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Global Concerns    

The Sisters of St. Joseph through the Canadian, French, Italian and United States Federation have enjoyed designation as a United Nations Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) since 1985. Presently Carol Zinn, SSJ is the main representative of the Federations to the UN. In 1999, the Congregations of St. Joseph were accredited through the Economic and Social Council which provides a reciprocal relationship with the United Nations. Sisters not only receive information but can also offer grass-roots feedback to the UN, make written interventions to UN conferences and provide verbal statements on any UN related topic. This is extremely effective because Sisters of St. Joseph and associates are in all parts of the world with direct experience regarding concerns impacting the people with whom they live and work.

Sisters of St. Joseph and Associates today view all of creation as the ‘dear neighbor.’  This has led many congregations to include a deeper appreciation of the universe story and the care of Planet Earth in their vision statements and actions for justice. Sisters participate in and develop a variety of Earth-keeping projects. They network with environmental groups in working for legislation which addresses critical concerns such as global warming, holes in the ozone layer, depleted rain forests and the pollution of rivers, lakes and oceans.

Many congregational properties include organic gardens. Some congregations are committed to using automobiles that operate on natural gas. Students in schools sponsored by Sisters of St. Joseph are sensitized to their responsibility for care of Earth and taught alternatives to abuse of the environment. Sister theologians like Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ offer new and challenging perspectives in developing an Earth-affirming spirituality.

The local congregation in Tipton, has given time to study of The Earth Charter in order to gain a better understanding of how we must each take responsibility for care of the Earth and all her resources.
 

1440 West Division Road, Tipton, Indiana 46072  ·  Phone: 765.675.4146  ·  Fax: 765.675.7471