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?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Promoting the Common Good: As the debt/deficit deal deadline draws near, calls and emails are highly encouraged to members of Congress (1.888.907.1485 – toll free OR 1.202.224.3121 – not toll free) and the President (1.202.456.1111 – not toll free).  Urge leaders to vote NO on any debt/deficit deal that does not protect low-income people and fails to raise revenues. Both spending cuts and revenues are necessary to protect poor individuals from these harmful cuts. All socio-economic levels must share the burden, not just those individuals who are poor.

Care of Earth: The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, FY 2012 (H.R. 2584) that funds the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several other departments is making its way through the House this week. Urge U.S. Representatives to vote no on this legislation because it would prevent the EPA from regulating coal ash as a hazardous waste, protecting streams from coal mining, and clarifying that headwaters streams are protected under the Clean Water Act.

Human Trafficking: Urge textbook publishers McGraw-Hill to educate students about human trafficking.

The Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179) is working its way through Congress. This measure will ensure that those who participate in the health care system “retain the right to provide, purchase, or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions.” Action is available here.

Write or call U.S. Representatives urging them to co-sponsor legislation calling to close the Western Hemispheric Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) also know as the School of the Americas.

Urge President Obama to reject Keystone XL (toxic tar sands oil) and invest in clean, safe energy solutions.

Urge Congress to protect impacted communities of the Gulf Coast, accelerate the restoration process and prevent future oil spill disasters.

Want to release some tension with regard to the deficit talks, join in singing It’s a Binge on Top

Louisville, KY: Residents are urged to sign the petition that reads, “Coal Ash from LG&E’s Cane Run plant endangers the health of Louisville residents. Please take immediate action to protect Louisville residents from this harmful pollution and hold LG& E accountable.

Weekly Justice Highlights

U.S. Debt and Budget Update: Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 2560, Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011. The bill would cut spending across all areas, cap spending in successive years of the budget and submit to states a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution mandating that each year spending be no greater than tax receipts and be limited to a decreasing percentage of the Gross Domestic Product. Urge Senators to oppose this bill. 

Care of Earth: To protect individuals’ health from the effects of global warming, individuals are invited to urge President Obama to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency releases strong standards to curb emissions from our nation’s dirtiest coal plants and oil refineries.

Urge Secretary of State Clinton and Ambassador Rice to support Palestine’s membership in the UN Security Council.

To date, the UN Security Council has remained silent on the situation in Syria. Three critical members of the UN Security Council need to join other members to call on the Syrian government to stop the use of tanks, snipers and torture to suppress peaceful dissent. Urge these members to support the current draft resolution to end the bloodshed and ensure accountability for crimes committed.  

Urge U.S. Senators to become co-sponsors of S. 1346, Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act.  This bill would work to close the loopholes that exist when corporations hide money in accounts outside the U.S., in nations which have very low or no taxes on income by foreign companies. This avoidance of tax responsibility means small businesses and individuals have to cover more of the nation’s expenses.

As part of Mind the Gap! Campaign, a petition to President Obama is available for signatures that would call for a White House Summit on the wealth gap.

How clean is U.S. air? The Sierra Club Beyond Coal campaign has launched an online air pollution map that shows how much air pollution there is where you live, how many people are at risk for health problems from coal pollution and how many asthma attacks and premature deaths are caused by coal-fired power plants.

A study researched by the Chinese examines birth defects as a result of coal smoke and pesticides.

The Journey of the Universe book has been released and is now available.   A collaboration of Brian Thomas Swimme, Mary Evelyn Tucker, and John Grim, the Journey of the Universe project also includes a film (available late July 2011) and an educational series (available October 12, 2011).