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June 2008 News and Notes May God banish from the hearts of all people whatever might endanger peace, may God transform them into witnesses of truth, justice and love among sisters and brothers. (Adapted from Pope John XXIII in Pacem In Terris # 171) June Meeting Marvin Stockwell spoke to the community about the Common Ground project for racial understanding. In his presentation, Marvin wove together themes related to the mission of the Church Health Center and Pezz the band in which he plays, often in benefits for peace and justice organizations. We engaged in dialogue around the topics of the talk, but were unable to spend in-depth time on the portion of the book we are studying. By acclamation the members requested that the questions proposed for this meeting be discussed in the July 1 gathering. May 31 Pax Christi Retreat Thirteen members of our local Pax Christi community participated in a daylong retreat lead by Dr. Valerie Bridgeman of the Memphis Theological Seminary. We shared personal stories related to the theme of “Racism and the Community of Faith” in a relaxed and prayerful atmosphere at Caritas Village in Binghampton. July Meeting Our study of racism will resume with “Racism Is a White Prison” on pages 40-50 in Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America. For your reflection now and discussion at our meeting: · What is your reaction to “Whitey, go home and free your own people” in the context of page 41? · What is the challenge of the statement above for each of us individually? For the Pax Christi Memphis community? · What myths keep white people bound in systemic racism? (pages 45-46)
An Opportunity for Participation COMMUNITY BARBEQUE!! DEFENSE DEPOT MEMPHIS TENNESSEE--CONCERENED CITIZEN'S COMMITTEE Food is free and open to the Community Saturday, June 28, 2008, Starting at 3 PM, 2230 Corry Rd, Middle School Playground (enter on Mallory). Donations are being accepted; send them to Doris Bradshaw at DDMTCCC, 1000 South Cooper St., Memphis TN 38104. For more information call 726-0008 or 491-1485. This event is an opportunity for ACTION supporting people of color by being present. A few years ago, Pax Christi members joined the DDMTCCC in a demonstration at the Defense Depot supporting the protest against the environmental harm left in the neighborhood around the Depot. Other thoughts . . . Racism is the intentional or unintentional use of power to isolate, separate and exploit others. . . Racism is more than just a personal attitude; it is the institutionalized form of the attitude. -National Council of Churches Racial Justice Working Group
Pax Christi Memphis meets at 7 PM on the first Tuesday of every month at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 2300 Hickory Crest Drive, 38119.
May 2008 News and Notes
The same fetters that bind the captive bind the captor, and the American people are captive of their own myths, woven so clearly and so imperceptively into the fabric of our national experience. - C. Eric Lincoln
May Meeting Racism as a White Problem in Dismantling Racism was the focus of our dialogue during the meeting. The membership also considered a request from the Gandhi Conference for financial support. Since our resources are limited, we agreed to contribute any amount you send to be given to the Conference in the name of our local Pax Christi community. Make your check payable to Pax Christi Memphis, and send it to Pax Christi Memphis, 3817 Allandale, Memphis, TN 38111.
Sr. Carol Keck We mourn the passing of Sr. Carol who was with us for a number of meetings until family obligations prevented her from attending. She died on May 16 after 44 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. Her funeral will be held at Villa Assumpta, the motherhouse of the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Baltimore, Maryland, on Saturday, May 24. Notes of condolence may be sent to Villa Assumpta, 6401 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21212-1016. Sr. Carol is survived by sisters and brothers in Memphis and Chattanooga.
Pax Christi Memphis Retreat: “Racism and the Community of Faith” May 31, at Caritas Village, corner of Harvard and Merton; 8:30 AM until 4 PM. Lunch with tea and lemonade will be provided and is covered in your registration fee. Please bring snacks and sodas to share at lunchtime or during the course of the retreat day. Call 327-8068 if you have any special dietary needs.
Next Meeting Pax Christi Memphis on June 3 Marvin Stockwell will speak at our June meeting. He has written a column about the Common Ground initiative in April 11 Commercial Appeal. You can read the column at the following site: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/apr/11/guest-column-a-new-generation-can-find-common/ Our study of racism will continue with “Racism Is a White Prison” on pages 40-50 in Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America. The following questions will be considered in our meeting; please bring them with you. · What is your reaction to “Whitey, go home and free your own people” in the context of page 41? · What is the challenge of the statement above for each of us individually? For the Pax Christi Memphis community? · What myths keep white people bound in systemic racism? (pages 45-46)
Note: You may write your thoughts in brief essay form for publication in the next News and Notes. Use the contact information at the bottom of the page to submit what you think.
Economic and Interracial Justice in the United States: Pax Christi USA joins the struggle against economic injustice, militarism, and environmental destruction which are particularly harmful to those who are poor, minorities, children, and women. Pax Christi USA works toward eliminating racist structures in the Catholic Church and the country, working toward equality of all people. Pax Christi Memphis meets at 7 PM on the first Tuesday of every month at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 2300 Hickory Crest Drive, 38119.
News and Notes Number 4, April 2008
Shalom I leave with you. My own Shalom I give you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
April Meeting In the discussion of Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America, members present were asked to reflect and speak about questions concerning dominant groups and privilege in society. The assembled members also came to a decision to give financial support to an upcoming presentation of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. Scott Ritter, former UN weapons inspector in Iraq will speak on "US Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Iraq Occupation and Target Iran." The talk will be in the Christian Brothers University Theater at 7 PM on Thursday May 1.
Pax Christi Memphis Goes To Fayette County Seven members of our local Pax Christi community represented us at St. Philip’ Church in Somerville on Sunday, April 6. Fr. John Atkinson, the pastor, gave a homily at mass referring to Pax Christi and its peace work; other members conversed with parishioners and shared materials about our movement with those interested in prayer cards and informational flyers.
Prayer Vigil at St. Francis Hospital Pax Christi Memphis was present at the prayer vigil at St. Francis Hospital on April 23. In collaboration with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the Mid-South Interfaith Network for Economic Justice (soon to be renamed Workers’ Interfaith Network or WIN) prayed while three clergy delegates presented a letter to the CEO of the hospital. They and their clergy cosigners requested that St. Francis honor the agreement of Tenet, the parent healthcare corporation, to refrain from interfering with efforts to organize a union at St. Francis. The main issue in this struggle is adequate patient care.
From TCASK (Tennessee Coaltion to Abolish State Killing) There will be a screening of "At the Death House Door" on Thursday, May 8 at 7 PM in Spain Auditorium, Buckman Hall at Christian Brothers University. This is a documentary investigation of the wrongful death of Carlos DeLuna, who was executed in Texas on December 7, 1989, after prosecutors ignored evidence inculpating a man, who bragged to friends about committing the crimes of which DeLuna was convicted.
Common Ground Common Ground is a movement addressing the issue of race in Memphis. Groups are meeting weekly from April 24 through June 5. More information can be found at www.commongroundmemphis.org. Members of Pax Christi Memphis have committed to the seven meetings. Please apply your prayers to this effort for the peace and progress in harmony of our city and county.
Pax Christi Memphis on May 6 The next meeting will begin at 7:15 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit. You may come early at 6:45 or so if you would like to socialize before the meeting starts. Our study of racism continues with pages 34-40 in Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America. Please give prayerful consideration to the reading and to the following questions to prepare for this meeting (bring the questions to the meeting): · How do you perceive the assertion that racism is only a white problem? · What benefits do you derive from the racist system that exists in the United States? · How do you see changes that need to take place in the white community before racism can be dismantled?
Pax Christi Memphis Retreat Dr. Valerie Bridgeman-Davis will address the theme “Racism and the Community of Faith” in a retreat for Pax Christi Memphis. Ø May 31 Ø Caritas Village, corner of Harvard and Merton Ø 8:30 AM until 4 PM Ø Cost is $20 per person (if you pay by May 6). Ø Cost after May 6 is $25. Ø Lunch with tea and lemonade will be provided. Ø You may bring snacks and sodas to share at lunchtime or during the course of the retreat day. Ø Call 327-8068 to reserve your place for the day or if you have any special dietary needs.
News and Notes March 2008
Our only hope today lies in our ability to recapture the revolutionary spirit and go out into a sometimes hostile world declaring eternal hostility to poverty, racism, and militarism. Dr. Martin Luther King, Riverside Church on April 4, 1967
March Meeting Our group study of Dismantling Racism began on March 4. Discussion began with consideration of the following definition:
Racism = Race Prejudice + Power.
This definition will serve as a common basis for future discussions in the book and in our group.
In the Memphis Community Several members of Pax Christi Memphis attended the interfaith celebration marking the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s work with the Memphis sanitation workers. The prayer service featured speakers who displayed and strongly affirmed Dr. King’s passion for justice for the poor. Fr. John Atkinson gave the benediction at the end of the service and challenged us all to speak out and work for those living in poverty. A number of our members had also pledged to participate in the 24-hour fast for a living wage. For more information on how to take action for the living wage you may to to www.midsouthinterfaith.org.
Five members of Pax Christi Memphis have been meeting on Thursday mornings at Caritas Village in faith sharing based on the scripture readings for the following Sundays. Others are welcome to join the group each week, or any week, at 10:30 AM. Caritas Village is located in Binghampton at the corner of Merton and Harvard.
A community-wide initiative aimed at the issue of race in Memphis has been launched and will involve weekly small group meetings in April and May at Lindenwood Church. On June 5 there will be a gathering to decide on action; this will take place at Crichton College. For more information or to participate, you may go to www.commongroundmemphis.org. This effort is an opportunity for us to apply our study of racism. Join in the action, and keep it in your prayers as well.
Next Meeting of Pax Christi Memphis The April 1 meeting will begin at 7:15 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit. You may come early at 6:45 or so if you would like to socialize before the meeting starts. The source for our continuing dialogue and study will be pages 27-34 in Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America. (Jerry Bettice has two more copies of the book at $10.00 per copy.) To prepare for this meeting, please reflect on the following questions:
Vanderhaar Symposium Rev. Bryan Massingale will speak on Catholic social thought and current issues at Christian Brothers University on April 10 at 7 p.m. in the University Theater.
Speech at Riverside Church On the upcoming 41st anniversary of the Dr. King’s words Beyond Vietnam, A Time To Break Silence it would be a good time to reread them. They may found at http://icujp.org/king.shtml.
Pax Christi Memphis News and Notes February 2008
The destruction of the perpetuators of evil is not the goal of those who are victims of its racial oppression. The goal is freedom for all people—people of color and white people alike. Dismantling Racism, p. 7
February Report The assembled membership viewed the video Ending Racism presented by Crossroads (see www.crossroadsantiracism.org). The film presented a definition of racism that can serve as a common basis for discussion: Racism = Race Prejudice + Power. Discussion followed and included these ideas: ° racism is linked to anti-women systems ° patriarchy arose to deny the ascendancy of women as a source of life ° economic classism also involves the powerful versus the less powerful ° U.S. history includes events that have caused deep hurts to people of color ° does everyone have racial prejudice? ° Nordic peoples have become the dominant successors of the Roman Empire ° how do our laws promote racism? ° theological notions have supported European exploitation ° people in systems reap the benefits of the systems ° is it scapegoating to attribute racism to systems and institutions?
Other concerns that were brought up but without sufficient time for discussion included the incidence of violence in our schools and the proliferation of guns in our city. How shall we as a movement dedicated to nonviolence respond?
A card for Bobby Donnelly and her husband was signed by the members present. Please keep Bobby and Don in your prayers as they recover from their injuries.
Dr. King Commemoration An interfaith celebration will mark the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s work with the Memphis sanitation workers in 1968. A 24-hour fast will begin with a worship service featuring Dr. James Lawson as the keynote speaker. Several of our members have pledged to attend this event and to participate in the fast. More information is available at the following site: www.midsouthinterfaith.org
Regarding Crime in our City and County Hadassah Invites the Public to Its Third Anti-Crime Forum and Rally. Our distinguished panelists will outline the Tennessee Public Safety Coalition’s 2008 crime prevention legislation package, which aims to toughen state laws regarding the criminal use of guns and gang terrorism. Date: Mon. Feb. 25, 2008 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Memphis Jewish Community Center
Next Meeting of Pax Christi Memphis: The March 4 meeting will start at 7:15 PM at the Church of the Holy Spirit. Come early and socialize if you like. Our discussion will focus on the first sections of the book Ending Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America. To prepare for this meeting, please study the book up to and including page 25. Jerry Bettice has a few copies of the book available for $10 each.
Let us pray, study and act to help create a world that reflects the peace of Christ.
News and Notes January 2008
Words for our time
“We feel most urgently that We must once again do what We can to safeguard peace. We are also disturbed by what We know to be going on in other areas, such as the growing nuclear armaments race, the senseless nationalism, the racism, the obsession for revolution, the separations imposed upon citizens, the nefarious plots, the slaughter of innocent people. All of these can furnish material for the greatest calamity.” - Pope Paul VI, 1971
“To remember Hiroshima is to abhor nuclear war. To remember Hiroshima is to commit oneself to peace.” - Pope John Paul II on his visit to Hiroshima at the Peace Memorial Park, February 25 1981
“In difficult times such as these, it is truly necessary for all persons of good will to come together to reach concrete agreements aimed at effective demilitarization, especially in the area of nuclear arms. At a time when the process of nuclear non-proliferation is at a stand-still, I feel bound to entreat those in authority to resume with greater determination negotiations for a progressive and mutually agreed dismantling of existing nuclear weapons. In renewing this appeal, I know that I am echoing the desire of all those concerned for the future of humanity.” - Pope Benedict XVI 2008
Meeting of January 8 Justin, a photographer from the Commercial Appeal, joined us at our January meeting. We courageously undertook the art of origami and made paper cranes which will be part of the A-Bomb exhibition later this month. The last part of the meeting was a prayer service in which we renewed the Vow of Nonviolence. Signed copies of the vow will be forwarded to Pax Christi USA. If anyone was unable to attend the meeting and would like a copy to sign for submission to the national office, contact Jerry at 327-8068 or click here.
Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-Bomb Exhibit On January 18, a delegation from Hiroshima will arrive to visit Memphis. The visitors include Mr. Steven Leeper, Chairman of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation; Ms. Natsuki Okita, staff member at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum; and Mr. Takashi Teramoto, A-bomb survivor. Mr. Teramoto will speak at First Congregational Church at 4:00 PM on January 20 and at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 7:00 PM on January 21. The delegation will also be guests at the Sunday service at First Congregational Church at 10:30 AM on January 21. Pax Christi members are encouraged to attend the service. The address is 1000 South Cooper. First Congregational has graciously opened its doors to the exhibit accompanying the visit from Hiroshima. The exhibit will be available on January 19 and 20 and on January 26 and 27: 10 AM – 6 PM on Saturdays, and Noon – 6 PM on Sundays. On January 21, visitors may visit the exhibit by request; call 327-8068. Volunteers are still needed to welcome visitors to the exhibit area on both weekends it is open. Contact Jerry Bettice.
Next Meeting: February 5, starting at 7:15 PM, at the Church of the Holy Spirit
Let us pray, study and act to help create a world that reflects the peace of Christ.
December 2007 News and Notes
Receiving the God of peace goes hand-in-hand with doing the work that makes for peace. -- John Dear, S.J.
December Meeting Guests Meredith Walsh and Andrew Trent presented a video and spoke about health care on the border between Thailand and Burma. We were joined by “first-time” visitors, and we hope they will become active members of our community.
Hiroshima-Nagasaki Exhibition We have concluded our study of personal nonviolence in Gerry Vanderhaar’s last book. The concluding pages brought us face to face with Empire. James Douglass, in The Nonviolent Coming of God traces the theme of Empire back to the 1970’s in the deliberate policy statements of officials of the United States government. The use of nuclear deterrence is likened to the use of crucifixion as a deterrent in the Roman Empire. The exhibit coming from Japan in January graphically shows the horrific effects of nuclear weapons. Nuclear armaments are a form of “redemptive nonviolence.” The use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were an act of racism as well. Our support for the exhibit will extend our community’s study of nonviolence and racism with visual and emotional dimensions we may not be able to experience elsewhere. Three visitors from Japan will be with us to share their experiences and their passion for nuclear disarmament. Most of the expense of this visit and exhibit is being covered by the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation, in cooperation with the City of Hiroshima. The Japanese sponsors have already sent a wealth of material for the exhibit. First Congregational Church is partnering with Pax Christi Memphis to donate space for the exhibit. Locally we are providing some time and energy to bring the event to our city and county. Please continue to pray for the success of this project. At our last meeting members present were asked to consider volunteering to help with the exhibit. Contact the coordinating team if you are able to help in the answers to your prayers. In the materials already shipped from Japan is a large supply of paper for making origami peace cranes. Instructions are also available. Consider how we might utilize these gifts, and share your insights.
Change for the Racism Study The study book for our 2008 meetings on racism has been changed to Dismantling Racism by Joseph Barndt of Crossroads, the ministry that began training Pax Christi USA for its anti-racism work. The book will cost each member $10 for the text and for shipping. You may reimburse Jerry Bettice (who has already paid for the books) for the purchase of your book. If anyone needs financial aid for his or her book, please contact Linda Raiteri who will take care of the reimbursement.
Planning for the Future December 26: There will be a St. Stephen’s Day Christmas party at 4043 Allison Avenue, from 5:00 until 9:00 PM. Please RSVP Judy or Jerry at 327-8068 so that they can plan for the proper number of guests. January 8: Since the first Tuesday of January is New Year’s Day, our first meeting of 2008 will be on the second Tuesday, by exception. Meeting time will be 7:15. At this gathering we will be renewing the vow of nonviolence as part of the evening’s events. February 5: It has been proposed that we celebrate the Eucharist before this meeting on Shrove Tuesday. Since the day is Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday,” we will celebrate with food provided by the members of our local community—another menu to plan! Details in January.
Let us pray, study and act to help create a world that reflects the peace of Christ. November 2007 News & Notes December Meeting- Dec. 4 —Change in Time Our December meeting will begin formally 15 minutes earlier than has been customary in the past. The opening prayer will begin at 7:15 PM. This change will be in effect for the foreseeable future to allow more time for input, reflection and interaction in our gatherings. In this gathering we will conclude study of Personal Nonviolence: A Practical Spirituality for Peacemakers with Part 8 (Chapters 22, 23 and 24) of Gerry Vanderhaar’s book. A guest, Meredith Walsh, will also be speaking about her work with refugees in Thailand and Burma. For over two years, Meredith Walsh has served internally displaced persons within Burma as well as refugees who have crossed the border into Thailand. Many of the Buddhist monks who protested the Burmese military government have found refuge in the village of Mae Sot, Thailand where Meredith has been engaged in public health work. She will speak about the clinic, which was established by a woman of an ethnic minority persecuted by the military junta, within the context of the current political situation. Hiroshima-Nagasaki Exhibition In January there will be three visitors from the City of Hiroshima during an exhibition remembering the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by atomic bombs. One of the visitors will be a survivor of the 1945 attacks. The exhibition will be held at First Congregational Church. Speaking events are being planned; information with details about these events will be available in the next few weeks. Pax Christi members are urged to pray for the success of this project. Contact the coordinating team if you are able to help in the answers to your prayers. Retreat After the start of 2008 the retreat planning team will meet with Dr. Valerie Bridgeman-Davis of Memphis Theological Seminary to continue to outline the program for a retreat involving racism and personal nonviolence. The event will probably be in April.
Peace Books Check out the Peace Library link on the Pax Christi Memphis website. Books held by members are listed there. If you wish to borrow a book send an email to Jerry or Judy (jbettice@earthlink.net). You can list your own books with the paxmemphis book group. Call Jerry or Judy at 327-8068.
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