Netwerk Rechtvaardigheid & Vrede (NRV) (Justice & Peace Network) is a network of nine solidarity organizations which are linked with the Catholic church in Flanders, Belgium. The Network takes initiatives for mutual consultation between the solidarity organizations and promotes collaboration, communication and exchange of information and opinions.
History
Netwerk Rechtvaardigheid & Vrede today
- Kinderen Jongeren Solidariteit (Children & Youngsters Solidarity): the workgroup on Education
- Workgroup Communication and Media
- Workgroup Fundraising
- …
Within the Network priority is given to two main actions:
- “Zorg voor een diaconale kerk” (Care for a Diaconal Church) focuses on the further development of a Diaconal Church in our society.
Starting point is the insight and conviction that diaconal service in itself is religious action. Questions as how can ‘societal improvement’ contribute to people living a good life together?, Where do we find these practices in our local context?, or What kind of economic and social policies support solidarity? are in the picture.
“Zorg voor een diaconale kerk” also ensures the link with diaconal initiatives in the different Flemish dioceses. - “Ecokerk” (Eco-Church) focuses on the work concerning the ‘care for our common home’.
“Ecokerk” develops several activities in order to link spirituality and ecology, and to let them result in eco-practice, such as for example creating an ‘ecological footprint’ for church buildings, activities and households. “Ecokerk” also persists– together with catholic networks and the wider climate movements – to participate in the public debate and keeps pleading for an ambitious ecological transition and climate justice.
Since it was launched, the papal encyclical Laudato Si’ by pope Franciscus became the leading document for the work of “Ecokerk”.
The nine solidarity organisations, all based on Christian values, that are participating in the Network are:
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Broederlijk Delen is a Belgian organization for development cooperation and is committed to work towards a dignified life for rural communities in Africa and Latin-America. Broederlijk Delen strives for a sustainable world without inequality. While there is enough for everyone, many people live in poverty. We believe in a solution that consists of sharing, redistributing and investing in the plans of the poorest communities in our partner countries. |
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Caritas International comes to the aid of victims of violence, natural catastrophes, and poverty whether in their own country or on the run through our local, national, and international network. |
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The Flemish part of Caritas fights against poverty, sustains voluntary workers and stimulates Christian values and pastoral work in the welfare and the health care sector. |
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Caritas Present organises voluntary work in health care and elderly care. |
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Missio provides infrastructure, education of pastoral workers, and formation of priests. Missio also heartens encounters and dialogues between cultures and religions. |
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ORBIT is a non-profit that fosters the coexistence and democratic cooperation of people from different cultures, religions and philosophies. Specifically, ORBIT champions respect for the stories, the rights and the dignity of people with a migration background. |
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Pax Christi Vlaanderen promotes peace, reconciliation and justice. All actions of Pax Christi are inspired and based on the theories of non-violence. |
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Welzijnsschakels strives for equal rights and respect for everyone and fights against poverty and all forms of exclusion. Local teams of volunteers gather people without distinction on income, gender, race,… |
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Welzijnszorg dreams of a world without poverty or social exclusion. People in poverty stand for a daily fight for their rights. Welzijnszorg takes action to obtain a place for the poor in society. Together against poverty! |
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There is one joined member in the network: Studio Globo is an NGO for development cooperation, specialized in development education. The main cornerstones are: discovering the world, learning positive ways to approach diversity, being committed to people and planet, and contributing to a sustainable and solidary world. To achieve these aims Studio Globo provides a range of educational training offers for preschool, primary, secondary and higher education. |