Franciscan Action Network (FAN)
FAN: http://franciscan-sfo.org/frnews/frnews.htm#fan
Transforming the world in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare
By Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF
Franciscan men and women from across the United States gathered in Washington, D.C., Dec. 7–8, for the inaugural meeting of the newly launched Franciscan Action Commission. Members serve in a variety of entities that comprise the Franciscan Action Network (FAN).
It’s mission — to borrow from the starship Enterprise on “Star Trek” — is to boldly go where no man/woman religious has gone before. While FAN’s membership need not traverse the universe to bring about justice, they, as a network of friars, sisters, secular, and ecumenical Franciscans, along with the men and women with whom they minister, envision a grassroots advocacy that stretches around the world.
At this meeting — amply representing our Secular Franciscan family — were Ken Beattie, regional minister, LaVerna Region; Tom Bello, NAFRA vice minister; Jan Parker, regional minister, St. Clare Region; Stephanie Sormane, regional minister, Mother Cabrini Region; and Dan Mulholland, FAN representative for NAFRA, past co-chair of the NAFRA Peace and Justice Commission, and member of the NAFRA Computer Committee.
“At the table with us were First Order Friars and Third Order Regular Sisters,” Bello said. “Before that meeting, I asked for your prayers. I continue to ask for your prayers. I also welcome your questions and concerns.”
The most recent commission meeting, held at Washington Theological Union included the FAN Steering Committee. Some 19 members arrived ready to embark on an action-oriented plan to achieve authentic social transformation by viewing proposed strategies, development initiatives, and economic endeavors through the lens of Franciscan values. The commission’s role was defined earlier within the framework of a commitment statement adopted by the FAN gathering in Baltimore, Md., last March. Commission members affirmed FAN’s future development as an organization and the manner in which members and affiliated organizations implement methodologies.
As members of FAN’s core, the Action Commission also agreed to accept responsibility for increasing FAN’s visibility within the Franciscan family and beyond. FAN intends to focus on U.S. policies and how they impact the world. FAN’s advocacy efforts shall be strategic, acquiring the critical upfront information for effective implementation. FAN’s representatives are intent on formulating focused action initiatives based on perspectives and input gathered directly from those associated with membership communities.
The gathering was marked by an enthusiastic group of attendees. Each of the proceedings at this historic event was conducted within the context of prayer. Some of the members were called upon to don several organizational “hats” as regional representatives and members of leadership teams or committees.
At the outset, the agenda ensured that members achieved a measure of progress as FAN prepared for its debut in unified advocacy.
After the introductory remarks, members shared some biographical information, which helped to nourish the formation of relational connections. Participants went on to share their hopes and expectations for FAN’s future expansion into the world.
The bulk of the meeting was spent identifying the aspects of FAN slated for presentation for acceptance to the FAN gathering planned for March 7. The next FAN gathering will include time to discuss progress and stumbling blocks; the event will also be tied to the annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days, scheduled for March 7-10 in Washington, D.C.
In organizing FAN, the United States was divided into six geographic regions. Each region within the Franciscan province in the United States was represented on FAN. Although the Poor Clares were not present at this session, they were with the group in prayer.
Contacted after the meeting, Sr. Claire Andre, OSC, from the Poor Clares, Chesterfield, N.J., said that the sisters definitely kept the Washington, D.C., meeting in their prayers over the weekend. She was delighted that the Poor Clares were included in spirit at the meetings and she was pleased to hear of the results. She said that the Poor Clares have an ongoing ministry to offer assistance to whoever shows up on their doorstep. Their prayers also touch the concerns of the world.
The commission made clear that its objective would be to help the larger FAN organization with the formulation of focus issues for which to pursue advocacy and, ultimately, to achieve positive transformation. The mission, values and procedural strategies were outlined.
While moving to activate FAN for the purpose of social transformation, commissioners came away with a sense of how we wanted to operate as an organization that functions as a network. Relational connections were identified as being very important if the organization is to succeed. Commissioners accepted the challenge to make every effort to enhance communication among groups within the total network. They agreed to use the FAN Web site (www.franciscanaction.org) and its list-serve. Members committed themselves to participating in regular conference calls with affiliates and to report their findings to the commission.
It was decided that an Action Commission would engage in a formation process to assist FAN in its effort to keep on task and to provide a resource for the spiritual, technical, and other practical aspects.
Of course, at the heart of the matter lies FAN’s intention to apply Franciscan values and echoes the spirit of Sts. Francis and Clare in all elements of this local, national, and international movement. Although these values are more fully developed, the following list addresses the areas of the Franciscan heritage that must be reflected in any endeavor:
1. Advocacy will not dehumanize or demonize those with whom we disagree.
2. Poor and marginalized fare better after the action for change.
3. Framework insists on a consistent ethic of life.
4. Nonpartisan focus involves bipartisan actors.
5. Policies involve reconciliation of injustices in larger social sphere.
6. Work in a collaborative and consultative manner.
7. Balanced desire to be prophetic and to make noticeable improvements in people’s lives.
8. Love in action is our method and process for actualizing how we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Participants in the Franciscan Action Commission’s inaugural meeting were energized and excited about continuing to develop the “Franciscan voice.” Enriched by and filled with the Spirit, they committed themselves to preparing for the first formal gathering of the total FAN membership, set for March 7.
Stay tuned for more details. T
