Meg's update: June 15: Religions for Peace Meeting

The North American Women of Faith Network held its Fourth Consultative Meeting at the
United Nations Plaza, Church Centre. The day long event featured several speakers addressing critical social/economic/political and religious issues. A splendid address was given by Cindy Hill
from Catholic Charities, USA. She spoke on "Women, Girls and Urban Poverty". Poverty, she said, is a moral and social wound in the soul of our country with some 37 million people living below the poverty line. I spoke on Violence Against Women & Trafficking of Women & Girls, highlighting the scourge that this form of modern slavery continues to be throughout our world; prevalent in all cultures and societies. Ms. Parker Diggory from the Presbyterian Church spoke of her involvement in Youth/Youth Adults in Inter-Religious Movements in many Asian & African countries. Pastor Ann Tiemeyer, National Council of Churches, shared data on their fistula campaign, and the healing that many women and children have received through their services. The next meeting will feature action-areas for follow-up networking.