Franciscans Network was incorporated as a religious not-for-profit organization on October 4, 1989. It was founded as a vehicle for North American men and women to provide opportunities for members of all branches of the Franciscan family to communicate and collaborate with each other. Some said it was ahead of its time. Perhaps it was.

After several successful projects, and much hard work and dedication of many Franciscans, the financial needs became more than the Franciscan family was willing to support. Near the end of 1994, the Board of Trustees decided to cease operations and undertake a final fundraising effort to retire the debt. This effort was completed and the debt was retired in April, 1996. Operations ceased, but the organization was not dissolved. Although Franciscans Network appeared to be dead -- just like the little girl in the eighth chapter of the Gospel of Luke -- it was only sleeping, just waiting for Jesus to say, "Get up."

Two-and-a-half years later, a group of people, including some Franciscans, began discussing how they could support the work of Franciscans working in the area of human rights. As discussion progressed and plans were made, it became clear that a not-for-profit organization was needed to facilitate their efforts. It was then that Jesus said, "Get up," and the breath of life returned to Franciscans Network.

Now, instead of networking Franciscans for collaborative efforts among themselves, Franciscans Network networks Franciscans, other Christians, and people of goodwill to support Franciscans and other men and women who are working to promote and protect human rights throughout the world.

Franciscans Network networks for human rights. St. Francis valued people. Through his embrace of the leper, he taught us that we are all sisters and brothers in the one family of God. Through Holy Poverty he taught us that one person is more valuable than all of the world's possessions. Denying human rights to anyone denies these Gospel truths that Francis lived.

Since it's rebirth at the end of 1998, Franciscans Network has primarily worked to provide financial support for Franciscans and those whom they are helping through various human rights endeavors around the world, from the grassroots all the way to the United Nations. Franciscans Network has also organized pilgrimages as educational fundraisers, offered opportunities for prayer and spiritual growth, and sponsored speaking engagements on issues of human rights and social justice, for the wider community as well as for its members. Most recently, Franciscans Network has partnered with area Muslims to provide opportunities for interfaith dialogue.