Franciscans International
Franciscans International is a non-governmental organization (NGO) with General Consultative status with the United Nations in its offices in New York Geneva and Bangkok and FI unites the voices of brothers and sisters from around the world. It is the first common Franciscan ministry, representing approximately one million Franciscan sisters and brothers in over 160 countries.
Mission
Franciscans International works at the United Nations and international organizations to influence decision makers on behalf of the most vulnerable.
Vision
We are men and women who are committed to the ideals of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi. As St Francis once addressed the social leaders of his time with the challenge of peace, so today we are called to engage policy makers and world leaders at the United Nations for the work of justice, peace, the care of creation, and the promotion of human rights.
History
FI began in 1982 when an American sister and a brother from Malta independently saw the potential for Franciscan input at the UN. Franciscans International was officially recognized by the UN Department of Public Information in 1989, and approved for Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Consultative status in 1995. Three years later, the Conference of the Franciscan Family in Rome approved Franciscans International’s Charter and assumed the role of Sponsor.
Structure
With offices in New York and Geneva and now Bangkok Franciscans International is able to work effectively with a range of UN agencies and other international organizations. We rely on donations, information and research from members of the Franciscan family, without whom our work would not be possible.
Franciscans International Bangkok Office Project
In the spirit of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi, Franciscan brothers and sisters in the Asia Pacific region have committed themselves to the most vulnerable and impoverished peoples of their countries. In their work, they have developed unique understandings of the region: HIV/AIDS, trafficking of human beings, interfaith dialogue in faith situations, and more. It is time that their voices are heard.
In 2008, Franciscans International (FI) will open a satellite office in Bangkok to strengthen Franciscan representation at the United Nations through the Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific. FI in Bangkok will offer much needed formational training and advocacy programs to the members of the Franciscan Family throughout the Asia Pacific region.
At the 2001 Franciscan Federation AGM, the members present voted unanimously to continue to support Franciscans International by our prayer and financial support and such support continues. If you would like as a group or individually to offer financial support to Franciscans International, please donate by making your cheque payable to Franciscan Federation of Australia indicating whether your donation is for ‘Franciscans International’ (Geneva or Bangkok office ) and send to the Treasurer: Br Matt Hufer. All donations will be acknowledged but your may request anonymity if you wish.
For further information do consult our website, link on the right hand of this page.
