Dominican Sisters and Associates of Peace are in the forefront of working to end slavery. Human trafficking is a contemporary form of slavery. Pope Francis calls it “a plague on humanity.” It is the second largest form of criminal activity, exceeded only by drug trafficking. Today, 21-30 million people are being induced through fraud, force, or coercion, into commercial sex acts or labor services. There are reports of organ trafficking. Continue reading →

Welcoming America (www.welcomingamerica.org), an initiative started in Iowa in 2004, continued in Nashville, TN, in 2005, and now spread throughout the United States, has as its goal the development of receptive communities where immigrants may thrive. As their web site states: “Welcoming America focuses on the communities where new immigrants have made their homes, helping neighbors build relationships built on trust and understanding. Instead of focusing on the seed, we concentrate on preparing the soil in which it will flourish.” Among the many cities and counties participating are Pittsburgh, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Dayton, Denver, Dodge City, Louisville, New York, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Tucson. Continue reading →