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.