Detroit Moses

By Sister Carol Coston, OP, and Sister Nancy Sylvester, IHM

September 29, 2014

We began our last day in Michigan, as we had every day, sitting together in prayer. Toward the end of our prayer we shared how the days’ events were like a kaleidoscope with the faces of hundreds of people coming into focus. These Michiganders shared similar stories of suffering, frustration and some hope, but in their own unique perspectives.

Our first stop was in front of the 36^th District Court, where we joined with M.0.S.E.S., a faith based community organization, to do voter registration. We then went to lunch at Colors, a training restaurant committed to using local food that is very involved with local organizations to promote food sustainability in the city. Some of the representatives of these groups joined us and shared their work with us.

Our final stop was a Town Hall for the 100% at Marygrove College, co-sponsored with the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and M.O.S.E.S. The energy in the room was electric as close to 250 people shared their concerns and ideas as to how to move forward. Concerns raised included making voting more accessible; getting the disenfranchised to vote; holding candidates responsible for what they say after they are elected; getting people engaged; educating everyone on the candidates’ positions through public forums and debates. One suggestion was to end corporate personhood so as to curtail their influence on elections and policy. There are many who need assistance in voting and. neighbors and church communities can help. As we ended, it was clear that we need each other and that each of us can do something.

As the Michigan Nuns on the Bus ended we felt pride in the Nuns on the Bus tour and the hope and energy that it ignites in the places we/they visit. We felt pride in the fifth Executive Director of NETWORK, Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, who continues to evolve NETWORK in response to the Spirit of these times. We especially appreciated the young women who were staffing the trip and their competence and compassion. And we felt proud of the women and men throughout the years who have continued to support NETWORK and to tell their stories about their ministries and the people affected by unjust policies. It is for all of us that we need to be the 100% at the table.

Note: Sister Carol Coston, OP, is a NETWORK founder and the first Executive Director (1972-1982), and Sister Nancy Sylvester, IHM, served as Executive Director from 1982 to 1992.