Office of Global Ministries

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-05-17T03:37:00.002-07:00

Urgent Action Today for Immigrants: May 17, today is the United We Dream network call in day to President Obama (202.456.1111- charges apply) and Speaker Boehner (202.225.0600 – charges apply) urging them to secure rights for all immigrants and to honor the dreams of immigrant youth.

Challenging Unjust Structures: Urge International Leaders of the G8 (May 18-19) and G20 to continue the conversation of a neutral international debt court that would consider unique histories and current realities of each nation and restore relations between nations and people. Additionally urge President Obama to lead a plan to stop climate change by transferring the money given to polluters to renewable energy.

Care of Earth: U.S. citizens are invited to sign a petition to President Obama urging him to take leadership at Rio+20 Conference in June to ensure that all nations take action now to meet the needs of this generation while assuring a healthy planet for future ones.

Empowering Women: Urge U.S. Representatives to vote no on H.R. 4970, a version of the Violence Against Women Act that does not cover Native Americans nor immigrants.

Urge U.S. Representatives to support the Smith-Amash amendment that would limit the use of indefinite military detention without trial.

Send a message to U.S. Representatives with regard to the National Defense Authorization Act and amendments to this legislation that would slow down Afghanistan troop removal.

As the U.S. – Columbia Free Trade Agreement begins to be implemented, there have been multiple death threats against labor leaders and their families in Columbia in sectors prioritized by the Labor Action Plan intended to improve the grave state of labor and human rights in Columbia. Send a message to Ambassador P. Michael McKinley and Secretary Hilda Solis to demand they speak against these death threats and stand up for labor rights in Columbia.

Add your name to the growing list of Americans urging Congress to pass the End Polluter Welfare Act that would go further than any other bill to eliminate subsidies to the fossil fuel industry.

Urge U.S. legislators to create appropriations legislation that promote the common good of the country and to quit making points for their re-election bid.

Urge the Obama Administration to protect the habitat of the Western Arctic Reserve from oil and gas drilling.

Support the Environmental Protection Agency’s limit on carbon pollution.

Urge Congress to lift up poor and vulnerable people.

Urge President Obama to press for an agreement on two-state Holy Land peace.

How much do you really know about fracking? Take a quiz and find out here.

Bardstown: Help support Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Louisville by bringing acceptable recyclable electronics to the St. Joseph Elementary School parking lot (320 West Stephen Foster Avenue) on June 2 from 8 am to 2 pm. For more information, contact Steve Mumford at 502.554.9995 x118 or email smumford@2trg.com

Accomplishments on Legislation

2012-05-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

January to March 2012

The Hyatt Boycott calling to uphold the dignity of women (reinstate the Reyes sisters) received boosts from the CA Democratic Party, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Gloria Steinem who pledged to boycott Hyatt. In Indianapolis where the Super Bowl was held, the NFL Players Association Leader, DeMaurice Smith and Maggie Lewis, President of Indianapolis City-City Council joined Indy Hyatt Workers.

During the KY General Assembly, the House Health and Welfare Committee passed the Smoke-free KY Act. The legislation (HB 289) was transferred to and didn’t make it out of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee.

A March 1, Nuclear Missile Test was cancelled. This was the second time in less than six months that the Air Force cancelled a nuclear missile test after pressure from the concerned citizens. The first cancellation was on International Peace Day.

In early March, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill to RESTORE the Gulf Coast States Act, a landmark bill that will dedicate 80% of BP’s Clean Water Act fines where they’re needed most- to restore the Gulf Coast economy and the wildlife and communities who live there.

In March, the U.S. Court of Appeals blocked further implementation of two provisions of Alabama’s discriminatory anti-immigrant law, HB 56. These provisions, which criminalized any interaction between undocumented immigrants and state or local government officials, and made contracts between undocumented immigrants and any other person unenforceable, have wreaked havoc on all Alabamians, citizen and non-citizen alike.

In March, the Senate voted to save clean air by supporting a rule limiting mercury and other toxic air pollution from industrial boilers. This rule prevents up to 8100 premature deaths/year and reduces toxic mercury pollution that is known to cause brain damage in kids.

In March, the world’s largest private agro-chemical corporation, Arysta LifeScience, announced it would immediately pull methyl iodide off the shelves in California and across America thus increasing safe food production and farm worker safety.

In March, the Senate rejected a bill fast-tracking the controversial Keystone XL pipeline project, which would transport dirty tar sands oils from Canada’s boreal forest to American refineries in Texas.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-05-09T07:01:00.001-07:00

Care of Earth: Citizens from anywhere in the world are invited to urge Apple CEO Tim Cook to use renewable energy to power Apple’s technology.

Water: Urge Pepsi executives to release Aquafinas’ water quality reports as public water systems are required to do. (International Action available)

Immigration: On May 17, immigrant youth, along with allies from around the U.S., will issue our declaration of DREAMS. Call on President Obama for real and lasting relief for DREAMers and their communities.

Care of Earth: Trans Canada has submitted a permit application for the Southern portion of the Keystone XL Pipeline to the Army Corps of Engineers. Urge EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson not to “rubber stamp” the permit application and allow for a meaningful review.

The Senate is expected to act on the student loan interest rates soon. Urge Senators to call for the protection of low interest rates for student loans. (Act as soon as possible)

The House Committee on the Budget is expected to vote on a proposal to eliminate funding for the Social Services Block Grant (i.e. funds used to provide services to the disabled, homeless, elderly, victims of abuse and others marginalized members of society). Urge U.S. Representatives to protect funding for the Social Services Block Grant.

Urge Jamie Dimon, head of JPMorgan Chase to adopt a genocide-free investing policy to avoid investments like PetroChina.

Dina Meza, a Honduran journalist and human rights activist, has been threatened repeatedly with sexual violence. Urge Honduran authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Urge federal legislators to stand up for the people of Sudan by co-sponsoring the Sudan Peace, Security and Accountability Act.

Urge Jeff Wojahn, the president of Encana (CO) to abandon a well that is being fracked next to an elementary school.

Urge President Obama, U.S. Senators and House Representatives to end the war in Afghanistan and remove the troops.

Please join me in urging the Egyptian authorities not to amend the minimum age of marriage law and the custody on divorce law in accordance with Egypt’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, as well as its own Constitution.

Bill Moyers most reent episode entitled, Between Two Worlds: Life on the Border, highlights the border culture between Mexico and the U.S. Luis Alberto Urrea has written a series of acclaimed books that were removed from Tucson School District earlier this year. View the episode.

Louisville, KY: The 28th annual Memorial Day Interfaith Service honoring civilian and military victims of war will be held Monday, May 28 at 11 a.m. at a NEW location- the Highland Presbyterian Church (1011 Cherokee Road, Louisville).

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-05-02T05:43:00.001-07:00

Care of Earth: Urge Chevron to report on the risks of its fracking operations by reporting on hazards, community effects and necessary precautions surrounding its hydraulic fracturing operations.

Challenging Unjust Systems: Urge G8 leaders to take a stand against hunger and poverty at this years summit at Camp David where they will discuss a variety of issues, including agriculture in the developing world.

Stand with the citizens of New York and urge Governor Cuomo to ban hydraulic fracking and lead ambitiously towards a clean energy economy.

Sign a petition urging President Obama to stop the destruction at the Spruce Minein West Virginia.

Urge Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to stand with the Sudanese people for peace.

Urge Congress to hear the cry of poor people as it works on the budget.

Urge

U.S.

officials to make negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement transparent. (Act by May 4)

Urge Apple to power its data centers from clean energy sources.

Elections 2012: Catholics Vote for the Common Good- If you did not get the chance to participate in a discussion group at the state level, NETWORK is still collecting input.

A new documentary on water entitled, Last Call at the Oasis is opening this weekend in New York City. The documentary presents a powerful argument for why the global water crisis will be the central issue facing our world this century. The trailer can be viewed here.

Care of Earth in Louisville: Join citizens concerned about the environment this Derby weekend for Climate Days of Action Connect the Dots (between carbon pollution and climate change). A group will gather on May 4 (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and May 5(9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Churchill Downs (700 Central Avenue, Louisville- meet under big billboard near Central and Rodman). RSVP’s can be made here.

KY: Residents of KY are urged to contact Senator McConnell’s office with regard to an article he wrote on the Affordable Care Act filled with misinformation on March 23 in the Courier Journal. An April 16 letter by Congressman Yarmuth corrected the errors in an article in the Courier Journal. Keep pressure on Senator McConnell to correct these errors publicly by contacting his DC office at 1.866.338.1015 (Charges apply and ask for Senator McConnell office) or his Louisville office at 1.502.582.6304 (Charges may apply depending on where calling from).

A new resource for those working with immigrants and ICEentitled, "The All-In-One Guide to Defeating ICE Hold Requests" is located here. Toolkits are also available in English and Spanish.

View Bill Moyersepisode on big money and big media here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-04-26T06:54:00.002-07:00

Good News: Connecticut abolished the death penalty yesterday. Express your gratitude to CT Governor Dannel Malloy and other Connecticut leaders for doing the right thing for human rights.

Immigration and Confronting Unjust Structures: Yesterday the Supreme Court discussed AZ SB 1070 (deciding whether local police can ask us our immigration status). Tell corporations not to fund the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the organization of legislators and corporations that meet to draft secret “model” legislation such as that of SB 1070. Many corporations have begun to dis-associate themselves from ALEC, keep the pressure by clicking here.

Challenging Unjust Structures: Thank 60 minutes for airing “Christians of the Holy Land” with Bob Simon that shed light on the struggles of Palestinian Christians living under Israel’s brutal military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The 2012 Farm Bill is currently in process. It is a highly important bill with pieces that address domestic hunger and international food aid. Action to legislators can be taken on behalf of those who live with food insecurity and who need food in emergency situations.

The U.S. Senate is schedule to vote on the Violence Against Women Act (S. 1925) that would protect women from violence and exploitation. At the current moment, those women most at risk are in danger of being left out. Urge Senators to support this legislation.

Urge U.S. Senators to hold to the spending limits in the Budget Control Act as they set spending limits for the FY 2013 budget.

Urge Norway, Canada and the U.S. to participate in the negotiation of a new plan to save the world’s oceans.

Urge Shell CEO to continue the clean up of the Niger Delta where a 2008 oil spill left land wasted, unsafe drinking water, and livelihoods destroyed.

Last week over a thousand people pledged to stop doing business with Bank of America until they stop financing the dirty coal industry. Individuals who are active in business with the bank are invited to join in solidarity through this same pledge located here (the pledges will be taken to the shareholder meeting on May 9th).

Write (Regional Commissioner Michael Grochowski, Social Security, Suite 22 T 64, 61 Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303) or call (404.562.5500; NOT toll free) urging decision- making individuals at Social Security to keep the Louisville West End Social Security Office open. The office is the 7th busiest in the state of KY and about 90% of the customers are African American. With less than half the staff of the downtown Louisville office, the West End office services 56% of the number the downtown office services. The West End office serves many disabled, elderly, homeless people, people without ID's, and people recently released from prison, At the Louisville downtown office, people cannot enter without ID's and there is no readily accessible free parking. Many West End residents are going to have problems getting to and into the Louisville downtown office. Yet, if the West End office closes, that is where the West End residents will be expected to go.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-04-18T03:55:00.001-07:00

Good News: The U.S. Bishops criticize House Budget (Path to Prosperity) cuts to food stamps and other assistance to those living in poverty. To read an article on the topic, click here. To thank Bishop Dolan and urge him to continue to speak out for those living in poverty and those less fortunate, call 1.212.371.1000 (charges apply).

Urgent: Next week the Supreme Court considers the Arizona Immigration Law, S.B. 1070. Join the many who will be in prayer at the Supreme Court on Monday. For more information, click here.

Immigration: John Carlos Frey has a new documentary entitled, Bring Justice Home: Demand Respect for Life from Border Patrol. A preview is being shown on PBS with a clip located here. Those living in the Louisville area can see at on KET1 at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 20 (under the NEED TO KNOW heading).

Immigration: Urge the House Committee on Ways and Means and your U.S. Representative (1.202.224.3121; charges apply) to reject any proposals that would exclude immigrant working families from Child Tax Credit.

Bordering on Trafficking: Urge U.S. Governors to say no to Correction Corporation of America who is looking to profit from the incarceration of human beings by sending letters to governors asking that to allow operation of state prisons. Making a profit from the labor of others borders on human trafficking. Urge governors to make a public statement by June 1. (Click on your state, then click on governor’s name, and click “contact” tab to write a brief note.

Care of Earth: Urge National Leaders, businesses and others to enact policies that dramatically reduce wasted energy and significantly shift our power toward renewable energy sources.

Call and urge U.S. Representatives (1.202.224.3121; charges apply) to oppose H.R. 3523, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act of 2011 that provides companies and the government “free rein to bypass existing laws in order to monitor communications, filter content, or potentially shut down access to online services for ‘cybersecurity purposes.” Action can also be taken here.

Call 1.800.826.3688 (no charges apply) and urge Senator McConnell (sits on decision-making committee) to protect and strengthen SNAP and International Food Aid programs as the FY 2013 Agriculture Appropriations bill. (Act before April 19)

A report that calls on the World Bank to stop funding the private water sector entitled, “Shutting the Spigot on Private Water: Case for the World Bank to Divest."

On April 16, the Senate rejected the Paying a Fair Share Act (S. 2230) or Buffet rule by a 51-45 margin. This bill would have created a fairer tax system ensuring millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share. Find out how U.S. Senators voted by clicking here.

Burning the Future: Coal in America is a documentary on human addiction to coal and its influence on West Virginia mountaintop removal mining. It is being aired on many PBS stations in April and May with the film available to view free online during Earth Day weekend (April 21-22). A coal impact guide is located here.

April 22 marks Earth Day and Catholic Relief Services has put together resources for the education of young people on the responsibility to care for creation. Resources are located here. A prayer service created by CHA is located here. Scroll down to locate prayer service.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-04-12T03:17:00.000-07:00

Care of Earth: Urge President Obama to RSVP for Rio+20 to protect Earth and humanity (International Action is available)

Water: Recently a federal court overrode the Environmental Protection Agency’s veto of the Spruce Mine, despite the fact that 110 cubic yards of mining waste will be pushed into the local waterways, generate toxic pollutants and bury over six miles of stream (violation of the Clean Water Act). Urge the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to save mountains and stand up for the Clean Water Act.

Immigrants: As the US Supreme Court soon decides the fate of the Arizona anti-immigrant law (SB 1070), light a candle in solidarity with those who believe in equal treatment and equal opportunity for all families.

Promoting Peace and Protecting Women/Children Around the World: Urge U.S. Senators, Representatives and President Obama to bring home the troops from Afghanistan as specified in the Responsible End to the War in Afghanistan Act (HR 780).

Urge President Obama to lead a bold new food security partnership with small farmers at the G8 that will save 15 million children from being stunted in growth and lift 50 million globally out of poverty.

On May 28, 2010, Anastasio Hernández Rojas, a 42-year old construction worker, husband, father of five US-citizen children, and long-time resident of San Diego, CA, was brutally beaten, repeatedly shot with a taser while handcuffed, and killed as a result by U.S. Border Patrol agents near the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego. Urge the Border Patrol to respect life rather than beat, taser, handcuff and kill individuals.

Urge President Obama to keep his promise on hydraulic fracking as stated in his State of the Union speech that drilling and fracking for natural gas would happen “without putting the health and safety of our citizens at risk."

Urge U.S. Senators (1.202.224.3121; charges apply) to support the Paying a Fair Share Act of 2012 (S. 2230) that will close an array of tax loopholes that allow millionaires and billionaires to pay lower taxes than middle-class families. (Act before April 16 vote)

April 17 is a global day of action on military spending that reached $1.6 trillion in 2010. Individuals and groups are invited to watch a video promoting the Global Day of Action on military spending.

April 22 marks Earth Day and Catholic Relief Services has put together resources for the education of young people on the responsibility to care for creation. Resources are located here.

Chicago: As NATO meets, Peace Action, and peace and justice activists, will also meet to map out an alternative path in a Counter-Summit for Peace and Economic Justice on May 18 - 19. On May 20, meet with Afghans for Peace and support Afghanistan war veterans as they rally and march to the NATO Summit to return their military medals to the NATO Generals in a March for Justice and Reconciliation.

Louisville: On Thursday, April 12 from 5 to 6 p.m. on Sixth and Broadway, a vigil to prevent the war with Iran will take place. Bring a sign.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-04-04T04:34:00.001-07:00

Care of Earth: India citizens are invited to ask their Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar to listen to keep India’s fish in Indian waters.

Care of Earth: Urge the Target Corporation to provide responsible take-back options for all electronics sold, promoting reuse of working equipment and safe recycling and disposal of e-waste.

Death Penalty: Sign a petition urging Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin to reconsider granting clemency to Garry T. Allen who is scheduled for execution on April 12.

Promoting Peace: Urge Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to do what she can to stand with the Sudanese people for peace.

Promoting Peace: Urge President Lee Myung Bak of the Republic of Korea to save the eco-systems of Jeju Island by stopping the building of a naval base that is opposed by the citizens and is currently being built.

Holding corporations accountable: It appears as though Walmart is more interested in profits than listening to its customers who have delivered nearly half a million petitions, 8500 calls and held events at more than 150 Walmart stores in the country with regard to selling genetically engineered (GE) sweet corn. Hoping that thousands of citizens act and Walmart takes heed, individuals are asked to sign a petition refusing to buy Monsanto’s GE sweet corn located here.

During the weekend of May 18th, representatives from the largest eight economies will meet in the U.S. for the G8 summit with the G20 summit a month later in June. As the debt crisis spreads, a new way to address debt must be implemented. Sign a global petition for an international debt court that will promote neutrality and address each nation’s own reality on a case-by-case basis.

Urge U.S. Representatives to co-sponsor and/or support H.R. 4173 (Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons and Stop War Through Diplomacy Act) that would promote long-term dialogue over sanctions.

Demand respect for human rights in Columbia by contacting the U.S. Embassy in Columbia and the State Department to demand a transparent police investigation into the illegally detained and death of Manuel Ruiz and his 15 year old son Samir de Jesus de Ruiz by paramilitaries.

Urge federal legislators to co-sponsor and/or support the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act (S. 952 and H.B. 1842).

The U.S. Catholic Bishops document on the topic of elections entitled, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship is available here. Many of the resources are available in Spanish as well as English including homily notes, voter registration, voter education, and liturgy/prayer suggestions.

Prayer is needed with less than 20 negotiating days left before the Rio+20 summit in June. Pray that specifics can be put forth for Sustainable Development Goals and accountability as they are implemented.

Louisville: On April 6 (Good Friday) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for the Justice Stations of the Cross. Meet at Martin Luther King Park next to the Mazzoli Federal Building (south side of Chestnut between 6 and 7 streets).

KY: Annual rankings show where Kentucky counties do well and where they can improve on health. The Rankings, available here, include a snapshot of each county in Kentucky with a color-coded map comparing each county’s overall health ranking. Any county in the country can also be viewed on this site.

Louisville, KY: On July 29 to August 1, a coalition of Catholic sponsors will host the Summer Social Action Institute at Bellarmine University. Registration opens in late April with tuition for the entire institute at $225. Track I will focus on the foundations of Catholic Social Teaching and Track II will address poverty today. Information for this four day institute for Catholic social justice ministries is located here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-03-28T06:42:00.001-07:00

Confronting Injustices: If you have not already signed the petition addressing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed in Florida, you may do so here.

Death Penalty: Many religious leaders worldwide are calling for clemency and justice for Reggie Clemons on Missouri’s death row. All clergy and religious leaders are invited to sign a letter to the Missouri governor to save this man’s life.

Budget for the Common Good: Within the last week the House released The Path to Prosperity budget proposal. Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives (1.202.224.3121, charges apply) to support the “Faithful Budget” proposal that was created by interfaith organizations who believe that government is a vital forum for promoting the common good and ensuring that no one is left behind. Additionally, urge Representatives to oppose H. Con. Res 112, the Path to Prosperity budget that does not protect low-income people nor invest in jobs the way that the Faithful Budget does.

It’s time for America to join 40 other countries in labeling of GMO food. Urge the Federal Department of Agriculture to label genetically modified organisms (GMO) as part of the labeling that goes on foods.

Urge the chair of CA’s Assembly Labor Committee to support AB2346 that would set meaning penalties for individuals responsible for farm worker heat-related deaths.

Urge Verizon CEO, Lowell McAdam to commit to a fair contract that respects the rights and the dignity of his employees.

Urge Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to finalize strong standards to curb industrial carbon pollution on the nation’s largest polluter of carbon dioxide emissions, power plants.

Earth Hour 2012: On March 31, people around the world will turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. (your local time) to celebrate Earth Hour 2012. Earth Hour is intended to challenge participants to go “beyond the hour” and commit to further ongoing action to address climate change.

Louisville, KY: Join the iMatter youth March Rally and Concert on March 31 from noon to 6 p.m. from the Martin Luther King Jr. Park to Waterfront Park. More information is located here.

Louisville: On March 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Flaget Center (1935 Lewiston Drive) is hosting an electronics recycling day to support Catholic Charities. Acceptable Items: Cables, CD-ROM drives, cellular phones, circuit boards, computer speakers, CPUs, CRT monitors, docking stations, DVD players, fax machines, hard drives, keyboards, laptops, LCD monitors, mainframes, mice, microwaves, modems, PDAs, personal copiers, printers, processor chips, scanners, servers, speakers, tape and disc drives, telephones, televisions, terminals, UPS battery back-ups, VCR players and more! Unacceptable items: Batteries, light bulbs, ballasts and appliances. (*All items listed will be accepted for free with the exception of TVs, monitors, and microwaves -- a $5 fee will be charged to recycle each TV, monitor, and microwave

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-03-22T03:25:00.001-07:00

Empowering Women: The Violence Against Women Act (S. 1925) is due for reauthorization. VAWA provides law enforcement, prosecutors and judges the necessary resources to hold offenders accountable. It also reinforces the safety in communities, supports victims in vital areas and provides critical funding for prevention and education. Urge Senators to co-sponsor and support the bill.

Nuclear Weapons: As Congress begins work on the federal budget for FY 2013, U.S. citizens are invited to call U.S. Representatives (1.202.224.3121, not free call), tell them you are their constituent and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 3974, the SANE Act, to cut wasteful nuclear weapons spending.

Care of Earth: Urge U.S. Senators to co-sponsor S. 741, the Renewable Energy Standard that provides incentives to American companies to develop technology for a clean renewable energy future.

Care of Earth: KY residents are invited to urge KY Governor Steve Beshear and House Speaker Greg Stumbo to protect KY environment and residents from dirty coal mining.

As Sudanese civilians suffer from starvation and indiscriminate bombing attacks, al-Bashir continues on as Sudan's head of state, leaving war crimes in his wake and travelling the globe with impunity. Urge the United Nations to arrest al-Bashir and those Sudanese wanted by the International Criminal Court.

A Dutch ship transporting U.S. weapons and explosives had a destination until March 14, as Port Said, Egypt. Given the Egyptian government’s brutal repression of peaceful protesters in the last five months, tell Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the U.S. should not be in the business of providing or funding the purchase of weapons that will be used to commit serious human rights violations.

Food labeling provides comprehensive standards to ensure all food is labeled consistently and easy for consumers to identify. Urge President Obama and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to appeal the World Trade Organization rule that dictates what individuals will know about the meat they buy.

Earth Hour 2012: On March 31, people around the world will turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. (your local time) to celebrate Earth Hour 2012. Earth Hour is intended to challenge participants to go “beyond the hour” and commit to further ongoing action to address climate change.

Louisville, KY: Join the iMatter youth March Rally and Concert on March 31 from noon to 6 p.m. from the Martin Luther King Jr. Park to Waterfront Park. More information is located here.

Louisville, KY: Want to help promote an alternative economy, consider timebanking. Louisville Timebank is designed to strengthen community, serve people and give others a means to serve and establish relationships that meet needs of community members.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-03-14T04:00:00.001-07:00

Promoting Peace: Tell President Obama and the U.S. Congress it is time to end the war in Afghanistan.

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

Death Penalty: KY House Concurrent Resolution 173 creates a KY Death Penalty Reform Implementation Task Force to develop a strategy to implement the reforms recommended by the American Bar Association’s KY Death Penalty Assessment Report. Contact your State Representative by calling 1.800.371.7181 and asking for a YES vote supporting HCR 173.

Affordable Housing: Urge U.S. Representatives to pressure members of the Financial Services committee to abandon the Affordable Housing and Self-Sufficiency Act of 2012 (no bill number yet) because it expands and makes permanent the “Moving to Work” (MTW) demonstration project. It also exempts owners from abiding by several key tenets of affordable housing law and would be damaging to residents of apartments.

Urge members of Congress to sign letters being circulated with regard to funding the Second Chance Act for FY 2013 that supports grants to government agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide assistance in areas of employment, treatment, housing, mentoring and other services to help reduce recidivism.

Contact President Obama (1.202.456.1111; charges apply) urging him to commit to dialogue and to support local peace initiatives in Uganda and in other affected countries in Africa with regard to child soldiers.

A new resource entitled, “Just Peacemaking Initiative” is available for small groups from JustFaith and Pax Christi USA. More information is located here.

Earth Hour 2012: On March 31, people around the world will turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. (your local time) to celebrate Earth Hour 2012. Earth Hour is intended to challenge participants to go “beyond the hour” and commit to further ongoing action to address climate change.

April 22 marks Earth Day and Catholic Relief Services has put together resources for the education of young people on the responsibility to care for creation.

KY 2013-2014 House Budget has been passed and is located here. The Senate has not passed their version yet.

NETWORK (National Catholic Social Justice Lobby) is celebrating their 40th Anniversary with an Auction. To view and bid on items, click here.

Louisville: On March 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Flaget Center (1935 Lewiston Drive) is hosting an electronics recycling day to support Catholic Charities. Acceptable Items: Cables, CD-ROM drives, cellular phones, circuit boards, computer speakers, CPUs, CRT monitors, docking stations, DVD players, fax machines, hard drives, keyboards, laptops, LCD monitors, mainframes, mice, microwaves, modems, PDAs, personal copiers, printers, processor chips, scanners, servers, speakers, tape and disc drives, telephones, televisions, terminals, UPS battery back-ups, VCR players and more! Unacceptable items: Batteries, light bulbs, ballasts and appliances. (*All items listed will be accepted for free with the exception of TVs, monitors, and microwaves -- a $5 fee will be charged to recycle each TV, monitor, and microwave

March 2012

2012-02-29T11:06:00.002-08:00

March 2012

Millennium Consumption Goals and Rio+20

The Millennium Consumption Goals (MCGs) is an idea that was proposed by Professor Munasinghe of Sri Lanka in January 2011 at the United Nations in New York. According to Professor Munasinghe, “MCGs could help make our development path more sustainable, by focusing on the 1.4 billion people in the richest 20 percentile of the world’s population. They consume over 80% of global output, or 60 times more than the poorest 20 percentile. Instead of viewing the rich as a problem, they should be persuaded to contribute to the solution.” The MCGs will complement the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) designed to help the world’s poor. The (MCGs) aim to provide consumption targets designed to motivate the world’s rich to consume more sustainably. They will make human consumption and production more sustainable in economic, environmental and social terms, thereby improving overall well-being, reducing the burden on natural resources, freeing up resources to alleviate poverty, and ensuring intra- and inter-generational equity.

The MCGs are still a work in progress. Suggested MCGs include the following:

Greenhouse gas emissions reduction
Energy use (conservation, fossil fuels, renewable energy, transport, buildings, etc.)
Water use (conservation, quality, re-use, etc.)
Land and biomass use
Ores and industrial minerals
Construction materials and minerals
Pollution and waste (air and water effluents, solid waste, toxic waste and chemicals, etc.)
Food and agriculture
Health and obesity (Diet, smoking, exercise, etc.)
Livelihoods and lifestyles (working hours, work conditions, etc.)
Economic-financial systems (progressive taxation, banking reform, measures of well-being, etc.)
Military expenditures

A summary of the proposal submitted to Rio+20 reads as follows: “Establish a set of Millennium Consumption Goals for the period 2012-2020 and for subsequent decades, complementing the Millennium Development Goals, and helping to ensure that the basic needs of the poor are met, preserve and strengthen earth’s natural resource base on which human society depends, and enhance global prosperity, while ensuring a good quality of life and well-being for everyone by 2020, improving intra- and inter-generational equity, and accelerating the shift to more sustainable consumption and production as an essential step towards the ultimate goal of sustainable development.”

Reflection and Action: During Lent choose one or two of the suggested MCGs listed above and evaluate yourself. What are you doing to reduce your use of water? What can you do to conserve energy? What are your eating habits? Is your lifestyle a healthy one? Take the time to discuss the MCGs with someone else or with a small group. Encourage each other to make even greater changes to reduce the use of natural resources and enhance quality of life.

________________________________________

International Women's Day 2012

Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures is the theme for International Women's Day (March 8). The SCN 2008 directive of working to empower women to assume their rightful place in church and society is a challenging process. Inclusive of this process is the imperative to include girls. The global celebration focuses on the economic, political and social achievements of past, present and future girls and women. Women of the past have struggled hard to overcome inequalities in various areas. While disparities still remain in many parts of the world, it is imperative to ask, "what actions do I take wherever I live that liberate women and girls?"

Reflection and Action:

A website of world-wide resources that includes resources for educators and activists is located here.
Educate and empower women to change social systems: For example, Women Occupy plan to target Bank of America on March 8 as a symbol of women’s struggle for economic justice who are about half the population yet close to ¾ remain poor. Bank of America leads the banks in illegal foreclosure practices, faulty loans, tax evasion and exorbitant fees. More information is here.
Research and share cultural stories of women from around the world: For example, what cultures exist in the many environments that make up my life? What have I learned from others? What else might I still wish to learn? UN Women has several articles related to women around the world located here OR here. Also the Commission on the Status of Women continues through March 9 with information and resources located here.
In listening to Christian Scripture, we hear much about Jesus’ relationship with women and his “breaking of cultural barriers” in his time. Listen and reflect upon the role of women. Women participated in many tasks such as prophet, teacher, steward, widow and apostle among other titles. Among the many stories that relate to these women titles, pray with Romans 16:1-16; Luke 8:1-3; John 4:1-42; Luke 1: 41-56 and the Resurrection stories.
Reflect upon the necessary skills for advocacy of the rightful place of women in society and church? Research and a listening heart? Courage? An understanding of the culture, context and relationship of issues? Creativity? Others? How does one integrate these into one’s life so as to be a successful advocate?
Share stories of women empowerment with the Office of Global Ministries (jvenneman@scnazarethky.org) to be used on the Newsline and Facebook page.

________________________________________

World Water Day

With an SCN corporate statement on the right to freshwater, we celebrate International World Water Day on March 22. The theme, Water and Food Security, continue to be challenges for women all around the world. Water is necessary for the survival of most species. Thus, human food needs water. According to the website Women and Water Rights, “By 2025, it is estimated that two thirds of the world’s population will live in areas facing moderate to severe water stress.”

Adding pressure to the water system are:

Extractive industries such as hydraulic fracking, oil made from tar sands, etc
Weather patterns
World populations
Consumption by the world’s top 20%
Consumption of more meat products
In addition to the quantity of water is the quality of water. A Kashmiri proverb states, “It is easy to throw anything into the river, but difficult to take it out again.” Included in quality is that of pollution through many means, preservation of ecosystems for natural filtration, and the proper treatment of wastewater.

Reflecting on the connections of water quantity and quality and how this impacts food security is certainly a challenge for our time. As natural resources continue to be extracted for commercial purposes or to the highest bidder, it is worth asking where Catholic Social Teaching fits into the global reality. Just who is it that owns this Earth we have received as gift from our Divine? What perceptions form this reality? Is ALL creation given equal say in decisions?

Clearly there is much work ahead for individuals, communities and nations to be food secure when water is part of the essence of that security. Many of the regions in our world that experience internal conflict are water and/or food related. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has a webpage devoted to the relationship between water and food security.

Reflection, Education and Action:

Visit World Water Day website for downloads related to water consumption and food production located here AND here (scroll down). Calculate the water necessary for a simple meal where you live. How might this compare with what I know of others who eat differently around the world? What reflections do I take from this exercise? What commitments can I make to further reduce water consumption?
Numerous local, national and international links for worldwide water resources are located here.
Watch a three minute video on the negative implications of water and food security in developing countries. For anyone who believes water and food security are human rights, what will the individual do?
Recommended resources for teaching and learning about food security and water are available here.
A 16 minute video entitled, When the Water Ends is located here.
Watch for the 4th World Water Development Report. The report will “describe the major changes, uncertainties, and risks taking place in the world and their links to water resources. It will give account of the status and the trends related to water supplies, uses, management, institutions and financing; highlight regional hotspots, and address issues such as gender equality, water-related disasters, health and the role of ecosystems.”

________________________________________

U.S. Congress and 2012 Legislation

Congress passed a bipartisan bill on spending before the date of expiration when it extended aid to the jobless and the payroll tax cut. After the past year, this is a rather amazing! So what can we expect of Congress in the year ahead? Well, it is election year and legislators are likely to keep their own voting to a minimal so as not to have it used in opposition to their remaining in office. Although there are spending bills to be passed, it is highly likely that passing legislation will be the rare action.

Bread for the World asks its members to expand the Circle of Protection in solidarity with those individuals most in need here in the U.S. and abroad during 2012. They say, "while we must work to reduce our deficit, our choices must not hurt those whom Jesus called the least among us." Included in this expansion are domestic nutrition programs and those programs that keep individuals from hunger abroad. With governments around the world working to reduce deficits, it is imperative that there be voices to protect programs for hungry and poor people. As U.S. citizen Tara Marks states to her legislator's aide, "it certainly appears as though the business community are surrounded by a circle of protection."

Reflection and Action:

As Jesus is challenged throughout his journey to the Cross to live with less, what does it mean for individuals to surrender in living with less? Might the Millennium Consumption Goals listed above be a place to begin? How might individuals spiral deeper to greater action and less consumption?
Individuals can take action to retain domestic nutrition assistance programs, poverty-focused foreign assistance, tax credits for low-income families and international food aid programs by contacting U.S. legislators. Useful guides are located here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-02-29T03:49:00.000-08:00

Promoting Peace: This Thursday’s test of a Minuteman III is the second test in less than a week; the Air Force also fired a Minuteman missile from Vandenberg on February 25. Urge President Obama to cancel Thursday’s test on the anniversary of Castle Bravo and to take nuclear weapons off high-alert status in order to lower the possibilities of accidental or unauthorized missile launches. (Act by March 1)

Immigrants: The results of two pilot programs have been released that show of the 11682 pending removal cases in Baltimore and Denver, 16% were administratively closed. As this policy expands nationwide, individuals are invited to urge President Obama and Secretary Napolitano to expand its commitment to immigrants and address concerns that uphold the dignity and well-being of immigrants across the U.S. Individuals can read more here.

Care of Earth: Send a message urging President Obama and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to finish the job and protect water and human health by stopping toxic coal ash leaks.

Care of Earth: Urge U.S. members of Congress to stop attacking mercury and carbon standards – to stop cutting off clean air. (Click on “Tell Congress Don’t Cut off our clean air”)

Call and urge U.S. Senators (1.202.224.3121, charges apply) to support an amendment that will stop construction of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline that would transport the world’s dirtiest oil across drinking water sources.

Sign a petition that reads, "President Obama, we shouldn't expedite any part of Keystone XL. Don't expedite the approval of the southern portion or cut any corners to force this disastrous project through."

Sign a petition urging Rob Walton (one of the heirs to the Walmart fortune) to meet with OUR Walmart (Organization United for Respect at Walmart – made of Walmart Associates) and implement their Declaration for respect.

Urge Canadian Prime Minister Harper to stop the wolf killing in the area of tar sands mining.

The Photopic Sky Survey is a Web site with a 360-degree, interactive composite photograph of the entire night sky as seen from Earth.

A video by the Aberdeen Sisters of the Presentation on the Stations of the Cross is located here.

Louisville: The Center for Interfaith Relations presents Kelty Concert Organist, David Briggs (internationally renowned artist and Organist Emeritus) on March 9th at 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Assumption (433 South 5th Street)

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-02-23T06:28:00.000-08:00

Challenging Unjust Governments: Syria’s crackdown on democracy protesters continues to produce stories of horror. Avaaz has been invited to sit at the table with key powers in the region to deliver a strong mandate for action to stop the bloodbath. Join in solidarity by signing the petition (Act as soon as possible)

Genetically Modified Sweet Corn: Urge Wal-Mart CEO Mike Duke to live up to their commitment of consumer safety and reject Monsanto’s untested and genetically-modified sweet corn before it is planted this spring.

Standing with those most vulnerable: Urge U.S. Senators to cut the debt by cutting the Pentagon budget. War is not the answer and neither is cutting programs that the most vulnerable population depends on.

Opposing Nuclear Weapons: Urge President Obama to reduce the threat of nuclear weapon use by accident, miscalculation or intent. This message will also go to U.S. Senators and Representatives.

Care of Earth: The Australian Government is holding a public consultation on one million square kms of ocean. Send a submission to the consultation to save the thousands of delicate species. (Act as soon as possible)

Bank of America is three times larger than Lehman Brothers who were the first to fall in the 2008 financial crisis. Urge financial regulators to break up Bank of America known also for many unfriendly practices.

Ethiopia is forcibly relocating 70,000 people from Gambella to make land available for foreign investment in agriculture--aggravating current hunger while laying the groundwork for future famine in Ethiopia, as people are losing their livelihoods and being moved to areas where they cannot readily feed themselves. Sign a petition to President Barack Obama and USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah to stop the support of large-scale agricultural investment and for-profit access to Ethiopia's fertile.

Urge Congress to act this month in favor of renewing the wind Production Tax Credit that provides America with jobs and a clean renewable economy.

The Human Cost of Coal interactive maps located here.

The Franciscan Action Network has a webpage for Lent 2012.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-02-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

Promoting Peace: Urge President Obama, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and New Gringrich not to attack Iran by signing a petition that states, "The U.S. can't afford a war of choice in Iran -- especially not one based on the same kind of sketchy intelligence and irresponsible saber rattling that led to the disastrous invasion of Iraq. We should pursue diplomatic initiatives and take a military attack off the table."

The February issue of Stop Trafficking Newsletter co-sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is available here.

Challenging Unjust Structures: Urge the Securities and Exchange Commission to put an end to the closed door deals that enable oil companies to remove parts of legislation that keep them from revealing what they pay to developing countries.

U.S. citizens are invited to urge legislators to extend the unemployment benefits and reduced payroll tax.

Urge U.S. Senators to bring to the floor and pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 1925) that would expand services and protections to women in Indian tribal nations, to abused men and through grants to campuses.

Urge U.S. Representatives to ELIMINATE the minimum rent for HUD-assisted housing and the Expansion of the Moving to Work aspects in the present Affordable Housing and Self-Sufficiency Improvement Act (H.R. 11) (This will keep many of the neediest low-income families from homelessness).

Urge Hershey’s to stop exploiting children to grow cocoa beans.

February is national Black History Month, and individuals are invited to join in Prayer for the African-American and African Family.

The book, Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life by Henri Nouwen with Donald McNeill and Douglas Morrison contains six sessions on the study of compassion and is suited for Lent. Each session includes a facilitators guide, a brief worship resource and sometimes a hand-out.

The Environmental Outreach Committee of the Archdiocese of Washington offers a Lenten care for creation calendar

“Renewing the Face of the Earth: Lenten Reflections on Air” incorporates scientific and theological knowledge about creation, God's presence therein, and our call to care for it. A five-session resource, this free resource is available here.

Louisville: On February 23, Brudus (story of Palestinian nonviolent resistance, preview here) will be shown at 7 p.m. at 1741 Frankfort Avenue (one block east of Mellwood Ave. at the new co-op building). For more info contact Sonja at: sonrevolution@aol.com

Louisville: Join Catholics for Fairness in a peaceful pilgrimage will take place this Sunday at 4:45 p.m. Gather at George Garvin Brown Park (415 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd between 4 and 5 Streets) for prayer and a candlelight walk to the Cathedral of the Assumption (1/2 block walk) in support of a Statewide Anti-Discrimination Fairness Law. The group will stand silently in front of the Cathedral holding Catholics for Fairness signs and then collect the signs before the 5:30 liturgy celebrating with those at the Cathedral.

February 2012

2012-01-31T02:53:00.000-08:00

Creating the Future We Want at Rio+20 or Earth Summit 2012

We will not achieve sustainable development without addressing inequality...Nor can we live with deterioriating ecosystems...We need fresh ideas and a renewed commitment by all countries to fairly share and protect the global commons. - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

What is Rio+20? — the short name for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June. It is a historic opportunity to define pathways to a safer, more equitable, cleaner, greener and more prosperous world for all.

Twenty years after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, where countries adopted Agenda 21 (Agenda 21 defines nine major groups: women; children and youth; indigenous peoples; NGOs; local authorities; workers and trade unions; business and industry; the scientific and technical community; and farmers), - a blueprint to rethink economic growth, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection - the UN is again bringing together governments, international institutions and major groups to agree on a range of smart measures that can reduce poverty while promoting decent jobs, clean energy and a more sustainable and fair use of resources.

Why do we need Rio+20?

The world now has 7 billion people — by 2050, there will be 9 billion.
1 out of every 5 people — 1.4 billion —currently lives on $1.25 a day or less.
1.5 billion people in the world do not have access to electricity. 2.5 billion do not have a toilet. And almost 1 billion go hungry every day.
Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and more than a third of all known species could go extinct if climate change continues unchecked.
If we are to leave a liveable world to our children and grandchildren, the challenges of widespread poverty and environmental destruction need to be tackled now.
We will incur far greater costs in the future — including more poverty and instability, and a degraded planet — if we fail to adequately address these critical challenges now.
Rio+20 provides an opportunity to think globally, so that we can all act locally to secure our common future.

“Sustainable development is not an option! It is the only path that allows all of humanity to share a decent life on this, one planet. Rio+20 gives our generation the opportunity to choose this path.” - Sha Zukang, Secretary-General of the Rio+20 Conference

What issues will Rio+20 discuss?

“All the issues that will be on the table in Rio – climate change, demographics, water, food, energy, global health, women’s empowerment – are intertwined. All the pillars that underpin the Rio process - stabilizing the global economy, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring social equity - are parts of a single agenda.” ~ UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon

At Rio+20, countries will seek ways to:

Make the transition to greener economies while focusing on poverty eradication.
Protect our oceans from overfishing, the destruction of marine ecosystems and the adverse effects of climate change.
Make our cities more livable and more efficient.
Broaden the use of renewable energy sources that can significantly lower carbon emissions as well as indoor and outdoor pollution, while promoting economic growth.
Better manage forests to provide a broad range of benefits — reducing deforestation by half through 2030 could avoid an estimated US $3.7 trillion in climate change damages from greenhouse gas emissions — and that’s not counting the value of jobs and income, biodiversity, clean water and medicines provided by forests.
Improve the way we conserve and manage our water resources, in order to promote development and guard against desertification.

Does sustainable development work?

Over the last two decades, there have been many examples of successful sustainable development in fields such as energy, agriculture, urban planning, and production and consumption. Some of these include:

In Kenya, innovative finance mechanisms have stimulated new investments in renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, small hydro, biogas and municipal waste energy, generating income and employment.
In Brazil, a project under the Clean Development Mechanism was adopted in Sao Paulo to transform two of the city’s biggest waste dumpsites into sustainable landfills. From 2004 to September 2011, the landfills have avoided the release into the atmosphere of 352,000 tons of methane, which instead have been used to produce over one million megawatts of electricity.
In Nepal, community forestry — led by local forest user groups — contributed to restoring forest resources after a steady decline in the 1990s.
In Canada, EcoLogo — one of North America’s most respected environmental certification marks — has promoted thousands of products that meet rigorous environmental standards.

What will happen at Rio+20?

Thousands of participants from governments, the private sector, NGOs and other stakeholders will gather in Rio at the end of May and beginning of June 2012 for a strong push towards sustainable development. In parallel with and between the official events, there will be numerous side events, exhibitions, presentations, fairs and announcements by a wide range of partners.

The official discussions will focus on two main themes:

How to build a green economy to achieve sustainable development and lift people out ofpoverty, including support for developing countries that will allow them to find a green path for development; and how to improve international coordination for sustainable development.
Governments are expected to adopt clear and focused practical measures for implementing sustainable development based on the many examples of success we have seen over the last 20 years.

How can I participate or contribute?

It takes more than governments to build sustainable development — partnerships among people, community groups, organizations, businesses and academia are needed. Rio+20 is a major opportunity to form partnerships and to highlight work by all stakeholders.

The official website provides a platform for civil society, business, academia and NGOs to share their preparatory activities for Rio+20.
The United Nations has launched a campaign, “Rio+20: The Future We Want” or the website, Sustainable Future. The purpose is to engage the world community in a global conversation to share ideas about life in the future and positive imaging of the future.
Most recently published in the Rio+20 process is the Zero Draft of the Outcome Document located here. Groups will work from this document as they move toward a final document.
Individuals from the global community are invited to sign the social protection floor petition.
People's Sustainability Treaties is a website that is written from the grassroots perspective as an alternative to the Rio+20 work being done.
Also check the website to sign up for a newsletter, follow Rio+20 on Twitter and Facebook, and read the blog by Conference Secretary-General Sha Zukang.

“Around the world, sustainable peace must be built on sustainable development. That is why I have said that the sustainable development agenda is the agenda for the 21st century.”
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (Above materials comes from the brochure, The Future We Want published by the United Nations)

Human Trafficking and Sporting Events

The U.S. 2012 Super Bowl will be played on February 5 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Many individuals and groups have been working to raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking which frequently occurs at large sporting events. According to the January 2012 issue of Stop Trafficking Newsletter, members of the Coalition for Corporate Responsibility in Indiana and Michigan are working together on an anti-trafficking initiative targeting 220 hotels in a 50 mile radius of Indianapolis. The initiative asks hotels if they have done any training with employees to look for signs of trafficking, if the hotel has a plan in place once trafficking is sighted, if hotel personnel are familiar with other groups working on trafficking in the area, and if the hotels would be willing to place basic information on human trafficking in their lobby and/or guest rooms. Follow-up is being made and information is being shared with the Interfaith Center Corporate Responsibility who lead discussions on trafficking issues with the public and through press releases.

Actions:

Pray this prayer to end human trafficking:

Creator of us all, our words cannot express what our minds can barely comprehend and our hearts feel when we hear of children and adults deceived and transported to unknown places for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor because of human greed.
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 seek ways for it to end.
Strengthen the fragile-spirited and broken-hearted. Make real your promises to fill these our sisters and brothers 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. Amen. (From January 2012 Stop Trafficking Newsletter, Gen Cassani, SSND)

Take a quiz to determine your “slavery footprint.”
Join the Christian Brothers Investment Services (CBIS) and encourage hotels to take action to fight the commercial exploitation of children. For instructions and sample letter, click here.
Become familiar with U.S. companies that have signed The Code.
Encourage corporations to implement The Luxor Protocol - ethical principles for human trafficking.

The Environment and the Economic Crisis

For many years the prosperity of a country has been based on its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The GDP measures the monetary value of all goods and services that are produced within a nation during a given period and sold to consumers, governments, investors or are exported. In a nutshell this means that the GDP represents the part of the population’s well-being that comes from the consumption of goods and services. In order for the GDP of a country to grow, the people must consume more and more. There are multiple criticisms of the use of the GDP as an indicator of a country’s prosperity. For example, if a country engages in war or suffers from natural disasters monetary transactions will increase, thus leading to a higher GDP. If a small portion of a population spends extravagantly, but many do not have the resources to spend, the GDP may show growth, but at the cost of great inequality. According to Richard Heinberg, “Calculating a nation’s overall health according to its GDP makes about as much sense as evaluating the quality of a piece of music solely by counting the number of notes it contains”.

The GDP takes into account a single bottom line – economic growth. This means that no externalities such as the cost of natural resources, just wages, etc. are taken into account. Many economists, as well as specialists in other fields, are now advocating for the triple bottom line – social, environmental and economic growth (consider Rio+20). A planet with finite resources cannot sustain perpetual growth. This realization, however, implies a total rethinking of the nature of growth and prosperity, as well as a restructuring of the current global financial architecture. Naomi Klein asserts that “the current economic model is based on the faulty premise that nature is limitless, that there will always be more of what is needed, and that if something runs out it can be seamlessly replaced by another resource that can be endlessly extracted.” Environmental economist Tim Jackson makes the choice very clear: “Trash the system or crash the planet.”

The current economic system is no longer viable. It has led to extreme wealth for some countries and individuals at the expense of populations of the least developed countries and some populations of industrialized countries.

The question to ask and reflect upon is “How can people work, individually and collectively, to challenge the current all-pervasive consumer society which is destructive of both people and the planet in such a way that it truly leads to building God’s kin-dom on earth?

United States and the 112th Congress

As the 112thCongress begins its Second Session, the following are issues that we, as faithful citizens, must be watchful of and contact our legislators so that they do as we wish them to do. The first three items were extended this past December and will expire the end of February, so they are likely to be a priority for legislators.

Extend Unemployment Insurance benefits for the long term unemployed.
Extend the Payroll Tax cuts for working people.
Maintain and increase funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Fiscal Year 2013 budget funding for the federal government- President Obama usually sends his budget plan to Congress in early February.
Amidst these priorities and other pieces of legislation will be the November 2012 elections and the actions or lack thereof of federal legislators.

Action:
Be watchful of legislation and alerts related to these. The SCN Family website under the Global Ministries Tab contains updates on legislation.

Contact federal legislators or Congress at 202.224.3121 and President Obama at 202.456.1111 to share your name, address, and views about legislation. (These numbers are not toll free and include a charge)

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-01-26T03:58:00.001-08:00

Urgent, Act Today: Urge Darigold who oversees Ruby Ridge dairy to stop abusing workers by clicking here.

Care of Earth: Urge Indian Minister Pawar to manage India’s precious marine eco-system sustainably and protect the livelihood of millions who depend on them.

Death Penalty: Urge Governor John Kasich (Ohio) to issue an immediate moratorium on all executions until the Ohio Supreme Court’s Joint Task Force completes its thorough review of Ohio’s death penalty system.

Urge the Congressional conference committee and your legislators to fully renew unemployment insurance for 2012 with no cuts and no barriers to benefits.

Urge Wal-Mart to treat warehouse workers with respect and adopt a Responsible Contractor Policy.

Thank President Obama who rejected the permit for construction of the Keystone XL pipeline (1700 miles of pipeline to carry tar-sands oil from Alberta, Canada to the Gulf of Mexico).

Edit and send a message to members of the U.S. Congress about President Obama’s State of the Union speech.

On the weekend of February 10-12, Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) invites clergy and lay leaders to participate in a National Preach-In on Global Warming. More information and resources are located here.

NETWORK is among several groups beginning to focus on the 2012 U.S. elections. For information on a new collaborative project entitled, Election 2012: Catholics Vote for the Common Good, click here.

KY: The Smoke-Free Kentucky campaign is now in full swing! Rep. Susan Westrom introduced House Bill 289 that will make all workplaces in Kentucky smoke-free. Now is the time for your legislators to hear from you. Even if you have contacted them before, please take just a minute to call your House Representative. Call 1-800-372-7181 (toll free) and ask your legislator to vote for House Bill 289 to protect the rights of all Kentuckians to breathe smoke-free air at work or inside public places, like restaurants and bars.

KY: Individuals are invited to join in “I Love the Mountains Day” at the KY State Capitol in Frankfort on February 14. Among the groups taking a bus is Kentucky Interfaith Light and Power. KIPL buses will leave at 11 a.m. from Louisville and return at approximately 3 p.m. Anyone wishing to attend can either contact Joetta Venneman (502.348.1557) or sign up for a spot on the KIPL buses here.

Louisville: A Memorial Service honoring Louisville’s Homicide Victims of 2011 will take place at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral (421 South Second Street in Louisville) on Sunday, January 29 at 3 p.m.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-01-18T04:29:00.000-08:00

Good News: Thank Delaware Governor Jack Markell who has granted clemency to Robert Gattis by commuting his death sentence to life without the possibility of parole.

Empowering Women: The National Farm Worker Ministry Youth and Young Adult network is sponsoring a soccer game on January 21st to raise funds for a farmworker women’s organization called AMA (English Translation – to love). For more information and/or to pledge or sponsor a young women or man farmworker who will be playing, click here. "AMA is an organization of farm worker women who are fighting to improve the safety, well being, and health of their community. They offer workshops, cultural programs, and provide assistance and referrals for low-income families in Volusia County."

This week marks the 3rd anniversary of President Obama’s executive order calling for the closure of the Guantanamo prison. National Religious Campaign Against Torture is joining with other groups in promoting a petition to the President, urging him to keep that promise. Individuals are invited to sign the petition located here.

Christi Cheramie was 16, a minor, in 1994, yet Louisiana sentenced the 16-year-old to a sentence of life without parole while the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child prohibits life without parole for offenses committed under the age of 18. Urge Louisiana governor and the state Board of Pardons to grant clemency to Christi.

Individuals are invited to urge world leaders to attend the Rio+20 in June 2012 in Brazil.

The United Nations has launched a campaign, “Rio+20: The Future We Want”. The purpose is to engage the world community in a global conversation in preparation for the Rio +20 Conference in June 2012. The campaign invites us to share ideas about life in the future and positive imaging of the future.

On the weekend of February 10-12, Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) invites clergy and lay leaders to participate in a National Preach-In on Global Warming. More information and resources are located here.

Louisville: On the national anniversary of the Supreme Court decision declaring Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, individuals are invited to join in a rally with signs and voices for a constitutional amendment to end “Corporate Personhood” on Friday, January 20 at 1 p.m. at the Gene Snyder U.S. Courthouse (corner of 6th and Broadway) for a nation-wide day of action at over 80 federal courthouses. Contact Keith Rouda (402.387.3088, keith@rouda.com) for more information.

KY: Individuals are invited to join in “I Love the Mountains Day” at the KY State Capitol in Frankfort on February 14. Among the groups taking a bus is Kentucky Interfaith Light and Power. KIPL buses will leave at 11 a.m. from Louisville and return at approximately 3 p.m. Anyone wishing to attend can either contact Joetta Venneman, PBVM (502.348.1557) or reserve a seat on the KIPL buses here.

October to December 2011

2012-01-11T04:22:00.000-08:00

In October, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals decreed that nearly 50 million acres of America’s richest natural resource- our National Forests are protected. The ruling reinstated the Roadless Rule.

In October, CA Governor Brown signed SB 126, an amendment that changed the Agricultural Labor Relations Act and removed some obstacles for farm workers who want to join a union.

In the November state elections, Ohioans overwhelmingly voted to repeal Senate Bill 5—Gov. John Kasich’s attack on middle-class jobs that was designed to destroy collective bargaining rights in Ohio.

In November, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has stayed the execution of Hank Skinner pending resolution of the DNA testing!

In November, the Obama administration announced a decision to consider a new route through Nebraska for TransCanada’s controversial Keystone XL Canada-to-Texas tar sands oil pipeline thus delaying the decision until 2013. In December, federal legislators gave the Obama Administration two months to make the decision as part of a deal in working through the passage of legislation.

In November, the “Super Committee” failed to reach an agreement on how to reduce $1.2 trillion from the U.S. budget over 10 years. This deficit means that automatic spending cuts are scheduled to kick into effect. Half of those proposed cuts would come from defense and national security budgets, while the other savings will come from discretionary spending, not entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security.

In December, the Obama Administration committed to clean air through the cleaning up mercury, arsenic and other toxic air pollution emitted by coal-fired power plants.

In December, Congress granted a two-month extension of unemployment benefits and did not raise payroll taxes. If this had not happened, nearly 2 million Americans would have lost unemployment benefits this month alone. Many of them would have been pushed into poverty.

The Fiscal Year 2012 budget ensures funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and for a program that provides food assistance to poor senior citizens. In addition, there are no significant cuts to international aid programs that save lives and help reduce poverty, like emergency food aid and school feeding programs in developing countries.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-01-11T04:17:00.000-08:00

Human Trafficking and the U.S. Super Bowl: Encourage Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels to urge the Indiana General Assembly to strengthen its anti-trafficking laws in advance of Super Bowl XLVI. Additionally on this same page are actions to the National Football League and the Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee to make trafficking awareness and prevention a priority by aggressively promoting the issue and supporting public and law enforcement anti-trafficking efforts.

Care of Earth: Individuals are urged to thank the Obama Administration at for protecting 1 million acres of land around the Grand Canyon as off limits to new mining claims for the next twenty years.

The January 2012 issue of Stop Trafficking co-sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is located here.

Urge President Obama to reject the Keystone XL pipeline and let him know of your solidarity in working to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies.

Avaaz, a transnational membership who empowers individuals to take action on current issues, has members who are currently being tortured by Syria’s regime. Avaaz has just released a terrifying report revealing the scale of Syria’s detention facilities that could force key governments to confront the horrors in this report and accelerate the end of Assad. Sign a petition that will be delivered along with the report to the Arab League and the United Nations Security Council demanding they refer Assad to the International Criminal Court to be tried for crimes against humanity.

Sign a petition telling WalMart you won’t buy genetically engineered sweet corn.

Individuals are invited to urge world leaders to attend the Rio+20 in June 2012 in Brazil.

The United Nations has launched a campaign, “Rio+20: The Future We Want”. The purpose is to engage the world community in a global conversation in preparation for the Rio +20 Conference in June 2012. The campaign invites us to share ideas about life in the future and positive imaging of the future.

On the weekend of February 10-12, Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) invites clergy and lay leaders to participate in a National Preach-In on Global Warming. More information and resources are located here.

Empowering Women in Louisville, KY: On January 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Red Barn, on University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus, The Women 4 Women Student Chapter is seeking to raise awareness of modern-day slavery by hosting a Human Trafficking Conference with speakers on the issue. They hope to encourage students and the public to become involved in efforts to create awareness of human trafficking. Admission is free and open to the public.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2012-01-05T03:50:00.000-08:00

Care of Earth: Individuals are invited to urge world leaders to attend the Rio+20 in June 2012 in Brazil.

January 8 – 14 is National Migration Week. Resources are available at the U.S. Catholic Bishops Website. Justice for Immigrants has a postcard available to send to the U.S. President and Legislators on the DREAM Act. Individuals may also encourage their Diocesan or Archdiocesan Catholic Bishops to write a letter of support for the DREAM Act and Comprehensive Immigration Reform during this week.

January 11 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Good News in that Wyndham Worldwide has become the latest major hospitality company to take a stand against the commercial sexual exploitation of children by signing the Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct. Let’s keep urging those hotels we stay at to adopt this code.
A documentary to be released on this day is entitled, “What I Have Been Through is Not Who I Am”. It explores “the life” through the eyes of one of child prostitution’s many victims.
In the U.S., citizens are encouraged to contact Federal Senators and Representatives urging them to reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

KY Death Penalty: Individuals are invited to sign a petition to end the death penalty in Kentucky. This petition will be forwarded to legislators.

The United Nations has launched a campaign, “Rio+20: The Future We Want.” The purpose is to engage the world community in a global conversation in preparation for the Rio +20 Conference in June 2012. The campaign invites us to share ideas about life in the future and positive imaging of the future.

January 11 also marks the 10th anniversary of the arrival of the first prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. Many are gathering to witness in Washington, DC as part of a National Day of Action Against Guantanamo. Individuals unable to attend are encouraged to call Congress telling leaders ten years is too many for detaining terrorist suspects. A message to be edited and sent to President Obama. Resources for worship, advocacy and public witness are all available here.

Striking photos of natural gas flares in PA are located here.

Louisville: A Vigil for Peace will be held on January 8 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Douglas Loop. Bring a candle and a sign with big letters. This is a new time for those who continue this presence on a weekly basis. This time will continue on the second Sunday of each month until further notice.

KY: "Issues Confronting the 2012 Kentucky General Assembly" contains 47 issue briefs prepared by members of the Legislative Research Commission staff. The book is NOT meant as an exhaustive list of issues that lawmakers will consider, but reflects a balanced look at some of the main topics that have been discussed in legislative committee meetings. The publication can downloaded and viewed online here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2011-12-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

Care of Earth: Last month, the Obama Administration announced that it would take more time to review unresolved environmental and safety issues raised by the Keystone XL study, particularly analysis of alternate routes to protect the sensitive Ogallala Aquifer, which provides drinking water for millions of U.S. citizens. Urge Senators and Representatives to oppose bills in Congress to push the Keystone XL pipeline through.

Promoting Peace: Pax Christi International invites the global community to share stories of peace. The stories will be used in Bethlehem, Palestine and other locations in educational and religious settings. Email your inspirational Christmas stories for peace in English before December 25. More information is located here.

Challenging corporate practices: Urge the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to oppose any bill that would give corporations virtually free rein to call cell phones.

Refugees and Displaced Persons: Gently remind President Obama to remember the impact the invasion has had on Iraq and that the U.S. has an obligation to ensure that the internally displaced persons and the Iraqi refugees are taken care of.

Urge U.S. Representatives and Senators to pass an omnibus bill (appropriations) that has no riders and uses funding limits set out in the Debt Deal in August NOT the House budget proposal of April to guide spending.

Urge U.S. Representatives and Senators to extend the payroll tax cuts and Unemployment Insurance by adapting the message on the link above.

Tax cuts for middle class Americans were voted down by Republican Senators (202.224.3121; not toll free). Individuals are invited to call these Senators and express disappointment. Evidently Grover Norquist “gave permission” to allow taxes to go up on the middle class as not violating his “no tax increase” pledge before the vote.

Thank Senator Rand Paul for his leadership in the passage of the Merkley Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for the effort to end the war in Afghanistan at a quicker pace at

Act Today to urge Trinity Wall Street Episcopal Church to provide sanctuary for Occupy Wall Street protestors.

Call the White House 2.2.456.111 (not toll free) and call on President Obama to insist that the Brazilian government take action to clarify boundaries of indigenous lands, continue to protect indigenous lives that are under constant threat, and to bring justice to those that killed Nisio Gomes.

In the Spirit of St. Francis and the Sultan: Muslims and Christians Working Together for the Common Good is a unique 8-week module that supports respectful dialog and cooperation during this troubling period of polarization in our society. A unique feature of the module is that it brings Christians and Muslims together to work for the common good. Participating groups report that this experience is a hopeful and much needed sign of good will and cooperation. More information is located here.

A new documentary film, “Blood in the Mobile,” powerfully addresses both the limits of the imagination and our sense of connection to atrocities committed in eastern Congo. The minerals in our cell phones finance war.

Striking photos of natural gas flares in PA are located here.

The year in powerful photos is located here (be patient for photos to load).

Decembe 2011 and January 2012

2011-12-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

Walk Gently on Earth: Food Security, Food Sovereignty, Climate Change, Water, GMOs, and Sustainable Development

While the words seem to be inclusive of much work and depth, this SCN Mission Statement phrase “to care for the earth” has brought us to a new vantage point as a community and family. Toward this endeavor, a pause is being taken to reflect upon and celebrate the growth we have made together during this past year.

• Recycling on Nazareth campus including metal, batteries,
• Planting, replanting of trees and appropriate deforestation for the nature community
• Recognition of Nazareth as Tree City USA for the past seven years
• Creating an environment at Nazareth to encourage wildlife and minimize excessive mowing
• In collaboration with Nelson County Extension Service, provide space for community garden
• Nazareth Food Service examining more local and fresh foods
• Helping to avail the public distribution system (Ration Card) and BPL cards from government so that the food is available on a regulated low price for the poor
• Nazareth Campus housekeeping and food service purchases environmentally friendly products
• Purchase of fair trade and organic products
• Use of cloth/reuseable bags and refraining from plastic bags
• Use of solar energy
• Purchase of Seventh Generation products
• Viewing of Dark Side of Chocolate and a Better Life
• Advocacy on issues such as seed savers, GMO’s, climate change issues,
• Sharing resources and information with religious communities when together
• Hanging clothes outside to dry
• Educating on the Universe Story, GMO’s, climate change issues,
• Study and pray the Universe Story
• Network with New Pioneers
• Composting, vermi-culture and organic farming - no artificial pesticides/insecticides/fertilizers
• Gardening and consumption of produce from gardens
• Share food with food banks and mindfulness of food wastes
• Use water carefully and mindfully
• Continue education and sharing with books and videos related to Universe Story
• Organize awareness programs through rallies, competitions, science projects, discussions etc.
• Water harvesting, reuse of water from house and use of ice from beverages for watering plants
• Avoid carbonated drinks and discouraging others’ use of them
• Use of LED and CFL Bulbs, shut lights off when leaving room for longer periods of time
• Electric weed eater
• Use both sides of paper
• Program thermostats to conserve energy when possible
• Recycle wood chips and conserve fallen trees for firewood at Nazareth
• On demand hot water heater at Guest House at Nazareth
• Collaborated with Village I to obtain greater energy efficiency in Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units
• Research “green” practices for permeable parking at Nazareth, although not feasible to date.
• Integrated Earth Day and Good Friday prayer
• Gasland was shown at Nazareth and placed in Media Center at Nazareth
• The World According to Monsanto was shown at Nazareth and is located in the Media Center (Book is in Nazareth library)
• Purchase and share Journey of the Universe recently available and created by Brian Swimme & Mary Evelyn Tucker
• Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream to Office of Congregational Advancement
• Education on environment, conservation of energy, water, plastic-free living are becoming part of the school curriculum in most of the SCN schools
• The Care for the Earth: Meeting of Science and Spirituality, First Annual Conference (Nazareth)

To continue reflection, individuals are invited to return to the strategic plan from the Office of Global Ministries. In this plan, you may remember that you were invited to write your own plan on the blank space provided under Walking Gently on Earth.

• How have I grown this year?
• Where is growth still needed?
• Upon reflection, find some special way to mark your year of accomplishments and success.

As January unfolds, the Office of Global Ministries will highlight and work on another part of the strategic plan, which is an aspect of the 2008 General Assembly Directive entitled, Be Prophetic and Live Radically. The directive further calls us to minister on the margins and address the rightful place of women in church and society. The following questions root our reflections in Jesus' example of being with women and those on the margins.

• As the birth of Christ is remembered in our Christian tradition, how are women empowered?
• What characteristics exist in the culture of the woman in Jesus time?
• What examples demonstrate Jesus effecting social systems in solidarity with women?

Year-end and Alternative Gift Giving

This year the emphasis of gift giving is on giving local and developing relationships. Homemade gifts, sharing our talents and time, donations to individuals’ favorite charity, supporting local farmers and seeking local businesses that individuals patronize are excellent choices. In addition to giving local, there is the added benefit of reducing carbon footprint. Some individuals choose to offset their carbon footprint of gifts purchased by investing in renewable energy. Still other individuals focus on alternatives to traditional gifts in the name of their families and friends that will benefit the most vulnerable in our global community.

With regard to alternative gift giving from the SCN Family, Father Robert Maloney, CM, has asked the Sisters of Charity Federation NGO to participate in a new venture in Haiti. It is an outstanding program set up by our partner in Haiti, Fonkoze, with a 95% success rate in helping participants acquire the skills needed to emerge from poverty. Participating families are the poorest of the poor in Haiti. The program lasts 18 months and aims to provide a simple, decent home with good sanitary conditions (i.e. clean water and a latrine), get all children from the family into school, provide training in life skills to begin a small enterprise and prepare the family if it so chooses to enter into a micro-credit program. The name of the project is Chemen Lavi Miyo (CLM) which means pathway to a better life. The cost of providing these services to a family over 18 months is $1500 U.S. A donation of any amount is welcome and the donation will include a Christmas postcard sent in your name if the person(s) is/are designated. Make checks out to the Sisters of Charity Federation and indicate it is for the CLM Project. Send donation to The Sisters of Charity Federation NGO Office at 211 East 43rdStreet, Suite 504 in New York, New York 10017.

Climate Change and Rio+20 Meetings in Effort to Care for Earth

In Durban, South Africa on November 28 to December 9, high level discussions on climate change will take place as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference aims to negotiate an international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to prayer, individuals are invited to watch the proceedings of the Convention

In January 2012 in New York, the first intersessional meeting will take place with regard to the Rio+20. According to a recent United Nations report, the main challenge facing humanity is to sustain poverty eradication and development while shifting gears. The United Nations Secretary-General says, “it has become apparent that a global economy based on current patters of consumption and production is placing heavy stresses on many ecosystems and on critical life-support systems.” According to two reports released ahead of this event, extreme poverty persists in many parts of the world despite the fact that world gross domestic product (GDP) has increased roughly sixty percent since 1992. While many countries have worked toward both these ends through a sustainable development plan, there is lack of support and lack of overall strategy for sustainable development AND poverty eradication.

Reflection and Action:
• With a priority on care of Earth from the SCN Mission Statement, what recent actions have I taken to engage leaders of my country to participate in the Rio+20 Conference in June 2012?
• What do I know about my countries' input into the draft that will begin being worked on in January 2012?
• Citizens from around the world are invited to join in a global conversation in preparation for the Rio+20 conference in June 2012.
• Aware that change happens at all levels, in what ways does my ministry/work focus on poverty eradication through the lens of sustainable development?
• Prayer and continued reading on the issues is imperative to speaking intelligently on the issue.
• Awakening the Dreamer Changing the Dream Symposium is now hosting a interactive digital experiences OR through ordering a 2.5 hour symposium DVD at a cost of $15.
• An interesting website in connecting the dots on climate change is located here

Occupy Wall Street Movement Has Roots in Catholic Social Teaching

According to an article entitled, “Wall Street Protests Gain Vatican Support” by Flavia Rotondi, Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson states that the Occupy Wall Street protests are justified. The Ghanaian-born cardinal heads the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. The office is currently calling for changes in the regulation of financial markets. A document was recently released in Vatican City which argues that “politics- which is responsible for the common good: is to take priority over the economy and finance. According to the text, “economic injustices, including “the hoarding of goods on a great scale”, may create “a climate of growing hostility and even violence, and ultimately undermine the very foundations of democratic institutions.””

This document was also highlighted in a recent article entitled, "Vatican has Sympathy for Protestors” written by Cindy Wooden found in the newspaper, The Record. Behind the Occupy Wall Street presence is the concern of the growing gap between rich and poor. While the Vatican does not stand behind the protests, Catholic Social Teaching and the most recent document “appear to be in line with the slogans” of the Occupy Movements. Previous documents pertaining to the economic realities include Charity in Truth (Pope Benedict XVI) and Economic Justice For All (US Catholic Conference of Bishops). An adequate system of checks and balances with regard to our global economy is lacking.

Reflection/Action:
• Thank Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson for his work in bringing the statement forth and focusing on those who live in poverty around our world. (email archbishop@ghana.com OR Archcape@ghanabc.org)
• An educational tool used to understand in greater detail what the Occupy Movement is about can be found in NETWORKs’ Mind the Gap Campaign. It examines the chasm between those who have and those who have not. A facilitators guide and powerpoint are located here
• As Advent progresses, watch for a FY 2012 omnibus appropriations bill and be sure funding and sacrifices for programs and revenues is balanced and NOT disproportionate for those who live in poverty
• January 1 is World Peace Day with a theme of “Educating Young People in Justice and Peace.” What can I do to empower youth who share a large portion of the Occupy Movement?
• As the Occupy Movement transitions, important questions for the upcoming elections and choice of candidates include: Do you care about your fellow citizens? If so, do you take responsibility to tact on that care? Do you realize how much EVERY American, no matter how rich or poor, depends upon the Public?
• In SCN work to challenge unjust corporations and their preference for the 1%, you are invited to boycott any of the products by the Koch brothers’ corporations

January is Poverty Awareness Month in the United States

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development encourages each of us to bring national attention to the reality of 37.3 million Americans and one in six children living below the poverty line. According to the US Catholic Conference of Bishops' website where a variety of resources are located for education, these families are making hard choices between food, health care, heat and rent.

Reflection and Action:
• What is the poverty line for a single person and a family of four? Where might I locate this information ?
• What added information and experiences do I need to understand the breadth and depth of poverty in the United States?
• In what ways can I educate others, promote this campaign and advocate for those who are caught in systems of poverty?
• In addition to U.S. financial institutions needing "checks and balances", what needs do International Financial Institutions have?

Weekly Justice Highlights

2011-12-01T04:01:00.000-08:00

International AIDS Day: On World AIDS Day, a new film highlighting the abuse of women and the fight against AIDS in Africa will premiere nationally on Showtime starting tonight. Check the schedule here.

Act by December 2: Urge Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to stand for the people of Sudan and start applying strong sanctions against Bashir. (Look on left side - click on send your postcard)

Promoting Peace: Urge Representatives and Senators to live up to the demands of the Budget Control Act and to oppose reducing or eliminating spending cuts to the military. There is danger that an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act will be voted on this week that will eliminate cuts to defense as outlined in sequestration.

Care of Earth: Journey of the Universe film will be broadcast on PBS in December and continue over the next two years at various stations. Check local listings as well as the list of showings on the Journey of the Universe website.

Empowering Women: Two women housekeepers whose faces were edited onto a “sexy” body of a bikini-clad woman holding a surfboard were posted on the wall inside the Hyatt hotel. Urge Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian to reinstate two women with back pay.

Opposing the Iraq War: Urge federal legislators to support amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act that end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and cut the Pentagon budget redirecting the money to human needs.

Urge the Environmental Protection Agency to update the Clean Air Act and to stop toxic air pollution from oil and gas drilling.

Call or write U.S. Senators (202.224.3121; not toll free) to vote for the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 (S. 1917). This legislation is an extension of the Payroll Tax cut set to expire on December 31, 2011.

Rumor has it that a Secret Farm Bill is being written behind closed doors. Individuals are invited to contact federal legislators telling them that an open and transparent Farm Bill process is important to you.

A new documentary, The Thick Dark Fog,” shines a light on the traumatic boarding school experience through the telling of personal stories. The film focuses on Walter Littlemoon, a Lakota who was forced to attend a federal government boarding school on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota in the 1950s. Littlemoon says his culture, language and spirituality were brutally suppressed. More information is located here.

The LCWR Global Concerns Committee has issued a resolution focusing on the critical need for economic justice.

Weekly Justice Highlights

2011-11-17T03:22:00.000-08:00

Good News: The U.S. State Department announced that a final decision on the tar sands Keystone XL pipeline is delayed pending an environmental review. The extraction and transportation process associated with tar sands oil would produce more carbon emissions than traditional oil. Thank President Obama for delaying this decision and urge him to ultimately reject it.  Additionally, Rand Paul’s resolution that would block a clean air rule and potentially prevent the EPA from ever issuing a similar rule was defeated.

Migrants: Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to provide robust funding for Migration and Refugee services, including those of Iraqi refugees, in the State and Foreign Operations appropriate bill.

Care of Earth: Call or write Administrator Fleming at the Environmental Protection Agency to urge her to protect KY from Mountaintop Removal Mining.

Urge U.S. Representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 3368, the Latin America Military Training Review Act. The bill would suspend operations at the (School of Americas) SOA/WHINSEC, investigate torture manuals and human rights abuses associated with the school.

Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to vote NO on any Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA) to the Constitution.  A BBA would place limits on meeting growing population needs due to aging and disabilities and affect the long-term unemployed.

Call U.S. Representatives (1.202.224.3121, not toll free) urging them to oppose H.R. 2309, relating to the U.S. postal service, will eliminate 200,000 jobs including thousands of veterans, end Saturday service, end door delivery to 90 percent of households and businesses, and close thousands of local post offices.

Urge U.S. Senators to fix the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes provisions making it more difficult to close Guantanamo Bay prison and explicitly allows for indefinite detention, without trial of individuals associated with Al Qaeda or the Taliban.

On November 20, people of all faiths will unite in prayer during a national “Super Vigil” to ask God to move the hearts of policy makers and encourage U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration to draft a fair federal budget NOT placing the burden on those living in poverty “while shielding the wealthiest from any additional sacrifice.” Materials for this prayer are located here.

Tipping Point: The End of Oil is a powerful new documentary by Clearwater Media. It introduces stories of real people whose health and way of life have been tragically upended by the “biggest construction project on the planet.” Included in the movie are the indigenous people of Fort Chipewyan who live downstream from Tar Sands and have been dying in disproportionate numbers from rare forms of cancer. This seems pertinent given our struggle with the Keystone XL pipeline.

KY: "Issues Confronting the 2012 Kentucky General Assembly" contains 47 issue briefs prepared by members of the Legislative Research Commission staff. The book is not meant as an exhaustive list of issues that lawmakers will consider, but reflects a balanced look at some of the main topics that have been discussed in legislative committee meetings. The publication can be viewed online here.