A strategy for justice and peace
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- Published on Tuesday, 04 October 2016 10:45
- Written by editor
October, 2016
We've released a new summary of our strategic plan!
A strategy for justice and peaceIn 2014 and 2015 CFSC underwent a process of re-envisioning and focusing our work and witness for a more peaceful and just world. This process of reflection and discussion led us to develop a strategic plan. We're very pleased to say that we've now distilled this 22 page plan down to a short summary that we hope will be easy to access and understand.
The plan uses stories to explain briefly who we are and the ways our work is making a difference. We encourage you to read and share this snapshot of CFSC: http://quakerservice.ca/plan
CFSC has written in support of COs, will you join us?
American conscientious objectors to the Iraq war came to Canada seeking refuge. Even after voluntarily enlisting one can have a change in belief. This right to conscientious objection to military service is affirmed by multiple UN bodies, including the UN Human Rights Committee (for details see http://www.quno.org/sites/default/files/resources/QUNO%2BCO%2B2011.pdf)
Three COs' cases were due to be heard in September but, perhaps thanks in part to the many Canadians who have been writing to MPs and the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship John McCallum, all three cases have been postponed.
We continue to stand up for the human right to conscientious objection and to call on Canada to finally allow these COs to stay on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Read our letter and consider sending your own! http://quakerservice.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/20160829-Open-Letter-re-COs-in-Canada.pdf
Indigenous Peoples' human rights and the Site C dam
On the 9th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, CFSC co-sponsored a speaking event about the Site C dam. The expert panel included Chief Roland Willson (West Moberly First Nation), lawyer Allisun Rana, Will David (Assembly of First Nations), and Craig Benjamin (Amnesty International). The panel discussed the specific issues of the Site C dam, free, prior, and informed consent, and the contradictory statements and actions made by the federal government. This was a very informative event and we encourage you to learn more by watching a recording: https://youtu.be/db5X36KL75s?t=21m29s
New global framework for peace
The International Day of Peace was September 21st and Canadian Friends Service Committee joined with many Quaker agencies and others on a joint statement. The statement celebrates new commitments made at the United Nations but calls for governments' actions to back up these promises. For example the statement notes,
"We call for decisions at a global level, whether in relation to trade, transnational crime, irresponsible arms flows, tax policy, or peace and security (including terrorism), to be taken in a way that prioritizes local long term needs and perspectives, uses ‘do no harm’ principles, and supports the long term peace, justice and inclusion of the many, rather than the short term priorities of the few."
The Quaker United Nations Office in New York delivered the statement to UN delegations, UN officials, and the peacebuilding community. We hear it was well received. Read it at: http://quakerservice.ca/news/embracing-the-new-global-framework-for-peace/
CFSC active at criminal justice meetings
From September 20-21, CFSC attended meetings of the National Associations Active in Criminal Justice, held in Ottawa. CFSC participated in a consultation and Corrections Roundtable with representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Department of Public Safety, and the Parole Board of Canada.
The agenda included the Criminal Records Act. The Act was changed under the previous government to increase application fees and wait times for a record suspension (formerly a pardon). These legislative changes are punitive. They prevent full reintegration into society, no matter what one's positive contributions have been since committing a criminal offence. CFSC is optimistic that this discussion will lead to positive changes, and looks forward to ongoing participation in the process.
KAIROS seeking Spirited Reflections
Ecumenical justice agency KAIROS is asking member churches, including Canadian Yearly Meeting, to write ethical and theological reflections on the issues facing our world. These Spirited Reflections are used in church services and meetings, and KAIROS posts them each week to its website and Facebook to reach a wider audience. This theological reflection should be 500-800 words, not previously published, with the theme of social justice. It can be linked to a special event or anniversary, or ethically explore an insight relevant to KAIROS. The use of inclusive language is encouraged.
If you would be willing (or if you can recruit others), KAIROS asks you to send them your agreement to prepare a written piece for a specific date over the next year. Email Susan James at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 416 463-5312 x238.
See examples of Spirited Reflections at http://www.kairoscanada.org/category/spirited-reflections
Refugee myths busted
We are members of the Canadian Council for Refugees. They produce many helpful pieces of research and do valuable education and advocacy at a time when anti-migrant and anti-refugee sentiments continue to surface among politicians and the public. You may be interested in their most recent infographic Refugees: myths...busted! http://ccrweb.ca/sites/ccrweb.ca/files/infographic_refugee_myths.pdf
Read CFSC's 2015 statement about our support for refugees at: http://quakerservice.ca/news/canadian-friends-service-committee-deeply-troubled-by-growing-refugee-crisis/
Giving thanks for the life of Fred Franklin
Long-time member of Toronto Monthly Meeting Fred Franklin died early in the morning of September 19th. Fred's faithful work for peace and justice had a major impact on Canadian Friends Service Committee. Before KAIROS was founded, Fred was active in many ecumenical circles, working in particular with The Inter-Church Committee on Refugees (ICCR) and the Inter-Church Committee on Human Rights in Latin America (ICCHRLA).
Fred's work on reforming the criminal justice system to reduce harm was among the driving forces behind CFSC's becoming active in the criminal justice work we continue today. Fred was also a long-time member of Toronto Monthly Meeting's Quaker Committee for Refugees, which CFSC has supported for many years. Until recently, Fred was still going regularly with staff member Eusebio Garcia to visit refugees in the detention centre in Rexdale, Ontario. We give thanks for the life of Fred Franklin and hold his family in the Light.
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