Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, and the example of Saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a collective Franciscan voice seeking to transform United States public policy related to peace making, care for creation, poverty, and human rights.
On May 25, 2023, FAN hosted a webinar on Peacebuilding, Nonviolent Resistance, and Unarmed Civilian Protection in Ukraine. The panel speakers included:
- Friar Michael LASKY, OFM Conv., a FAN Board Member engaged in peacebuilding in Ukraine through Franciscan Social Theater and trauma-healing.
- Professor Felip DAZA, a professor and researcher on civil resistance at the Sciences Po University, Paris School of International Affairs. He will discuss his recent report, “Ukrainian Nonviolent Civil Resistance in the Face of War.”
- Calista BURPEE, aconflict management specialist with Nonviolent Peaceforce, an organization involved in protecting unarmed civilians in Ukraine.
On June 1, 2023, FAN held a board of directors meeting in Washington D.C., USA. Friars Michael LASKY and Paul LININGER participated in the meeting. Among the many topics discussed was FAN’s work on Environmental Racism and the growth of FAN’s Justice Circles.
Justice Circles are local grassroots affinity groups, inspired by the Franciscan charism, that unite to advocate for social and environmental justice. They are independent, ongoing, volunteer-led groups empowered to engage the issues in their communities that are important to them through advocacy and action.
Another topic discussed at the board meeting was the interfaith vigil that FAN hosted on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2023, where religious leaders shared scripture from their various traditions. The vigil was led by the Most Reverend John STOWE, OFM Conv., Bishop of Lexington, Kentucky, USA, and Sister Carol ZINN, SSJ, Executive Director of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.
Friar Michael LASKY
