eConnections - May 2015

Connecting Peace, Ecology and Justice from the Gospel Perspective

This Month

May is traditionally Mary’s month in the Church. It is also the month when Australian families celebrate mothers. So this month we are featuring items about women.

Jack Evans reflects on Mary as a role model for women and men in today’s society.

Domestic violence is very much an issue in Australia as highlighted by Rosie Batty, Australian of the Year. But Ash Prasad writes about domestic violence from a Pacific Island perspective.

The Abaca Weaving project begun by Brian Gore and the Negros Nine Foundation is having great success in providing new skills and livelihoods for some Filipinas in Negros Occidental where employment opportunities are very limited.

The Culture of Peace bulletin which can be used for parish and school newsletters is about women migrant workers.
As stories of fighting and suffering abound during the Centenary of ANZAC, we feature one amazing story that very few know about. It is also the Centenary of the International Congress of Women at The Hague, Netherlands. In 2015 Women from Europe and USA gathered to discuss how to end World War 1 and called on government leaders to find a way of dealing with conflict through negotiation in order to prevent future wars.

We hope you find these articles thought-provoking and encourage you to share them.

Anne Lanyon
Co-ordinator for Peace, Ecology and Justice Centre

Image: http://goo.gl/YdmIIW 

	Peace, Ecology and Justice For centuries, women around the world have played major roles in campaigning for peace and an end to violence. Too often however, their achievements have been ignored or overshadowed within patriarchal societies. There has been significant progress since the days of WW1, however there is no doubt that women are still disproportionately affected by war and violence around the world. The ignored history of women in WW1 (read more) Violence against women in the Pacific (read more) Weaving the way to independence (read more)
	Reflection In the Church May is traditionally Mary’s month. In Australia it is also when we celebrate Mother’s Day. Very little is known about the historical Mary and the incidents where she is included are always, rightly, in relationship to Jesus, discipleship and mission. (read more)
	Growing a Culture of Peace Bulletin Inequality forces many women to find work away from home and leads to the consequent violence and exploitation they endure.  These women have strong faith that what they are doing is the best they can for their families. (read more)
	News from the Centre Jubilee Sunday is May 17th. We have prepared an ecumenical resource for churches and individuals to assist them with praying for a world made new where those struggling under the weight of poverty because of economic injustice will be able to live in dignity and peace.(read more)
	Take Action To change the culture of violence that spawns domestic violence, oppression (especially of women), economic violence and war, is a spiritual journey. Jesus, the Incarnation of God in the world invites us to journey with him in bringing about God’s reign by living and promoting non-violence. (read more)

Read other eConnections editions:

• November 2015
• October 2015
• September 2015
• August 2015
• July 2015
• June 2015
• May 2015
• April 2015
• March 2015