It is easy to identify serious social and environmental problems on the global and local levels. The violations of human rights, abortion, genocide, abandoned children, armament industries, drugs, and environmental pollution are just a few. However, solutions and the resolve to address these problems are difficult to find. The difficulties are compounded by voices from various traditions suggesting or demanding conflicting responses.
Some voices are gentle, some violent.
Our response needs to be authentic and Franciscan. It has grown to be an unofficial motto of the Franciscan family. This document is an attempt of the International Inter-Franciscan Commission for Justice and Peace to write a consensus statement describing what we believe to be important characteristics of Franciscan approaches to work for justice, peace and the respect for creation. We gleaned ideas from many discussions among ourselves and others whom we met in our work. We share with you our ideas in the hope that our comments will stimulate reflection and further discussion.