Franciscan Action Network

The Franciscan Action Network is a faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Washington DC composed of Franciscan sisters, friars, secular Franciscans, and others. The organization was created to address issues regarding ecology,[1] human rights, poverty,[2] and general peacemaking in the United States.

FAN is led by active volunteers across the country, supported by a small staff. As of August 2013, its board members consisted of the national minister of the Secular Franciscans, three Franciscan sisters, five Franciscan Friars (from different orders: Friars Minor, Friars Minor Conventual, Friars Minor Capuchins, Third Order Regular, and Atonement Friars), and four lay people.

History

The Franciscan Action Network was formed in 2007 in Baltimore by a group of more than 150 Franciscans who gathered from across the United States. It has grown to include membership of over 50 Franciscan groups. While Catholics make up a majority of FAN, its membership also includes Episcopal, Lutheran, and Ecumenical Franciscan groups.

Advocacy

FAN promotes the positions of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), including advocating for immigration reform and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, legislation to reduce greenhouse gases and mitigate climate change, and economic policies aimed at assisting the middle and lower class.[3] FAN also maintains a "pro-life" stance on abortion and its members participate at the annual March for Life in Washington, DC.

Franciscan Earth Corps

In 2012, the FAN initiated the Franciscan Earth Corps, a ministry aimed at encouraging young adults to participate in FAN advocacy activities. FEC provides training and resources in sustainable living projects, spiritual reflection, retreat, community building, and advocacy work.[4] In 2013, there are Franciscan Earth Corps chapters in ten cities, mostly located in the Eastern and Midwestern United States.

Fr. Sam Fuller, OFM Cap., leading a march on climate change in Hartford, CT.

Immigration reform

Following the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, who called Franciscans to be migrating people of prayer,[5] FAN directs a significant part of its efforts to promoting immigration reform,[6] advocating for a clearly defined pathway to US citizenship which prioritizes family unity. To this end, FAN collaborates with the Justice for Immigrants Campaign of the USCCB and the Interfaith Immigration Coalition.

The FAN has stood in resistance to the possibility of a registry of all Muslims living in the United States. They have also opposed the travel ban against several Middle Eastern countries as proposed by President Trump and his administration.[7]

FAN Members hold vigil during the Supreme Court hearings on Arizona's immigration law SB 1070.

Climate change

In accord with their understanding of the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of those who promote ecology, FAN works with other Franciscans to bring public officials into conversation about action to mitigate climate change.[8][9] FAN members participate in public protests on this issue.[10] This advocacy has led to criticism from other Catholic groups.[11]

Human trafficking

FAN works with the USCCB's Anti-Trafficking Services Program and is a member of the Coalition of Catholic Organizations against Human Trafficking. FAN also collaborated with Franciscans International and the Franciscan Federation in a project to review the issue of human trafficking in the 2013 United Nations review of the United States.[12]

Peacemaking

FAN promotes peace by offering resources on civil dialogue, working for legislation to reduce gun violence, and addressing arms issues such as nuclear weapons.

References
  1. Dawn M. Nothwehr (2012). Ecological Footprints: An Essential Franciscan Guide for Faith and Sustainable Living. Liturgical Press. pp. 310–. ISBN 978-0-8146-3374-8.
  2. Robert Booth Fowler (1 November 2010). Religion and Politics in America: Faith, Culture, and Strategic Choices (Large Print 16pt). ReadHowYouWant.com. pp. 251–. ISBN 978-1-4587-2095-5.
  3. "Mitt Romney Criticized By Franciscan Friars For Comments On The Poor". Huffington Post.
  4. "Inspired by St. Francis, young adults look to emulate his bond with nature". Washington Post, Renee K. Gadoua | Religion News Service February 24, 2014
  5. Franciscans Advocating for Immigration Reform
  6. Bruce A. Arrigo (5 August 2014). Encyclopedia of Criminal Justice Ethics. SAGE Publications. pp. 457–. ISBN 978-1-4833-4658-8.
  7. "Franciscan Commitment for Resistance of Muslim registry | Franciscan Action Network". franciscanaction.org. Retrieved 2017-02-13.
  8. Kim Kennedy White; Leslie A. Duram (2013). America Goes Green: An Encyclopedia of Eco-friendly Culture in the United States. ABC-CLIO. pp. 444–. ISBN 978-1-59884-657-7.
  9. "‘Light for Lima’ vigil for climate change held in front of White House". The American Bazaar.
  10. "Faiths join global climate marches as Vatican urges action". The Tablet. 25 September 2014 by Ellen Teague, Liz Dodd
  11. "Catholic groups rally against climate change amid intense church debate". Washington Post. By David Gibson | Religion News Service January 14
  12. "Sex trafficking, indentured labor bedevil victims and foes alike". The Dialog. By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service
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