MINUTES OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANISATION CATHOLIC RCHDIOVES OF JOS MEETING HELD AT THE PASTORIAL CENTRE,JOS ON FRIDAY 10TH NOVEMBER, 2000

 I.                    ATTENDANCE -  See copy of list attached.  Mr. Gunat sent an apology. It was noted that Mr. Guwan had recently moved to St. Monica Parish.

II.                   OPENING – Dr. Barbara read a prayer on the late Archbishop Romero to open the meeting at 4.45pm.  Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians on reactions of Christian to Apollos and Paul’s teachings was considered.  Comments on the prayer included the realization of our littleness and the fact that we are workers and not masterbuilders.

III.                 MINUTES – The minutes were adopted on a motion  by Mr. Ominyi, seconded by Mr. Kwakfut.

IV.              MATTERS ARISING:-

i)                    Archbishop – All invited speakers and chairmen were seen and confirmed the would come.  The T.V. crew would be coming. The committee was working on the production of papers to make them available to all participants since costs had been cut and other items as certificates were no longer included.  Reminder on the workshop were distributed for all parishes – each parish present should be reminded by members.

Members were reminded that the workshop would begin at 9 am. on Wednesday 22 November, 2000 and they should be in attendance.  Volunteers to register participants at 8.00 am were Gregory Kaminfud and Barr. Ogbene Abang.

ii)                  Reports from Parish J.& P’s –

(a)    St.Louiss had made the “catchy” announcement at Mass

(b)    Kuru – one senior police officer would try to attend their meetings.

(c)    St. Theresa has an Inspector as member of their J & P.  Members were encouraged to identify Senior Police officers in their perish to join the J & P.

iii)                 Arrangement for Prison Visit – Mr. Gunat had phoned Sr. Barbara stating that he could not get the letter sent to the prison.  He was busy preparing for NIPSS graduation.

iv)                Barr. Nygon’s wedding- several members had all attended.

v)                  Substantive Business:

a)      Parish J. & P’s Means of getting cases of injustice:

-         Create more awareness among parishioners;

-         A member explained on what cases to exist within the Catholic Church structure for treating apparent cases of injustice if reported.

If the focus of justice and peace is within the Catholic Community, it may be difficult to treat the situation.  More enlightenment should come through the proposed workshop.

-         Vom further explained their experience in handling cases both within the Church and outside.

-         Conciliatory arbitration may be the way to handle internal cases that seem difficult because of more personal relationships.

-         The  habit of not complaining also causes problems to continue.

h)                  A question was raised on whether a particular type or group of people were being targeted for  assistance by the H.R.O.  Response included:

- concentrate on the downtrodden i.e those who cannot afford legal services.

- Create a situation for reconciliation behaviour affected parties who may  ever have the means for employing legal services;

-         Justice and Peace Movement when approach is usually expected too offer reconciliatory means.  The example was given of a case where the person could afford to pay for legal services and did not appreciate the H.R.O. services.

vi.                 Next Meeting – would be Friday 8 December, 2000.

vii.                Closing – at 6.15 pm. Mr.Ogunshiny moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Dergunat.  Sr. Barbara read closing prayer I Cor. 3:6-7.

Chairman                                                                     Secretary