Social Justice

• The CDP Earth Care committee began in 2002 for members to support and encourage one another in efforts to treasure and respect Earth as a revelation of God’s self. The committee serves as a resource to the community, both to educate about dangers to Earth and to advocate for healthy environmental practices for all. Activities include recycling, limiting waste, planting and tending trees, writing public officials to advocate for Earth and more.
• During the June 2017 CDP General Assembly, the Congregation approved the following corporate stand:

We Sisters of Divine Providence of San Antonio, Texas are increasingly aware that the entire faith-based community, and all citizens of the world, must be directly involved in seeking solutions to the many problems which undermine the life of people, of nations, of all creation. We hear the cry of pain and anguish of the poor, of immigrants, of women, of Earth. For this reason, with boundless confidence in God’s Providence, we are committed to collaborate with others to heal what is broken and celebrate what is good in our world.

We are deeply disturbed and intensely regret the decision of President Trump to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord and stop all future payment to the Green Climate Fund. President Trump’s decision will result in harm to Earth and to people throughout the world, especially the poorest and most vulnerable of communities who suffer disproportionately from hurricanes, floods, droughts, famines and water scarcities.

United with Pope Francis, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the members of the Catholic Climate Covenant, and hundreds of other organizations and corporations, including major fossil fuel companies, who have spoken against President Trump’s decision, the Sisters of Divine Providence of San Antonio, Texas will continue our efforts to pursue the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. We firmly support the importance of U.S. leadership and commitment to the Paris agreement and join with others as we implore President Trump to reconsider this decision and reunite with the international community in responding to “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” (Laudato Si no. 49)

CORPORATE STAND APPROVED AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CONGREGATION OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE, JUNE 16, 2017

• A wholesome family life based on faith and love can foster interior dispositions that contribute to a peaceful and more just society. Members of this committee will educate themselves regarding the issues affecting families and will engage in actions based on each person’s ministry, skills, talents, creative abilities and professional training. These members will cooperate with other advocacy groups which also address family issues such as immigration, violence, and economic justice. They will reach out to their parishes to offer assistance in sacramental preparation, RCIA and other such programs that impact family life.

Support Immigration reform working for

• legalization that leads to citizenship,
• legal immigration rules that promote family unity and protect worker rights,
  an end to the destruction of families through deportations,
• a halt to the rush towards massive wasteful spending on unneeded border militarization and for-profit immigrant detention prisons.

• http://www.raicestexas.org Raices is an organization providing legal assistance at no cost to immigrants. They are speaking out to end Family detention. There are also opportunities to volunteer at the safe house in downtown San Antonio.
• http://nowcastsa.com NowCastSA reviews issues about the city, water issues justice issues and Politics. Check out Congressmen call for end to family detention and private prisons
• http://www.Justiceforimmigrants.org
• http://www.immigrationforum.org
• http://cliniclegal.org
• DACA Pastoral Statement by Mr. Ernesto Cortes, Jr.

Members of Congregation of Divine Providence are committed to raising consciousness about the abuse of women and young girls and encouraging action to eliminate such behavior.  The members share books and articles that inform the community of these acts.  They attend information sessions on trafficking and have conducted a prayer service at a trafficking rehabilitation site.  They remain in contact with the Center for Women in Church and Society at Our Lady of the Lake University for further information relative to this issue that must be eliminated.

The Industrial Area Foundation (IAF) is a national non-profit organization that identifies, trains and organizes local leaders to be a voice for the needs and injustices found in their communities.

For more information on how to DEVELOP LEADERS and STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES, visit West/Southwest IAF.