Living Courage Tour comes to Montreal

You are invited to an inspiring discussion with international human rights activists Chantal Bilulu and Vernie Yocogan-Diano this Wednesday, October 26th at 5:30pm, in the Dawson College Boardroom (3040 Sherbrooke Street West, room 5B.13).

LIVING COURAGE will make connections between gender-based violence in areas of conflict, whether the result of civil wars in Sudan or the Congo, or the mistreatment of Indigenous people in the Cordillera region of the Philippines or on the ancestral lands of Canada’s First Nations. Indigenous women everywhere, women who are migrant workers here, all of us – women and men – can share experiences as human rights defenders and peace-builders in our communities.

The tour is part of the KAIROS Women of Courage program. Participants will identify opportunities for advocacy to end violence against women in Canada and in the global South, while promoting respect for women’s rights pledged in national and international human rights law.

MCC Canada seeks Advocacy Interns in Ottawa

The Ottawa office of Mennonite Central Committee Canada has an opening for an Advocacy Intern. The position, which is unpaid, puts you in the middle of the team providing expertise and assistance to the advocacy efforts of MCC Canada.

Applications for the winter term (January to April) will be reviewed starting November 1st. For further information and to apply for this position, contact Amgad Tadros at amgadtadros@mennonitecc.ca.

Peace Signs, August 2011

August 25, 2011 Number 90
In this month's issue:

• God's strategy for Shalom by Andre Gingerich Stoner 
• Otterville by Merrill R. Miller 
• Trampling on the poor by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach 
• Prayer and meditation by Tom Beutel 
• Abundance for all
• Readers respond to past issues  

Join the Franciscans for a Spiritual Gathering for Peace on October 22

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Assisi Inter-religious Peace Prayer of 1986, representatives of the Native, Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities will gather in a spirit of friendship, in order to share their common attachment to values of peace and solidarity.

The Spiritual Gathering for Peace, an initiative of Religions for Peace – Québec and the Franciscan Family of Québec, will allow participants to partake in an unforgettable experience of spiritual harmony, in an atmosphere of friendship and unity.

During this gathering, members of each faith community will present prayers and sacred chants. The evening will also include moments of silence and meditation.

Come take part in this evening of prayer and meditation for peace!

Date: October 22nd 2011
Time: 7 to 9 pm (doors open at 6:30
Location: Holy Family Parish, 7355 Lajeunesse, Montreal (Metro Jean-Talon)

A light snack will be offered following the celebration. For more information, visit the Francsiscan blog.

Pacifest at Maison de l'amitié this Saturday

Join the Maison de l'amitié (120 Duluth E.) this Saturday, September 21 from 3-9pm for for Pacifest! A "Peace Bistro" will offer free fair-trade coffee and cake, in honour of the International Day of Peace. Come by for some good company, good music, and free goodies!

Updates from MCC Ottawa

Ottawa celebrates International Peace Day with dynamic events
From September 21st to October 2nd, Canada's capital will be abuzz with peace events and activities of all kinds. As part of the fifth Ottawa Peace Festival, put on by local peace and justice groups in partnership with the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative (CDPI), these exciting events aim to promote peace, unity, and harmony in honour of the International Day of Peace. Read more
 
Episcopal Bishops explore the complexity of mining issues in Latin America
Bishops from Peru, Bolivia, and the United States participated in an international seminar that analyzed the political, economic, social, and environmental impacts of mining in order to position these complex challenges within the mission of the Church.  Read more
 
Save the date! MCC United Nations Liaison Office hosts 16th annual student seminar
From October 27-29, 2011, students are invited to travel to New York City to participate in the 16th annual seminar hosted by the MCC United Nations Liaison Office. Read more

Nominations for YMCAs of Quebec 2011 Peace Medal

The YMCAs of Quebec is now calling for nominations for the 2011 Peace Medal, celebrating individuals and groups who are models of peace for their community. Peace is their main focus, and they invest phenomenal energy in bringing it to life. Thanks to the support of the Brian Bronfman Family Foundation, all medalists will receive a sum of $1,000 to be remitted to the charity of their choice. The deadline for nominations is 4pm on October 3, 2011. For more information, go to www.ymcaquebec.org/en/ys_quebec/medal/.