Letter from the Director | 2014-2015

Dear Ignatian Network,

Can you believe that ISN turned 10 this year? Over the past decade, we have grown from a fledgling organization into a flourishing network for social justice inspired by the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. But in other ways, we haven’t gone far from our roots—and that’s a good thing.

I say that because this year also marked the 25th anniversary of the deaths of the Jesuit martyrs, their housekeeper, and her daughter, who were brutally murdered in El Salvador. Our story began with the Jesuit martyrs and their companions, going back to our early days in Fort Benning, Georgia. Remembering that story well has sustained us this far.

To remember well, this year we led a delegation of 45 people to El Salvador. We met those who knew the martyrs, people who told us of their fearless opposition to a culture of death. Personal encounter with the suffering of our sisters and brothers drove the work of the martyrs, and it’s what drives our work today.

We came back from El Salvador determined to remember the martyrs in our advocacy. We took their stories to the 17th Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, as 1,000 of us went to Capitol Hill to make our voices heard on human rights in Central America, climate change, and more.

We also joined 1,200 alumni of Jesuit institutions in writing a letter to Congress, asking lawmakers to protect the forgotten mothers, children and neighbors who live in our country’s shadows due to our broken immigration system. We recognized incredible public servants by establishing our “Legacy of the Martyrs” award in honor of the martyrs’ bold witness.

As you take a look at our year’s highlights, join us in remembering the story of the martyrs’ faithfulness, and of God’s faithfulness to our movement for justice.

Thanks to your generous support, it’s a story that’s still being written.

Sincerely,

Christopher Kerr
ISN Executive Director