Indigenous Rights and Spirituality
Chiapas, Mexico
August 2 - 11, 2007
For more information, read the tentative itinerary. Webpage or PDF.

“The situation of the indigenous peoples varies across the continent but has many points of contact with the Chiapas situation. . . . In Chiapas, there are not only great social inequities but extreme poverty, harsh political repression against the people, and no system of justice whatsoever.”
—Samuel Ruiz, May 10, 1998
 
Join UUSC and the Colectivos de Apoyo, Solidaridad y Acción (or CASA) (Support, Solidarity and Action Collectives) for the Indigenous Rights and Spirituality JustJourney to Chiapas, Mexico. This JustJourney is an experiential intercultural seminar that examines the interplay of human rights issues and the call to ministry in the context of a world of increasing exclusion, oppression, and inequality.

As a participant in the Indigenous Rights and Spirituality JustJourney, you will engage in face-to-face dialogue with those on the forefront of the struggle for human rights, many of whom have been motivated by their faith. You will immerse yourself in the current situation faced by indigenous peoples in Chiapas by visiting autonomous indigenous communities, women’s cooperatives, and nongovernmental organizations.

In Chiapas, you will meet with human rights defenders and advocates to discuss the current conflict and human rights. You will also meet with religious leaders to discuss topics such as ecumenism, indigenous theologies, and the themes of privilege and solidarity.

Some questions that participants will explore are:

How does the struggle of the indigenous people in Chiapas inform our understanding of social, economic, and cultural rights?

How is the call to uphold and advance peace, liberty, and justice for everyone informed by this experience?

What role religion/faith plays in the development of an indigenous peasant movement and social struggle?

What does it mean to be “in resistance”?

Theological/spiritual reflection and mentorship are an intrinsic part of this experience. Participants are expected to share what they have learned and reflected upon with their congregations, schools, and communities.
Joining this JustJourney as cofacilitators will be Peter Morales, senior minister, Jefferson Unitarian Church, Golden, Colo., and Colin Bossen, cofounder of CASA and minister of the UU Fellowship of Pottstown, Pa.

Cost: $950 per person for seminarians and $1,150 for ministers and other participants. This includes lodging and most meals, in-country transportation, interpreting, programming, pre- and post-trip orientation materials, and contributions to communities. It does not include airfare to and from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, or any incidentals. Participants are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from Tuxtla Gutierrez.

Application deadline: June 29, 2007. There are some partial need-based scholarships available for seminarians. Seminarians may be able to obtain credit for the experience. Limited space is available, and priority will be given to seminarians and ministers.

For more information, contact Xenia Barahona at justjourneys@uusc.org or by calling 800-388-3920.