Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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The Roots of Extractivism
March 23, 2026
Sisters of Mercy are sponsoring a special program with the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, Creation Justice Ministries, Maryknoll and the Mennonite Central Committee. It will be one that provides space for reflection on the Doctrine of Discovery, its legacy of increasingly extreme forms of extracting natural resources, and will explore alternatives to this economic paradigm.
The program is called, The Roots of Extractivism and the Moral Call for Transformation and will be online Thursday, April 15 at 6 pm CT.
The current exploitation of land, water and communities for mining, oil and gas drilling and other forms of extracting natural resources is rooted in a 15th-century church doctrine promoting colonial conquest. This 90-minute program will explore these roots of the extractivist economy, create space for reflection on our own complicity, and showcase examples of alternative ways of living and working. Speakers include Sarah Augustine, a Pueblo (Tewa) woman who co-founded the Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition; Ryan Juskus, an assistant professor at Notre Dame who specializes in issues of environmental justice; and a panel of practitioners of alternative economies.
This is a free program, but donations are appreciated.
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Cosmology & Creation