A Word About My Vocation

I will be retiring this summer from my work as Executive Director of the Friends of International Friendship Park. If you'd like to join the August 14 celebration in downtown San Diego, you can buy tickets here. If you'd like to support the organization's ongoing work, you can make a donation here. Thank you! John

I was ordained as a minister in the United Methodist Church in 1992. But long before I became a pastor, I discovered my calling as an activist through my deep involvement in the Central America peace movement of the 1980s.

The idea of "sanctuary" has always resonated deeply with me. I have always admired individuals and communities who offer save haven to people being persecuted by powerful forces beyond their control.

I especially love the idea that we can take the spirit and practice of sanctuary with us wherever we go, including into public spaces where powerful forces are sowing seeds of hatred, mistrust, fear, and division. This was my big take-away from my involvement in the Central America peace movement, and it has shaped my entire vocation.

In El Salvador, 1988

Eventually, these commitments led me to International Friendship Park, the historic site overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the western end of the US-Mexico border. In the aftermath of 9/11, the site became a cherished meeting place for thousands of people who were separated from their loved ones by their immigration status. I found the drama of family reunions at Friendship Park utterly compelling, and I found the intentions of the US government to close the site in the United States utterly offensive.

Across two decades, the struggle to "save Friendship Park" has been transformed into a movement to revive the dream of "International Friendship Park." This dream was first announced by First Lady Pat Nixon in August 1971, and this summer we will once again be marking the anniversary of that occasion with events in San Diego on Friday, August 14 and in Tijuana on Saturday, August 15. If you are in the area, please join us!

These occasions will also mark my retirement from my work as Executive Director of the Friends of International Friendship Park. The Board of Directos will soon announce the organization's next Executive Director, who will lead the mission moving forward -- to create a truly international park where people from both countries will someday be able to come together in peace and friendship.

I will continue with my writing and teaching, I will share an announcement about all that in a forthcoming newsletter. In the meantime, please rest assured that I remain committed to my vocation of practicing sanctuary when and where I am able. And please know that I am grateful to you, have followed me here on this platform across the past many years.

John Fanestil

 If you'd like to join the August 14 celebration in downtown San Diego, you can buy tickets here. If you'd like to support the organization's ongoing work, you can make a donation here.