Weekly Justice Highlights

Care of Earth: Last month, the Obama Administration announced that it would take more time to review unresolved environmental and safety issues raised by the Keystone XL study, particularly analysis of alternate routes to protect the sensitive Ogallala Aquifer, which provides drinking water for millions of U.S. citizens. Urge Senators and Representatives to oppose bills in Congress to push the Keystone XL pipeline through.

Promoting Peace: Pax Christi International invites the global community to share stories of peace. The stories will be used in Bethlehem, Palestine and other locations in educational and religious settings. Email your inspirational Christmas stories for peace in English before December 25. More information is located here.

Challenging corporate practices: Urge the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to oppose any bill that would give corporations virtually free rein to call cell phones.

Refugees and Displaced Persons: Gently remind President Obama to remember the impact the invasion has had on Iraq and that the U.S. has an obligation to ensure that the internally displaced persons and the Iraqi refugees are taken care of.

Urge U.S. Representatives and Senators to pass an omnibus bill (appropriations) that has no riders and uses funding limits set out in the Debt Deal in August NOT the House budget proposal of April to guide spending.

Urge U.S. Representatives and Senators to extend the payroll tax cuts and Unemployment Insurance by adapting the message on the link above.

Tax cuts for middle class Americans were voted down by Republican Senators (202.224.3121; not toll free). Individuals are invited to call these Senators and express disappointment. Evidently Grover Norquist “gave permission” to allow taxes to go up on the middle class as not violating his “no tax increase” pledge before the vote.

Thank Senator Rand Paul for his leadership in the passage of the Merkley Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for the effort to end the war in Afghanistan at a quicker pace at

Act Today to urge Trinity Wall Street Episcopal Church to provide sanctuary for Occupy Wall Street protestors.

Call the White House 2.2.456.111 (not toll free) and call on President Obama to insist that the Brazilian government take action to clarify boundaries of indigenous lands, continue to protect indigenous lives that are under constant threat, and to bring justice to those that killed Nisio Gomes.

In the Spirit of St. Francis and the Sultan: Muslims and Christians Working Together for the Common Good is a unique 8-week module that supports respectful dialog and cooperation during this troubling period of polarization in our society. A unique feature of the module is that it brings Christians and Muslims together to work for the common good. Participating groups report that this experience is a hopeful and much needed sign of good will and cooperation. More information is located here.

A new documentary film, “Blood in the Mobile,” powerfully addresses both the limits of the imagination and our sense of connection to atrocities committed in eastern Congo. The minerals in our cell phones finance war.

Striking photos of natural gas flares in PA are located here.

The year in powerful photos is located here (be patient for photos to load).

Decembe 2011 and January 2012

Walk Gently on Earth: Food Security, Food Sovereignty, Climate Change, Water, GMOs, and Sustainable Development

While the words seem to be inclusive of much work and depth, this SCN Mission Statement phrase “to care for the earth” has brought us to a new vantage point as a community and family. Toward this endeavor, a pause is being taken to reflect upon and celebrate the growth we have made together during this past year.

• Recycling on Nazareth campus including metal, batteries,
• Planting, replanting of trees and appropriate deforestation for the nature community
• Recognition of Nazareth as Tree City USA for the past seven years
• Creating an environment at Nazareth to encourage wildlife and minimize excessive mowing
• In collaboration with Nelson County Extension Service, provide space for community garden
• Nazareth Food Service examining more local and fresh foods
• Helping to avail the public distribution system (Ration Card) and BPL cards from government so that the food is available on a regulated low price for the poor
• Nazareth Campus housekeeping and food service purchases environmentally friendly products
• Purchase of fair trade and organic products
• Use of cloth/reuseable bags and refraining from plastic bags
• Use of solar energy
• Purchase of Seventh Generation products
• Viewing of Dark Side of Chocolate and a Better Life
• Advocacy on issues such as seed savers, GMO’s, climate change issues,
• Sharing resources and information with religious communities when together
• Hanging clothes outside to dry
• Educating on the Universe Story, GMO’s, climate change issues,
• Study and pray the Universe Story
• Network with New Pioneers
• Composting, vermi-culture and organic farming - no artificial pesticides/insecticides/fertilizers
• Gardening and consumption of produce from gardens
• Share food with food banks and mindfulness of food wastes
• Use water carefully and mindfully
• Continue education and sharing with books and videos related to Universe Story
• Organize awareness programs through rallies, competitions, science projects, discussions etc.
• Water harvesting, reuse of water from house and use of ice from beverages for watering plants
• Avoid carbonated drinks and discouraging others’ use of them
• Use of LED and CFL Bulbs, shut lights off when leaving room for longer periods of time
• Electric weed eater
• Use both sides of paper
• Program thermostats to conserve energy when possible
• Recycle wood chips and conserve fallen trees for firewood at Nazareth
• On demand hot water heater at Guest House at Nazareth
• Collaborated with Village I to obtain greater energy efficiency in Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units
• Research “green” practices for permeable parking at Nazareth, although not feasible to date.
• Integrated Earth Day and Good Friday prayer
• Gasland was shown at Nazareth and placed in Media Center at Nazareth
• The World According to Monsanto was shown at Nazareth and is located in the Media Center (Book is in Nazareth library)
• Purchase and share Journey of the Universe recently available and created by Brian Swimme & Mary Evelyn Tucker
• Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream to Office of Congregational Advancement
• Education on environment, conservation of energy, water, plastic-free living are becoming part of the school curriculum in most of the SCN schools
• The Care for the Earth: Meeting of Science and Spirituality, First Annual Conference (Nazareth)

To continue reflection, individuals are invited to return to the strategic plan from the Office of Global Ministries. In this plan, you may remember that you were invited to write your own plan on the blank space provided under Walking Gently on Earth.

• How have I grown this year?
• Where is growth still needed?
• Upon reflection, find some special way to mark your year of accomplishments and success.

As January unfolds, the Office of Global Ministries will highlight and work on another part of the strategic plan, which is an aspect of the 2008 General Assembly Directive entitled, Be Prophetic and Live Radically. The directive further calls us to minister on the margins and address the rightful place of women in church and society. The following questions root our reflections in Jesus' example of being with women and those on the margins.

• As the birth of Christ is remembered in our Christian tradition, how are women empowered?
• What characteristics exist in the culture of the woman in Jesus time?
• What examples demonstrate Jesus effecting social systems in solidarity with women?

Year-end and Alternative Gift Giving

This year the emphasis of gift giving is on giving local and developing relationships. Homemade gifts, sharing our talents and time, donations to individuals’ favorite charity, supporting local farmers and seeking local businesses that individuals patronize are excellent choices. In addition to giving local, there is the added benefit of reducing carbon footprint. Some individuals choose to offset their carbon footprint of gifts purchased by investing in renewable energy. Still other individuals focus on alternatives to traditional gifts in the name of their families and friends that will benefit the most vulnerable in our global community.

With regard to alternative gift giving from the SCN Family, Father Robert Maloney, CM, has asked the Sisters of Charity Federation NGO to participate in a new venture in Haiti. It is an outstanding program set up by our partner in Haiti, Fonkoze, with a 95% success rate in helping participants acquire the skills needed to emerge from poverty. Participating families are the poorest of the poor in Haiti. The program lasts 18 months and aims to provide a simple, decent home with good sanitary conditions (i.e. clean water and a latrine), get all children from the family into school, provide training in life skills to begin a small enterprise and prepare the family if it so chooses to enter into a micro-credit program. The name of the project is Chemen Lavi Miyo (CLM) which means pathway to a better life. The cost of providing these services to a family over 18 months is $1500 U.S. A donation of any amount is welcome and the donation will include a Christmas postcard sent in your name if the person(s) is/are designated. Make checks out to the Sisters of Charity Federation and indicate it is for the CLM Project. Send donation to The Sisters of Charity Federation NGO Office at 211 East 43rdStreet, Suite 504 in New York, New York 10017.

Climate Change and Rio+20 Meetings in Effort to Care for Earth

In Durban, South Africa on November 28 to December 9, high level discussions on climate change will take place as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference aims to negotiate an international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to prayer, individuals are invited to watch the proceedings of the Convention 

In January 2012 in New York, the first intersessional meeting will take place with regard to the Rio+20. According to a recent United Nations report, the main challenge facing humanity is to sustain poverty eradication and development while shifting gears. The United Nations Secretary-General says, “it has become apparent that a global economy based on current patters of consumption and production is placing heavy stresses on many ecosystems and on critical life-support systems.” According to two reports released ahead of this event, extreme poverty persists in many parts of the world despite the fact that world gross domestic product (GDP) has increased roughly sixty percent since 1992. While many countries have worked toward both these ends through a sustainable development plan, there is lack of support and lack of overall strategy for sustainable development AND poverty eradication.

Reflection and Action:
• With a priority on care of Earth from the SCN Mission Statement, what recent actions have I taken to engage leaders of my country to participate in the Rio+20 Conference in June 2012?
• What do I know about my countries' input into the draft that will begin being worked on in January 2012?
• Citizens from around the world are invited to join in a global conversation in preparation for the Rio+20 conference in June 2012.
• Aware that change happens at all levels, in what ways does my ministry/work focus on poverty eradication through the lens of sustainable development?
• Prayer and continued reading on the issues is imperative to speaking intelligently on the issue.
• Awakening the Dreamer Changing the Dream Symposium is now hosting a interactive digital experiences OR through ordering a 2.5 hour symposium DVD at a cost of $15.
• An interesting website in connecting the dots on climate change is located here

Occupy Wall Street Movement Has Roots in Catholic Social Teaching

According to an article entitled, “Wall Street Protests Gain Vatican Support” by Flavia Rotondi, Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson states that the Occupy Wall Street protests are justified. The Ghanaian-born cardinal heads the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. The office is currently calling for changes in the regulation of financial markets. A document was recently released in Vatican City which argues that “politics- which is responsible for the common good: is to take priority over the economy and finance. According to the text, “economic injustices, including “the hoarding of goods on a great scale”, may create “a climate of growing hostility and even violence, and ultimately undermine the very foundations of democratic institutions.””

This document was also highlighted in a recent article entitled, "Vatican has Sympathy for Protestors” written by Cindy Wooden found in the newspaper, The Record. Behind the Occupy Wall Street presence is the concern of the growing gap between rich and poor. While the Vatican does not stand behind the protests, Catholic Social Teaching and the most recent document “appear to be in line with the slogans” of the Occupy Movements. Previous documents pertaining to the economic realities include Charity in Truth (Pope Benedict XVI) and Economic Justice For All (US Catholic Conference of Bishops). An adequate system of checks and balances with regard to our global economy is lacking.

Reflection/Action:
• Thank Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson for his work in bringing the statement forth and focusing on those who live in poverty around our world. (email archbishop@ghana.com OR Archcape@ghanabc.org)
• An educational tool used to understand in greater detail what the Occupy Movement is about can be found in NETWORKs’ Mind the Gap Campaign. It examines the chasm between those who have and those who have not. A facilitators guide and powerpoint are located here
• As Advent progresses, watch for a FY 2012 omnibus appropriations bill and be sure funding and sacrifices for programs and revenues is balanced and NOT disproportionate for those who live in poverty
• January 1 is World Peace Day with a theme of “Educating Young People in Justice and Peace.” What can I do to empower youth who share a large portion of the Occupy Movement?
• As the Occupy Movement transitions, important questions for the upcoming elections and choice of candidates include: Do you care about your fellow citizens? If so, do you take responsibility to tact on that care? Do you realize how much EVERY American, no matter how rich or poor, depends upon the Public?
• In SCN work to challenge unjust corporations and their preference for the 1%, you are invited to boycott any of the products by the Koch brothers’ corporations 

January is Poverty Awareness Month in the United States

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development encourages each of us to bring national attention to the reality of 37.3 million Americans and one in six children living below the poverty line. According to the US Catholic Conference of Bishops' website where a variety of resources are located for education, these families are making hard choices between food, health care, heat and rent.

Reflection and Action:
• What is the poverty line for a single person and a family of four? Where might I locate this information ?
• What added information and experiences do I need to understand the breadth and depth of poverty in the United States?
• In what ways can I educate others, promote this campaign and advocate for those who are caught in systems of poverty?
• In addition to U.S. financial institutions needing "checks and balances", what needs do International Financial Institutions have?

Weekly Justice Highlights

International AIDS Day: On World AIDS Day, a new film highlighting the abuse of women and the fight against AIDS in Africa will premiere nationally on Showtime starting tonight. Check the schedule here.

Act by December 2: Urge Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to stand for the people of Sudan and start applying strong sanctions against Bashir.  (Look on left side - click on send your postcard)

Promoting Peace: Urge Representatives and Senators to live up to the demands of the Budget Control Act and to oppose reducing or eliminating spending cuts to the military.  There is danger that an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act will be voted on this week that will eliminate cuts to defense as outlined in sequestration.

Care of Earth: Journey of the Universe film will be broadcast on PBS in December and continue over the next two years at various stations. Check local listings as well as the list of showings on the Journey of the Universe website.

Empowering Women: Two women housekeepers whose faces were edited onto a “sexy” body of a bikini-clad woman holding a surfboard were posted on the wall inside the Hyatt hotel. Urge Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian to reinstate two women with back pay.

Opposing the Iraq War: Urge federal legislators to support amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act that end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and cut the Pentagon budget redirecting the money to human needs.

Urge the Environmental Protection Agency to update the Clean Air Act and to stop toxic air pollution from oil and gas drilling.

Call or write U.S. Senators (202.224.3121; not toll free) to vote for the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 (S. 1917). This legislation is an extension of the Payroll Tax cut set to expire on December 31, 2011.

Rumor has it that a Secret Farm Bill is being written behind closed doors. Individuals are invited to contact federal legislators telling them that an open and transparent Farm Bill process is important to you.

A new documentary, The Thick Dark Fog,” shines a light on the traumatic boarding school experience through the telling of personal stories. The film focuses on Walter Littlemoon, a Lakota who was forced to attend a federal government boarding school on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota in the 1950s. Littlemoon says his culture, language and spirituality were brutally suppressed. More information is located here.

The LCWR Global Concerns Committee has issued a resolution focusing on the critical need for economic justice.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Good News: The U.S. State Department announced that a final decision on the tar sands Keystone XL pipeline is delayed pending an environmental review. The extraction and transportation process associated with tar sands oil would produce more carbon emissions than traditional oil. Thank President Obama for delaying this decision and urge him to ultimately reject it.  Additionally, Rand Paul’s resolution that would block a clean air rule and potentially prevent the EPA from ever issuing a similar rule was defeated.

Migrants: Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to provide robust funding for Migration and Refugee services, including those of Iraqi refugees, in the State and Foreign Operations appropriate bill.  

Care of Earth: Call or write Administrator Fleming at the Environmental Protection Agency to urge her to protect KY from Mountaintop Removal Mining.

Urge U.S. Representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 3368, the Latin America Military Training Review Act.  The bill would suspend operations at the (School of Americas) SOA/WHINSEC, investigate torture manuals and human rights abuses associated with the school. 

Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to vote NO on any Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA) to the Constitution.  A BBA would place limits on meeting growing population needs due to aging and disabilities and affect the long-term unemployed.

Call U.S. Representatives (1.202.224.3121, not toll free) urging them to oppose H.R. 2309, relating to the U.S. postal service, will eliminate 200,000 jobs including thousands of veterans, end Saturday service, end door delivery to 90 percent of households and businesses, and close thousands of local post offices. 

Urge U.S. Senators to fix the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes provisions making it more difficult to close Guantanamo Bay prison and explicitly allows for indefinite detention, without trial of individuals associated with Al Qaeda or the Taliban.

On November 20, people of all faiths will unite in prayer during a national “Super Vigil” to ask God to move the hearts of policy makers and encourage U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration to draft a fair federal budget NOT placing the burden on those living in poverty “while shielding the wealthiest from any additional sacrifice.” Materials for this prayer are located here.

Tipping Point: The End of Oil is a powerful new documentary by Clearwater Media. It introduces stories of real people whose health and way of life have been tragically upended by the “biggest construction project on the planet.” Included in the movie are the indigenous people of Fort Chipewyan who live downstream from Tar Sands and have been dying in disproportionate numbers from rare forms of cancer. This seems pertinent given our struggle with the Keystone XL pipeline.

KY: "Issues Confronting the 2012 Kentucky General Assembly" contains 47 issue briefs prepared by members of the Legislative Research Commission staff. The book is not meant as an exhaustive list of issues that lawmakers will consider, but reflects a balanced look at some of the main topics that have been discussed in legislative committee meetings. The publication can be viewed online here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Good News: On November 8, Ohioans overwhelmingly voted to repeal Senate Bill 5—Gov. John Kasich’s attack on middle-class jobs that was designed to destroy collective bargaining rights in Ohio. Also, this past week the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stayed the execution of Hank Skinner pending resolution of DNA testing.

Care of Earth: Urge Senators to reject Senator Rand Paul’s resolution that would not only permanently block an important life-saving clean air rule, it could potentially prevent EPA from ever issuing a similar rule again.  (Act as soon as possible; vote is likely today)

Care of Earth: President Obama recently announced that he will be making the final decision on the Keystone XL Pipeline. Individuals are invited to join fourteen Senators and Representatives calling for an investigation into the process to make sure the State Department is held accountable. 

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: The Super Committee on Deficit Reduction has a deadline of November 23, U.S. citizens are urged to express their Super Citizen attire and make some noise through the following actions: Send NETWORK’s “Proclamation in Honor of the American People”  and/or write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper with writing tips.  The U.S. Catholic Bishops also have messages for editing to Senators on the Super Committee and to Representatives on the Super Committee.  

Wanted! Lobbyists for those who sit outside the banquet of Lazarus: The Vincentian Family invites you to their capwiz for working legislative issues.

On November 20, people of faith from around the U.S. will unite in a national “Super Vigil” to ask God to move the hearts of policy makers and encourage the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration to draft a fair budget that does not place undue burden on those living in poverty “while shielding the wealthiest from any additional sacrifice.”   

U.S. citizens are invited to urge Senators NOT to cut international poverty programs. (Scroll down for action)

Tipping Point: The End of Oil is a powerful new documentary by Clearwater Media. It introduces stories of real people whose health and way of life have been tragically upended by the “biggest construction project on the planet.” Included in the movie are the indigenous people of Fort Chipewyan who live downstream from Tar Sands and have been dying in disproportionate numbers from rare forms of cancer. This seems pertinent given the current nature of the Keystone XL pipeline.

Annie Leonard (author of The Story of Stuff) is out with another story entitled, “The Story of Broke.” The script and movie are located here.

The National Farm Worker Ministry has a well-done 2-minute video on farm workers.

A new journal, Thinking Nature, publishes essays that address various philosophical and ecological approaches to inquiring into the concepts of nature. It is an open access journal edited by Timothy Morton and Ben Woodard.

November Action Alert

Standing in Solidarity with the Indigenous

This past month, the focus title of the New Internationalist October Magazine was, “Nature’s Defenders: Can Indigenous People Save the Planet?” The articles highlight indigenous people defending their natural resources from corporations and individuals who sit in offices working to meet consumer demand.

Indigenous people around the world tend to lead the struggle to save Earth because they have experienced first-hand the destruction of their natural resources to meet consumer demand.

• What is the average Earth citizen’s role in this struggle?
• How aware am I/are we that with each purchase I/we have demanded a product at the expense of others? What actions might decrease this expense and burden?
• How have I/we opened ears, eyes, and heart to the world view of extraction and consumption?
• What characteristics would be included in growth for our economies?

Individuals and groups of people around the world are suffering from the effects of extraction. Some of these include:

• Dam Projects for Hydropower
• Deforestation
• Diamond and Other Mineral Mining
• Land Grab in the Name of Development
• Mountaintop Removal
• Oil and Natural Gas Extraction
• Water Extraction

According to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, there are approximately 370 million indigenous people in the world. When indigenous people are included in the conversation, alternative solutions can exist. These include and are not limited to:

• Trading in more eco-friendly natural forest products cultivated by the indigenous people.
• Community tourism for sustainable development.
• Alternative energy solutions that are less invasive.

It is evident when brainstorming whom the true conservationist, is taking only when necessary what is needed, not as much as one can get. For example, Vanessa Baird in the article, At Your Peril, describes that while dam projects are hailed for hydropower as a green source of energy, it is a false solution. The Indigenous experiences the eviction from the land, their livelihoods being destroyed, waterborne diseases being caught by standing water in the reservoir, and the destruction of ecological diversity and medicinal plants. Additionally, methane gas is produced from the rotting organic matter in the reservoir, another addition of carbon dioxide into Earth’s atmosphere and into the lungs of humanity. Thus what appears as a green idea, when explored from the indigenous perspective, lacks protection for the environment but also protection of indigenous human rights.

Reflection:

• How are these costs really worth the consumption individuals make?
• What makes individuals feel that they deserve to have this or that NEW product?
• What justifications do I use to declare that my material goods have landed up in some other country for consumption?
• In what ways do I keep challenging myself and community to take bigger steps in reducing consumption?

Action:

• Support local indigenous groups and alternative economies that place Earth rights and indigenous rights first.
• Avoid unethical investment in corporations destroying the planet.
• When purchasing, think local, organic and fair trade as much as possible.
• Allow for space in mind and heart for imagination of a sustainable way of living, then create it. (An example of Eco-City Dreaming Comes True is located here.)
• Hold governments and corporations accountable for human rights abuses and Earth abuses.
• Read and reflect on the Rio+20 materials received in previous Action Alerts located at www.scnfamily.org/stand (under side tab of Action Alerts)
• Rio+20 official website- offers up-to-date information and resources on the conference.
• Green Economy - Learn more about what a green economy is and share what you have learned.  "A Green Economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental and ecological scarcities."
• Earth Charter - Reread the Earth Charter which is a declaration of fundamental ethical principles for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society in the 21st century.
• Urge your national leaders to attend Rio+20. (The U.S. - President Obama: email- comments@whitehouse.gov; regular mail – The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20500.)
• Write a letter to your local newspaper about the Rio + 20 Conference to be held in June 2012.
• Pray for the success of Rio+20

Examples of groups watchful of resource extraction:

• Amazon Watch 
• Cultural Survival
• Friends of the Earth International
• Indigenous Environmental Network
• Indigenous Peoples: Issues and Resources
• International Rivers
• Rainforest Foundation
• Revenue Watch International
• Servindi
• Survival International

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The Social Protection Floor and the Eradication of Poverty

A Social Protection Floor (SPF) is an issue that keeps arising at the United Nations. The SPF corresponds to a set of basic social rights, services and facilities that all global citizens should enjoy. It can be seen as a core obligation of ensuring the realization of minimum essential levels of rights embodied in human rights treaties.

The two main elements that would help to realize these human rights are:

1. Ensuring the availability, continuity, and geographical and financial access to essential services, such as water and sanitation, food and adequate nutrition, health, education, housing and other social services such as life and asset saving information; and
2. Realizing access by ensuring a basic set of essential social transfers, in cash and in kind, to provide a minimum income and livelihood security for poor and vulnerable populations and to facilitate access to essential services. It includes social transfers to children, people in active age groups with insufficient income and older persons.

The SPF promotes a holistic and coherent vision of national protection systems as a key component of national development strategies. It seeks to support countries in identifying and closing crucial protection gaps through coherent and efficient measures that maximize the effects of scarce resources on the reduction of poverty and insecurity to ensure “guaranteed access” to essential services and social transfers.

The SPF will continue to be on the United Nation’s agenda as an essential tool in the eradication of poverty. The theme for the 2012 Commission for Social Development is the eradication of poverty. This is a policy year so governments will be making decisions and the SPF will figure prominently in the recommendations of NGOs and, hopefully, in the resolutions passed by governments.

Actions:

• More information about the Social Protection Floor is located here.
• Thousands of people from more than 110 countries from global North and South have signed on to the online campaign initiated by our New York based NGO Committee on Social Development at the UN, ‘Support the Social Protection Floor Initiative.’ Please add your signature here.
• Pray for the success of this campaign and that government leaders recognize their responsibility for all of their citizens and agree to a Social Protection Floor.

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G20 Meets in Early November

The G20 is scheduled to meet November 3-4, in Cannes, France. According to David Shorr of The Stanley Foundation, “the G20 is a group of the world’s largest economies, convened because of their impact on the overall economic picture. Since 2008, when the first meeting was held, the leaders have been working toward long-term systemic issues.” While no set agenda exists yet, Oxfam believes that “world leaders will address not only the financial meltdown but issues such as climate change, volatile food prices and growing inequality.”

Action: Spiraling food prices have driven millions into poverty and the situation threatens to get worse. Oxfam invites individuals from around the world calling on G20 leaders to act now on this issue. 

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Update on U.S. FY 2012 Budget and Super Committee

Both the Senate and House have passed legislation to extend FY 2012 spending until November 18. It is the hope of Congress to avoid another short-term appropriations bill by coming to an agreement on an omnibus bill for FY 2012 for discretionary programs. Both House and Senate leaders have agreed to accept the total $1.043 trillion overall cap on funding passed in the Budget Control Act on August 2. However, the details are likely to cause differences that will need to be resolved. Programs to be watchful for in their funding include:

• Implementation of the Affordable Care Act
• Defense Spending
• Housing and Urban Development
• Emergency Food and Nutrition Programs for Women, Infants and Children

Action: Tell U.S. legislators (202.224.3121; not toll free) to urge the Joint Deficit Committee or “Super Committee” to increase revenues.

Simultaneously, the Super Committee is working on a deficit reduction package of $1.2 trillion in cuts by November 23. Super Citizens are needed to be watchful as these processes continue to unfold.

Action: American voters are encouraged to contact the super committee urging them to NOT cut social safety net programs (including Medicaid, SNAP and unemployment insurance), increase revenue to decrease the deficit and cut unnecessary military spending. The Super Committee list is located here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Care of Earth: Individuals from the international community are invited to sign a petition to the Guatemalan Government urging them to protect the health, safety, livelihoods, and rights of local communities by suspending mining operations at the Marlin Mine. Action can be taken here.

In solidarity with Women and Children: An NGO Committee for Social Development at the United Nations is mounting a signature campaign in four languages in support of the Social Protection Floor Initiative. The signatures from the international community will be used as an advocacy tool at national level and at the UN during the Commission on Social Development in 2012, the Commission on the Status of Women 2012 and the International Labor Organization event in June 2012. To read the petition and sign it, click here.

In the spirit of St. Vincent, U.S. citizens are asked to urge Senators to maintain the levels of life-saving poverty-focused international assistance for FY 2012 as passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee and to oppose any amendments that would cut poverty-focused international assistance.

Tell Alabama Governor Bentley how the immigration law he recently signed criminalizes the compassion mandated by religious beliefs.

Despite the U.S. Supreme Court granting Mr. Skinner the right to sue for access to DNA testing, the state of Texas has continued to pursue his execution, with the sentencing judge signing a new death warrant for November 9, 2011.  In the name of justice, please allow the evidence to be tested before it is too late.  Take action here   

Call and urge U.S. Senators and Representatives (Congress 202.224.3121; not toll free) to support at least $60 million for HUD Housing counseling in the final budget discussions.

Twelve members of the House and Senate are now deciding how to handle our federal budget deficit (known as the Super Committee). They need to hear from American voters by November 14, that we want
• No more cuts to social safety net programs, including Medicaid, SNAP and unemployment insurance
• Increased revenue to close the wealth gap and decrease the deficit
• Cuts in unnecessary military spending
For a list of those on the Super Committee, click here. (Be patient until it shows itself)

Urge U.S. Senators to oppose the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act of 2011 and any effort to delay federal coal ash regulations. This is about protecting our waters.

Urge Senators to pass HR 2867; reauthorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom before November 18.

U.S. citizens are invited to challenge Mike Duke, CEO, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to pay its fair share of health care for all its employees.

Louisville: Journey of the Universe will be screened on November 6 at the IMAX Theatre (727 West Main Street) at 5 p.m.; November 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Louisville Collegiate School (2427 Glenmary Avenue) and at Bellarmine University (2001 Newburg Rd) at 4 p.m. with discussion to follow. Contact Kathleen Lyons at Kathleen@interfaithrelations.org for more information.

The National Farm Worker Ministry has a well-done 2-minute video on farm workers.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Challenging Unjust Systems: Syrian death squads are killing protesters in their hospital beds, whilst Russia arms the regime and blocks international action to end the carnage. But pressure is building in the region, and if enough of us speak out now, we could persuade Turkey and Germany to use their leverage to get Russia to stop propping up this murderous regime. Sign a petition to the leaders of Turkey, Germany and the Arab League.

Challenging Unjust Government: The situation in Sudan is dire and it's getting worse with every day that passes. Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, the same man responsible for the atrocities in Darfur is at it again — slaughtering men, women and children and displacing hundreds of thousands of people in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, Sudan. Sign a postcard to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton demanding justice.

Care of Earth: Urge President Obama to ignore the cozy relatioships he has with key State Department officials and corporate oil lobbyists for the pipeline and to veto the Keystone XL Pipeline himself.

Next year, genetically engineered sweet corn, the first Monsanto crop designed to be consumed by people, is genetically engineered to produce pesticides and resist herbicides. Sign a petition telling your grocery store not to see genetically engineered sweet corn.

Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the federal government funded until November 18. Between now and then, they will be working to pass the appropriations bills for fiscal year 2012 (which began on October 1, 2011). A sample message for customization is here.  Meanwhile, the Super Committee continues to work on a plan to reduce deficits in future years. We have a sample message that you can customize and send to your members of Congress about the deficit reduction plan.

Call and urge U.S. Senators (1.202.224.3121 - NOT toll free) to vote yes on Senator Webb’s National Criminal Justice Commission Act amendment to the CJS Appropriations bill later this week. The commission created by the National Criminal Justice Commission Act would conduct a long overdue review of our criminal justice system. National Religious Campaign Against Torture believes that this review would lead to positive changes in the treatment of prisoners, including, potentially, a recommendation to limit the use of prolonged solitary confinement.

Louisville: On October 24 at Frazier Hall (Bellarmine University), Kentucky Interfaith Power and Light will be hosting When Spirit Meets Action: Working Together In Response to Climate Change with special guest, author and activist, Julia Butterfly Hill. Julia is the young woman who lived in an ancient redwood tree for two years in a world-changing effort to protect old growth forests.

Louisville: Journey of the Universe will be screened on November 6 at the IMAX Theatre (727 West Main Street) at 5 p.m.; November 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Louisville Collegiate School (2427 Glenmary Avenue) and at Bellarmine University (2001 Newburg Rd) at 4 p.m. with discussion to follow. Contact Kathleen Lyons for more information.

EVENTS

The Dream Sabbath September 23-25, 2011

The Dream Sabbath is an initiative enlisting churches, synagogues, and mosques around the country to dedicate time during their regular weekly worship service to a conversation about the DREAM Act. The nationwide event will talk place on September 23rd, September 24th, and September 25th. You are invited to integrate stories of DREAM students into your prayers, readings, reflections, or study sessions as a way to help educate and spread awareness of DREAM students and their hopes to attain full recognition of their contributions to our communities. Resources are available here.

October 1, 2011

KY Interfaith Power and Light is hosting a solar energy site tour in Louisville.  The event will take place on October 1 from noon to 4 p.m.  More information is located here or by contacting Tim Darst at 502.210.8920.

October 24, 2011

Legislative Accomplishments July to September 2011

Care of Earth: EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced a strong new clean air rule that would slash air pollution from power plants, save lives and make the air healthier to breathe. The new "Cross-State Air Pollution Rule" – otherwise referred to as the "Good Neighbor Rule" – will put tighter limits on the amount of acid-rain causing sulfur dioxide and smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution power plants in 27 eastern states will be allowed to emit.

Care of Earth: The three major automakers accepted Obama’s 54.5 miles per gallon fuel efficiency standard on all cars and light-duty trucks by model year 2025.

Immigration: White House Announces End to Deportation of Low-Priority Cases. While this is an important move, it is imperative that individuals follow the following advice from the American Immigration Lawyers Association. They state that, “the best course of action is to consult an immigration lawyer or accredited representative, not to take action because a friend, neighbor or coworker encourages you to act.” Lawyers are currently in a learning mode with regard to this decision.

Challenging Unjust Structures: Across the country, Americans supported 45,000 striking Verizon workers, forcing the telecommunications giant back to the negotiating table to work in good faith with their employees. In addition to pensions and health insurance, the company wants to attack sick leave and disability—while it has shipped tens of thousands of jobs overseas and paid no federal taxes in 2009-10.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Human Trafficking: Call and urge U.S. Senators to support S.1301, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. The bill funds trafficking victim services and assists governments and partners to meet the needs of trafficking victims. Action is also available here OR here.

Forced Labor: Call for an end to forced labor in Vietnam by putting pressure on the government to permanently close its forced labor standards. A petition addressed to US Trade Representative Ron Kirk is located here.

Opposing Nuclear Weapons: On September 21, an International Day of Peace, the Air Force has scheduled a test launch of a Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Urge President Obama to cancel the missile launch and take all nuclear weapons off high-alert status.

Immigration: From September 16 to October 9, faith communities will focus on the DREAM Act. In an effort to build support for Senator Durbin’s DREAM Act (S. 952), communities of faith will lift up the lives of DREAM students in prayers, readings, reflection and education as a way to help educate and spread awareness of DREAM students. More information is located here.  Also at this website is an opportunity to oppose e-verify in the absence of comprehensive immigration reform.

Urge U.S. Representatives to oppose H.R. 2829 that would halve U.S. contributions to the United Nations, unless the U.N. agrees to allow member states to contribute on a voluntary basis.

Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to tell their colleagues on the Super Committee that you are adamant that they build increased revenue into the proposal they bring to the entire Congress for a vote.  You may also call them at 202.224.3121 (not toll free).

Call President Obama at 202.456.1111(not toll free) urging him to ban fracking or hydraulic fracturing that involves the injection of toxic fluids laced with carcinogens underground at high pressures to fracture shale rock and release natural gas.

Food Safety and Gentically Modified Foods: Urge President Obama to dump FDA Food Safety Czar Michael Taylor, a former Monsanto lobbyist, for failing to protect America’s food supply.

Urge Hyatt Hotels to stop abusing housekeepers (Or Email Mark Hoplamazian of Hyatt at mark.hoplamazian@hyatt.com ) Hyatt has abused its housekeepers, replacing career housekeepers with minimum wage temporary workers and imposing dangerous workloads on those housekeepers who remain. Boycotting may be another option.

On September 24, a rally outside the Mayor's office (527 W. Jefferson Street, 4:00 -5:30 p.m.) to support reducing Louisville's transportation carbon footprint will occur. For more information, contact Drew Foley (644-0659).

October 8 to 16: Jubilee, along with its global partners, is declaring this week Illegitimate Debt Week. During the week, communities around the globe are taking action demanding debt cancellation and reform of International Financial Institutions. More information is located here.

Louisville, KY: On October 24 (7 PM Frazier Hall) at Bellarmine University, KY Interfaith Power and Light will host, When Spirit Meets Action: Working Together in Response to Climate Change with special guest, author and activist, Julia Butterfly Hill. Visit Kentucky Interfaith Power and Light for details

Weekly Justice Highlights

Opposing Nuclear Weapons: Urge President Obama to cancel the Minutemen III missile launch scheduled for September 21, the International Day of Peace and to take nuclear weapons off high-alert status in order to lower the possibilities of accidental or unauthorized missile launches. 

Care of Earth: Share with President Obama your disappointment with his decision to withdraw science-based health standards for smog.

Holding Corporations Accountable: CEO of Pepsi, Nooyi told Corporate Accountability International to tour her plant and if still needed, she would publicly release water quality reports after changing the label of Aquafina to include public water source. Keep her true to her word to release water quality reports (scroll down for letter).

Death Penalty: Troy Davis is scheduled to be executed on September 21, sign a petition opposing execution to those in charge of such decisions.

Urge President Obama, US Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg and U.S. legislators to protect public health, labor rights, and democracy when it comes to trade talks. 

Urge U.S. legislators to protect people who are already struggling, prioritizing programs that provide for basic human needs such as nutrition, healthcare and housing as they work on appropriation bills.

Sign a petition urging JC Penney to return to negotiations and keep their promise to compensate the families of the workers who burned to death while making clothes and to take meaningful steps toward fire safety.

KY: On September 10 at Murray State University (102 Curris Center, Murray, KY), a conference entitled, Beyond Coal will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CST). Visit the West Kentucky Truth About Coal blog for updated information and details.

Louisville: A September 11 vigil remembering the tragedy and the wars as a result will be held from 5-6 p.m in the Douglas Loop on Bardstown Road.

September 11 anniversary: Resources for the day can be found at the US Catholic Conference of Bishops AND National Religious Campaign Against Torture AND PaxChristi USA

Louisville: Celebrate the first Louisville Roots & Shoots Day of Peace on September 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Waterfront Park. All kinds of activities and booths will be included in the evening. Free and bring friends. More information is located here.

Schools and Youth Groups wishing to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis can download materials here.

September/October Action Alert

Connecting Climate Change, Food Security and Poverty

October presents an opportunity to reflect upon the complexity and relatedness of climate change, food insecurity and poverty with the celebrations of the Feast of St. Francis (October 4), World Food Day (October 16) and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17). Individuals living in poverty are more susceptible to natural disasters due to lack of ability to purchase land in a more secure setting. Often those living in poverty are displaced and forced to live in ways those with money rarely do. A documentary entitled, Climate Refugees, examines the causes of mass global migration and border conflicts.

With little to no access to land, and money that must be prioritized in how it is spent, food security is likely an additional burden. The theme for World Food Day is “Food Prices – From Crisis to Stability.” In an August 2011 report from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), “21 states and the District of Columbia had at least one in four households with children (25 percent or more) struggling with food hardship.” Kentucky was ranked the 9th most state with food hardship for families having children with Mississippi, Alabama and Florida among those ranking ahead of Kentucky.

Globally, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) include eradicating extreme hunger and poverty by halving the number of people who live on less than $1/day and halving the number of people who suffer from hunger. The 2011 Millennium Development Report states that, “despite real progress in halving poverty, we are failing to meet the most vulnerable.” With focus on the global financial crisis, individuals’ attention to those who are poorest is no doubt, difficult. Yet the report goes on to say that, “despite significant setbacks after the 2008-2009 economic downturn, exacerbated by the food and energy crisis, the world is still on track to reach the poverty-reduction target with the most rapid growth taking place in Eastern Asia, especially China.”

Global hunger has not declined much even amidst the diminished number of those living in poverty. The report speaks of the difficulty in reaching this goal due to rising food prices and drought in some parts of the world. Of course, when one Millennium Development Goal struggles to be fulfilled, it adversely influences the others. The changing climate conditions around our world have not empowered either of these two Millennium Development Goals.

Reflection/Action:

• St. Francis Pledge and resources for use in schools and worship communities are here   
• Who is hungry and/or poor in my community? A map highlighting global food insecurity is located here OR here 
• Where is the nearest place for those hungry to obtain food?
• How committed am I/we to ending hunger and/or poverty? What action(s) demonstrate this?
• Food fasts can be found here AND here  
• What do I know about work on the Millennium Development Goals in my country? What is the current status of these goals?
• In my reading and experiences of ministry, how is the above information verified?
• How do trade agreements, agricultural subsidies, the World Trade Organization, Genetically Modified Organisms, rights to water, and consumerism attitudes influence food security, water privatization and poverty?
• In SCN congregational work to empower women in society, especially those marginalized, what challenges result of failed Millennium Development Goals?

11 Days of Global Unity

"11 Days of Global Unity”, first started by We, The World, is expanding this year to mark the tenth anniversary of the tragic events surrounding September 11, 2001 and the thirtieth anniversary of the UN resolution creating the International Day of Peace, which takes place September 21st. We, The World is encouraging individuals and groups to promote public awareness and action around societal issues such as violence, poverty and ecological damage. We, The World seeks to maximize social change on a global scale. Action ideas for the “11 Days of Global Unity” include, but are not limited to:

• Day 1: Unity – Commemorate the 10thAnniversary of 9/11 with this prayer located here; strengthen interfaith dialogue and understanding; commit to visiting a mosque or attending a lecture to learn more about Islam.
• Day 2: Interdependence – Reflect on the Global Pledge of Interdependence:We, the people of planet Earth, in recognition of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of the balance of nature, hereby acknowledge our interdependence and affirm our dedication to life-serving environmental stewardship, the fulfillment of universal human needs worldwide, economic and social well-being, and a culture of peace and nonviolence to ensure a sustainable and harmonious world for present and future generations. (Sign the declaration here.) 
• Day 3: Environment –Choose an action to reduce your carbon or ecological footprint.
• Day 4: Economic Justice – Read the Bishops’ Pastoral on Economic Justice
• Day 5: Health – Do something healthy for yourself today; exercise; take a walk.
• Day 6: Children & Youth – Urge President Obama (phone 202.456.1111- not toll free) to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (only the U.S. and Somalia have not ratified it); read to a child today.
• Day 7: Women – Volunteer at a local women’s center or make a donation to a microfinancing project. (Vincentian Family Microfinancing website for Haiti)
• Day 8: Human Rights – Sign the NGO Committee for Social Developments petition for basic social protections for all.
• Day 9: Freedom– Write a letter to the editor about an issue of importance to you.
• Day 10: Disarmament– Contact your President/Prime Minister and urge him to reduce military spending. Reflect upon the SCN corporate statement opposing nuclear proliferation.
• Day 11: The International Day of Peace– Sponsor a prayer service in your local communities, schools, or other places of ministry. A prayer service is located here  

U.S. Debt Deal, Balanced Budget Amendment and Super Committee

The debt deal reached before the August Congressional recess required $1 trillion in cuts from federal budget discretionary programs over ten years. Included in the legislation was a Balanced Budget Amendment that must be voted on by the Senate and House between October 1 and the end of the year. If passed by both, the matter would be given to states for ratification. This amendment would do nothing for current debt problems. Furthermore, it would force cuts to programs that help poor people and not allow future decisions about our economy to be made when necessary.

In addition, a “Super Committee” consisting of twelve legislators from the House and Senate are to identify another $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction by Thanksgiving 2011. Democrats appointed to the committee are believed to oppose cuts in Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Republicans appointed are believed to oppose new revenues which were noticeably absent from the original debt deal. If a proposed plan cannot be reached, automatic cuts of up to $1.2 trillion will be imposed commencing in January 2013.

• Where was the balance between spending cuts and increases revenues?
• What about tearing apart the safety net for the very rich by closing corporate loopholes as the spending cuts seemed to do on those most vulnerable in America?
• Might sharing in the sacrifice by ALL Americans mean not only the reducing of the deficit but also the reduction of poverty in America?

In Getting What You Pay for: Super Committee’s Super-Close Ties to Banking and Finance, Lynn Parramore highlights the top 10 largest organization contributors to the twelve on the “Super Committee.” Among the list are Goldman Sachs, Citgroup Inc., JP Morgan Chase & Co., Bank of America and the largest contributor, Club for Growth boasting 9,000 members dominated by Wall Street financiers and executives.

• As we wait for their proposed plan, what evidence is there in the plan of their financial ties?
• What features of this plan indicate government of, by, and for the corporation? How about government of, by and for the people?
• How does their proposed plan promote the common good, stimulate shared sacrifice and protect those most vulnerable in our society?

Reflection/ Action:
In the meantime, appropriation bills are being taken up as part of on-going legislation. Attentiveness to these pieces of legislation such that the vulnerable in our society are not harmed is of great importance. Even more essential is speaking out against these injustices.

• As citizens, what does it mean to have a government of, by and for the people, especially individuals that are most vulnerable in our country?
• What action(s) am I willing to take to empower this dream to reality for my sisters and brothers? 
• Watch for legislation appropriating FY 2012 money and contact U.S. legislators (phone 202.224.3121- not toll free) urging them NOT to cut programs for those most vulnerable in America.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Care of Earth: More than 150 activists have been arrested so far during a two-week sit-in that began in front of the White House on Saturday. Individuals, including those from the areas where the pipeline will run through, are urging President Obama to block the Keystone XL Tar Sands Pipeline. Stand in solidarity by signing a petition opposing the pipeline. (International action is available)

Immigrants: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced important steps that the agency will be taking to better focus immigration enforcement resources to enhance public safety. Focusing on the greatest threats is just plain common sense when it comes to law enforcement. Call President Obama (202.456.1111; not toll free) and thank him for putting public safety first!

Death Penalty: Religious leaders are invited to endorse a letter for the clemency of Troy Davis  More information about his case is also located at this site.

Individuals are invited to sign a petition calling for a “Fair Deal or No Deal” on the Trans-Pacific Free Trade Agreement.

Tell Hershey to stop exploiting student guestworkers.

Learn why California tomatoes are better than Florida tomatoes in the wintertime. Listen to an NPR interview with Barry Estabrook, author of Tomatoland. 

Schools and Youth Groups wishing to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis can download materials here. 

Want to learn more about global humanitarian aid, headlines from the latest DAC data release located here.

Want to learn more about the American deficit deal signed in early August, click here.

September 11 anniversary: Resources for the day can be found at at the US Catholic Conference of Bishops AND the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.

KY: On September 10 at Murray State University (102 Curris Center, Murray, KY), a conference entitled, Beyond Coal will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CST). Visit the West Kentucky Truth About Coal blog for updated information and details.

Louisville: Celebrate the first Louisville Roots & Shoots Day of Peace on September 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Waterfront Park. All kinds of activities and booths will be included in the evening. Free and bring friends.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Care of Earth: The global community is invited to stand in solidarity with the Brazilian people to protect the Amazon.

Nuclear Weapons: In solidarity with our corporate stand on Nuclear Disarmament, individuals are invited to urge President Obama and Federal Legislators to reject nuclear deterrence and replace with humane, legal and moral security strategies. The Santa Barbara Declaration issued earlier this year at the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation’s conference on the dangers of nuclear deterrence is included as part of the sample letter located above.

Challenging Unjust Corporate Systems: A recent Labor and Human Rights report states that workers at the Classic Fashion factories in Jordan live and work in an environment of constant fear of sexual harassment and assault. Wal-Mart is the largest single recipient of Classic Fashion’s production. Urge Wal-Mart and other retailers to use their substantial influence over suppliers to put an end to this abuse.

The international community is invited to urge Chinese investigators to investigate the torture of Mao Hengfeng, a human rights defender.

Urge John Bilbrey of Hershey’s to end the exploitation of student workers at the Hershey's plant, return the money that the student workers paid for a cultural exchange, and make these living wage jobs for local Pennsylvania workers.

Urge President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to appoint a special envoy to the Central Africa Great Lakes region to maintain peace and security during the November elections.

September 11 anniversary: Resources for the day can be found at the US Catholic Conference of Bishops AND the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.

KY: On September 10 at Murray State University (102 Curris Center, Murray, KY), a conference entitled, Beyond Coal will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CST). Visit the West Kentucky Truth About Coal blog for updated information and details.

Louisville: Celebrate the first Louisville Roots and Shoots Day of Peace on September 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Waterfront Park. All kinds of activities and booths will be included in the evening. Free and bring friends. More information is located here.

Louisville: On September 12 and October 10 at the Pamela Brown Auditorium (Actors Theatre of Louisville), Theater of War will be presented at 7 p.m. For more information and to reserve a free space call or visit the box office at 316 W. Main Street or 502.584.1205

Weekly Justice Highlights

Respecting the Dignity of Each Person: Urge the UN Security Council to take immediate action to support key Arab nations in an effort to open talks with Al-Shabaab (Islamist regime linked to terrorist groups in Somalia where more than 2000/day are dying in the famine) to end the famine and seize this chance for a long-term political solution. (Intenational action available)

Care of Earth: The Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) bill is being pushed in secret. According to an earlier version leaked by the media, the bill will create a centralized non-transparent body which will become the sole approver for Genetically Modified crops. Ask Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to stop this bill because it is not transparent. (International action available)

Empowering Women: Urge U.S. legislators to protect American Indian and Alaskan Native women from rape and sexual violence.

Water: Urge the White House, Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers to close the Clean Water Act loophole that allows multinational mining corporations to use clean waters as a toxic mine waste dump.

Prolonged solitary confinement is being used throughout American prisons as noted in The New York Times editorial “Cruel Isolation.” The use of prolonged confinement is inhumane, ineffective and detrimental to prisoners’ mental and physical health. Petitions are being signed in each state asking to improve prison conditions, eliminate the use of prolonged solitary confinement and change the treatment of prisoners. 

Urge Wal-Mart, Hanes, Target, Macy’s Lands’ End, Kohl’s and Jones Group to immediately end the sexual abuse, rape, torture, and beatings of young women guest workers at the Classic factory in Jordan.

Urge the Brazilian Government to support the demands of Brazilian civil society and defend the Amazon and its people by stopping the Belo Monte Dam Complex. (International action available)

Urge Verizon’s CEO, Lowell McAdam to stop the attacks on the middle class and share his company’s success with those who made it possible.

Let’s bring the job crisis to the attention of those in Washington, DC. Add your name to the “American Wants to Work” petition that will be delivered to Congress, the White House and major media outlets

A map highlighting global food insecurity is located here or here 

Ever heard of the American Legislative Exchange Council or ALEC? It is a group of state lawmakers and corporations working to draft pro-business legislation. Recently, they met in New Orleans. See the article located here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Care of Earth: The "Keystone XL Pipeline" is to be constructed from Canada's tar sands to oil refineries in Texas. Urge President Obama (202.456.1111 – NOT toll free) U.S. legislators (1.202.224.3121- NOT toll free) and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (1.202.647.5291-NOT toll free) to oppose this pipeline, focus on a clean energy and preserve the natural resources and indigenous peoples this pipeline will destroy while being built.

Challenging Unjust Corporations to Care for Earth: Urge the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Lisa Jackson to create strong air pollution standards for oil and natural gas drilling.

Immigrants: During Obama’s presidency, there have been one million deportations. Urge President Obama to stop deportation of DREAMERS.

Spirit of St. Vincent: Urge President Obama and U.S. legislators to preserve poverty-focused international assistance during the FY 2012 appropriations process.

For analysis of the debt deal that was agreed to earlier this week visit Friends Committee on National Legislation, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Coalition on Human Needs

Urge U.S. legislators to weigh-in with the Securities and Exchange Commission to ensure strong implementation of section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act on conflict minerals from eastern Congo

Urge President Obama and Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack to protect independent farmers and ranchers from unfair farm rules.

Pittsburgh, PA: Journey of Universe will be show on August 23 at the First United Methodist Church (5401 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232) at 7 PM. Contact Karen Bernard for more information.  

Louisville, KY: The Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice, in collaboration with University Libraries, is marking the 50th anniversary of the Louisville public accommodations demonstrations with an online exhibit available.  This exhibit shares the stories of a small number of the thousands of people involved in this particular fight for justice in Louisville. Oral history interviews with some of the participants and photos allow you to discover how these events 50 years ago forever changed the River City.

Louisville, KY: Save the date- October 24 at Bellarmine University, KY Interfaith Power and Light will host, When Spirit Meets Action: Working Together in Response to Climate Change with special guest, author and activist, Julia Butterfly Hill.

Heartbeats: Art Quilts by internationally recognized fiber artist Penny Sisto are on display through October 15 at Carnegie Center at 201 East Spring Street (New Albany, IN) on Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. To learn more about the artist, click here.

August 2011

Networking to Care for Earth

In efforts to Care for Earth, the following are shared with the intent of growing spiritually and educationally. Our Christian call impels us to educate others and work for systemic change on behalf of Earth. In addition to the sharing and viewing these resources and working to collaborate with others, individuals are invited to share other pertinent resources with each other. The websites and resources listed below offer but a glimpse. Absent from this list are the many ways the Ministry Fund networks with groups that nurture Earth.

Coalitions and Resources that enable the education of ourselves and others on Care of Earth

Appalachian Voices
Blessed Unrest
Catholic Coalition on Climate Change
Community Farm Alliance
Down to Earth Magazine
Earth Justice
Environmental Defense Fund
Genesis Farm
GMO Health Risks Brochure
Green America
Greenpeace India
Greenpeace USA
Interfaith Power and Light
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
International Planning Committee for Food Sovereignty
Loretto Earth Network
National Catholic Rural Life Conference
Kentucky Resources Council
New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future
Non-GMO Shopping Guide
Pachamama Alliance
Passionist Earth and Spirit Center
St.Francis Pledge
Story of Stuff, Story of Electronics, Story of Bottled Water, Story of Cosmetics, and a few others
Tarumitra
Union of Concerned Scientists
UN Water
UN Decade on Water
The Universe Story Book
Western Organization of Resource Councils

SCN Media Center Resources

Flow: For Love of Water (DVD)
FLOW: How Did Corp. Steal Our Water? (DVD)
Food, Inc. (DVD)
Inconvenient Truth A Global Warning (DVD)
Kilowatt Ours (DVD)
Mountaintop Removal Road Show, The (DVD)
Thirst (DVD)
Water for Life (DVD)
Water: Threatened Gift of Life: Workshop at Nazareth (DVD)
The World According to Monsanto (DVD)

Global Spirituality -VHS (Thomas Berry)
Hidden Heart of the Cosmos -VHS (Brian Swimme)
Thomas Berry: The Great Story -VHS
To Save the Land and People -VHS
Universe Drama In Three Acts -VHS (Rosemary Ruether)
Water: Sacred and Profaned -VHS

Reflection/Action:

• What other networks, coalitions and resources would I add to this list? Share with the SCN Office of Global Ministries
• How are the networks I am part of with regard to care of Earth educating me and making changes for the better of Earth?

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Rio+20 Conference in 2012

In the July Action Alert, reflection began in preparation for the Rio+20 Conference or Conference on Sustainable Development to be held June 4-6, 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The conference will focus on: A green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication AND the international structures to promote sustainable development.

Last month, individuals examined the interconnectedness of environment, economy and society. Individuals were challenged to view both the economy and society through the lens of the planetary ecological system. With this “new perspective,” the call to examine individual and communal sustainability was put forth.

What is meant by the term “green economy?” Although there is no universal definition, individuals are beginning to put forth their ideas. Jose Antonio Ocampo of Columbia University puts forth some concepts in The Transition to a Green Economy: Benefits, Challenges and Risks from a Sustainable Development Perspective. Additionally, Uchita de Zoysa puts forth views in Women of South Asia and the Green Economy. As groups gather regionally, diverse visions will come forth with regard to defining the green economy and naming guiding principles for the existence of a green economy.

Some examples in the consideration of principles for a green economy include:

• How does the green economy encompass the three pillars of economy, society and environment?
• What are the short-term and long-term implications in being sustainable? In reducing poverty?
• How do the green economy principles challenge habits of consumption and production?
• How are finances, technology, and appropriate and fair reforms to global structures shared between all countries?

This role does not need to be left to experts. Individuals are welcome to reflect on their reality and in groups bring forth their meaning of a green economy and characteristics of the green economy.

• What principles did your discussion include in the green economy?
• How do local discussions on green economy focus on a triple win for the economy, society and environment that make a sustainable planet?
• Who benefits in your discussion of the green economy?

Reflection/Action:
The Principle ‘one size fits all’ does not apply when considering a green economy. Discuss the principles you deem necessary to a green economy.

• Who does it favor?
• Who stands to gain?
• Who decides and who has the power?
• What communities suffer the most?
• What is the basis for inclusion/exclusion?
• What values are evidenced?
• Critique your countries' definition of a green economy and what principles are present? How does it demonstrate a triple win for the environment, society, and the economy in bringing forth a sustainable society?
• Write to your countries' representative who will be attending Rio+20 and your Environment Minister/Leader to suggest your hopes for Rio+20. Content ideas include overcoming poverty, re-establishing balance within the Earth system and the political will necessary to transform the world’s value systems.

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Is Your Mayor for Peace?

This year, August 6thand 9thmark the 66th Anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Within the past year, we have seen the devastation of Fukishima and the toxicity of living in a nuclear age. This devastation has caused more people around the world to reflect and question the use of nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. According to United for Peace and Justice website, “governments possessing nuclear weapons include the United States and Russia – which together hold 95% of the world’s nuclear arsenal, and France, Britain, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel.” The reduction of these weapons is not seen in the U.S. as the “FY 2012 budget includes $7.6 billion for programs related to nuclear warheads – an 8.9% increase over the President’s FY 2011 request.” Nuclear reactors and weapons pose a danger to life on Earth and are man-made which means that the danger can be controlled. Working to recommit ourselves to our corporate statement in opposition to nuclear proliferation, let us join the Mayors for peace in working to eliminate global nuclear weapons by 2020.

Reflection and Action:

• How aware am I of the public pulse with regard to nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors?
• Within my country, what environmental contamination exists as a result of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy?
• What International treaties exist for working to reduce the production and quantity of nuclear weapons and how successful are these?
• When is the last time I read the SCN Statement on Nuclear Disarmament published in 1981?
• What actions have I taken recently to challenge those who do not think as I do on this issue?
• What action(s) will I take this month to promote peace?
• Resources for education of self and others including books, web guides, films and much more are located here
• U.S. citizens are invited to urge their mayors to work for peace and sign a statement of commitment located here

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Hunger in the Horn of Africa

One of the worst droughts in about 60 years is being suffered by at least 10 million people in the Horn of Africa in need of humanitarian assistance. Fall 2010 rains failed to appear and the spring 2011 rains were erratic and lacking leaving many without two growing seasons of harvest. Lack of rain for proper growing seasons, conflict and rising food prices in the region are creating food insecurity for the people of the region. More can be read about the systems that are agitating this crisis and the response of the international community here.

Reflection and Action:

• Continue to read and reflect on the situation in Africa through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching.
• Study and question the many systems contributing to this crisis.
• Pray with our sisters and brothers in Africa suffering from hunger with the prayer below.
• Donate to the East Africa Emergency Fund or call 877-Help-CRS (877-435-7277). Mail donations to: Catholic Relief Services, Attn: East Africa Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090.

Gracious and Loving God,
As witnesses to the drought in East Africa, continue to provide your people with hearts of service, compassion and solidarity. Console our sisters and brothers living with uncertainty and the scarcity of food. Guide our leaders that they might work together to offer solutions to the needs of the people in East Africa.
May your grace remind us that you are the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all. Continue to gather us in your name so as your children we embrace our sisters and brothers as we respond to your call. You call us your people. You taught us to be just and you gave us good ground for hope.
Compassionate One, help us to respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters in the coming weeks. Mold us in your will so that our brothers and sisters will see you reflected in our response. We ask this through your son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.