In Wake of Election 2016, Nationwide Catholic Social Justice Conference Convenes in D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC – As the 2016 election cycle draws to a close, the Ignatian Solidarity Network will, this weekend, welcome nearly 2,000 people to Washington, D.C. for the 19th annual Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice.

In the midst of a shifting political landscape, this event, attended primarily by young people ages 16 to 24, from the Jesuit network of schools in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and El Salvador, affirms that, as people of faith, attendees stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized by injustice. This year’s conference will explore the theme “Mercy in Action,” rooted in Pope Francis’s “Year of Mercy” which ends later this month.

“Regardless of who the leaders of our nation are — their political party, their stances, their statements,” shares Christopher Kerr, ISN Executive Director, “our work is about lifting up the dignity and humanity of each and every person. This includes our brothers and sisters who are immigrants and refugees, experiencing racism, marred by economic inequality, displaced by climate change, or at the mercy of an undignified criminal justice system, to name a few.”

On Monday, the final day of the Teach-In, over 1,400 delegates will head to Capitol Hill to continue to act on their civic responsibility by advocating for humane immigration policies and criminal justice reform grounded in dignity.

WHO:  Teach-In attendees represent over 120 Catholic institutions in 27 states, Canada, El Salvador, and Mexico from over 30 Jesuit universities, over 30 Jesuit high schools, and parishes and other universities.
WHAT:  The 19th Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice: Mercy in Action
WHEN:   November 12-14, 2016 (Advocacy Day: November 14, 2016)
WHERE:    Saturday, 11/12 and Sunday, 11/13: Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA and Monday, 11/14: 9 a.m. Columbus Circle (rally), 10 a.m. Capitol Hill (meetings in Congressional offices)

Teach-In speakers will include:
Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., bestselling author and founder and executive director of Homeboy Industries
Sr. Simone Campbell, executive director of NETWORK
Lisa Sharon Harper, author and Chief Church Engagement Officer at Sojourners
Fr. James Martin, S.J., bestselling author and editor-at-large at America Magazine
Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley and nationally-recognized advocate for immigrants

A full schedule is available here. Livestream schedule and coverage available here.

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The Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) is a national social justice network inspired by the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. ISN was founded in 2004 and is a lay-led 501(c)(3) organization working in partnership with universities, high schools, and parishes sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) along with many other Catholic institutions and social justice partners. More information can be found at: www.www.ignatiansolidarity.net