News: July 2008

Peace Weavers: Methodologies of Peace Building in Africa

Elias Omondi (ed) has published a new book: Peace Weavers: Methodologies of Peace Building in Africa. (Nairobi: Paulines Publications Africa, 2008). Available at Catholic and selected bookshops in Africa. The Peace Weavers initiative is an attempt to develop various methodologies of social transformation in Africa at both national and international levels. The collection of practitioners and scholarly articles focus on five major themes: Advocacy and networking, the role of religion in peace-building, multi-dimensional approaches to peace building, economic justice, and spirituality of peace building and reconciliation. Elias is also author to Making Choice for Peace: Aid Agencies in Field Diplomacy (2006) and co-authored with A.E. Orobator, Faith Doing Justice: A Manual for Social Analysis, Catholic Social Teachings and Social Analysis (2007).

Top ^

Ambassadors of Peace Program

The Jesuit Hakimani Center's Ambassadors of Peace program continues with its peacebuilding outreach. Two weeks ago Hakimani trained the coordinators of justice and peace commissions of Kisumu Archdioces. On June 28th the Ambassadors led by retired Archbishop Ndingi were in Koru, Nyanza that had been affected by the post election clashes. Bishop Linus Okok, an Auxillary Bishop from the Archdiocese of Kisumu was also in attendane. There were testimonies from Kamba, Kikuyu, Kalejin and Luo community. Concerns were raised over the pre-meditated election violence and the impact it has had on the community. There are a lot of suspiscions among communities. The Ambassadors called for mutual understanding and forgiveness. The justice and peace commission in collaboration with Hakimani picked up important issues for follow up. On the other hand, Hakimani continues the psychosocial support training for teachers in Nakuru-Molo area. So far about 350 teachers have been reached.

Top ^

Amecea Bishops Conference

About 250 Amecea Bishops and conference representatives have been meeting in Lusaka, Zambia from June 28 - 7 July. June 28 -July 2nd is th study session. The theme is in line with the coming Second African Synod, Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. Elias Omondi gave the opening analysis session that was well appreciated. It was entitled: The Church on the Road to Emmaus: Situational Analysis of Conflicts, Wars and Instabilities in Africa. Click on title to read text.

Top ^