From March 10 to 12, 2025, the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Animation Committee held an important meeting at the JPIC General Office in Rome. Attending members included Br. Daniel Rodriguez Blanco OFM, Br. Taucen Girsang OFM, Mr. Tomas Insua, Sr. Mary Sebastian LSSJ, and Br. Jean Eric Mutabazi OFM.
Key Focus: Integral Ecology and Global Solidarity
The meeting began by reviewing the outcomes of the International JPIC Council 2025 held in Assisi. Discussions covered:
- The Statement of Solidarity with Eastern Congo
- The Assisi Statement
- A proposal for a new committee member
- A brief evaluation of the Assisi meeting
The committee also agreed to translate these key documents into multiple languages and develop a plan for their global publication and outreach.
Strengthening Partnerships in Africa
A special session was held with Panuga Pulenthiran, Advocacy Coordinator for Africa at Franciscan International (FI). The dialogue focused on building stronger collaboration between FI and the Franciscan Network for Peacebuilding and Ecological Justice in East Africa, aligning efforts in advocacy, ecological justice, and peace initiatives.
Upcoming Projects: Courses, Awards, and COP30
The committee also reviewed plans for the International JPIC Course 2025, themed “The Canticle of the Creatures and Integral Ecology.” Other key points included:
- Development of the Integral Ecology Award program
- Review of the Particular Statutes of the JPIC General Office
- A proposal to transform the JPIC Office into the JPIC General Secretariat
- Creation of a virtual course on integral ecology
- Publication of educational materials and resources for COP30
The next JPIC Committee meeting will take place online from December 15 to 17, 2025.
