrote the violence of outgoing military 2 the National Sorry Day regimes. South Africa’s TRC was Committee. “We hope the first truth commission to have politicians participate. On the first Sorry Day, one that communities will gather all over the coun- Upholding political and exis- million Australians apologized try, to hear each other’s tential goals, the TRC sought first to their Indigenous neighbors. stories, acknowledge the and foremost to give victims the hurts and injustices, and chance to speak their truth and commit ourselves togeth- be heard. During its 244 days, the er to work for justice and TRC recorded 21,000 victim communities from 1910 to 1970. healing”. statements—thousands of which On the first Sorry Day, one Sorry Day reminds us that were aired worldwide over televi- million Australians apologized healing cannot happen solely sion and radio. to their Indigenous neighbors among the victims of ongoing A majorcontinued function middle of ofthe page TRC 5 by writing in Sorry Books, while historical violence, but that it was the granting of amnesty. If it people dialogued with one must happen within whole soci-

3 Business As “Un”usual Mary Rose and Karl Ostrom economic citizenship. Managing ation in the global marketplace he recent movie The Corpo- for economic, environmental, that are more stringent than in ration portrays corporations and social benefit simultaneously the United States. Countries t around the world are working to as having the characteristics is commonly referred to as the of a psychopath without any of Triple Bottom Line. Is this simply reduce greenhouse gas emissions the accountability an individual a choice made by a few ethical through regulation and alterna- would have who exhibited similar CEOs while the bad guys keep on tive technologies. The U.S. has behavior. Sadly, there is a great with business as usual? Or is this, been reluctant to enforce clean- deal of truth in that portrayal. It in fact, a good business model with air regulations and adopt other raises powerful questions about rewards in the marketplace even standards that might impinge on accountability for corporations. greater than those of corporations America’s “license to do business To whom are corporations who are on “a race to the bottom”? as usual.” U.S. companies are Mary Rose and accountable? How can a business, falling behind in manufacturing Karl Ostrom Global Drivers once so focused on the single competitiveness and new technol- are directors bottom line of profit, become an Today’s proactive corporations ogies leadership. of the Network are driven by a number of factors Global media coverage and for Business integrated, contributing member Innovation and of its community? How can com- that are making management for internet communications are Sustainability. panies ensure that the people who the Triple Bottom Line a require- increasing public attention on the give of their life’s labor are treated ment for success. source of products and the im- with dignity in recognition of their In the global marketplace, pact of their creation. Sweatshop full humanity? streamlining production and working conditions in the devel- The world in which corpora- reducing costs play a critical role in oping world have caused major tions operate is rapidly changing, company competitiveness. Toyota, companies severe embarrass- holding companies increasingly for example, has reduced cost and ment and loss of revenue. Global accountable to a wider circle of increased productivity through companies no longer operate stakeholders. Companies that lean manufacturing techniques. overseas with impunity: they respond proactively are retooling As a result, the company has had are increasingly monitored and for success. more money to invest in develop- exposed by consumer groups, The new marketplace offers ing new technologies such as the NGOs, religious communities, drivers and incentives that are hybrid car. and government agencies here leading corporations to greater American companies must and abroad. global/social, environmental, and comply with standards of oper-

BIG BUSINESS, s m a l l s t e p s s m a l l b u s i n e s s , BIG STEPS Social demands and shareholder pressure are urging these com- Since their modest beginnings, these businesses have been com- panies to become life-giving and sustainable. mitted to sustainable practices that give back to the community.

Ford Motor Company One of the first to provide preven- Ben and Jerry’s ­­ Issues yearly “Social and Environmental tion and treatment of HIV-AIDS Assessment.” ­­ among its workers in South Africa.­ Pays a Living Wage of $9.98/hr. ­­ Johnson and Johnson Will disclose its campaign contri- Sources from women- & minority- owned butions, with independent directors businesses & sustainable farms. overseeing the process.­ Patagonia­­ 1% of sales goes to environmental groups. Procter & Gamble ­­­ Launched Millstone Mountain Moon- light Fair Trade Certified coffee. Plant in Reno has carpet made of 100% recycled polyester and office walls made FedEx Announced that it will add 75 from compressed field straw. hybrid trucks to its delivery fleet.

4 Global Incentives investment. of triple bottom line manage- Today’s proactive corporations Companies who set strict ment is the impact on employee are reaping the incentives of the guidelines for suppliers and morale and productivity. It is no Triple Bottom Line in the global vendors, and require factory surprise that companies aligning market place. Alternative ener- certifications, protect themselves values and ethics with business gy, environmen- from exposure practices attract and retain a loy- tal engineering, through their al workforce. Good morale and and sustainable supply chains. healthy environments increase “Today’s proactive building design Investments in productivity. and construction corporations renewable energy The cause for reforming are among the are reaping the and closed loop corporations to better serve the fastest-growing incentives of the systems protect planet, people and, yes, profit- sectors of the Triple Bottom Line.” against price vol- ability is coming together in the economy. They atility and scarci- movement for Sustainable Busi- offer new and di- ty. The “Precau- ness. Intelligent, heart-centered versified business tionary Princi- people are working within cor- opportunities and a competitive ple”—exercising caution when it porations to align their practices leading edge. Companies listed comes to chemicals, medicines, with the needs and challenges on the Dow Jones Sustainability genetically engineered substanc- of our global community. The Index are consistently doing better es, and other potential threats to combination of global regulation than other companies. Socially life health and environment—is and demonstrated sound business responsible investment funds are a management guideline that opportunity is filling the sails of outperforming other investment reduces the risk of brand loss and those who will lead corporations funds, and sustainably-managed lawsuits. into the new paradigm for triple companies are attracting more An often overlooked advantage bottom line success. continued from page 3 not bring the changes that would REFLECTION could be proven that a crime was enable Black South Africans to rise QUESTIONS politically motivated, and the person up out of poverty. agreed to tell the whole truth about Charity Kondile, a South 1. What would a “Reconciliation Week” look the crime, the perpetrator could African woman whose son was killed like in the US? petition for amnesty. Out of the in a particularly abhorrent way, said, 10,000 people who made petitions, “It is easy for Mandela and Tutu 2. Name an example of 849 were granted amnesty. to forgive…[T]hey lead vindicated violence from our history The award-winning documen- lives. In my life, nothing, not a single as a nation that could begin to heal through tary Long Night’s Journey Into thing, has changed since my son was a day of reconciliation. Day explores the complex issue burnt by barbarians…Therefore I of granting amnesty to convicted cannot forgive.”3 3. What are the limits of murderers because current political The tasks of re-membering a “day” of mourning or a “week” of apology. circumstances may have induced a violent past and changing the them to commit the crimes. shape of the future are daunt- 4. Name a step you would Critics of the amnesty provision ing to say the least. Despite the like to take to restore claim that amnesty means amne- reality of its shortcomings, and its justice to a broken relationship in your life or sia, and that reconciliation cannot awesome learning curve, South Af- your community. happen in the absence of justice. rica’s Truth and Reconciliation Com- Many also claim that, while the mission stands as an international History, despite its TRC worked to address human model for the power of truth-telling wrenching pain, rights violations, it blatantly failed in healing historical harms. cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, to make concrete changes, such as 1 Journey of Healing, National Sorry Day Committee, 2004 need not be lived again. redistribution of land, housing, and 2 Bronwyn Leebaw, University of California —Maya Angelou jobs. The end of apartheid alone did 3 Trading Truth for Justice? Susie Linfield 5 Media: For the People Joel Connelly guid Washington, D.C. press corps. and through his column. s the rights group Freedom Bernstein is correct when he talks The Bottom Line House releases its annual of TV news being taken over by “an a Fewer and fewer owners con- survey of independence in idiot culture.” the media, timed to World Press Three factors are central to trol more and more of the nation’s Joel Connelly is a Freedom Day, the United States has the media culture’s unsatisfactory newspapers and TV networks. staff columnist for Performance is often—but not the Seattle PI. grown accustomed to high marks. performance. Not this year. always—defined in terms of profit. Legal Fetters The U.S. found itself tied It is unfair to generalize. for 24th among 194 countries, In the words of Freedom House, I have spent 32 years with the having suffered what Freedom the U.S. score declined in part be- Seattle Post-Intelligencer, owned House described as “notable cause of “a number of legal cases by the Hearst Corp. In the 1970’s, setbacks” in the ability of the press in which prosecutors sought to we started raising questions about to do its job. compel journalists to reveal sources water quality in Puget Sound, and Reasons for the lower grade or turn over notes or other material the safety of oil tanker operations in are not hard to fathom. As former they had gathered in the course of our inland waterway. We’re still at it. Washington Post reporter Carl investigations.” Other signs aren’t so good. Bernstein, of Watergate fame, The best-known case involves Speaking to Kansas editors, Bern- recently put it, “You can’t serve the reporters Judith Miller of the stein cited the first installment of public good without truth as the New York Times and Matthew ABC’s news magazine “Prime Time bottom line.” Cooper of Time. Both face prison Live,” in which Diane Sawyer asked In the United States, the press sentences for refusal to disclose Donald Trump’s then-girlfriend has been a vital—if sporadic— sources in a case where the Marla Maples if her relationship check on the excesses of power. name of a CIA covert agent was with the mogul had resulted in “the It was Edward R. Murrow, prod- publicly revealed. No action has best sex you’ve ever had.” uct of Blanchard, Washington and been taken against conservative The same week, Nelson Man- WSU, who confronted the red bait- pundit Robert Novak, whose dela went home to Soweto after ing smears of Sen. Joseph McCarthy. column named the agent. 27 years in a South African prison, Walter Cronkite helped turn around and the two Germanys agreed on Official Influence public opinion on Vietnam with his reunification. post-Tet Offensive “We are Mired With the Fox News Channel, Coverage of these events was, in Stalemate” broadcast of 1968. and conservative AM radio, the alas, trumped by Trump. Four years later, with President Bush Administration has creat- What is to be done? Don’t get ed what amounts to a mad. Get active—constructively. state media in the Unit- Support those engaged in the Fewer and fewer owners control ed States. Beyond that, increasingly risky business of more and more of the nation’s the administration has questioning authority. Just remember the famous scene newspapers and TV networks. sought to limit use of the Freedom of Information outside Independence Hall in Act. It has paid journal- 1787. A Mrs. Powell of Philadel- ists to espouse the party phia asked Benjamin Franklin, Nixon poised to top sixty percent line without disclosing their official “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a of the vote, The Washington Post sponsors. republic or a monarchy.” pursued theWatergate story. The best-known case: Conserva- Mr. Franklin responded, Nowadays, such cases of tive African-American pundit Arm- “A republic, if you can keep it.” courage are nigh impossible to strong Williams was paid $240,000 We may be No. 24, but it’s still find, particularly given our celeb- to promote the “No Child Left a free country: The public are its rity-driven national media and lan- Behind” program on his TV show keepers.

6 By the People Susan Gleason & Jonathan Lawson address marginalized constituen- radio stations—noncommercial, n a time when newspaper cies, including working-class peo- listener-supported, and often circulation is dropping ple, women, and people of color, volunteer-staffed—provide the i nationwide and commercial on their own terms. most diverse programming and radio stations are bracing against Community-based alternatives much of the best in public affairs. perceived competition from new provide a venue for information Stations like Vancouver’s CFRO, technologies such as satellite relatively free from commercial Bellevue’s KBCS, and Spokane’s radio and podcasting, many news concerns, and from the indistinct KYRS offer community members consumers are choosing non- but ever-present filters of the the chance to make their own largest corporate-owned media radio to entertain and inform a networks. Independent media diverse range of listeners, and to journalists are often more inclined train a new generation of citizen “Our northwest region Susan Gleason and to freely criticize powerful inter- media makers. Dozens of new Jonathan Lawson enjoys a long history of ests, particularly government and local, noncommercial Low Power are co-directors of diverse, enterprising, corporate power, than those in FM (LPFM) stations are on the Reclaim the Media. independent media corporate media institutions. air already in our region, with voices.” Corporate media make billions many more under construction or of dollars in advertising, syndica- awaiting permits. tion, and ancillary revenues. By Yet, for their valued diversity, contrast, independent media are many of these stations are chron- traditional sources of news to generally funded by the passion- ically under-resourced—lacking augment or even replace main- ate, appreciative reading/viewing/ stream newspapers and network listening audiences they serve. broadcasts. Community-run radio Many of these media organiza- “If some day they take away the stations are drawing new and tions are non-profits and radio station from us . . . if they don’t let us speak, if they kill all dedicated listeners to alternative must supplement their the priests and the bishop too, and news programs like Democracy audience support with you are left a people without priests, each one of Now!. Community media au- donations and foun- you must become God’s microphone, each one of you diences seek out and support dation grants. Many must become a prophet.” media that are unafraid to chal- independent media producers —Archbishop Oscar Romero lenge corporate and state pow- volunteer their labor or work for er—media that serve the public’s negligible compensation. right to know over and above the network structure of NPR Northwest Independent the interests of shareholders and Media stations or the funding base of advertisers. Fortunately, indepen- commercial stations. A new proj- dent media is on the rise. Our northwest region enjoys ect, spearheaded by Reclaim the These media alternatives a long history of diverse, en- Media and KBCS, hopes to raise are on the rise for a number of terprising, independent media the profile of community radio reasons. Critical viewers and voices, including groundbreaking in our region by establishing a listeners seek respite from the labor and radical publications northwest community radio net- cheap reiterations of sensational- like the Union Record, La Expre- work—the first such collaboration istic stories that crowd out more sion, and the Helix. The region in the United States. The result substantial news on commercial also contributed to the birth of will be another step forward in networks. At the same time, all the freeform radio movement the expansion of a citizen-based, news outlets are suffering from to which Portland’s KBOO grassroots media system geared increasing public distrust, which and Everett’s KSER trace their for participation, collaboration, has been fueled, in part, by the lineage. and democracy. media’s own frequent failures to Today, the region’s community See Resources on the back page for a list of independent media. 7 2020 Vision: Accountability in the Catholic Church

Sadie Rodriguez-Hawkins My sisters and brothers, the choice olic, mother, and grandmother, I Change in is ours. find myself looking into the past our church In today’s church, we do not and toward the future, asking a comes slowly. always embrace those who are very similar question: Why would However, we different and those who bring new God fill us with gifts and hopes if all have the ideas to the table. We are generally she didn’t expect us to use them? capacity to most content when things stay I love my Catholic tradition; dream and, in the same. We do not however, I am no lon- Sadie is an adjunct ger willing to wait for professor at Seattle turn, to make like to “rock the boat.” University. our dreams However, we have no “We have no a small and isolat- come true. I choice but to rock the choice but to ed group of men to boat if we want our give women disciples dream of a church infused with rock the boat church to be different. permission to follow the gifts of the Holy Spirit, whose if we want our doors are open to all who knock. We cannot expect God’s call. I am ready church to be Its members embrace to keep on doing the to step forward and be diversity and the same thing and get different.” the person God calls preferential different results. Jesus me to be without res- option for the did not ask us to “play ervation or hedging. poor. Most it safe.” He challenged My hope for importantly, us to love the sinner, the margin- the church—the living body of my church alized, and those who suffer. He Christ—is that we will become of the future had a preference for the poor. He less an organization of orderly delights in died so we might have new life. and well-behaved laity and more the fact that How can we do less? a community of disciples who all voices are In the words of Edwina Gate- will take the same risks as Jesus. I created equal. ley, “We must fly, dance, give birth, envision a community less worried Dreams such and stand before the altar of God about rules and orthodoxy and as these can only be- and say here I am, this is my body.” more concerned with the quality come a reality when we are will- Will you join me? of our relationship with all of God’s creation. ing to set aside prejudice, pride, Linda Kobe-Smith and powerlessness; and when we The future of our Catholic tra- clothe ourselves with the armor “Why would God give us all dition is in our hands: the hands of prayer. We are not alone; many this life, if he of ordinary women and men of others share a similar dream. didn’t want vision. We must choose to live our I recently attended the North- us to use it?” lives according to the invitation west Catholic Women’s Convo- This haunt- Jesus sets before us. We can use cation with two-thousand other ing ques- the gifts and promises God has faith-filled women. I came home tion threads given us, or we can continue to with renewed hope fostered by the through the surrender those gifts to an isolated Linda is a member award-win- and fearful hierarchy who decides voices of many powerful women. of St. Ann’s Parish These voices encourage us not in Spokane. ning play, if our gifts are of value. only to dream, but to stretch and Shirley Val- There is a Portuguese proverb reach for the church of the future. entine, whose that says, “A life lived in fear is a As Sister Elizabeth Johnson said, central character is a middle-aged life half lived.” My hope for the “You can’t choose your time in housewife who travels to Greece, people of God is that we will put history, this is our moment—the proving it is never too late to pur- aside our fear and openly live only time we’re going to have. Do sue one’s dreams. I draw inspira- out—with courage and trust—the we contribute or do we opt out?” tion from Shirley. As a cradle Cath- gifts God has given us. 8 Father Roger O’Brien 2020. Here is where I would begin: faith community accountable to I will be Letting quality liturgy and the embodiment of the gospel surprised if effective catechesis be a major by living sustainably with the our church priority in dioceses and parishes. Earth and uplifting the margin- looks substan- Empowering lay people alized. I experience the Spirit tially different to live in the world as apostles calling women of today to a future in 2020. with the freedom to express their priesthood and an environmental Bene- opinions concerning church revolution. Roger is a retired governance and the selection of People of all faith traditions priest of the Seattle dict XVI will Archdiocese. undoubt- pastors and bishops. participate in the Eucharist today. edly con- Validating the role of women There are enough priests because tinue John Paul II’s style for who, at present, occupy 82% of all women’s gifts are celebrated internal priorities by resisting formal ministries in U.S. parishes. through the restoration of the participative decision-making, Providing job security and a female diaconate and women’s collegiality, the will to explain (not living wage to lay ecclesial minis- ordination. Men and women just assert), and open discussion ters, with special support for lay called to both priesthood and on forbidden topics, e.g., access ministry in poor parishes. marriage are ordained as married to Eucharist, a married priest- Little of this may be achieved priests. Trained hood, and women priests. How by 2020. But mini steps help. in homiletics, Reform always happens from the laity shares can someone who said Protestants “Kingdom values shape within, never from the top down. diverse experi- suffer from defects cultivate institutional change.” genuine ecumenical relations? It happens in small cells like the ences of grace How can such a previously Intercommunity Peace and Jus- and accountabil- divisive figure heal polarization tice Center, Voice of the Faithful, ity during their in our church? Tent City efforts, AIDS Care reflections at mass. The pro-life The modern-day Catholic Giver Teams, and in vibrant com- movement encompasses all life Church must provide leadership munities of worship such as our issues: war, death penalty, eutha- on global issues such as poverty, Cathedral. nasia, and abortion in light of the solidarity with the poor, econom- “The essential things in history environmental challenges of over- ic justice, evangelization, the always begin with the small, more population, global climate change, challenge of Islam, normalizing convinced communities”—wise decreased biodiversity, and malnu- Chinese Catholicism, HIV-AIDS, words shared recently by… Ben- trition/over-consumption. and bioethical technology. edict XVI. These visions for the church of 2020 are encompassed by a As we approach 2020, it Hana Truscott would help mightily if we could broader vision in which church acknowledge that what matters is It is Pen- hierarchy is a collaboration of God’s kingdom, not the church. tecost Sun- women and men, fully repre- Kingdom values shape institution- day, 2020. All senting the diversity of Catholic al change. gather around communities worldwide. The key It would also help if we could the Eucha- is to work within our own com- deepen our commitment to being rist table with munities, one step at a time, in a humble church, radically com- joy and in dialogue with other communities. Hana is a student at celebration One in Spirit and diversity, I look mitted to justice-making. Mother Seattle University. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Only of the Spir- to a Church that celebrates unity where the church is poor will it be it’s presence. rather than uniformity. Everyday authentically church.” She stirs individuals, moving is Pentecost, as the Spirit calls us One could wish for accountable the Catholic Church toward a into Her vision for the Church— diocesan practices to be started by more inclusive Body of Christ: a promising to rock our world! 9 intercommunity

Catholic Schools Advocacy Day—a First High School and Middle School students gathered in Olympia on April 12, 2005 to:  Discuss and debate issues of hunger, housing, healthcare, and childcare  Be inspired to action by a presentation from Brian Mack of Seattle Prep  Meet legislators from their districts to share their perspectives  Join Governor Christine Gregoire as she signed a bill into law  Return to their schools with a legislative advocacy tool kit Justice Circles Unprecedented Response to Plague Recent victories for low-income and AIDS is now acknowledged as the worst plague humankind has ever faced. Years from immigrant women. now people will ask about AIDS, as in the holocaust, How could they have known and failed to act?* We know the statistics: millions living with HIV; millions dying of AIDS; Mattawa—Entre Mujeres whole villages of orphans. How can we know this and fail to act? This Women’s Justice Circle has formed an ongoing relationship with the mayor, This year Northwest Coalition for Responsible Investment members, in collaboration chief of police, and sheriff to address their with the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, filed shareholder resolutions concerns about domestic violence. The with the major US pharmaceutical companies and the biotech firm, Gilead Sciences, city provided women with cell phones for asking for a report on how they are responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. 911 calls. The mayor has asked the Justice NWCRI was the primary filer with Gilead Sciences where we received an Circle participants to support her request unprecedented vote of 24% in support of our resolution. This vote indicates that for funds for a bi-lingual police officer. shareholders know the terrible human and economic consequences of this pandemic Olympia—Evergreen Vista and are taking action. Our goal for this year is to dialogue with Gilead Sciences Women testified before the InterCity about making their products more accessible for those being ravaged by this plague. Transit Authority on their struggles to *Salih Booker, African Action board with the current child stroller policy. The board voted by an overwhelming Young Adult Interfaith Justice Series majority to take up the issue and research Zen Buddhist Rev. Genjo Marinello led an exploration of Buddhism and justice as the and report back. The results are pending. Series came to a close on May 3rd. The format of learning, contemplation, and dialogue Seattle—CASA Latina was embraced by young adults. As a result, young adults are calling for opportunities As the Justice Circle formed to address to follow-up with collaborative interfaith actions for justice. legislation targeting immigrants, Congress passed the “Real ID Act.” The women shifted their focus to meet with the Governor’s office to discuss the state implications of passage of the bill and to organize on behalf of undocumented immigrants.

Spring 2005 Yakima Women’s Justice Circle Rev. Genjo Marinello with participants 10 peace & justice center

Northwest Catholic Women’s Convocation III On April 22, 2005 the third Northwest Catholic Women’s Convocation convened 2000 women to:

Inspire Hope! Nurture Hope! Embody Hope!

To be an Uprising of Hope for justice!

To be an Uprising of Hope in our spirituality!

To be an Uprising of Hope for our Earth community!

A glimpse of the Convocation in pictures and participant’s comments… Music CD—Uprising of Hope “It was marvelous to encounter so many younger women who feel encouraged by the Great music from the Convocation Convocation.”—Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ for use in prayer and ritual is available from IPJC: “The three keynote speakers showed such courage and spoke with incredible hope.”

$10 plus $2 shipping (USD), “It is a privilege to be part of a movement of prophetic renewal and courageous vision.” (206) 223-1138, IPJC, 1216 NE 65th St, Seattle, WA 98115

You can order CDs and audiotapes of many of the weekend’s presentations by visiting www.aven.com or calling 1-800-810-8273.

“My hopes were met for a new, possible Catholic women’s vision.” Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ The Convocation Choir “Thank you for this life-giving ‘blood transfusion’ of hope!” “The whole event, beginning to end, was like an oasis nourishing my soul!” “I remembered how proud I can be to be a Catholic woman!”

“I have been to many conferences and this, truly, is one that I will be able ‘to live out of’.”

“It was the best Convocation ever. There was so much preparation, hard work, inspiration, creativity, talent and freedom to let the Spirit to take it even further. The Church was alive and well last weekend in Seattle.” Nancy Murray, OP as Catherine of Siena. Dancers during opening ritual 11 A Matter of Spirit Resources on Accountability is a publication of the Intercommunity Peace Church Accountability Democracy Now!: www.democracynow.org & Justice Center SPONSORING COMMUNITIES Cozzens, Donald. Faith That Dares To Speak. Liturgical Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Adrian Dominican Sisters Press, 2004. Indy Media: www.seattle.indymedia.org Oregon Province Jesuits Oakley, Francis and Bruce M. Russett. Governance, Sisters of the Holy Names Accountability, and the Future of the Catholic Church. Pacific Northwest Community Radio Directory: www. of Jesus and Mary, Washington Province Continuum International, 2004. reclaimthemedia.org Sisters of Providence, Mother Joseph Province Voice of the Faithful: www.votf.org Seattle Community Access Network: www.scantv.org Sisters of St Francis of Philadelphia Media Analysis Sisters of St Joseph of Government Accountability Peace, Western Province Keynote Address to the National Conference on Media Facing the Truth: South African Faith Communities Tacoma Dominicans and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. James Reform by Bill Moyers. November 8, 2003. www. CommonDreams.org AFFILIATE COMMUNITIES Cochrane, John De Gruchy, and Stephen Martin, eds. Benedictine Sisters of Ohio University Press, 1999. Goodman, Amy. The Exception to the Rulers: Exposing Cottonwood, Idaho Benedictine Sisters of Lacey Krog, Antjie. Country of My Skull : Guilt, Sorrow, and Oily Politicians, War Profiteers, and the Media that Love Them. Hyperion, 2004. Benedictine Sisters of the Limits of Forgiveness in the New South Africa. Mt. Angel Three Rivers Press, 2000. McChesney, Robert. Rich Media, Poor Democracy: Religious of the Sacred Heart Bringing Them Home. www.hreoc.gov.au/social_ Communication Politics in Dubious Times. New Press, Sinsinawa Dominicans justice/stolen_children/ 2000. Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Long Night’s Journey Into Day. Facilitator Guide: www. Sustainable Business Sisters of the Holy Names newsreel.org/guides/longnight.htm of Jesus and Mary of Oregon Elkington, John. Cannibals With Forks: The Triple Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Independent Media Bottom Line of 21st Century Business (Conscientious Ursuline Sisters of the Commerce). New Society Publishers, 1998. Roman Union www.CommonDreams.org Osterberg, Rolf. Corporate Renaissance: Business As an EDITORIAL BOARD www.Grist.org Adventure in Human Development. Nataraj Publishing, Judy Byron, OP 1993. Don Comstock www.yesmagazine.org Linda Haydock, SNJM Network for Business Innovation & Sustainability: Pat Higgins KBCS 91.3 FM, Seattle: www.kbcs.org Linda Riggers, SNJM www.nbis.org Roger Yockey KSER 90.7 FM, Everett: www.kser.org Editor: Marie Marchand KUGS 89.3 FM, Bellingham: www.kugs.org Layout: Michael Schwindeller

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