OEF JPIC MINISTRY

Sisters and Brothers:

We had some absolutely wonderful discussions at chapter/convocation this year regarding the ministry of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation.  Out of these discussion emerged a renewed emphasis and rededication to JPIC ministry.

In an effort to help us define what JPIC is and what it is not, we (Bro. Craig Robert Miller and Sr. Katie Cook) your co-animators for JPIC ministry, wish to make some suggestions as to how you can become involved as Franciscans who are committed to work in the areas of social, political, and economic justice, world peace, and environmental justice.

JPIC work can be broken down into essentially two areas.  The first and likely most notable is that of advocacy.  Advocacy in JPIC work means taking up the cause for justice and peace in the world on behalf of all persons and creation, but especially on behalf of the most marginalized and victimized among us.  Advocacy means that we address individual acts of injustice as well as those social, political, and economic systems that initiate and perpetuate injustice. Lobbying legislators and political leaders, conducting educational activities about justice, peace, environmental concerns, public demonstrating in relations to peace and justice matters, and standing up for fair labor and economic policies are just a few of such expression of JPIC advocacy.

The second area of JPIC ministry appears under the rubric of action.  First there is action that is akin to walking with someone or some demographic of individuals who have been victimized by injustice, seeking remedy for their specific situation.  And second, there is action that would likely come under the nomenclature of mission work.  This has to do with bringing comfort to the afflicted, feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and the imprisoned, and many varieties of these ministries we undertake in service and compassion for those with whom Jesus identified himself (Matthew 25:31-40).

We put this before you as both a guideline and grist for the mill of discussion.

Just remember that we may be you Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation co-animators, but it is all of us who are to be animated in the sacred and often challenging ministry of JPIC work.

At the suggestion of our Minister General, we collated some websites to start your own web-search of sites that address JPIC issues, which you can go to by clicking on this link: http://franciscans.com/links-to-others/25-jpic-links.html

Blessings and peace as you serve the Jesus Christ and as you seek to make our world a more just and peaceful place for all of God’s Creation.

Your JPIC Animators,

Bro. Craig Robert Miller, oef

Sr. Katie Cook, oef