Office of Global Ministries

Weekly Justice Highlights

2010-09-02T03:41:00.000-07:00

Empowering Women: We continue to remember in prayer all those women and children who are abused in the many different ways around our world and recently for the rape victims of the Democratic Republic of Congo who were surrounded by an army.

Challenging Corporate Systems: TransCanada, a Canadian company, wants to build a 36-inch pipeline to carry up to 37.8 million gallons daily of dirty tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska and on to the Texas Gulf Coast. In August it dropped its application to the Dept. of Transportation for a waiver of standard limits on pressure but could re-apply after the pipeline is built. Urge TransCanada executive in charge of the Keystone pipeline project, Robert Jones to keep the lower, safer pressure and not to re-apply for a waiver by clicking here (Act this week)

Global Poverty: This month world leaders will meet at the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Summit to accelerate progress towards achieving the MDG targets by 2015. Urge world leaders to increase their focus on human rights protection as a solution to global poverty by September 10 here (Scroll down to the bottom of the page, international action available)

Other Potential Actions:
Sign a petition that will be delivered directly to ministers and senior officials attending the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stop Pakistan’s debt payments allowing them to rebuild after the flood by clicking here

The U.S. State Department will soon decide whether or not to certify that the Colombian government is doing enough to prioritize human rights to merit continued U.S. military aid. Those who connect with School Of Americas Watch will be aware of Colombian government actions including: a surge in death threats against human rights organizations and advocates, with hundreds of threats being realized; in July 2010 a clandestine mass grave containing over 2000 bodies was discovered in La Macarena, Meta with the Colombian armed forces suspected to be responsible; thousands of Afro-Colombians continue to face eviction and displacement from their ancestral lands. Urge Secretary of State Hillary Clinton not to certify Columbia’s human rights record (call 202.647.2283) (Act as soon as possible)

Call Senators and Representatives urging them to support the DREAM Act allowing young people brought into the country by their parents as minors to attend college or enter the military and earn a path to citizenship. (Act this week)

Workers at Mott's Williamson, NY, plant have been on strike since May to protest the company's unfair negotiations. The stock of Mott's parent company rose 180 percent last year. Sharply cutting their workers' wages and pensions isn't a matter of keeping the business afloat; it's a matter of greed. Tell Mott’s that workers deserve fair negotiations this week by clicking here

Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to introduce and pass legislation to establish a Gulf of Mexico Independent Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council to guide cleanup and rebuilding efforts and to ensure that the impact of future drilling projects on coastal communities is taken into account by clicking here

2010 International Day of Peace

2010-08-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

Leader: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon announced this year’s Peace Day Theme as “Peace, Youth and Development.” The Advent season reminds us of our Divine bringing forth peace in the embodiment of a child. It was in the birth of Jesus that humanity was opened to the future of a life in peace. As one global family, we remember the passion for peace in our youth of today and the former youth of ourselves. We pray in hope that this universal desire for peace be realized through Christ who is our Prince of Peace. Amen

Reader 1: Every human being on the planet has the right to live in peace. In pursuit of this basic human right, Mahatma Gandhi concluded that the only hope for the human race was for everyone of us to become non-violent … Nonviolence, he determined, is our only way toward a future of peace and justice. Nonviolence therefore is the first and most essential ingredient if every human being alive is to possess all their human rights. “The principle on which the practice of non-violence rests” Gandhi suggested, “is that what holds good in respect of oneself equally applies to the whole universe.” ~John Dear SJ

Pause, then sing (with or without gestures) “Peace Before Us, peace behind us, peace under our feet. Peace within us, peace over us, let all around us be peace.” (#305 v.1)

Reader 2: “Welcoming the Christ Child” every day of our lives is to welcome the call to prophetic nonviolence. God’s love at the moment of creation bestowed on each of us dignity and passion for communion. Yet our world still proclaims violence as a solution to problems. What can we do when confronted with questions of conflict? Let us cry out, “No!” against the worship of violence. Let us cry out, “No!” against the harming and killing of our sisters and brothers. Let us cry out, “No!” and never believe in violent destruction of any sort. Instead let us look to the many role models around us and to those such as Mother Theresa, Thich Nhat Hanh, Ita Ford, Mahatma Ghandi, Jean Donovan, Daniel Berrigan, Sr. Helen Prejean, Martin Luther King Jr., and Thomas Merton.

Pause, then sing (with or without gestures) “Peace Before Us, peace behind us, peace under our feet. Peace within us, peace over us, let all around us be peace.” (#305 v.1)

Reader 3: For the people of Belize on their Independence Day, we pause to silently send peace and ask a blessing of justice. (PAUSE)

Reader 4: For the victims of political persecution, social and domestic violence, and economic hardship and poverty we pause to silently send peace and ask a blessing of justice. (PAUSE)

Reader 5: For all civilians, especially women and children who bear the burden of ongoing wars, especially those raped by armies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (PAUSE)

Reader 6: For those women who are trafficked around our world and for the World Equestrian Games to be held in Lexington, Kentucky, we pause to silently send peace and ask a blessing of justice. (PAUSE)

Reader 7: For those children who are born into and experience violence in their countries, cities and homes, we pause to silently send peace and ask a blessing of justice. (PAUSE)

Reader 8: For those who survive acts of violence, we pause to silently send peace and ask a blessing of justice. (PAUSE)

Reader 9: For those who commit acts of violence against themselves or others, we pause to silently send peace and ask a blessing of justice. (PAUSE)

Reader 10: For those who conscientiously object to military orders, we pause to silently send peace and ask a blessing of justice. (PAUSE)

Ritual: Four individuals come from the four directions with a small pitcher of water to pour simultaneously into a larger bowl to offer hope as a symbol of the peace that comes from the many small projects for peace from around our world.

Leader: God of Compassion and Peace, help us to work for peace, pray for peace and live in peace with one another. May we respond to hatred with love, to injustice with total dedication to justice, to need with generosity and to war with peace. We ask all this through our Prince of Peace. Amen.

Closing Song: Blest Are They (verses 3 and 4); Prayer for Peace or other appropriate song

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Office of Global Ministries, 2010

Weekly Justice Highlights

2010-08-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Confronting Unjust Corporate Systems: Urge Hilton to prevent Child prostitution in their hotels by clicking here (look to right for action, act this week)

Human Trafficking: Urge Prime Minister Putin and President Medvedev to sign the Council of Europe Convention Against Trafficking in Human Beings this week located here (International Action Available)

Human Trafficking: Contact Attorney General Eric Holder at 202.353.1555 urging the Dept. or Justice to investigate and prosecute Vanderbilt Landscaping for criminal conduct including but not limited to labor trafficking, forced labor, unlawful conduct with respect to documents, and other crimes in coordination with the F.B.I. In addition, you are invited to contact Dept. of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis (202.693.6000) urging the Department of Labor to decertify Vanderbilt from further employment of guestworkers and pursue high penalties for OSHA violations in labor camps and at worksites. (Act as soon as possible)

Other Potential Actions:
The Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) bill cleared genetically modified (GM) crops overriding the concerns raised by the general public and state governments against GM food. The Parliament will soon table the bill. However, Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the National Advisory Council (NAC) can force the Government to re-draft the bill with suggestions from the public. You are invited to sign an open letter to Sonia Gandhi asking NAC to make the Government consult people before tabling the bill located here (International action available)

Urge your Representative to support a peaceful and stable Sudan by co-sponsoring House Resolution 1588 located here (Act this week)

Urge your Representatives to Support H.R.6021, the Haiti Empowerment, Assistance and Rebuilding Act here (Act this week)

Urge Krogers/Ralphs to uphold the standards in their company’s Vendor Code of Conduct and take responsibility for your supply chain in support of Giumarra workers located here (Act this week)

Google is trying to buy its own exclusive fast lane on the internet. The deal made with Verizon would allow Google sites to load faster and take priority while potentially slowing down other websites to a crawl and could lead to a precedent for future corporate deals as well as future legislation on how the Internet works. Currently the Internet is an equal access place but this could change. Tell the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to block the Google/Verizon proposal here (Act this week)

Water - Ohio River: Known as the most polluted river in America due to the dumping of 31 million pounds of toxic waste each year and is the main source of drinking water for many. Yet a proposal to allow coal-fired power plants and others industries to dump even more pollution into the water is being considered by the Ohio River Valley Sanitation Commission (ORANSCO). Urge ORANSCO to stop polluters from destroying our river as soon as possible

Weekly Justice Highlights

2010-08-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

Good News: Thanks to the efforts of health care advocates who took action quickly, the House passed a new bill that extends Medicaid funding to states. That means the bill is headed to President Obama’s desk to be signed into law since the Senate has already passed this legislation.

Challenging unjust structures: Bangladesh workers are being punished as a result of Walmart’s lack of aggressive action to Nassa Global Wear in stopping human rights violations. Urge Walmart to use their full influence to encourage Nassa and the government of Bangladesh to stop persecuting workers and labor leaders here

Other Potential Actions:
Urge the Obama Administration to commit to $6 billion to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria over the next three years by clicking here

Urge Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to call for an impartial, international investigation into the recent violence that has taken place in southern Kyrgyzstan by clicking here at

Urge U.S. Senators to provide $15 million for the ALS (Lou Gehrig’s) Research Program in 2011 here (scroll down page to BLUE box)

Recently, U.S. citizens learned of $8.7 billion missing from the Iraqi Development Fund. Inexplicably, the Department of Defense doesn’t know where 95% of a critical reconstruction program went. You are invited to contact Congress and the Obama Administration here

Bread for the World Sunday is October 17 in many congregations/parishes throughout the United States. Materials can be downloaded here Spanish resources can also be downloaded at the same web site.

Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform has put out a “Reel images of Immigration study guide for the movies: Made in L.A., Dying to Live, and The Visitor. It can be downloaded here

Louisville, KY: On August 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cultivating Connections will host a screening and discussion workshop on Fuel: Change Your Fuel, Change the World at St. Matthews Episcopal Church (330 N Hubbards Lane). FUEL is a comprehensive and entertaining look at energy in America: a history of where we have been, our present predicament and a solution to our dependence on foreign oil. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch and reserve a seat by contacting cultivatingconnections@insightbb.com or call 502.897.2721 Donations are requested.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2010-08-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

Care of Earth: Write the Minister of Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh of India urging him to protect the coasts of India by opposing all new ports and the expansion of old ones (over 300 ports are planned) here (International action accepted)

Care of Earth: On August 6 – 8, thousands of religious leaders and people of faith across the country will express their dismay with regard to inaction on the part of Senators with regard to Climate Change legislation. Send a message to Senators this week here

Confronting Unjust Systems: Call on Rajan Kamalanathan, Walmart’s Vice President of “Ethical” Sourcing to support workers in Bangladesh who are calling for a garmet worker minimum wage of 35 cents an hour by clicking here

Other Potential Actions:
Last week U.S. citizens learned of $8.7 billion missing from the Iraqi Development Fund. Inexplicably, the Department of Defense doesn’t know where 95% of a critical reconstruction program went. You are invited to contact Congress and the Obama Administration

The Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act (S. 3663) would implement commonsense reforms to our broken and corrupt oil and gas leasing processes, ensure oil companies like BP are held responsible for the damage they cause, protect our nation’s natural heritage, and provide incentives to reduce oil consumption and energy use. Urge Senators to support this bill as a first step to comprehensive clean energy and climate change legislation here

Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced the Ten Million Solar Roofs Act that would work toward solar power development, a source of green energy. Additionally, PACE (Property-assessed Clean Energy Programs) are under threat by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who are blocking the implementation of the PACE program. Urge legislators to fund solar roofs and preserve the PACE program by clicking here

Frankfort, KY: On August 11, the Interim Judiciary Committee will take testimony about ending the death penalty for severely mentally ill persons. Dr. Sheila Schuster will guide the discussion before the committee. If you are a constituent of any of these members, please contact them urging support of this legislation. The number is 1.800.372.7181 to leave a message with your State Senator or Representative.
SENATE: Sen. Tom Jensen, Sen. Perry B. Clark, Sen. Carroll Gibson, Sen. Ray S. Jones, Sen. Gerald A. Neal, Sen. Mike Reynolds, Sen. Jerry P. Rhoads, Sen. John Schickel, Sen. Dan "Malano" Seum, Sen. Katie Kratz Stine, Sen. Robert Stivers, Sen. Jack Westwood HOUSE: Rep. John Tilley, Rep. Johnny Bell, Rep. Jesse Crenshaw, Rep. Joseph M. Fischer, Rep. Kelly Flood, Rep. Jeff Hoover, Rep. Thomas Kerr, Rep. Stan Lee, Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, Rep. Harry Moberly, Rep. Darryl T. Owens, Rep. Tom Riner

Louisville, KY: On August 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cultivating Connections will host a screening and discussion workshop on Fuel: Change Your Fuel, Change the World at St. Matthews Episcopal Church (330 N Hubbards Lane). FUEL is a comprehensive and entertaining look at energy in America: a history of where we have been, our present predicament and a solution to our dependence on foreign oil. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch and reserve a seat by contacting cultivatingconnections@insightbb.com or call 502.897.2721 Donations are requested.

Action Alert August 2010

2010-07-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

Human Trafficking: Linking to Resources and Best Practices

As an SCN Family who continues to educate ourselves and others on the issue of human trafficking, it is imperative to network and collaborate with others. While this occurs most often when confronted with a situation of human trafficking, it is essential as individuals who have made a corporate stand on human trafficking to know where good resources exist. While there are many as indicated in this list, a few are highlighted below.

A website entitled, Free the Slaves located at www.freetheslaves.netcontains many practical resources including an interactive slavery map, useful downloads, success stories, films, videos and book suggestions. While international in its scope of stories and information, most advocacy is focused on the United States.

A second website, United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking is located at http://www.ungift.org/ This site is mostly informative with its highlights of conventions and protocols, publications, and best practices.

The last website is the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime located atwww.unodc.org Along the left margin are the words, “Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling.” Clicking on these words will relocate you to a web page emphasizing the work the United Nations has done to prevent human trafficking including toolkits, manuals and the Blue Heart Campaign website.

With regard to audio-visual materials in the form of DVD’s, there are three located in the SCN Media Center on Nazareth campus. These include:

Lives for Sale—A documentary on immigration and human trafficking and why immigrants are willing to risk everything for the American Dream
Losing Maria – A story of a young woman who has been trafficked, geared toward high school students with preview recommended. Includes facilitator guide
The Jammed – A story of trafficking of adults made in Australia. (A copy of this is also available in the Eastern Province)

While the list above is not exhaustive, these are some of the best with regard to sharing knowledge, best practices and the potential for networking. If there are any useful to you and your ministry, please feel free to share them with me (jvenneman@scnazarethky.org or 1.502.348.1557) and I will update the list.

Reflection/Action: “... We commit to educate ourselves and others about the inherent violence involved in the buying, selling, and transporting of human beings ..." (SCN Corpate Stand Opposing Human Trafficking)

How have I made efforts to educate myself and others with regard to human trafficking? What steps do I plan to take if confronted with a potential situation of human trafficking? What other resources, especially those at the local level, do you have/know of that you would be willing to share with others through the Office of Global Ministries?

U.S. Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act

In late June, The Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2010 (H.R. 5575 / S.2925) was introduced in the House. This bipartisan bill is currently in need of co-sponsors. According to Catholic Charities this legislation “would create up to 6 grants of $2 million to $2.5 million with the goal to prevent the sex trafficking of minors, treat child victims of human trafficking and prosecute offenders. The grants could be used for a variety of activities with at least 50 percent going to services and shelter for victims.”

Action: In keeping with our corporate stand against human trafficking that advocates for policies and programs that prevent human trafficking, members of the SCN Family are invited to contact U.S. Senators and Representatives (202.224.3121) urging them to co-sponsor and support this legislation.

International Day of the World's Indigenous People August 9

In September 2007, the United Nations adopted a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. At the time, four countries voted against the declaration and eleven countries abstained. Those countries opposing included Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Since 2007, Australia and New Zealand have reversed their decision and now support the declaration. In March 2010, Canada made the announcement that it will endorse the declaration. The United States stated in April 2010 that it will review its position. On this day, it is appropriate to pause and reflect upon those indigenous in our own countries, states, and locales.

What gifts are present within the indigenous and what resources do they possess that will carry them into the future?
In what ways have the indigenous in my country/state been oppressed, exploited and discriminated against?
What recent actions have I taken to promote solidarity with the indigenous people?

Energy Legislation Update

Last year the U.S. House passed a comprehensive climate-energy bill. As the Senate nears the August recess, it is highly unlikely that such a bill will be produced in the Senate. Gone are renewable energy and carbon cap-and-trade provisions. It appears that the bill supports some aspects of the oil spill and land conservation. According to Kevin Book, an energy analyst with ClearView Energy Partners, the bill apparently includes:

“An oil spill liability cap for oil companies up to $10 billion from $75 million currently
A $5 billion home energy efficiency incentives package to encourage retrofits called HomeStar
Natural gas vehicle incentives of about $4.1 billion
Expanded land and water conservation”

Human Trafficking Resources

2010-07-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

Anti Slavery International

www.antislavery.org

Canadian Religious Conference (Human Trafficking under CRC Priorities)

www.crc-canada.org

Child Trafficking Digital Library (Nepal, South Asia and others)

www.childtrafficking.com

Coalition Against Trafficking in Women

www.catwinternational.org

** Combating human trafficking

http://www.humantrafficking.org/

* Free the Slaves

www.freetheslaves.net (Useful Downloads, Interactive Slavery Map, success stories, books)

The Future Group (Canadian NGO)

www.thefuturegroup.org

Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (look to right sidebar for country)

Global Alliance Against Traffic in women (Justice Information Section and Resource hub)

www.gaatw.org

International Center for Migration Policy Development (Search geographic-oriented resources)

www.anti-trafficking.net

* Intercommunity Peace and Justice center –(trafficking section, scroll down for resources)

http://www.ipjc.org/links/trafficking.htm

International Organization for Migration

www.iom.int

International Union of Superior Generals

www.csjorange.org (look under Justice Office / Resources/Issues)

List of Goods produced by Child and Forced Labor

http://tiny.cc/dolreport or http://www.dol.gov/ilab/programs/ocft/PDF/2009TVPRA.pdf

National Multicultural Institute

http://www.nmci.org/news/news_items/trafficking.html

Nepal Institute of Peace (Internally Displaced Persons)

http://www.idps-nepal.org/

Polaris Project: For a World without Slavery

www.polarisproject.org/

Rescue and Restore Victims of Trafficking - Free outreach materials, posters, screening tools, fact sheets at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking

* Stop Trafficking Newsletter

http://homepage.mac.com/srjeanschafersds/stoptraffic/

UNANIMA International (Stop the Demand campaign resources)

www.unanima-international.org

* United Nations Blue Heart Campaign Against Human Trafficking

www.unodc.org/blueheart

** Best Practices in Human Trafficking and Africa

http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001384/138447e.pdf

UN Development Fund for Women, Human Trafficking Briefing Kit www.unifem.org/attachments/products/traffkit_eng.pdf

* United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking

http://www.ungift.org/

** http://www.ungift.org/ungift/knowledge/practices.html contains Best Practices

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling)

www.unodc.org

** Click here (Produced by Government of India)

U.S. Catholic Conference of bishops

www.usccb.org/mrs/trafficking/index.shtml

U.S. State Department (2010 Trafficking in Persons Report)

www.state.gov/g/tip

U.S. Dept. of Education (Human Trafficking of Children in U.S.: A Fact Sheet for Schools)

www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osdfs/factsheet.html

Action: Request U.S. Congress to stop demand of products made by child and slave labor http://capwiz.com/ipjc/go/childlabor

Action: Ask your favorite brands to ensure their products are slave-free

www.chainstorereaction.com

DVDs

Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red Light Kids—Explores the lives of the sons and daughters of prostitutes in Calcutta, India. 2005 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. $20 from www.kids-with-cameras.org. 83 minutes.

The Day My God Died—About young girls whose lives have been shattered by the child sex trade in Nepal and India. $30 from Andrew Levine Productions. 70 minutes.

Dreams Die Hard: Survivors of Slavery in America Tell Their Stories—Documentary profiling several people trapped in different kinds of human slavery across the United States. $10 from Free the Slaves. A study guide is available for this movie. 36 minutes.

Human Trafficking—This drama exposes the ugly world of human trafficking. Donald Sutherland and Mira Sorvino received Golden Globe Nominations for their performances in this 2005 Lifetime television mini-series. $6.99 from Amazon.com. 180 minutes.

I Just Keep Quiet: Voices of Human Trafficking—Produced by the Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA) and the Seattle Police Department, 2006. DVD Available for $20 by calling ReWA: (206) 721-8448. 20 minutes.

* Lives for Sale—A joint production between Maryknoll, Lightfoot Films, Inc. and PBS. $19.95 from Orbis Books. 60 minutes. (SCN Media Center has a copy)

* Losing Maria – story of a young adult who has been trafficked, geared toward high school students with preview recommended (SCN Media Center has a copy)

So Great a Violence: Prostitution, Trafficking and the Global Sex Industry—Attempts to debunk myths of prostitution and spotlights the men who create the demand for the sexual exploitation of women and girls. $29.95 from the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women. 29 minutes.

* The Jammed – Story of trafficking of adults made in Australia (SCN Media Center has a copy) or visit www.thejammed.com

The Oldest Lie – 30-minute documentary and guide produced by filmmaker Eve Lamont that debunks the myth of that prostitution is the “oldest profession.” This documentary can be used with girls age 14 and up. Cost is $69.95 and can be ordered from info@lacles.org or call 514.750.4535

United States Trafficking Hotline (information and referral)

1.888.3737.888

* recommended resources

** Best Practices websites

Weekly Justice Highlights

2010-07-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

Mixed News: The U.S. Senate voted to extend unemployment insurance for more than 2 million people. Other benefits like extended COBRA subsidies, TANF Emergency Funds, jobs programs, and the Housing Trust Fund are still in limbo as senators complain that there is no money to pay for these things.
Two bills can help this situation. Call or write senators asking to sign on as co-sponsors of
S. 3533, the Responsible Estate Tax Act, introduced by Sens. Sanders, Sherrod Brown, Franken, Harkin, and Whitehouse – Act here

S. 3500, the Local Jobs for America Act, introduced by Sens. Sherrod Brown, Begich and Franken. Act here

Right to Water: As early as the last week of July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly may be voting on a Resolution to support the Human Right to Water and Sanitation. However, the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada are blocking this resolution. Visit http://www.blueplanetproject.net/ to urge ambassadors from as many countries as you wish to support the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a universal human right.

Immigration: Urge U.S. legislators to pass the DREAM Act as a step toward comprehensive immigration reform here.

Other Potential Actions:
Nurserymen’s exchange is one of the nation’s largest wholesalers of nursery plants. In July, nearly half of their employees were laid off after working decades with the company. The company wanted to hire out of town labor contractor workers so they could pay cheap wages and no benefits with the option later of rehiring with payment of minimum wage and no benefits. Act to hold corporations accountable here

As people of faith, we are called to stand by those suffering from the oil disaster. Call or email U.S. Senators and Representatives urging them to work with stakeholders, hold responsible parties accountable, ensure help reaches those in need, commit to long-term recovery and take steps to prevent future disasters here

Urge U.S. Senators to support the START Treaty that brings us one step closer to a world free of nuclear weapons here (Senate action pending, act this week)

Support the International Violence Against Women Act here

Write the EPA expressing your concern to the proposed Solid Waste Definition Rule that will allow untold numbers of facilities across the United States to burn scrap plastics, used chemicals, and other industrial wastes without emission controls, air monitoring, or reporting requirements here

On July 29 (New AZ law (SB1070) takes effect), individuals and groups around the United States will be praying and participating in acts of resistance to show support for the Immigrants and the need for comprehensive reform of U.S. immigration laws. A prayer service from the Interfaith Worker Justice is located at http://www.iwj.org/doc/rem_immigrant.pdf

Quarterly Summary of Accomplishments on Legislation

2010-07-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

Chevron: At the annual meeting, shareholders representing approximately 160 million shares voted in favor of a shareholder proposal to help reduce instability and insecurity in oil-rich countries through a transparent and accountable payment disclosure policy in all countries where Chevron operates. This is an opportunity for Chevron to promote the rights of citizens by providing them with vital information about revenues coming into their countries.

Clean Air Act

 In June, U.S. Senators voted down a blatant attempt to weaken the Clean Air Act. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) led the failed legislative effort to keep the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases, and while she failed, more such attacks are anticipated.

Health Care Reform: President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law on March 23, 2010. The new law significantly reforms health care policy in the United States.

Human Trafficking: Christian Brothers Investment Services (CBIS) sent a letter to hotels to encourage action on human trafficking in advance of The World Cup. More than 300 faith-based organizations and investors including SCN Leadership, joined together to raise our voices against exploitation of children. Responses were received from Accor, Carlson, and Intercontinental hotels.

Holy Land: We urged Congress and President Obama to exercise strong leadership for Holy Land peace. In a positive development, the U.S. is now brokering “proximity” or indirect talks between Israelis and Palestinians, but we need to continue supporting strong U.S. leadership.

India: Regarding Bt Brinjal, although the Minister of Environment and Forest (MoEF), Jairam Ramesh has deferred introduction of Bt brinjal indefinitely until “independent tests prove it safe”, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) is trying other ways to push the introduction forward. The GEAC decided to prepare a background paper on concerns over food safety of Bt Brinjal. A panel with 5-6 independent scientists will be formed to look into the concerns and question their scientific validity.

Valley Fill Permits

The Obama Administration has stopped the rubber-stamping of valley fill permits associated with mountaintop removal mining. The decision by the Army Corps of Engineers to suspend the Nationwide 21 permitting process is a step in the right direction. This action means that permits will go through a more extensive review and directly impacted Appalachian communities will have a chance to express their concerns. This change is not permanent and will be under consideration again in 2012, and the Army Corps could retract that suspension before then.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2010-07-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

Milestone for Women: On 2 July, in a historic moment, the UN General Assembly voted unanimously for the establishment of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment, to be known as “UN Women.” The resolution that establishes the new entity is part of a larger resolution on System-wide Coherence (A/64/L.56) and is the result of years of negotiations between UN Member States and active advocacy of women’s groups and civil society.

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: Ask President Obama to deliver a plan that spells out how we can achieve the poverty-fighting Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2010 at http://one.org/us/actnow/2015/

Empowering Women: Despite Iran signing a United Nation convention that requires the death penalty only be used for the “most serious crimes” and despite Iranian Parliament passing a law banning stoning last year, stoning for adultery still continues. Sign a petition to stop stoning at http://www.avaaz.org/en/stop_stoning/?vl

Other Potential Actions:
Urge the United States to strength its support of the International Criminal Court in bringing Darfuri war crimes suspects to justice by clicking here (Act this week)

Protect communities from Coal Ash by contacting Administrator Lisa Jackson of the Environmental Protection Agency urging her to adopt enforceable federal safeguards, not suggested guidelines for states, to protect our communities by clicking here (Act this week)

The Appalachia Restoration Act (S 696) would sharply curtail mountaintop removal in the United States and protect the valleys, streams and communities that are being devastated by this destructive form of mining. Urge Senators to co-sponsor this legislation at http://www.ilovemountains.org/write-your-senators/ (Act this week)

Contact U.S. Representatives urging them to pass the Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act (H.R. 5504) to improve the quality of food and meet the needs of all children at http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=15238256 (Act this week)

Urge Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei and Ayatollah Sadeqh Larijani to halt the imminent executions of two Iranian women whose legal rights were violated and to commute their death sentences by clicking here (Act this week)

On July 15, the Senate plans to vote on the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. This financial reform bill takes some key steps toward breaking the control that Wall Street has over our country – urge Senators to support this bill at http://afl.salsalabs.com/o/4023/c/33/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=401 (Act before July 15)

Louisville: A Community Gathering of Mourning and Loss in response to the Gulf Coast Oil Disaster is planned for July 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church (4th and York Street). This gathering will include the chance to share with others, music, and deep ecology processes. The event is hosted by Cultivating Connections. Donations are requested.

Ways to Take A Stand

2010-07-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's difficult to take a stand. However, those who are part of the SCN Family are called to do that every day. The mission statement calls the SCN Family to work for justice in solidarity with oppressed peoples, especially the economically poor and women, and to care for the earth.

Here are some of the things you can do:

Participate in fundraising projects, charity-sponsored walks, food collections, and clothing drives. Click here for a list of the SCN Family fundraising projects.
Volunteer your time. Our director of lay mission volunteer programs can connect you with an opportunity to serve with and learn from the poor in ways that are right for you. Click here to learn more about volunteering with the SCN Family.
Have a garage sale and donate proceeds to the charity of your choice.
Check out opportunities to participate in advocacy and systemic change from the SCN Office of Global Ministries. It is likely that your concerns are also our concerns. The Office of Global Ministries looks at poverty, justice and peace issues worldwide, keeping tabs on policies and providing updates and ideas for you to consider.

Action Alert July 2010

2010-06-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

Migration of Creation and the Call to Responsible Stewardship

As a global community, many of us have continued to hear and read about the on-going events related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and ongoing oil being released into the Gulf of Mexico extending into other parts of the United States and beyond. This is certainly not the first tragic event related to the extraction of resources, nor will it be the last. While this unfortunate series of events began with the loss of human life, it is now including the loss of wildlife and the migration of God’s creation to more nurturing areas of life whenever possible. One might say this is typical the world over where extraction occurs.

The oil spill has caught nesting birds and has stretched into many wildlife refuge areas where thousands of birds stop during migration. Is the migration of non-persons equally important and/or more/less significant than the migration of persons? While the answer to this question differs from person to person, as followers of Christ, we are called to be responsible stewards of all life no matter where we reside. Pope Benedict XVI states in his World Peace Day message in January 2010, “Protecting the natural environment in order to build a world of peace is thus a duty incumbent upon each and all.” Additionally, this message emphasizes the fact that humans can no longer afford to be indifferent about what we are doing to Earth (our home). Individuals are invited to critique environmental policies and reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible.

Now is the time to renew a promise made to “care of Earth” that the SCN Family commits to in the mission statement and 2008 General Assembly Directives. After all, not one of us in the global community is “oil free.” Each of us has use of oil and products of oil on a daily basis such as the fuel used in vehicles for transportation, heating fuel, curtains, detergents, plant fertilizers, plastics of all types, pain relievers, penicillin, clothes, ink dyes in pens, camera film, shoes, CD’s and cassettes, tires, asphalt, roofing, food additives to prolong shelf life, candles, milk cartons, polishes, crayons, deodorant, and the list goes on. Additionally, the St. Francis Pledge calls us to pray, learn, assess, act, and advocate to “care for creation and to share Earth’s resources in solidarity.”

So, what are the practicalities in what seems like an “ocean of bad news?”

Live simply and resist consumerism as much as possible to reduce dependence on “oil products.”
Look for environmentally sensitive specifications on goods and services we purchase.
Examine environmental policies and advocate for policies that protect all creation.
Support those directly affected in any way through prayer and monetary support.
Eliminate, whenever possible, products that are only good for one-time use.
Nurture the adaptation of alternative energy and fuels.
Hold governments and corporations accountable in caring for Earth.
Conduct a periodic environmental audit both personally and as a group.
Challenge groups to deepen their ecological commitment to more sustainable living.

Reflection/Action: “The environment is God's gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole." Charity in Truth by Pope Benedict XVI, paragraph 48

Reflecting on the above practicalities, what recent sacrifice have I made to reduce my use of oil and the petrochemicals that are derived from oil remembering that no effort is too small and all efforts are important to future generations and the human family?

Purchasing a product that contains a fair trade logo (pictures of some of these) means that:

Forced and exploitative child labor is prohibited (thus avoiding further exploitation of trafficked children)
Guaranteed set prices that provide a living wage for those who have produced them (thus empowering women and others to dignified work)
Sustainable farming is promoted (thus promoting care of Earth)

Additionally, the winds of change are stirring individuals and groups to purchase more local. According to Stacy Mitchell in an article from YES! Magazine, “there are now 5,274 active farmers markets in the United States. … Food co-ops and neighborhood greengrocers are likewise on the rise. … Neighborhood hardware stores are on the rise. …Driving in the U.S. is down in the last two years. … Local business alliances have now formed in over 130 cities and collectively count some 30,000 businesses as members. … Corporations desperately want to turn the local economy movement into nothing more than a cheap marketing trick they can appropriate for their own ends.” Buyer beware!

Action: Look for these labels (personally and corporately) and shop with local merchants whom you can ask about where their products come from.

Responsible Estate Tax in the United States

A century ago this summer, Theodore Roosevelt called on Congress to address the dangerous concentration of wealth and power by instituting a “graduated inheritance tax.” On June 24, members of the U.S. Senate introduced legislation to establish a progressive estate tax with graduated rates. The legislation would:

Exempt the first $3.5 million of wealth in an estate from federal taxation ($7 million for couples)
Institute a progressive graduated rate structure so that the super wealthy pay more
Include a billionaire’s surtax of 10 percent
Closes all of the Estate and Gift Tax Loopholes requested in FY 2011 budget by Obama
Protects family farmers by allowing them to lower value of farmland by up to #3 million for estate tax purposes
Benefits farmers and landowners by providing estate tax relief for conservation easements

Revenue potential ranges from $25 to $40 billion/year. The estate tax, as Bill Gates Sr. has written, “is a means by which wealthy people pay back the society and the commonwealth that has made their wealth possible.” According to Wealth for the Common Good, “eliminating the estate tax — or gutting it with irresponsible reforms — would shift our nation’s revenue obligations onto lower-income taxpayers and future generations. This legislation would exempt over 99.75 percent of Americans from paying any estate tax whatsoever, while ensuring that the wealthiest Americans in our country pay their fair share.” The non-partisan Tax Policy Center estimates that “only 80 small businesses and farm estates throughout the country paid an estate tax in 2009- representing 0.003 percent of all estates.”

Action: Urge U.S. Senators to co-sponsor and support this legislation.

Oil Legislative Information

2010-06-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

No New Drilling Act of 2010: This bill would permanently protect much of our oceans, beaches and coastal economies from the harmful impacts of offshore drilling. This act bans new leasing. http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h5248/show

The Clean Coasts & Efficient Cars Act: This bill would place a permanent moratorium on most offshore drilling and boost fuel-economy standards from 35 mpg to 55 mpg by 2030. The Moratorium would cover the Atlantic, Pacific, Central and Eastern Gulf but not Alaska or the Western Gulf. http://sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/news/?id=A90354DF-2892-4EF7-8BAF-F8899521CCA1

Big Oil Bailout Prevention Liability Act (S.3305): This bill would amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to increase the liability of the party responsible for an offshore facility, except a deepwater port, from which oil is discharged into or upon navigable waters or adjoining shorelines to the total of all discharge removal costs plus $10 billion (currently, $75 million) for each incident. Note: Senator Menendez’ unlimited liability Act went forward, but was blocked by Sen. Murkowski, though the White House has spoken about its import. Counterpart: Rep. Grijalva's Bill is in the House. http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=c9ca441f-ddac-4ebb-ad3a-b044cb3c79f8

Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act: This bill which would crack down on a series of loopholes that amount to over $20 billion for Big Oil. It would recoup royalties that oil companies avoided paying for oil and gas production on public lands, prevent oil companies from manipulating the rules on foreign taxes to avoid paying full corporate taxes in the U.S. and end a number of tax deductions. http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=fdd03312-20d3-418d-bbcf-00f24edff261

The American Power Act: Among many other things, this climate bill creates new incentives for expanding offshore oil drilling. http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s1733/show Climate Reality Check will be releasing a Report Card on the Act at http://climaterealitycheck.org

A Prayer For Healing of the Gulf of Mexico

2010-06-28T05:48:00.000-07:00

Opening: O Great Spirit, Your sacred Gulf water and abundant forms of life sustained by it are now devastated by a massive oil spill that began April 20th. You established with Noah and all generations a new covenant with the earth and every living creature on it to never be destroyed again. Grant us wisdom to understand and mourn this wound to the Gulf today and for subsequent generations to come; we pray for the grace to live by Your covenant with the one creation that is the source of all life.

We pray:

That all oil leaks are closed and sealed and oil flow into the Gulf is stopped.

All: Great Spirit, Help Us find a way to restore beauty to Your Handiwork.

That the oil that has spilled into the Gulf, wetlands, rivers, and land be cleaned up.

All: Great Spirit, Help us to listen anew to creation’s music.

We mourn the loss of people and all forms of life destroyed by the oil spill.

All: Great Spirit, Grant us Wisdom to live in harmony with your creation.

We pray for healing of the entire Gulf region ecosphere, that the smallest and largest forms of life may find healing from the oil and chemicals dumped into the Gulf.

All: Great Spirit, Help us to find ways to refresh Your Gulf, bayous, rivers, and lands.

We mourn the loss of a way of life for all fishing people; may all who find their livelihood through fishing find the comfort and economic support they now need.

All: Great Spirit, Renew in us a humble gratitude for the fragility of the global biosphere.

That our nation and world find new ways to humbly reverence the one Mother earth and all forms of life that are nurtured by it—that we may find renewable forms of energy that sustain all forms of life.

All: Great Spirit, Grant us grace to wonder at the wonder of it all!

Closing: (Psalm 96)

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;

let the sea and what fills it resound;

let the plains be joyful and all that is in them;

Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice before the Lord who comes,

who governs the earth

To govern the world with justice and the peoples with faithfulness.

In Wonder of One Mother Earth, We pray, Amen!

Alex Mikulich, Research Fellow, Jesuit Social Research Institute

(Inspired by, and adapted from, the First American “O Great Spirit” Prayer)

Weekly Justice Highlights

2010-05-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Good News: Named for Eileen Egan, a co-founder of Pax Christi, long-time executive with CRS and friend to both Dorothy Day and Mother Teresa, the special recognition award was instituted in 2007 and awarded periodically to honor a group or individual who has “made a strong and extraordinary prophetic witness for peace in a time or situation of devastating violence or injustice.” Pax Christi USA will honor LCWR in recognition that “women religious are the backbone of the Catholic peace and justice movement. . . always on the frontlines where the weak and most vulnerable suffer at the hands of violent and unjust power. They have been our teachers, our guides, our mentors, and our conscience.” LCWR is humbled by this award which will be received on July 18 by LCWR president Marlene Weisenbeck, FSPA. To learn more about the conference, to be held in Chicago July 16-18, 2010, go to www.paxchristiusa.org.

Promoting Peace: Contact Senators as soon as possible with these three messages: (1) Vote NO on funding for the Afghanistan war, no matter what other measures are attached to it. (2) Vote YES on amendment 4204 to HR.4899 (the supplemental appropriation bill), submitted by Sens. Boxer, Durbin and Merkley, which in simplified language sets an exit timeline for withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan. (3) Join the Out of Afghanistan Congressional Caucus initiated by Rep. John Conyers.

Challenging Unjust Structures: Urge the United Nations to establish an independent, international investigation without further delay to investigate human rights abuses in Sri Lanka at click here.

(Act this week)

Other Potential Actions:

Urge Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to halt all oil drilling in the arctic this summer

Gulf of Mexico oil disaster, it is imperative that you cancel plans to explore or drill for oil and gas in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas at click here.

Contact Representatives and Senators urging them to help families still struggling from the impacts of the economic recession by including the following in The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act (H.R. 4213):

Urge funding for the National Housing Trust Fund that will provide housing for very low-income families and maintain and create jobs in the hard hit construction industry.
Urge continued funding for the successful job creation program for low-income youth.
Urge the extension of unemployment insurance eligibility for laid-off workers through the end of this year.
and/or send them an e-mail

Southern Company is one of the most polluting utilities in the world, with nearly 70 coal-fired power plants generating over 50 percent of its power and it is one of the largest political contributors to Congress, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to members of Congress who vote to oppose new regulations and deny funding to clean energy alternatives such as wind and solar. In seeking to care for creation it is time to tell Southern Company to phase out polluting coal plants like Plant Scherer and invest at clean energy. A letter for editing is at http://www.greenamericatoday.org/takeaction/southern

Visit http://breathingearth.net/ Place your mouse on any country and see the number of persons being born and dying, and the Co2 emitted in that country.

Action Alert June 2010

2010-05-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

United Nations Blue Heart Campaign Against Human Trafficking

In addition to the South African World Cup Soccer Games in June/July and the World Equestrian Games (to be held in Lexington, KY) in September/October, we are aware that many individuals end up as “victims” everyday in the world of human trafficking. This is evidenced in the U.S. Department of State statistic that says “more than 27 million people are enslaved in forced labor, sexual servitude, and involuntary servitude at any given time in our world.” For those living in the United States, this is nearly four times as many “slaves” as during the height of slavery in the South. Globally, human trafficking is tied with illegal arms trade as the second largest criminal activity. In the SCN Family corporate statement on human trafficking, commitment to prayer, education and advocacy can be realized in the United Nations Blue Heart campaign against human trafficking.

The Blue Heart campaign is an effort to:

raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking
encourage individuals to become involved and inspire action to help stop this crime
and allows individuals to demonstrate solidarity with victims by displaying the Blue Heart.

According to the campaign, the “Blue Heart represents the sadness of those who are trafficked while reminding us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell fellow human beings.” The use of the blue UN color also demonstrates the commitment of the United Nations to combating this crime against human dignity and allows us to be in solidarity with the United Nations. This "wearing of the Blue Heart" in a display of solidarity (i.e. the Blue Heart) can be placed on a website, a facebook page, on publications and most importantly within the heart! It is essential not to forget those without a voice. The website containing more information on the Blue Heart campaign is located here. Other suggestions for wearing the Blue Heart are located here. Guidelines for use of the blue heart logo appear here.

Reflection/Action: Consider what actions you have taken lately to stand in solidarity with the many victims who are trafficked daily.

How do I share my reasons for opposing trafficking and knowledge I acquire with others?
What prayers have I come across related to human trafficking? How have I shared them with others in the SCN Family? A couple of prayers are located here.
The Office of Global Ministries is in the process of printing static window clings of the logo for use in windows including those of vehicles. In what ways can I display the Blue Heart logo for greatest communication of the message?

Millennium Development Goals Review

In September of this year, world leaders gather at the United Nations to perform a 10-year review of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). While progress has been made a great deal remains to be done if the international community is to realize these goals by 2015. The Sisters of Charity Federation signed on to a letter with 100 other civil society organizations through the Global Call to Action Against Poverty calling for a Millennium Development Breakthrough Plan to be achieved at the UN Summit with clear and concrete results for the 1.4 billion people who live in poverty.

The letter recommends and demands the following:

a broad space for civil society participation at all levels
a process addressing inequality, discrimination and lack of progress on gender equality
execution of a gender and social inclusion audit
an effective and inclusive monitoring and accountability component
concrete measures for addressing corruption
binding timetables in meeting the Official Development Assistance (ODA) targets
new forms for financing development
an integrated approach to development
urgent steps to achieve MDG8
productive employment must be a key component
sufficient funds for climate change mitigation and adaptation
a recognition of the centrality of emissions reduction to combat climate change

Action: Individual members of the Charity Federation and this coalition are now being asked to support this Plan through a letter to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon located here.

World Environment Day is June 5

This day calls us to pause and reflect upon all individuals/groups have done to nurture Earth and what must challenge us into the future to preserve Earth. The SCN corporate stand on water calls us to consider what can be done to conserve water in responsible actions. Am I aware of what is called “hidden water” or water used to create a product?

According to an April 2010 National Geographic chart on hidden water, there are 634 gallons of water used to produce a hamburger and 37 gallons used to produce a cup of coffee. Additionally, a human diet that regularly includes meat requires 60 percent more water than a diet that’s predominantly vegetarian. Promotion of one way of eating over another is not the full reflection that must take place. Individuals also need to consider from where their products are produced, the amount of water located in that region, and if production of the product is sustainable to the water table in that region.

In other words, is the product sustainable due to the amount of water required to produce it? If not, how can I change my consuming so as to share water with all my sisters and brothers?

A prayer service created by the Union of International Superiors General Commission for Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation is located here.

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

On June 26, we commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This day was first proclaimed by the United Nations to demonstrate solidarity with all those individuals impacted by torture.

According to Catholic Social Teaching, torture can never be justified since doing so would be contrary to the teaching on the life and dignity of the human person. Each person is created in the image of God and thus human dignity is of God’s design not some accomplishment or human quality individuals possess.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a mandate under international law to act as a neutral observer in conflicts and to protect civilians and prisoners of war from torture and abuse. For decades, the ICRC has acted to ensure that captured soldiers are not simply “disappeared,” but rather given the rights guaranteed to them under international law.

What view does my country have with respect to torture? Who are the victims considered to be “tortured” by my country?
Does torture or harsh interrogation techniques make citizens safer?
What action could I take to urge elected leaders to guarantee that the International Committee of the Red Cross has access to detainees held by my country?

Prayer for an End to Trafficking

2010-05-25T05:23:00.000-07:00

Prayer for an End to Trafficking

O God, our words cannot express what our minds can barely comprehend and our hearts feel when we hear of women and girls deceived and transported to unknown places for purposes of sexual exploitation and abuse because of human greed and profit at this time in our world.

Our hearts are saddened and our spirits angry that their dignity and rights are being transgressed through threats, deception and force. We cry out against the degrading practice of trafficking and pray for it to end.

Strengthen the fragile-spirited and broken-hearted. Make real your promises to fill these our sisters with a love that is tender and good and send the exploiters away empty-handed.

Give us the wisdom and courage to stand in solidarity with them, that together we will find ways to the freedom that is your gift to all of us. S. Gen Cassani, SSND

Prayer to End Trafficking

Lord of freedom and love, we are saddened to know that more than one million people are trafficked into slavery each year. The effects of contemporary slavery are felt in every country around the world.

As sisters and brothers, we are tormented by this reality that will leave devastating repercussions for generations to come. Our hearts grieve for what our minds can barely comprehend, particularly when we hear of women, men, and children who are deceived and transported to unknown places.

We recognize this sexual and economic exploitation occurs because of human greed and profit. We are sorrowful and our spirits angry that human dignity is being degraded through deception and threats of force. Help the violators to be transformed and enlightened to realise the scope of their unjust actions. Allow them to see the value and the dignity of every human person. As a people in solidarity with God’s poor, we must protest this atrocity and work against the demeaning practice of human trafficking.

Lord of Life, strengthen those whose hearts have been broken and lives have been uprooted. Give us the light, grace, and courage to work with you so that we can all participate in the goodness of creation. Fill us with the wisdom and courage to stand in solidarity with the victims so that we may all enjoy the freedoms and rights which have their source in your Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Remembering the Victims:

“But this is a people robbed and plundered;
All of them are snared in holes,
And they are hidden in prison houses;
They are prey, and no one deliver; For plunder, and no one says ‘Restore!’.”

~ Isaiah 42:22 ~

“Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will turn to prostitution and be filled with wickedness.”

~ Leviticus 19:29 ~

“They cast lots for My people and traded boys for prostitutes; they sold girls for wine that they might drink.”

~ Joel 3:3 ~

Weekly Justice Highlights

2010-05-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Challenging Government Systems: A letter of transparency of extracting resources by all countries is located at http://action.gfip.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1504

(Act this week)

Care for Earth: Urge US Senators to cosponsor the bi-partisan CLEAR Act, S.2877 and reject the Kerry Lieberman American Power Act with regard to global warming legislation at http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/alert/?alertid=15027331

(Act this week)

Challenging Corporate Structures: Contact Senators (1.888.854.1978) urging them to support the Merkley-Levin amendment that would safeguard insured deposits, stop conflicts of interest and prevent any weakening of regulations of derivatives at http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/bankreform?rk=Mpq47rEqj9jjE

Other Potential Actions:

Urge US Senators to oppose the Murkowski resolution that would weaken the Clean Air Act at http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/murkowski_0510?rk=R7%5fJN0YqAX27E

(Act this week)

H.R. 4213, the American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes, and Preventing Outsourcing Act, also referred to as the tax-extender bill contains unemployment and COBRA extensions to December 31, 2010; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); National Housing Trust Fund; Federal Medical Assistance Percentages that preserves jobs in healthcare and summer jobs for youth. Urge members of Congress to vote for H.R. 4213 at http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=15051696&type=CO or 1.877.210.5351

Urge US legislators to support (S. 3197 or H.R. 5015) that has a timetable for withdrawal from Afghanistan and also urge them to vote against all future war funding.

(Act this week)

Urge President Obama and members of Congress to permanently call off plans to open more offshore drilling and to invest in a clean and safe energy future at https://secure.avaaz.org/en/stop_offshore_drilling_2/?cl=577731949&v=6235

(Act this week)

Urge US Senators to provide dedicated funding for water systems to make sure all have safe water at http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=3742

(Act this week)

Urge the Chevron Manager to become transparent in all actions with all countries at

https://secure.oxfamamerica.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1087

(Act this week)

Urge Nixon Jay, Governor of Missouri to stop the execution of Reggie Clemons pending more evidence at

http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&aid=14230&ICID=A1005A01&tr=y&auid=6357000

(Act this week)

KY Residents: A special General Assembly session has been called to pass a budget. Call the legislative message line at 1.800.372.7181 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and urge Senate President David Williams, House Speaker Greg Stumbo, your state representative and senator to pass a just budget with real revenue reforms.

KY Residents: Contact KY Senators and Representatives emphasizing how application of the death penalty is uneven and arbitrary and not being used to punish the worst of the worst. Urge them to support its repeal and remind them we can hold dangerous killers accountable by long, and even permanent, prison sentences. Also contact Governor Steve Beshear, 700 Capitol Ave. Frankfort, KY 40601

Action Alert May 2010

2010-05-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

How Alert Am I to Human Trafficking?

The past four action alerts have held various reflections on migration. These include Jesus as a migrant and Scriptural migration; economics and migration, women migrants, and environmental migrants. Migrants are often vulnerable and thus no matter the form or cause of migration, human trafficking is a concern. This unease for those made vulnerable is heightened by our baptismal call. Additionally, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have a corporate stand on human trafficking committing themselves to prayer, education and advocacy.

As a congregation, co-sponsor of the monthly Stop Trafficking newsletter with several religious congregations continues. In addition, several individuals within the congregation are engaged with the issue of human trafficking. Recently Congregational Leadership signed a letter to be sent to Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. to urge prevention of human trafficking during the World Soccer Games to be held in South Africa this June and July.

In preparation for the World Soccer Games, the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life and the Catholic Conference of Bishops in South Africa have been working together in a project entitled, Counter Trafficking in Persons Desk. According to the project, the vision includes the “creation of a world in which all its peoples are safe, respected, valued and given the dignity which is their fundamental human right; a world where no one seeks to exploit and enslave another for the purpose of any gain.” Individuals associated with the project raise awareness, advocate for legislation on human trafficking and work to oppose the “grooming” of young people for the sex industry.

With regard to human trafficking and any large sporting event, there is a concern that individuals will be in demand during the event and also be recruited for future abuse. Thus, knowing the types of trafficking (sex, labor, organ removal), who the traffickers are (commonly male, relatives, individuals, can be part of organized crime) and the way traffickers operate (ways to recruit, transport and exploit) can empower potential victims to be alert to underlying consequences. Public conversation and increased awareness through the cooperation of many individuals and groups within the local community is one of the best ways to work against human trafficking. It is these practical guidelines and much more that is collated for educational purposes by the Counter Trafficking in Persons Desk packet located here (A prayer is also included.) with other resources here.

Reflection/Action

SCN Corporate Stand on Opposing Trafficking: We, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Family, stand in support of human rights by firmly opposing trafficking of all persons, especially of women and children, for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor. We commit ourselves to: Congregation-wide prayer for the end of this grave injustice; educate ourselves and others about the inherent violence involved in the buying, selling and transporting of human beings; work for systemic change by advocating for policies and programs that address the prevention of trafficking and give voice to those whose poverty makes them vulnerable to traffickers. (Fully Adopted in February 2008)

When have I last read prayerfully the SCN corporate stand on human trafficking?
Have I been a faithful reader to the Stop Trafficking newsletter co-sponsored by the SCN’s? If not, why not?
If my ministry relates to human trafficking, how have I brought awareness to others through personal sharing and/or best practices?
What actions have I taken to educate self and others on recruitment, transportation and exploitation of victims so as to be alert to the circumstances that promote being trafficked?
What policies and programs have I promoted to prevent human trafficking?

World Fair Trade Day is May 8

This day provides us with the opportunity to reflect upon where it is that we spend our money and time on goods and the benefit this money and time has on making a difference in our global world. Common exports from developing countries to developed countries include handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit and flowers. Supporting purchases that are fair trade is supporting the environment, women's rights, local artisans and farmers, cultural dignity, and peace building. On occasion, be prepared to pay a little extra for a product that you know has good ethical credentials. Consider the following actions in support of World Fair Trade Day.

Support home/cottage industries (artisans), farmer’s markets and cooperatives.
Purchase food products sourced locally; even consider producing a portion of what you consume.
Ask stores, supermarkets and other outlets to stock local products.
Be conscious of the cost to the environment in the production & distribution (carbon footprint) of the goods you purchase or consume.
Avoid products produced by slave labor and by companies and countries with bad track records on human rights.
Extend the challenge to others with whom you work or are engaged with.

International Violence Against Women Act

According to Women Thrive Worldwide, "Approximately 1 out of every 3 women globally has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Violence against women includes abuse by spouses or partners in the home, rape as a weapon during wartime, dowry related deaths and forced prostitution. The distress and injuries caused affects families, communities and wider societies, preventing women from taking full advantage of economic and educational opportunities and threatening security by increasing social tensions. Violence against women is a global health crisis, an egregious human rights violation, and a moral outrage that knows no geographic or cultural barriers. It is also a major cause of poverty: it keeps women from working, going to school and earning the income they need to life themselves and their families out of poverty.

The International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA, H.R. 4594, S. 2982), is the most comprehensive piece of legislation addressing violence against women and girls worldwide. Working through the international assistance that the U.S. already provides, women caught in conflict, support non-governmental organizations that are combating violence on the ground, and put the U.S. unequivocally on the record with countries around the world saying that ending violence against women and girls is a national priority. This bill addresses violence against women and girls through all relevant U.S. foreign policy efforts, including its international assistance programs."

Action: Send this letter to U.S. Representatives and this letter to U.S. Senators OR if writing a handwritten letter, look for the addresses at the end of this email.

Global Ministries Team Strategic Plan

Within the next week or two you should be receiving a copy of a brochure that describes the Office of Global Ministries Team strategic plan before the next General Assembly. The three main foci include:

Ministering on the Margins (i.e. human trafficking, migration, immigration),
Walking Gently on Earth (i.e. food security, food sovereignty, climate change, water, genetically modified organisms, and sustainable development), and
Being Prophetic and Living Radically (i.e. empowerment of women to assume rightful place in church and society)

It is hoped that the foci can be taken one each year while not totally exhausting any issue but rather gaining some depth on the issues. All are invited to submit resources for sharing with others and their plans for action with regard to their local living and ministering situation. These can be submitted to Joetta Venneman at PO Box 172 Nazareth, KY 40048 or jvenneman@scnazarethky.org

Corporate Stand on Opposing Trafficking

2008-02-25T13:25:00.000-08:00

We, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Family,

stand in support of human rights by

firmly opposing trafficking of all persons,

especially of women and children,

for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor.

We commit ourselves to:

Congregation-wide prayer for the end of this grave injustice;
educate ourselves and others about the inherent violence involved in the buying, selling and transporting of human beings;
work for systemic change by advocating for policies and programs that address the prevention of trafficking and give voice to those whose poverty makes them vulnerable to traffickers.

Corporate Stance on Water

2007-03-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

We, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Family

affirm that water is a fundamental,

inalienable human right.

Earth’s freshwater is limited and essential

for a just and sustainable world.

Water, as a human right and a common good,

cannot be bought, sold or traded

as a commodity.

Therefore, we will study and support actions and policies that:

ensure access to sufficient, safe and affordable water for all people, especially women and children in regions suffering currently from scarcity of water;
protect freshwater as a sustainable, renewable resource.

We will study and oppose actions and policies that:

endanger/pollute the world’s supply of freshwater;
deprive humans and other species access to adequate, safe water essential for life;
privatize and commodify global water resources.

SCN Statement on Iraq War

2004-05-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

We, the following members and associates of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Kentucky, a community of Roman Catholic sisters and associate members based at Nazareth, Kentucky, call on the government of the United States to end the war in Iraq.

We affirm the sanctity of life, and we support peace as God’s plan for human interaction. We believe this war is unjustified and has caused wrongful loss of life and untold destruction of the environment.

For these reasons we charge our government to end this war, make peace in Iraq and address the needs for healing and reconciliation the war has caused in our world.

Cancellation of the debts of very heavily debt-burdened countries

1999-09-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Sisters of Charity, as a congregation, have endorsed the cancellation of the debts of the very heavily debt-burdened countries and the use of the money that would have been paid in interest to be used for poverty reduction and the needs of the poorest people in these countries.

SCN Statement on U.S. Policies in Central America

1985-12-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

We, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, affirming the right of peoples of Central America to life and to political self-determination, oppose the oppressive policies and interventionism of the United States government towards sovereign nations of Central America.

Specifically we oppose:

U.S. directed violence as a means of solving complex economic and political problems of Central American nations
U.S. supported militarism in Central American nations
Exploitation of the fear of communism as a rationale for U.S. military intervention
Degradation and violation of U.S. principles and values in this process of oppression

SCN Endorsement of Sanctuary

1984-02-25T13:19:00.000-08:00

Speaking for the Congregation, the Executive Committee expressed endorsement of the right of sanctuary.

In response to our commitment as Sisters of Charity of Nazareth to:

listen prayerfully to the call of God as expressed through shared reflection on the needs of society and the circumstances of our times (Constitutions I, 13)
take risks as we share the burdens of the needy (I, 5)
[show] a spirit of reverence and hospitality (I, 5) and
live, like Jesus Christ, in solidarity with the oppressed (I, 15)

We give public endorsement to the right of sanctuary, in particular to the public sanctuary program initiated by the St. William Church Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

We pledge our support, our prayers, our love and those services we are able to render. In so doing, we believe that we are joining an effort to promote community, to overcome non-violent ways the evils of war, to further the cause of peace and indeed to witness the saving power of God.