The Death Penalty Violates Human Dignity with Sister Helen Prejean

The Center for Peacemaking’s origin is steeped in Gospel nonviolence with Dr. Terry Rynne

Dr. Terry Rynne, co-founder of the Center for Peacemaking, discusses how the idea of the Center for Peacemaking evolved out of his long-standing interest in and study of Gandhian and Gospel-based nonviolence. He also shares how recent Popes including John XXII, Benedict XVI, Francis, and Leo XIV have embraced a return to Gospel nonviolence. Ultimately, Rynne shares success stories from the Center and why he believes those trained in Peace Studies will be future leaders in industries ranging from finance to healthcare to public service. Rynne is the author of Gandhi and Jesus (https://orbisbooks.com/products/gandhi-and-jesus [https://orbisbooks.com/products/gandhi-and-jesus]) and Jesus Christ, Peacemaker (https://orbisbooks.com/products/jesus-christ-peacemaker [https://orbisbooks.com/products/jesus-christ-peacemaker]). He is a contributor to the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative (https://paxchristiusa.org/catholic-nonviolence-initiative/ [https://paxchristiusa.org/catholic-nonviolence-initiative/]).

Journalist Safety and Press Freedom with Dr. Tom Durkin

Tom Durkin, director of safety education for the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, discusses how targeted attacks, kidnapping, and even digital threats are reshaping the landscape of safety preparation for journalists both abroad and at home. He shares about the work of the Foley Foundation, including their online curriculum and risk assessment tools that are transforming journalism education for students and seasoned journalists alike. Durkin also touches on his work with Marquette students through the Center for Peacemaking. The Foley Foundation’s journalism safety curriculum is available online (https://jamesfoleyfoundation.org/journalist-safety/ [https://jamesfoleyfoundation.org/journalist-safety/]).

The Death Penalty Violates Human Dignity with Sister Helen Prejean

Helen Prejean, C.S.J. joined us to share stories and wisdom from her lifelong journey advocating for the abolition of the death penalty. She discussed how she was pulled into this work, ways the death penalty negatively impacts society at large, and how Catholic teaching on the death penalty has evolved in recent years. To close the episode, Prejean reveals how experiences with empathy, forgiveness, and faith can reshape our understanding of justice and give direction to how we are called to act today. Prejean is the author of Dead Man Walking (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/133674/ [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/133674/]) which was adapted into an Academy Award winning film, and most recently, a graphic novel (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/635448/ [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/635448/]). Her current project aims to bring attention to the case of Manuel Ortiz, an innocent man from El Salvador who is on death row in Louisiana for crimes he did not commit. For more information, visit sisterhelen.org [http://sisterhelen.org] (https://www.sisterhelen.org/ [https://www.sisterhelen.org/]).

Challenging Stereotypes, Protecting Human Dignity with Dr. Louise Cainkar

Dr. Louise Cainkar, professor of Social and Cultural Sciences and director of Peace Studies at Marquette University, discussed how she became interested in researching human rights and her scholarship on the impact of 9/11 on Arab and Muslim communities. She also shared about the value of Marquette’s Peace Studies program, including opportunities to participate in programs such as the recent Engaging Muslims, Countering Islamophobia immersion. To close the episode, Cainkar discusses the need for human dignity in addressing immigration and the role hope plays in sustaining her research, teaching, and advocacy.   Cainkar is the author of Homeland Insecurity: The Arab American and Muslim American Experience After 9/11 (https://www.russellsage.org/publications/book/homeland-insecurity-0 [https://www.russellsage.org/publications/book/homeland-insecurity-0]). Resources mentioned include Council on American-Islamic Relations (https://www.cair.com/ [https://www.cair.com/]), Institute for Social Policy & Understanding (https://ispu.org/ [https://ispu.org/]), and The Bridge Initiative at Georgetown University (https://bridge.georgetown.edu/ [https://bridge.georgetown.edu/]).

Financial Access and Global Peace Efforts

In this episode we delve into the world of financial regulations with an expert panel on the critical need for collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and nonprofits to ensure that humanitarian efforts are not stifled by regulatory hurdles. Brian Kimari, coordinator of Kenya NPO Working Group on the Financial Action Task Force, discusses how the Financial Action Task Force has produced unintended impacts on peacebuilding and human rights organizations in Kenya with Recommendation 8. Michael Beer, co-director at Nonviolence International, discusses how derisking has impacted Nonviolence International. And Poorvika Mehra, Howard S. Brembeck Fellow at the Charity & Security Network, discusses the challenges posed by de-risking and de-banking practices that often hinder nonprofit organizations from accessing essential financial services. Their combined analysis uncovers the need for a truly risk-based approach that balances compliance with the operational realities of civil society groups.   Suggested resources include Charity & Security Network's Civil Society Rights & Resiliency Project (https://charityandsecurity.org/know-your-rights/civilsocietyrightsresliency/ [https://charityandsecurity.org/know-your-rights/civilsocietyrightsresliency/]), Global NPO Coalition on FATF (https://fatfplatform.org/ [https://fatfplatform.org/]), and Nonviolence International (https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/ [https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/]).