Weekly Justice Highlights

Human Trafficking:  The September issue of Stop Trafficking co-sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is located here.      

Immigration:  September 9 began 40 days of prayer, fasting and advocacy for immigration reform nationally.  The website fast action contains weekly petitions and prayers for the forty days.  Additionally, U.S. citizens may phone U.S. Representatives (1.866.940.2439; NO charges apply) to support comprehensive immigration reform that unites families and creates a path to citizenship and oppose the SAFE Act (H.R. 2278) that would encourage racial profiling and harm community safety, expand mandatory and indefinite detention and criminalize all immigration violations. 

Care of Earth:  As the Feast of St. Francis draws near, individuals and groups are invited to view a presentation on climate change sponsored by the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change.  Resources for parishes, colleges and high schools are located here.     

Water:  The magazine, Worldviews, has a special issue on "Living Water" that includes articles from around the world located here.         

Urge President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt safety standards that prevent chemical disasters such as the one in TX this past April where 15 people lost their lives after a fertilizer plant exploded.  

Urge U.S. and Honduran officials to respect indigenous and peasant rights as they struggle to protect their land and territories from being grabbed by big companies. (Scroll down)    

Scarboro Missions is pleased to announce the publication of this revised version of comprehensive guidelines for multi faith prayer located here.   

Louisville: Assumption High School (2170 Tyler Lane) is presenting a Social Justice Series designed by students to educate adults on social justice issues.  Events are free and open to the public.  The first is scheduled for Sept. 15 from 6:30 - 8 pm on The Environment: What is hurting the environment and what can we do about it? by Tim Darst.

Louisville: On September 24 at 4:45 p.m., women and their male allies will march to shatter the silence (symbolized by night) that tends to surround sexual and domestic violence, raise awareness about the various forms of violence, and provide support to survivors, partners, family members and friends.  Individuals will gather at MCSquare at Spalding University (large green space on Breckenridge between 3rd and 4th Street next to the ELC building).  For more information, contact Mens Work at 502.494.9044 or www.mensworkinc.com 

Louisville:  On October 5, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (508 Breckenridge Lane, Louisville, KY 40207) is hosting a recycling program where individuals may come from 9 to 1 p.m. and drop off recyclables.   Recycle old household electronics and raise money for the Catholic Charities while also helping protect the environment.   Items unacceptable and requiring a charge will include batteries, light bulbs, ballasts and appliances.  Visit this site for a complete list of acceptable items.  

Weekly Justice Highlights

Charity Day:  The first International Charity Day will be celebrated on September 5.  Individuals are invited to participate in the day in a variety of ways.  For more information and activities, see the September 2013 Action Alert located here.       

Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Syria on September 7:  On August 29, Pope Francis received their Majesties the King of Jordan, Abdullah II and Queen Rania.  Special attention was reserved during the conversation for the tragic situation in Syria.  Pope Francis reaffirmed that the path of dialogue and negotiation between all components of Syrian society, with the support of the international community, is the only option to put an end to the conflict and to the violence that every day causes the loss of so many lives, especially amongst the helpless civilian population.   Additionally, Pope Francis has called for a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, in the entire Mideast region, and throughout the whole world to be held on September 7.  U.S. citizens are invited to urge federal legislators to vote against a resolution authorizing the use of military force in Syria and instead ask them to support inclusive negotiations for peace.        

Immigration: Phone U.S. Representatives (1.866.940.2439; NO charges apply) to support comprehensive immigration reform that unites families and creates a path to citizenship and oppose the SAFE Act (H.R. 2278) that would encourage racial profiling and harm community safety, expand mandatory and indefinite detention and criminalize all immigration violations.  LCWR invites individuals to compose opinion pieces for local newspapers, write letters to the editor, pray for legislators and express that in a note along with views around comprehensive immigration reform and join in 40 days of prayer, fasting, and advocacy for immigration reform from September 9 to October 18. 

In the Spirit of St. Vincent:   The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) reaches millions each year with approximately 25% of all U.S. children.  A bill in the House is set to be introduced that would cut SNAP by about $40 billion over ten years that is double the cut originally proposed in the House Farm Bill.  Individuals are invited to urge U.S. Representatives to oppose these cuts on low-income children.      

Challenge Unjust Structures:  Urge U.S. Trade Representative to keep shark fins off the chopping block while the rest of the shark is placed back into the sea to die of suffocation.       

Women and Spirit Documentary:  The documentary has been made available to all NBC stations, however, there is need to encourage local NBC stations to air the documentary.  Individuals may click here to locate their local station and call or write in to urge the showing of the documentary.  Please encourage others to phone in as the more requests the more likely the documentary is to be shown at the local station.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Charity Day:  The first International Charity Day will be celebrated on September 5.  Individuals are invited to participate in the day in a variety of ways.  For more information and activities, see the September 2013 Action Alert.  (scroll down) 

Immigration:  The Central Leadership and Western Province have delivered a letter urging comprehensive immigration reform to Congressman Brett Guthrie.  LCWR invites individuals to compose opinion pieces for local newspapers, write letters to the editor, pray for legislators and express that in a note along with views around comprehensive immigration reform and join in 40 days of prayer, fasting, and advocacy for immigration reform from September 9 to October 18. 

Promoting Peace:  Urge Secretary of State Kerry and the Obama Administration to push for peace talks and find a political solution to end the bloodshed in Syria.    

Immigration: Phone U.S. Representatives (1.866.940.2439; NO charges apply) to support comprehensive immigration reform that unites families and creates a path to citizenship and oppose the SAFE Act (H.R. 2278) that would encourage racial profiling and harm community safety, expand mandatory and indefinite detention and criminalize all immigration violations.

Women and Spirit Documentary:  The documentary has been made available to all NBC stations, however, there is need to encourage local NBC stations to air the documentary.  Individuals may visit this site to locate their local station and call or write in to urge the showing of the documentary.  Please encourage others to phone in as the more requests the more likely the documentary is to be shown at the local station. 

Water: Urge the Environmental Protection Agency to protect streams and rivers from selenium toxicity that results in deformities and reproductive failure of fish and is in drinking water.  

Care of Earth: Urge President Obama to use his authority to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline as soon as possible.     

Challenge Unjust Structures:  Urge U.S. Trade Representative to keep shark fins off the chopping block while the rest of the shark is placed back into the sea to die of suffocation.   

September 2013 Action Alert

International Peace Day 

September 21 is observed as an International Day of Peace around the world.  First observed in 1982, the United Nations General Assembly declares this day be devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.  The theme for the day this year is "Education for Peace."  In a statement by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, says, "It is not enough to teach children how to read, write and count.  Educations has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies."  As adults, there is much to reflect upon as well.  This past May, the 30th anniversary of The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response  that was written by the U.S. Catholic bishops rejecting nuclear war and calling on the U.S. to reverse the arms race was remembered.  The 50th anniversary of the March for Freedom and the famous "I Have a Dream" speech of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington at the end of August brought many celebrations. Both documents offer many opportunities for renewed action to live peacefully and empower peace building.

“Peacemaking is not an optional commitment. It is a requirement of our faith. We are called to be peacemakers, not by some movement of the moment, but by our Lord Jesus.”       ~ The Challenge of Peace

The most recent SCN General Assembly calls us to a vision that promotes the dignity and equality of women.  With regard to peace, it appears as though gender injustice is one of the many realities of our world that hinders peace.  Women must be involved in the community laws, the local economy and seen as important in the social aspects of the community for the reality of peace.  Inequality between females and males is an obstacle to peace.  This can be seen in discrimination, lack of control over finances, underrepresentation of women in government, and lack of women's voices in the community among many other indicators.

Several United Nations' meetings have highlighted this relationship and worked to make recommendations to governments through various documents.  Among these are the Fourth World Conference on Women, the Beijing Platform for Action, the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence against Women, and Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.  Individuals may also glimpse how national constitutions, these documents from the UN and recommendations can influence national laws and policies.  Ultimately, there still remains a gap between these documents and the "reality on the ground" with regard to gender justice and thus movement toward greater peace.  Thus much action remains in calling governments to accountability with regard to women's dignity and equality that brings about greater peace-making in the entire community/nation.   

Reflection/ Action:

• Locate the documents listed above and contemplate their words.  What do I hear and how am I called to act?
• In writing “The Challenge of Peace”, the bishops consulted lay women and men, theologians of other faith traditions, and experts in policy and ethics from around the world. All of this was long before social networking and other tools used today.  How does this make the document more relevant to peace-making?  
• What do I know about peace movements in other cultures and countries?  Who have been some of the leaders in world peace?
• What are the gaps that exist between women's dignity and equality and that of peace where I live?  What concrete action(s) can be taken to make positive improvements?  
• September 11 -21 marks 11 days of Global Unity.  Archbishop Desmond Tutu suggests to focus on the shift from "I" to "WE" during these days.  We are global and one and any challenge anywhere to anyone must be a challenge to all of us.
• Play the Compassion Games: Survival of the Kindest.  More information is located here.    
• Who will you make peace with? In a short film, Peace One Day Ambassador Jude Law asks who you will make peace with for Peace Day 2013.
• Resources available for peace education for children through adults is here.   
• Join people throughout the world in a one minute pause for peace at noon in your time zone.
• An excellent 144 page book entitled Peace Lessons from around the World is available here.  
• Search the members of the "nuclear club" and their current stockpiles.  How is the SCN Corporate Stand opposing nuclear weapons as pertinent today as when it was adopted?  
• Organize a peace concert, write a poem, create a "Peace Exhibit" with a group or any other creative endeavor that integrates peace education.  
• Set up a dialogue to engage two opposing viewpoints into the potential of a third viewpoint.  What peace building skills will be necessary for the dialogue?
• Write a letter to the editor describing the importance of peace at the state, national, and/or international levels.

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International Day of Charity

September 5 will mark the first ever International Day of Charity according to a recent United Nation's resolution.  The Permanent Mission of Hungary to the United Nations and the Department of Public Instruction is hosting a panel discussion to mark the occasion that will be webcast on http://webtv.un.org/ from 3 to 6 p.m. Eastern Standard time.  The first half will focus on the role of charity in securing access to clean water and sanitation while the second half will focus on partnership for poverty alleviation, eradication- the role of charity.  Those attending the day at the United Nations will also have the option of attending an observance of the Day of Charity and a film screening and panel discussion on 9/11.   

Individuals may engage through Facebook and Twitter @IntDayofCharity or @UN.  A flyer with more information and activities is located here. Facebook will continue to update activities and provide diverse activities for individuals desiring to observe the day.

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 U.S.  Legislative Updates

September brings many legislative issues to the forefront of Congress.  Among these are immigration reform, the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and Fiscal Year 2014 budget that begins October 1.

Immigration reform still awaits action in the House that includes a reasonable path toward citizenship, however, the atmosphere is one of "piecemeal" at the present moment and could likely prolong comprehensive immigration reform.  From September 9 to October 8 people of faith across the United States will be participating in FAST Action for Immigration Reform.  This will include prayer, advocacy and fasting with encouragement to get others involved in this action.  More information can be found at www.fastaction.us.  Additionally, state information is located here and here for all 50 states.  Individuals are invited to continue contacting their legislators at 1.202.224.3121 and at the Justice for Immigrants website (www.justiceforimmigrants.org).

The Senate included funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as part of the Farm Bill, however, the House has yet to make a decision on SNAP having left it out of their version of the Farm Bill.  It is highly likely that the House intends to pass a separate nutrition bill with even more drastic cuts than when deliberating the Farm Bill reauthorization.  These cuts  or changes to the program will harm poor and hungry people and is against the Christian perspective.  Individuals are invited to continue urging federal representatives to include the SNAP in the reauthorization of the current Farm Bill without any cuts in funding.  There is need for improving people's lives.  

On October 1, FY 2014 begins with regard to the U.S. budget.  Remembering that on March 1 of this year, the sequester (mandatory across the board cuts to most federal programs) went into effect; this means that the upcoming budget is likely to remain in the form of a continuing resolution.  Should a continuing resolution be passed, it may come up against the deadline to extend the U.S. Treasury's borrowing or "debt ceiling."  Individuals are invited to contact their federal legislators urging them to replace the sequester with a fair and just budget that reweaves a circle of protection around those programs that provide necessary services to poor and hungry people, both domestically and internationally before October 1.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Empowering Women:  Urge members of the upper house of the Afghan National Assembly and the Chair of the Legislative Committee to vote against an amendment that would stop relatives of accused persons from appearing as witnesses and allow tormentors of women and children to go free. (International action available)

Challenging Unjust Systems: Urge Congress NOT to fast track the Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade agreement that threatens jobs, the environment, public health and more .    

Care of Earth:  Sign a petition to Rush urging him not to make claims about climate change that have been proven false.  

Promoting Peace:  Urge U.S. lawmakers to co-sponsor the Sudan Peace, Security and Accountability Act.  This act would demand action to protect those at risk, create a sustainable peace and hold President Omar al-Bashir accountable for his actions.   

Immigration: The Interfaith Immigration Coalition invites you to join in the prayer, fasting, and advocacy for immigration reform. Please join us as an individual, family, congregation, or study group. Sign up here.  

In the Spirit of St. Vincent:  Urge Congress to stop cuts to vital programs (i.e. SNAP) and require corporations and those wealthy enough to do so to pay their share by reducing unfair and unneeded tax breaks as well as make sensible Pentagon cuts that enhance security and end wasteful spending.      

Urge Trans-Pacific Partnership trade countries to advance proposals that promote public health and stem preventable deaths from diseases related to tobacco, by guaranteeing nations' sovereign domestic rights and abilities to adopt or maintain measures to reduce tobacco use and to prevent tobacco-related deaths and diseases.  

Individuals are invited to call their local NBC station asking that the film, Women and Spirit, the LCWR film about Catholic Sisters in the U.S. be available for NBC broadcasts nationwide as part of NBC's "Horizons of the Spirit' series to begin in mid-September.  Spread the word to others once you have made the call.

Send a postcard to either urge your mayor to or thank your mayor for keep/keeping unregistered guns off the streets.     

Urge President Obama to demand real regulation of the poultry industry to protect public health and workers' safety over that of saving big corporations money.     

Human Trafficking Information:  Late last year Allegany Franciscan Ministries awarded a grant to our local Tampa Bay PBS affiliate, WEDU, to produce a documentary film and community outreach campaign on human trafficking.  Our goal was to draw attention to the appalling reality of sex and labor trafficking, particularly within the Tampa Bay community.  On September 26th at 9 pm, the documentary, Too Close to Home, will air on WEDU PBS.  Two PSA's have also been produced; they are airing on the station and may also be viewed on Allegany Franciscan Ministries' web site. 

Louisville: On September 24 at 4:45 p.m., women and their male allies will march to shatter the silence (symbolized by night) that tends to surround sexual and domestic violence, raise awareness about the various forms of violence, and provide support to survivors, partners, family members and friends.  Individuals will gather at MCSquare at Spalding University (large green space on Breckenridge between 3rd and 4th Street next to the ELC building).  For more information, contact Mens Work at 502.494.9044 or www.mensworkinc.com.   

Weekly Justice Highlights

Care of Earth: U.S. residents are invited to call Secretary Sally Jewell's office at 1.888.907.6639 (between 9 am and 5 pm EST) which after a brief message, individuals may provide the following message:  State your name and that you desire Secretary Jewell to act on climate change by stopping the coal leasing program and canceling the two upcoming lease sales.  

Trafficking:  The August issue of Stop Trafficking co-sponsored by the SCN's is located here.     

Immigration: The Interfaith Immigration Coalition invites you to join in the prayer, fasting, and advocacy for immigration reform. Please join us as an individual, family, congregation, or study group. Sign up at www.fastaction.us.  Individuals may urge House members to work for reform right here.

In the Spirit of St. Vincent:  Urge Congress to stop cuts to vital programs (i.e. SNAP) and require corporations and those wealthy enough to do so to pay their share by reducing unfair and unneeded tax breaks as well as make sensible Pentagon cuts that enhance security and end wasteful spending by clicking here.  

Challenging Unjust Systems: Urge Congress to bring transparency and accountability to the closed-door negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and to reject Fast Track procedure when the bill is introduced.   

Urge the Securities and Exchange Commission to enforce the Dodd-Frank's provision on disclosing CEO salaries.    

Urge the U.S. State Department and Honduran officials to protect the lives and human rights of threatened small-scale farmers working to protect their rights to land and to agrarian reform in the Honduras

Urgent Attention Needed on the Bluegrass Pipeline Issue:  Individuals from all over the U.S. are needed to urge KY Governor Steve Beshear ((502) 564-2611 OR  http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/contact.aspx) to address eminent domain in the special session of the 2013 KY General Assembly.     

Weekly Justice Highlights

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: Tell President Obama that he can count on your prayers as he continued to earnestly address hunger and poverty.  

Immigration: In our efforts of solidarity with those without a voice, U.S. citizens are invited to urge Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor to move swiftly forward on immigration that includes a pathway to legalization and eventual citizenship for the undocumented, reforms the family and business immigration system and provides visas for Irish workers by calling 1-866-940-2439 or visiting their contact pages here and here.       

Immigration: Tell Speaker Boehner and Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte how unacceptable Representative Steve King’s remarks likened DREAMers to drug mules.      

Care of Earth: Urge the new Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy to protect public health and support cleaner gasoline and tailpipes.       

Nuclear Weapons: Urge President Obama to engage in negotiation to eliminate nuclear weapons.      

Urge U.S. legislators to oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement fast track.   

Urge U.S. Senators to co-sponsor S. Res. 203 expressing “the sense of the Senate regarding efforts by the U.S. to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a negotiated two-state solution."     

Urgent Attention Needed on the Bluegrass Pipeline Issue:  Individuals from all over the U.S. are needed to urge KY Governor Steve Beshear ((502) 564-2611 OR by email) to address eminent domain in the special session of the 2013 KY General Assembly.   

The August-September LCWR newsletter is now available online here.          

Louisville:  The annual Candle Floating Ceremony to mark the 68^th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will be presented at 8 pm on Friday, August 9 at Willow Lake (corner of Lexington Road and Grinstead Drive).  The ceremony is open to the public.