Transform yourself first
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI We all know the saying: “Change the world, Lord, and start with me.” While the theme for Respect For Life Week (Oct 25 to Nov 1) is Transforming Society to Reflect Gospel Values, we must first examine our consciences to see how we are doing. Have each […]
Working for a world without poverty
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI “Oh, how I wish for a Church that is poor and for the poor!” – Pope Francis speaking to journalists, March 16, 2013 On Friday October 17, the world observed International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. In his message in 2013, Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of […]
Observing World Day of Social Justice
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI On Thursday, February 20, the World Day of Social Justice will be observed. This is a day when countries are asked to recommit to address issues such as poverty, social exclusion and unemployment, which were among the goals of the 1995 World Summit for Social Development in […]
Empower the ‘girl child’
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI “Empowerment of and investment in girls are key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence and in promoting and protecting the full and effective enjoyment of their human rights.” – UN Resolution 66/170 The world observes International Day of the Girl Child (girls under the age […]
Family – the world’s greatest resource
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI “Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love. That is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches. They are the right place for faith to become life, and life to grow in faith…I leave you with this question, for each one of you […]
Invest in teachers
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI October 5 is World Teachers’ Day. Its aim is “to mobilise support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers”. The theme for 2014 is Invest in the future, invest in teachers. If we are to invest […]
Stop ‘murder by legal sentence’
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI “The death penalty is contrary to the meaning of humanitas and to divine mercy, which should be the model for men’s justice. It implies cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment…As St Ambrose teaches, God did not want to punish Cain for the murder, as He wants the repentance […]
Questions about the Civil Society Board
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI Good governance involves creating a culture that will facilitate participatory governance – with a clear understanding of the roles and functions of the various stakeholders; a culture that is devoid of feelings of mistrust. On Wednesday, September 17, I attended a National Forum on the Establishment of […]
Building Inclusive Communities
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI “…you should all agree among yourselves and be sympathetic; love the brothers and sisters, have compassion and be self-effacing. Never pay back one wrong with another, or an angry word with another one; instead, pay back with a blessing. That is what you are called to do, […]
Right of Peoples to Peace
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI “Peace and security are essential foundations for social progress and sustainable development… We must douse the fires of extremism and tackle the root causes of conflict. Peace is a long road that we must travel together…Let us all reflect on peace – and what it means for […]
