"Let the Children Live" Grant Program and information on peace-building opportunities

The Incarnate Word Sisters Justice, Peace, and Creation Office invites you to be a part of this free effort to build compassion, justice, and peace funded by a grant from Re-thinking Schools. 

The “Let the Children Live” Grant Program is now accepting educators, both formal and informal, who care about the lives of children and others in the Holy Land. We will have our first online conversation once people register and share times they can be available. Those who sign up soon, will have the opportunity to participate in the national gathering on Feb. 20 hosted by Re-thinking School. 

Our conversations are to promote understanding, dialogue, and compassionate action.  Those participating will be expected to share what they learn helping to build empathy among people. Participants will receive a copy of Teaching Palestine, a subscription to Re-thinking Schools, opportunities to participate in discussions both face-to-face and virtual, and other resources such as the recording of Women Wage Peace.  Probably we will have virtual conversations with Sr. Martha Ann's friends in the Holy Land.

The grant leader Sister Martha Ann Kirk was a scholar-in-residence at the Vatican-founded Tantur Ecumenical Institute between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Read some about her in Global Sisters Report.  She was mentored by Rev. Tom Stransky, the young theologian who drafted Nostra Aetate, then published by the pope and the bishops as one of the most important documents of the Second Vatican Council. Read of her May 2025 experiences in the Holy Land among the Women of the Sun and Women Wage Peace nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.  

Secondly, participate in the "Barefoot Walk" in support of the Mother's Call for peace. Join people in Rome, March 24, or be part of gatherings in San Antonio during that week.  "We, Palestinian and Israeli women from all walks of life, are united in the human desire for a future of peace, freedom, equality, rights, and security for our children and the next generations." Learn more Mothers Call – קריאת האמהות

Thirdly, would you like to like to be part of a solidarity trip to the Holy Land, April 28 to May 12? Start saving money for this and consider asking your community to support you in this work of peace-building.  Be a "peace pilgrim". We could be part of the next “It’s Time” conference and learn of Palestinian realities on a tour similar to that described on  the blog about May 2025. 

Read about a past presentation on that trip and consider inviting them to do this presentation for groups you know: 

“We don’t have the luxury of despair. There is too much work to do.” 
        A Repeated Sentiment from Palestinian Christians

 What’s Happening on the Ground in the Holy Land?  What are we Called to do about it as Churches?  Hear experiences from a 3-week journey, May 2025, from Sister Martha Ann Kirk and Rev. Julie Brenton Rowe.     

Learn and plan what churches can do. (Previously: Opening Prayer: Rev. Leyla King, Canon for Mission, Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. Moderator: Rev. Ann Helmke, COSA, Faith Based Liaison. Closing Prayer: Bishop Sue J. Briner, SWT Texas Synod, ELCA. June 26, 2025, University of the Incarnate Word or online.)

Contacts:  Sister Martha Ann Kirk at kirk@uiwtx.edu  210-883-5934
      Rev. Julie Brenton Rowe at revjbr2003@yahoo.com 847 312 5884