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NetOne: Journalism and Migration Project

NetOne: Journalism and Migration Project

Nov 8, 2016 | Non categorizzato

MigrationWhile undertaking their work regarding the migration phenomenon, and with active participation in the opinion debate in confrontation with ideological battles, a group of journalists and communication experts of various European regions (Italy, Hungary, Germany, Slovenia and Austria) are trying to open an original path towards narratives and interpretation and for journalists and also other professionals. Similar symposiums which gather media professionals have been held up to now in some troubled areas such as Budapest (Hungary), Athens (Greece), Man (Ivory Coast), and Warsaw (Poland). These meetings are promoted by NetOne (an international chain of professionals which works at the service of dialogue and peace among peoples). The aim is to establish a network of collaborators comprising of journalists and other media and communciation experts, NGO representatives, academics and social workers, to better understand the phenomenon in order to interpret it and to provide adequate narrative and communication tools. As of today, the experience has led to the growth of a mutual interest and way of listening (among journalists, between journalists and experts, and between journalist and migrants); the style used helps to understand the historical, cultural and political backgrounds underlying migrations. The professional symposiums were lately held in the migratory hot spots: Budapest (Hungary), Athens (Greece), Man (Ivory Coast), and Warsaw (Poland). The next on the agenda will be in Beirut (Lebanon) from 24 -27 November, Brussels (Belgium) from 26-28 January 2017, and in Chiaramonte Gulfi and Pozzallo (Italy) from 4-5 November 2016. The forthcoming session will be in Beirut-Ain Aar (Lebanon) from 24 – 27 November.

35th Ecumenical meeting of Bishop friends of the Focolare

35th Ecumenical meeting of Bishop friends of the Focolare

Nov 8, 2016 | Focolare Worldwide, Senza categoria

plenum_ursel_haaf

Photo credit: Ursel Haaf

Five hundred years after Luther’s Reform, in the ecumenical village of Ottmaring (Augsburg), the 35th international meeting was held by 25 bishops of various churches that draw inspiration from the spirituality of the Focolare Movement. The reflections on the points of spirituality of the charism of unity, praying together, and celebration of the various liturgies, set the basis for deep encounters and dialogues that left an indelible mark in the participants. The theme of the meeting, “Jesus Forsaken foundation of a spirituality of communion“ guided the entire convention which the bishops wished to conclude together with the Carmel community located next to the Concentration camp of Dachau, for a confrontation with one of the most painful phases of humanity’s story. A new perspective opened and gave hope to all: “For me, the trip to Dachau was like visiting a shrine to Jesus Forsaken. I met God there, in His abandonment”, said Jesús Morán, Co-President of the Focolare Movement. And the Maronite Bishop Simon Atallah of Lebanon added: “Next to a place of suffering and hatred, we found a place of love.” One of the peak moments of the meeting was the ecumenical liturgy in the evangelical church of St.Anne in Augsburg. Also present was Bishop Emeritus Christian Krause, one of the main signers of the “Joint Declaration on the doctrine of justification”, on 31 October 1999 in the same place. The group of bishops took this occasion to formulate a message for the opening of the celebrations for the 500th anniversary of the Reform, which was held in the Swedish city of Lund. They also sent a delegation. The mayor of the city of the “Pax Augustus,” Kurt Gribl, upon welcoming the bishops underlined how «The Focolare Movement, and in particular, the group of bishops, represent confessions that do not deny the differences.» And seeing a tight bond between the city of Augsburg and the commitment of the ecumenical community of bishops, added: «You and your example demonstrate that it is possible to coexist peacefully and spiritually, and this encourages us to move onwards in collaborating as a city of peace.» To seal this deep friendship and spiritual bond, the group then gathered in the evangelical church of St. Ulrich. It is by now a tradition during these ecumenical meetings, for the participating bishops to formulate a solemn promise, to support one another in prayer and life, sharing worries and sufferings, and joys and conquests of their brothers. «The cross of one becomes the cross of the other, and the desire of one becomes the desire of the other», states the “Pact of mutual love,” which all signed. The next bishops’ meeting promoted by the Focolare Movement will take place in 2017 in Poland.