Dear Friars,

May God give you peace.

In early March I joined more than 130 members of the Franciscan Family of the United States in Baltimore to consider ways we could act collectively to promote a more visible and effective Franciscan presence in our world.  I felt tremendous energy sharing with fellow friars, sisters, seculars and even a few Franciscans from other faith traditions, and was grateful to represent the Province.

Conference speakers addressed the connection between the Franciscan charism and our mission to transform the world and we heard from Franciscans engaged in such work at the grassroots in the United States and other countries.  While acknowledging much good work done by individual congregations and local initiatives, the participants affirmed the need of Franciscans to speak with one voice against the growing tide of war, injustice, exploitation of the poor and pollution of the environment.

The outcome of the meeting was the drafting of a Vision Statement, calling all Franciscans in the United States to speak and act in unison.  By way of follow-up the group adopted a plan to establish a national Franciscan commission on peace, justice and the integrity of creation, coupled with a center for action in Washington, DC.  A temporary steering committee will work to achieve these two goals over the next six to twelve months.

The participants recognized that they had no authority to speak except for themselves, but all agreed to try to bring their respective groups into the process so that the Franciscan Family will be united in a common mission.

A great sense of unity emerged while working to arrive at the Vision Statement.  As any of you know who have done such a process within our own Province, it was also very difficult.  For me that was balanced by the enjoyable visit with the Sacred Heart friars in Baltimore, along with a tour and stop in Little Italy with Fr. Peter Lyons,  T.O.R., who also attended the three-day conference.

The Vision Statement follows:
 

      We Franciscan brothers and sisters, Religious and Secular, from throughout the United States, gathered together in Baltimore, MD to discern the possibility of a unified Franciscan Voice for justice.  With great concern for dehumanizing issues in our society, we recognized trends contrary to our calling as followers of Christ.  We see that we have the power to effectively advocate for the redistribution of resources, the responsible care of creation, and the healing of relationships within the Franciscan Family, the Church and society.  To these ends, we commit ourselves and call all members of the Family to speak with one Franciscan Voice to effect the transformation of national social policy.  By walking with our brothers and sisters who are poor and marginalized, we intend to advocate for peace and to reaffirm the dignity of all creation.

Your brother in Christ and Francis,

Bro. John Kerr, T.O.R.