Sinsinawa Dominican Corporate Stances
2008 Corporate Stance on Human Trafficking
Stance
The practice of human trafficking exists worldwide. It is violent, inhumane and incompatible with the values of the Gospel. We, the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, in accordance with our commitment to the building of a holy and just society, oppose the trafficking of human persons.
Rationale
Trafficking of human persons is the buying, selling, and transporting of people for any purpose, including sex, prostitution, forced marriages, servitude and forced labor. It is exploitation and a violation of human rights and human dignity and is intrinsically evil. Approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims annually are trafficked across international borders. The U.S. Government estimates that between 17,500 and 18,500 people, mostly women and children, are trafficked each year into the United States which has one of the largest demands for this criminal activity.
Action
We stand in solidarity with all who work to eliminate this tragic evil. We pledge ourselves to these actions:
A. Through prayer and study, we will educate ourselves regarding the magnitude, causes and consequences of human trafficking.
B. Through our preaching and teaching, we will educate others about this terrible abuse.
C. Through collaboration with others, we will work for change in society by supporting anti-trafficking legislation.
2006 Corporate Stance on Iraq
In light of the recent election and the establishment of a permanent government in Iraq, aware of the ongoing violence suffered by the Iraqi people, and in view of the recent statements by President George W. Bush about the presence of U.S. and coalition military forces in the country, the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, WI, in concert with the Iraq Coordinating Committee, have adopted the following position on the situation in Iraq.
We continue to hold President Bush and the United States Congress accountable for the ongoing killing of members of the military forces and of innocent Iraqi civilians. We urge President Bush to withdraw U.S. military forces from Iraq and yield authority to the Iraqi people, their police, and military forces at the earliest possible moment. Furthermore, we urge the president and the congress to withdraw U.S. military bases which have been established and to meet moral and financial obligations to rebuild the country.
We strongly recommend that the U.S. government collaborate with the United Nations and the international community to work with the Iraqi government on issues of national security, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction of the country. We continue to urge the United Nations and the Iraqi government to protect the rights of women and religious minorities.
We call on the North American Dominicans to continue their support of our Dominican Family and the people in Iraq as they seek to rebuild their country. More than ever, the conflict in Iraq needs our prayers. We encourage the continued prayers of the Dominican Family for all those involved in this conflict: our brothers and sisters; the people of Iraq; the U.S. occupying forces, Iraqi and international troops; the humanitarian workers; and the political leaders of the United States and Iraq.
2002 Corporate Stance against the Death Penalty
We, the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, oppose the use of the death penalty in the United States. We believe in the dignity of human life and in the merciful and forgiving God who opens the way for redemption, conversion, and growth.
1986 Corporate Stance on Nuclear Weapons
The Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation calls for a halt to nuclear weapons systems, including a call for a test ban treaty, deep cuts in the arsenals of the super powers, control of the arms race, and negotiations to halt testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons systems.
1986 Corporate Stance on Apartheid in South Africa
The Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation condemns apartheid, calling for pressure on the South African government to end this evil system.
1986 Corporate Stance on U.S. Policy in Central America
The Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation calls for non-military solutions in Central America, including no direct military intervention but instead diplomatic efforts to cease hostilities.