Weekly Justice Highlights

Challenging Unjust Governments: Outrageous conditions have been tacked on to acclaimed Iranian film director Jafar Panahi's six-year prison sentence. Last month, Panahi was sentenced after being convicted of making an anti-government film without permission and inciting opposition protests after the disputed 2009 presidential election. Urge Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei and his Excellency to overturn the harsh sentences imposed on Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof.

Challenging Unjust Government Systems: President Barack Obama says he wants Congress to implement the largest trade deal since NAFTA – the Korea Free Trade Agreement. It has NAFTA-style provisions that promote job off-shoring and undermine labor, environmental, and other public interest laws that Obama promised to reform as a candidate. Call U.S. Representatives at 202.224.3121 urging them to oppose this trade deal or take other actions here.

Care of Earth: Sign a letter that will be delivered to US Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and President Obama requesting that they reject approval of Monsanto's GMO alfalfa.

Other Potential Actions:

U.S. citizens are invited to urge their federal Representative to stand up for the United Nations and the UN programs and agencies that support American and global interests at

U.S. citizens are invited to send a message to federal Representatives urging them to keep the unemployed, those living in poverty, and those struggling to recover from the recession as a priority when it comes to spending. Maintaining spending at 2008 levels leaves the bulk of spending cuts to programs that help communities and states with basic services like healthcare, housing and transportation.

Protect Life Act: This bill will amend the health care reform law to preserve longstanding federal policies on abortion and conscience rights. Co-sponsors of H.R. 358 include Rep. Geoff Davis, Rep. Brett Guthrie, Rep. Hal Rogers, and Rep. Ed Whitfield. A thank you for co-sponsorship and urging of those who have not yet can be made by calling U.S. Representatives or visit here.

On February 11 – 13, faith communities are invited to preach and discuss the issue of global warming. More information is here (scroll down and look to the left)

Louisville, KY: On January 30 at 4 p.m., there will be an Interfaith Memorial Service at Christ Church Cathedral (421 South Second Street) to remember the lives of 62 homicide victims of 2010.

Louisville, KY: Individuals are invited to a slide presentation and talk by Terry Taylor of Interfaiths Path to Peace on the topic, “Iran: Up Close and Personal” on January 30 at 7 p.m. in Aloysius Hall of St. Agnes Church (1920 Newburg Road). Terry took a trip in November 2010 as part of a 10-person Citizen Diplomacy team sponsored by the national Fellowship of Reconciliation.