Waterloo Catholics

Quik-Click Guide
4:16 -- April 13, 2009
4:15 - March 12, 2009
4:14 - March 3, 2009
4:13 - February 2, 2009
4:12 - January 2, 2009 

The Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice e-Network is sponsored by The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo/Adult Faith Formation.

The inclusion of information, opinions or organizations in this newsletter does not constitute agreement or endorsement by the pastors or staff of the Catholic Parishes or the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

If you have comments, concerns or questions or wish to receive an email notice when the next e-News is posted, contact Dave Cushing at DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us.

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Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice e-Network
Vol. 4 - No. 16  •  April 13, 2009

Social Justice News, Opportunities, Resources and Observations

Local Opportunities

Postville Anniversary -- The Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice Network will sponsor a prayer service and vigil to mark the first anniversary of the immigration raid in Postville on Monday, May 11, 6:30-7:30pm, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Waterloo. The prayer service will be followed by a walk to the National Cattle Congress grounds, where detainees were held and interrogated after the raid. The prayer service and vigil are open to the public.
• The Network will also sponsor a bus from Waterloo to the prayer service and vigil in Postville on Tuesday, May 12. The bus will leave Waterloo at 1:00pm and return following the evening vigil in Postville. Cost is $25.00/person. Contributions are being accepted to subsidize bus rides for immigrants who cannot afford the cost of the trip. Reserve seats at 319-234-9912 or online at:
www.waterloocatholics.org/registration.htm

Regional Opportunities

Torture Talk at Mt. Mercy -- Catholic peace and human rights advocate Fr. Louie Vitale OFM will speak on April 20 at 7:00pm in the Chapel at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids. The talk is free and open to the public. He will discuss the use of torture as a tactic to protect national security in the face of terrorism and his experience with the Fellowship of Reconciliation's Iran Civilian Diplomacy Delegation. Fr. Vitale is a member of Religious Witness with the Homeless and co-founder of Nevada Desert Experience and Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service. For information contact Mt. Mercy at 319-368-6475 or email maltorfer@mtmercy.edu.

Returning Prisoner Simulation -- Churches United in Cedar Rapids will sponsor a simulation experience, "Walk in the Shoes of a Returning Prisoner" on Saturday, April 18, 1:00-5:00pm at St. Pius Church in Cedar Rapids. The experience will simulate what people returning to society from prison encounter and explore ways the community can make their return more successful. $10.00 donation from adults; $5.00 from lhigh school/college students. Pre-registration is requested. Contact Churches United at 319-366-7163 or email churchesunited@yahoo.com

CW Resistance Retreat -- Annual Midwest Catholic Worker Resistance Retreat will be held April 24-27 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Stockton, Illiniois. This year's retreat is being held in conjunction with Clearwater Citizens' Group to Stop Blackwater's "Close Down Blackwater in Illinois Conference." Kenote speakers will be Jeremy Scahill and Kathy Kelly.
http://www.desmoinescatholicworker.org/midwestresistranceretreat.html

Health Care Campaign --The Des Moines Catholic Worker Community, the Iowa Peace Network and the Catholic Peace Ministry have launched a Health Care Campaign. The "Insurance Profits Make Us Sick" campaign focuses on the abuses of health insurance corporations and will encompass a wide range of strategies and tactics including weekly vigils, educational programs, speakers, movies, public prayer services, legislative advocacy for single-payer health insurance, direct actions,demonstrations, and nonviolent civil disobedience. Contact: Catholic Peace Ministry at 515-255-8114 or go to:
http://www.desmoinescatholicworker.org/healthcare.html

Issues

Gay Marriage in Iowa
On April 3 the Iowa Supreme Court released a ruling which struck down Iowa's law which said that only a marriage between a man and a woman was valid. The Court held that the marriage law was not consistent with the Iowa Constitution's equal protection clause, which requires that all persons "similarly situated" should be treated alike. The court noted that "Equal protection can only be defined by the standards of each generation ... We are firmly convinced the exclusion of gay and lesbian people from the institution of civil marriage does not substantially further any important governmental objective."
In response to the Court's decision, the Catholic bishops of Iowa suggest that an amendment to Iowa's constitution defining marriage between a man and a woman would be the best course of action. According to Tom Chapman, directorf of the Iowa Catholic Conference, adding an amendment to Iowa Constitution is a difficult but not impossible process. It requires both chambers of the legislature to pass the amendment in two successive sessions before it goes to the people for a vote. The earliest public vote would be 2012.
• Iowa Supreme Court's decision:
www.iowacourts.gov
• Iowa Catholic Bishops' statement:
www.iowacatholicconference.org
• U.S. Catholic bishops' statement Between Man and Woman--Questions and Answers About Marriage and Same-Sex Unions:
www.usccb.org/laity/manandwoman.shtml
 

Iowa Legislature
The Iowa Catholic Conference reports that a decrease in state revenues has meant proposed budget reductions for many programs, including a $65,000 cut in funding for textbooks for nonpublic school students and a $100,000 cut in funding for pregnancy counseling and support services. Work continues on Senate File 389, the "Iowa Health Care Partnership" and the ICC is advocating for the inclusion of a study of the best way to expand the availability of affordable, quality health care coverage for adults and the restoration of a provision which would allow all children in Iowa, including undocumented children, to be eligible for hawk-i and Medicaid health insurance.

U.S. Budget
Network, the national Catholic social justice lobby, reports that the U.S. House and Senate have each passed a version of the FY2010 Federal Budget, but the vote was as divided as were the negotiations. Network is asking voters to contact their representatives during the two-week Easter recess and urge them to ask House and Senate conferees to produce a joint budget which uses the House Budget number for non-defense discretionary (annually approved) spending.
• Send an e-mail to U.S. representatives and Senators at:
http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=13090311&type=CO
http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=13090436&type=CO
• Find more about the federal budget for FY2010 here: http://www.networklobby.org/issues/2009%20Issue%20Agenda/FY2010Budget4-2-09.htm
• Check resources on the federal budget from Catholic Charities USA:
https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1578
• See how human needs programs have suffered years of under-funding http://chn.org/pdf/2009/BudgetFY0508vOmnibus09.pdf
• See the impact of tax cuts and increases in defense and security spending in recent years:
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=692

Global Food System
In a research paper prepared for Oxfam America, researchers have documented eight critical issue areas where power is accumulating in the global food system: a) in the shift from public to private governance; b) the closing off of access to markets; c) the rise of intellectual property regimes; d) the changes in access to capital; e) the control over necessary logistics; f) the informalization of labor in the global system; g) the rise of marketing and branding; and h) the shift from public to private decision-making about food. Read more about the implications for farmers, consumers and communities by downloading the paper at:
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1337273

Immigration
Amnesty International last month released a new report "Jailed without Justice" that exposes the immigration detention system in the United States as broken and unnecessarily costly. According to the report, "Jailed Without Justice," over 30,000 immigrants are detained every day--triple the number detained ten years ago and can be detained for months or years without any meaningful judicial review inspite international human rights standards requiring judicial review.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/immigrant-detention/page.do?id=1641031
• Why immigration reform is needed
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090310/OPINION01/903100364/1036/Opinion/
Fandel++Family+s+tragedy+shows+why+immigration+reform+needed

War in Iraq
March 19 marked the sixth anniversary of the opening of the war in Iraq. Col. Dan Smith (ret), "The Quaker's Colonel", examines what we have accomplished and what remains to be done in Iraq:
http://quakerscolonel.blogspot.com/2009/03/iraq-sixth-anniversary-approaches.html
• An American soldier, reconstruction expert, and peace activistreflect on how Iraq has changed - and what more needs to be done.
http://www.elabs5.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=o1l,4n7w,er,fihr,4kfq,c2mh,6vg
Michele Naar-Obed, a Catholic Worker resident from Duluth, Minnesota, presents a unique perspective of life in Iraq, six years after the war began:
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/03/23-4

Race Relations
Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace movement, has endorsed U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's call for a new dialogue on race. It called rooting out racism "an inextricable part of our commitment to the nonviolence of Jesus." In a statement, "Walking Together as Brothers and Sisters: A Pax Christi USA Statement on the need for a new dialogue on race," Pax Christi called members "and all people of faith to honesty, especially about passive acceptance of white privilege in a society that has failed to end the oppression of people of color. We must continue to work to dismantle the systems that thwart people of color from access to and achievement in health, education, wealth, jobs, social and civic participation, friendship, and justice."
http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_statements_more.asp?id=1538

Social Action

...for a community garden. Working Families Win, the Waterloo Catholic Worker House and the Iowa State Extension office are sponsoring a new community garden in downtown Waterloo. This garden will be located at the intersection of E 8th St and Lafayette in the heart of the Cedar River neighborhood. In addition to providing fresh vegetables to those who currently have no access to gardening, this garden will also create more solid connections in the community that will help revive the Cedar River Neighborhood Association and get the dialogue going amongst neighbors on how to address issues ranging from violence, to housing, health care, and job opportunities. Items needed for Community Garden include a 500-1,000 Gallon enclosed water tank (top priority); used or new shovels, rakes, and garden hoes; 100 feet of garden hose (can use multiple smaller hoses); tomato cages, poles for beans; seeds and vegetable plants; organic compost; monetary donations to help purchase tools, plants, and seeds; and volunteers to help maintain the plot. Contact Chris Schwartz at 319-429-0133

...for international aid. Catholics Confront Global Poverty, a joint effort of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services, are urging Iowans to contact Senator Charles Grassley and urge him to support President Obama's budget request for international affairs which includes a $3 billion increase in funding for poverty-focused international assistance programs.
https://secure.crs.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=518&autologin=true&AddInterest=
1881&JServSessionIdr008=jn4ihtknr1.app44b

...for change in Afghanistan. PaxChristiUSA is soliciting signatures for a petition urging a new policy in Afghanistan.
http://www.paxchristiusa.org/AfghanistanStatement2009.asp
• Read PaxChristiUSA's statement, ""It is Time to End the Trail of Resentment and Hatred."
http://www.paxchristiusa.org/AfghanistanStatement2009.asp
• The Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker lobby, is organizing email messages to Congress urging members to oppose an increase in U.S. troops in Afghanistan:
http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/alert/?alertid=12848716
• OneWorld.net and New America Media have created a new blog, Afghan Watch, which offers insights and analysis on the policy, politics, and life in Afghanistan.
http://afghanwatch.newamericamedia.org/

...for economic justice. Public Citizen is organizing a campaign to enact a "Bonus Tax" which would provide a 100 percent tax on bonuses received by any executive of a company receiving federal bail-out funds.
http://action.citizen.org/t/6693/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26889

...for farm workers. LaborStart is organizing an email campaign to executives of Del Monti, urging them to support efforts by Costa Rican pineapple workers to organize a union.
http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=478

Resources

Economic Stimulus
Network, the Catholic social justice lobby, is tracking the benefits of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the "economic stimulus package") that passed Congress and became law in February. Read how an increase in SNAP food stamp allotments is affecting families in Los Angeles:
http://www.networklobby.org/issues/2009%20Issue%20Agenda/StimulusFundingExample3-09.pdf

Fair Trade Fundraising
Equal Exchange has joined with Catholic Relief Services' "Raise Money Right" program to high quality, fair- trade chocolate and cocoa for fundraising campaigns in Catholic schools. Equal Exchange's farmer-partners have organized into co-operatives -- sometimes with the help of the Catholic Church -- to obtain land, market their crops and develop their communities.
www.equalexchange.coop/raise-money-right

Economic Inequity
The Southern Poverty Law Center's Teaching Tolerance offers a lesson plan for students in grades 7-12 on how economic inequities affect everyone, not just the poor...
http://www.tolerance.org/teach/activities/activity.jsp?ar=972&ttnewsletter=ttnewsgen-031009
...and how labor unions work
http://www.tolerance.org/teach/activities/activity.jsp?ar=1054&ttnewsletter=ttnewsgen-031009

Peace and Justice Videos
The Institute for Peace and Justice offers a comprehensive list of videos about peace and justice issues throughout the world from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
http://www.ipj-ppj.org/PrayingforPeace/Videos%20&Films.pdf

Carbon Tax Analysis
The Friends Committee on National Legislation provides a analysis of the carbon tax, a market-based solution to global warming
http://www.fcnl.org/now/now_item.php?item_id=611

A Global Perspectives
OneWorld provides a monthly summary of issues facing the human family around the globe. This might be the one best thing to read if you want to maintain a "global perspective" on life in our times.
http://us.oneworld.net/places/iraq/-/article/360990-global-trends-march-2009

The Big Picture
The Spring issue of the Center of Concern's Center Focus examines what must be done to undo the interlocking economic, climate, energy and food systems that have caused the current international meltdown.
http://www.coc.org/system/files/COC+Spring+09+Final.pdf

Nuclear Disarmament
Find out more about PaxChristiUSA's new campaign for nuclear disarmament
http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_Events_more.asp?id=1496

Water and Sanitation
Catholic Relief Services has created a guide to Catholic social principles and documents applying to water and sanitation:
http://crscollege.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/catholic-social-principles-towards-water-and-sanitation-_revised-209.pdf

Perspectives

...on using drones. Read Brian Terrell and Kathy Kelly's critical assessment of drone-warfare
http://airamerica.com/blog/2009/apr/03/kathy-kelly-and-brian-terrell-drone-war-closer-look

...on economic choices. As we contemplate how to work our way out of the economic mess, Douglas Kmiec says, we should recognize that economic choices are anything but morally neutral.
http://www.the-tidings.com/2009/030609/kmiec.htm
• The president of Catholic Charities USA says the economic crash is an opportunity to fix some of the shortcomings in our economic system
http://ncronline.org/news/justice/charities-head-sees-chance-remake-system
• David Kay Johnson refutes three popular myths about taxes and the rich
http://taxprof.typepad.com/files/122tn1145.pdf

...on Dorothy Day. Jim Forest reflects on what he learned from Catholic activist Dorothy Day
http://www.uscatholic.org/culture/social-justice/2009/02/what-i-learned-about-justice-dorothy-day?page=0%2C0

...on foreign aid. Two foreign aid experts say the best way to improve how we help other countries is to give those countries an opportunity to decide how the money is spent.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0318/p09s02-coop.html

...on political change. Joe Brewer says we can't change the way politics works until we understand how politics works
http://www.cognitivepolicyworks.com/2009/03/13/a-politics-that-works-in-the-21st-century/

... on health insurance. Amy Goodman argues that President Obama should put single-payer health insurance back on the table:
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20090310_put_single_payer_on_the_table/

Worth Quoting...

"Human beings are not only autonomous and equal but also interdependent creatures, who regardless of their social status and stage of life may need care. Focusing on care and sharing responsibility between women and men in coping with pressing issues such as prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, child-rearing, housework and support for older family members, leads us to think of the relationship between man and woman in society as interdependent. The overcoming of the dilemma between autonomy and dependence also favors a new vision of the work of care that can no longer be attributed only to certain groups, such as women and immigrants, but must also be shared between all women and men, in households as well as in the public sector." -- Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, in an address to the UN Economic and Social Council March 9.

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Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice e-Network
Vol. 4 - No. 15  •  March 12, 2009

Social Justice News, Opportunities, Resources and Observations

Local Opportunities

Environmental Bible Study – The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo will sponsor a five-week bible study, “Stewardship of the Earth,” which will help participants reflect on the biblical foundations for environmental stewardship and action in response to climate change.  The group will meet on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:00pm, beginning March 25, in the rectory classroom at Sacred Heart Parish.  Register at 319-234-9912 or online.
www.waterloocatholics.org/adultfaith/earth.htm

Lenten Retreat -- Joshua Casteel, a native of Cedar Rapids who converted to Catholicism and became a conscientious objector as a result of his experience as a military interrogator at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, will be the guest presenter for the Social Justice Lenten Retreat April 4 in Waterloo.  The retreat is is co-sponsored by the Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice Network, Cedar Valley PaxChristi, Waterloo Catholic Worker, and Cedar Falls Mennonite Church/Cedar Valley Peace and Justice Center.
www.waterloocatholics.org/casteelretreat.htm
• Read Joshua's reflections for the second Sunday in Lent
http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_Events_more.asp?id=1521

Financial Peace University -- Cedar Falls Mennonite Church will sponsor the Financial Peace University, a 13-week  program created by Dave Ramsey which teaches families and individuals how to handle their money through common-sense principles and small group accountability.  Classes will begin on Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m.  Pre-registration is required. Free review sessions will be held on March 8 at 11:00am and March 10 at 6:30pm.  Contact Kris Pond-Burtis at 833-9430 or Susan Janzen at 277-5611.

Regional Opportunities

Corporations and Stewardship -- The Linn County Greens are sponsoring a free film and discussion, "Challenging Corporations" by Thomas Linzey, on Wednesday, March 18, 7:30pm in the meeting room at Hiawatha Public Library.  For information contact Bob Schultes at dr_pac-man@mchsi.com

Peace Conference -- The Iowa Chapter of Methodist Federation for Social Action, Iowa Annual Conference Boards of Church and Society and Global Ministries, Osceola United Methodist Church and the Presbytery of Des Moines will sponsor a Peace Conference April 17 -18, at Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center in Indianola, Iowa.  The conference will examine what people can do as individuals and faith communities to promote peace in the world.  Registration is $50.00.  Information at 641-414-4876 or
www.mfsaiowa.org

Returning Prisoner Simulation -- Churches United in Cedar Rapids will sponsor a simulation experience, "Walk in the Shoes of a Returning Prisoner" on Saturday, April 18, 1:00-5:00pm at St. Pius Church in Cedar Rapids.  The experience will simulate what people returning to society from prison encounter and explore ways the community can make their return more successful.  $10.00 donation from adults; $5.00 from lhigh school/college students. Pre-registration is requested.  Contact Churches United at 319-366-7163 or email churchesunited@yahoo.com

Issues

Immigration Reform
• How the economic crisis is changing the immigration debate
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/18/ED6I15VDES.DTL
• How religious leaders are shaping the new campaign for immigration reform:
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=43a1748ff2e224bfed49487e1244c4bb
http://blogs.jta.org/politics/article/2009/02/11/1002951/will-immigration-get-on-the-agenda
• Is the Obama administration making a clean break with Bush policies on immigration?  The New York Times wonders:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/opinion/04wed2.html?_r=3

The President's Budget
• Analysis of the administration's proposed federal budget from Network, the Catholic social justice lobby:
http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=12835931&type=CO
• Jim Wallis' "Moral Audit"of the budget:
http://blog.sojo.net/2009/03/02/our-moral-audit-of-the-budget/#disqus_thread

Environmental Responsibility
In a February audience with Australia's new ambassador to the Holy See Pope Benedict said the Church's engagement in civil society "is anchored in her conviction that human progress -- whether as individuals or communities -- is dependent upon the recognition of the supernatural vocation proper to every person."  The Pope added that "the fundamental relationship between Creator, creation and creature needs to be pondered and respected" in order to address social issues, including the danger to creation from climate change.  "From this recognition we can discover a common code of ethics, consisting of norms rooted in the natural law inscribed by the Creator on the heart of every human being."
http://www.zenit.org/article-25081?l=english

Lenten Reflection
Provided by Catholic Relief Services' Operation Ricebowl.

"On rare occasions, in brief glimpses, we get to see the face of Christ. Not that Jesus isn't with us the rest of the time; it's just that he's usually too familiar to get a good look at. The people we love, the people we serve, the people who reach out to us in our time of need all regard us through the eyes of Christ. But sometimes we get the whole picture in one overwhelming moment when the person before us suddenly reveals God's presence in an undeniable way. This is what happened to Peter, James and John when Jesus took them away to the mountain, even as the promise that he would suffer and be killed still rang in their ears. They got a glimpse of the glory that God had in mind for his beloved. As you go through this week, prayerfully seek out the face of Jesus in those you encounter, especially in the ones that society overlooks. Ask God to prepare you for the transfiguration of the daily into the divine."

Social Action

...on the environment.  Sky1, an environmental lobby, is organizing an electronic campaign to thank Congress and the Administration for the $87 million in investment for green technology included in the economic stimulus package passed in February
http://action.1sky.org/t/4531/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=317
• The Episcopal Church's Public Policy Network is reminding folks that we can do something about climate change.  A recent newsletter urged consumers that replacing one regular light bulb with a fluorescent compact light bulb saves up to 300lbs of carbon per year; turning off electronic devices when not using them saves up to 1,000lbs of carbon per year; using reusable shopping bags and containers when shopping saves up to 1,200lbs of carbon per year.
• Read Molly Taibor's Lenten "carbon-fast" journal at:
http://www.iowaipl.org/sr_lenten_blog.html

...on the war in Afghanistan.  PaxChristUSA says a shift in U.S. policy in Afghanistan based on a diplomatic and development surge, not an increase in U.S. troops, has greater potential for long term stability and is urging its members and others to contact the White House to affirm the President's order for a full review of U.S. policy on Afghanistan, and oppose sending 17,000 more troops.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

...on immigration reform.  Catholic Relief Services is asking the public to contact members of Congress and urge them to support comprehensive reform of the nation's immigration policy...
https://secure2.convio.net/crs/site/Advocacy?JServSessionIdr008=pu1nctx5x1.app45b&pagename=homepage&id=476
• ...and the Administration's efforts to establish a just and lasting peace in the Middle East:
https://secure2.convio.net/crs/site/Advocacy?JServSessionIdr008=pu1nctx5x1.app45b&pagename=homepage&id=479

...for health insurance.  "Cover the Uninsured Week" March 22-28 is an opportunity for individuals and socially-conscious groups to pray, learn and advocate for health care reform.  Find background information useful for writing letters to the editor and informal discussions at:
http://covertheuninsured.org/

...for the rabbits.  Rabbitwise is waging an uphill battle to convince people to think twice before buying a real live "Easter Bunny," most of whom die, are killed, or fed alive to pet snakes.
http://www.rabbitwisememphis.org/index.htm

...for development aid.  Witness for Peace is organizing public response to a proposal to terminate Nicaragua's Millenium Challenge Account.  WFP argues that "freezing development aid is an unacceptable political tactic."
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5436/t/2467/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1183

...for the needs of the poor.  JubileeUSA is organizing a nationwide campaign of letters to the editor urging the Obama administration to support efforts to address the needs of the poor around the world during the current economic crisis; Jubilee will collect and deliver published letters to the White House.
http://www.jubileeusa.org/de/truth-about-debt/debt-related-issues/g20.html

Resources

Environmental Education
The Marianist Environmental Education Center's Lenten reflection guide includes a weekly commentary, prayer and reflection questions on climate justice, suggestions for an Energy Fast, and inspiring stories of faith-based environmental initiatives.
http://meec.udayton.edu/EnergyFast.asp

Catholic Peace Fellowship
View a segment of the television documentary Witness: The Path of Most Resistance featuring representatives of the Catholic Peace Fellowship at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0YCxG828-A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjxMjtuQIko

Justice in Palestine
• Read the recommendations endorsed by Palestinian Civil Society to restore human and civil rights in Palestine...
http://www.bdsmovement.net/?q=node/52
• ...and commentary from two Arab observers who say the U.S. undermined efforts to establish Palestinian unity
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/03/06-12

Immigration Reform
• Witness for Peace will sponsor a "Migrant Trail Walk" May 20-31 in Mexico.  Participants will examine the economic factors behind migration in Oaxaca and how migration impacts those who stay behind, then trace the migrant journey north to the U.S. border and Arizona.
http://witnessforpeace.org/userdata_display.php?modin=51&uid=22
•  Watch interviews with Sister Eileen Campbell RSM and Bishop Minerva Carcano, members of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/by-topic/human-rights/immigration-reform-religious-leaders-on-faith-and-fixing-the-system/2369/
• Examine immigration resources from PaxChristiUSA...
http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_Events_more.asp?id=1520
• ...and the Episcopal Church's Public Policy Network provides a variety of resources and updates on migration and immigration policy at:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3654_100726_ENG_HTM.htm

Perspectives

...on justice for detainees.  Brandon Neeley, a former guard at Guantanamo, reveals the inside story of what happened there:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/confessions-of-a-guantanamo-guard-1624749.html
• Matt Vogel, writing in the New York Catholic Worker, says the 270 prisoners held at Guantanamo are only the tip of the iceberg.
http://ww4report.com/node/6934

...on one man's example.  Read Fr. John Deer's tribute to Peter DeMott, whose life "reminds us how important it is to spend our days working for a just, peaceful world on behalf of suffering humanity."
http://ncronline.org/blogs/road-peace/committed-life-peter-demott

...on Catholicism and capitalism.  Canadian economist Richard Bastien says the Catholic Church today stands almost alone in defending the notion of “an objective moral law binding conscience,” he said. “That’s why capitalism needs Catholicism more than ever.” http://www.wcr.ab.ca/news/2009/0216/economy021609.shtml

...on justice for immigrants.  "Those of us in the immigrant rights community must insist on the creation of lawful avenues of entry that will allow people who wish to work in the U.S. to do so legally," writes Helene Slessarev-Jamir.
http://blog.sojo.net/2009/02/06/an-education-in-border-injustice/

...on living at the Catholic Worker.  Read and watch a report about Iowa State Representative Chuck Isenhart who is living in the Des Moines Catholic Worker during the current legislative session
http://www.kwwl.com/global/story.asp?s=9966928

Worth Quoting...

"It is necessary to reemphasize that every discrimination exercised by any power in regard to persons, peoples or ethnic groups on the basis of differences that stem from real or presumed genetic factors is an act of violence against all of humanity. What must be forcefully reemphasized is the equal dignity of every human being according to th e fact itself of having life. Biological, psychological or cultural development or state of health can never become an element of discrimination. It is necessary, on the contrary, to consolidate a culture of hospitality and love that concretely testifies to solidarity with those who suffer, razing the barriers that society often erects, discriminating against those who are disabled and affected by pathologies, or worse - selecting and rejecting in the name of an abstract ideal of health and physical perfection. If man is reduced to an object of experimental manipulation from the first stage of development, that would mean that biotechnologies would surrender to the will of the stronger. Confidence in science cannot forget the primacy of ethics when human life is at stake." -- Pope Benedict XVI in an address February 21 to the Pontifical Academy for Life's conference on "New Frontiers of Genetics and the Danger of Eugenics."
http://www.zenit.org/article-25171?l=english

•   •   •

Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice e-Network
Vol. 4 - No. 14  •  March 3, 2009

Social Justice News, Opportunities, Resources and Observations

Local Opportunities

Canterbury Forum  -- Cedar Falls native Stephen J. Rapp, Prosecutor for the United Nations Tribunal for Sierra Leone, will discuss "When Peace and Justice Appear in Conflict: Hard Choices in the Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, and War Crimes" at the Canterbury Forum on Sunday, March 8, 7:00pm in Will Hall at St. Luke Episcopal Church, Cedar Falls.
www.canterburyforum.net

Lenten Retreat -- Joshua Casteel, a native of Cedar Rapids who converted to Catholicism and became a conscientious objector as a result of his experience as a military interrogator at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, will be the guest presenter for the Social Justice Lenten Retreat April 4 in Waterloo.  The retreat is is co-sponsored by the Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice Network, Cedar Valley PaxChristi, Waterloo Catholic Worker, and Cedar Falls Mennonite Church/Cedar Valley Peace and Justice Center.
www.waterloocatholics.org/casteelretreat.htm

Green Flood Recovery -- Americorps volunteers have recently arrived in the Cedar Valley as a result of the grant written by the Center for Energy and Environmental Education at UNI and are looking for ways to assist in green building flood recovery. If you know of someone who would benefit from their assistance, contact Sarah Webb at sarahwebb@cfu.net

Regional Opportunities

Dorothy Day Drama -- The Simpson College Women's Studies Department will sponsor "Haunted by God: The Life of Dorothy Day" a one women play produced by the Still Point Theatre Collective on March 5, 2009 at 7:00p in Lekberg Hall at Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa  The program is free and open to the public.  Contact:  Jacob Kaufman 515-371-5837 (email: jacob.kaufman@simpson.edu)

Worker Writing Workshop -- The Catholic Worker School near Dubuque reports that there are still a couple of spots available in the Writing Workshop which will take place on March 7-8. The focus of the weekend will be on the non-fiction essay.  Participants are welcome to bring something that they would like to share and work on.  Contact: Catholic Worker School at 563.556.0987

Anti-War Bus Trip -- The University of Iowa Antiwar Committee is sponsoring a bus to the national antiwar demonstration in Washington DC March 21 and seeking donors for financial contributions to support those who cannot afford the cost of the trip on their own.  Cost is $125.00.  Contact Liz Mick at 319-594-0569 (email uiantiwar@riseup.net).
• Donate a trip for a student who cannot afford to pay his/her own way:
http://www.uiantiwar.org/

Returning Prisoner Simulation -- Churches United in Cedar Rapids will sponsor a simulation experience, "Walk in the Shoes of a Returning Prisoner" on Saturday, April 18, 1:00-5:00pm at St. Pius Church in Cedar Rapids.  The experience will simulate what people returning to society from prison encounter and explore ways the community can make their return more successful.  $10.00 donation from adults; $5.00 from lhigh school/college students. Pre-registration is requested.  Contact Churches United at 319-366-7163 or email churchesunited@yahoo.com

CW Resistance Retreat -- Annual Midwest Catholic Worker Resistance Retreat will be held April 24-27 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Stockton, Illiniois.  This year's retreat is being held in conjunction with Clearwater Citizens' Group to Stop Blackwater's "Close Down Blackwater in Illinois Conference."  Kenote speakers will be Jeremy Scahill and Kathy Kelly.
http://www.desmoinescatholicworker.org/midwestresistranceretreat.html

Issues

Iowa Legislature
The Iowa Catholic Conference reports that the pace is picking up in the Iowa legislature.  The Conference is advocating support for legislation which would eliminate life sentences without parole for minors, strengthen penalties for violation of child labor laws, require abortion providers to document complications women suffer after an abortion, and limit the interest on "payday" loans to 36 percent.  The Conference's Legislative Day of Prayer is March 5 at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines.  You can express your opinion to legislators by using the Conference's Action Center at
www.capwiz.com/iowanasccd.

Economic Recovery
The U.S. Congress adopted a $787 billion economic stimulus package February 13. 
• Read an analysis of the stimulus package from Network, the Catholic social justice lobby at:
http://www.networklobby.org/issues/2009%20Issue%20Agenda/1-27-09_EconomicStimulus.htm
• Read analysis of economic stimulus legislation from the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker lobby, at:
http://www.fcnl.org/pdfs/budget/economic_recovery_package_summary.pdf
• An update on economic recovery::
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0213/p01s01-usgn.html
• Continuing resources and analysis of the nation's economic recovery efforts from Catholic Charities USA:
https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1578&srctid=1&erid=425916
• Pope Benedict XVI told Italian workers recently that the current economic crisis requires a new relationship between labor and capital and between the common good and the market.  "The great challenge and opportunity that the worrying economic crisis of the moment invites [us] to know how to take advantage of, consists in finding a new synthesis between the common good and the market, between capital and labor," according to the Pope.  He said work is the "essential key" to every social question, "because it conditions not only the economic development but also the cultural and moral development of persons, families, communities and all of humanity."  He said the today's crisis requires "a free and responsible effort from everyone, that is, it is necessary to overcome particular interests or [those of] a sector, to confront difficulties together and united."
http://www.zenit.org/article-24986?l=english

Immigration Reform
A coalition of national faith leaders announced a national campaign to engage religious groups and congregations on behalf of immigration reform. The campaign sponsored more than one hundred prayer vigils throughout the country during the February Congressional recess and will release a "faith platform" highlighting the moral foundation and principles for a new immigration reform.  
http://interfaithimmigration.org/
• According to a report issued by the Migration Policy Institute, "There is much that can be done by the executive branch to improve the Department of Homeland Security’s performance with respect to immigration” even in the absence of new reform legislation.
http://www.migrationpolicy.org/pubs/DHS_Feb09.pdf
• The Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, told a symposium on human rights that migration "constitutes one of the most complex challenges of our globalized world."  He said governments should "provide clear and viable measures for regular entrance into the country, ...prevent the exploitation of migrant workers, enact measures for regular integration, combat xenophobic behavior, and promote the social, cultural and religious coexistence that every pluralistic society demands." He said governments have a right to punish criminal behavior but only"with respect for human dignity, human rights and international agreements."
http://www.zenit.org/article-25100?l=english

Global Warming
New research published in Science magazine reveals the potentially devastating impact which global warming could have on agricultural production. "Whether you believe global warming is part of a 'natural cycle' or a man-made phenomenon is irrelevant," writes Meredith Niles in a response to the report. "The bottom line is that our earth is rapidly warming, and this is going to drastically affect our food supply."
http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2009/1/14/23742/0777
• Land use and land-use changes account for about 31 percent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, but some types of land use can have just the opposite effect, according to Sara J. Scherr and Sajal Sthapit, writing in the Worldwatch Institute's State of the World 2009
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5984?emc=el&m=200994&l=8&v=6b7824a686

World Hunger
"I would like to assure each and every one of you that when it comes to hunger, you can make a difference," the Director of the World Food Program said during a press conference at the Vatican Feb. 3.  During ceremonies to introduce Pope Benedict's Lenten Message Josette Sheeran said: "Feeding the hungry is a profound act of love, and restores dignity to a mother or father who cannot provide for their starving child. Mahatma Ghandi said that to a hungry man, a piece of bread is the face of God. Let us believe in the miracle of a world without hunger. Does not the heart of Christ encompass such a noble vision among the faithful?"
http://www.zenit.org/article-24988?l=english
• The world food crisis is a "ticking time bomb"
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0900904.htm

Lenten Reflection
Provided by Catholic Relief Services' Operation Ricebowl.

This first week of Lent takes us to Egypt, a land that appears throughout our biblical stories of salvation.Today, it is a country that struggles to provide for its growing population with limited farmland and overdependence on the Nile. More than three times the size of New Mexico, Egypt is home to more than 73 million people, 16 percent of whom live below the poverty line. But it is also a place of hope....   In Egypt, Catholic Relief Services' microfinance projects allow women to rise from poverty by giving them the capital they need to start small businesses. Amal, a mother of six from West Aswan, has used her loan to start a bakery that has in turn allowed her to feed her children and send them to school. Such programs reflect the Church's social teaching on the dignity of work and the rights of workers, which draws from the writings of Pope Leo XIII. In Rerum Nevarum, he taught that with human dignity comes the right to work and to earn enough to provide for oneself and one's family.
http://orb.crs.org/features/egypt/index.cfm

Social Action

...in defense of life. The Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is conducting a national pro-life postcard campaign asking members of Congress to "unite to serve the good of all, born and unborn" and to oppose passage of the Freedom of Choice Act.
http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/FOCA/postcard.shtml

...for immigration reform. The American Friends Service Committee is organizing an email campaign urging the Obama administration to end workplace raids
http://afscimmigration.blogspot.com/2009/02/act-now-bellingham-raid-raises.html
• The Interfaith Immigration Coalition will sponsor a national conference call on the first Monday of each month to discuss ways to make the issue of immigration visible to Congress, the media, and the public.
www.interfaithimmigration.org/index.php

...for arms reductions. The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation is urging messages to President Obama, encouraging the administration to launch talks with Russia on a reduction in nuclear arms.
http://capwiz.com/wagingpeace/issues/alert/?alertid=12590706

...for energy efficiency. Members of Interfaith Power & Light, which includes the Catholic parishes in Cedar Falls and Waterloo, may purchase some Sears energy efficient appliances at a reduced price. IPL's guide lists the appliances you may purchase through Sears at a special price.  In order to get pricing, you must call the Sears support number listed on the first page of the pdf or call your state IPL office. Find the list at:
http://www.energyfederation.org/ipl/default.php

...for executive accountability. Public Citizen is campaigning for effective cap on executive pay and the restructuring of executive compensation; find out more about the Accountability Project or send a message to the Treasury Department at:
http://action.citizen.org/t/6693/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1845

...for public health.  Catholic Relief Services "Nets for Nets" project combines the enthusiasm of sports fans with a practical effort to purchase nets which protect the poor from malaria-bearing mosquitoes.
http://crscollege.org/feature-cabrini-college/nets-for-nets

Resources

Lenten Resources
PaxChristi USA provides a variety of Lenten resources for individuals who wish to join its members in its sixth annual Lenten prayer campaign for an end to the war in Iraq.
http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_Events_more.asp?id=1507

Response to HIV/AIDs
A video report prepared by Catholic Relief Services, "Faith, Hope and Treatment," examines the Catholic Church's effort to provide a wholistic response to the HIV/AIDs epidemic.
http://crscollege.org/academic-resources-for-faculty/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv/hiv-aids-video-series

The Cost of War
The American Friends Service Committee offers an organizing kit for college groups who want to plan a "Eyes Wide Open" display about the costs of war.
http://www.afsc.org/eyes/

From Aid to Impact
CARE presents its 2009 advocacy agenda, designed to move from providing aid to having an impact on international climate, hunger and health issues.
http://www.care.org/getinvolved/advocacy/index.asp

Carbon Fast for Lent
Iowan Molly Taibor is on a "carbon fast" for Lent; read a weekly account of how her family is trying to reduce its carbon footprint at:
http://www.iowaipl.org/sr_lenten_blog.html
• Iowa Power and Light, the organization which sponsors Cool Congregations, provides a resource page just for Lenten Carbon Fasts at
http://iowaipl.org/sr_lenten_resources.html

Environmental Stewardship
The National Religious Partnership for the Environment is an association of faith groups including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, National Council of Churches U.S.A., Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, and the Evangelical Environmental Network.   The groups seek to offer resources of religious life and moral vision to a universal effort to protect humankind's common home and well-being on Earth.
http://www.nrpe.org/
• The January issue of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious's Resolutions to Action provides an analysis and reflection on climate change, a call to action and a list of additional web-based resources.
http://www.lcwr.org/lcwrpublications/resolutionstoaction/RTA1-09.pdf
• The Sierra Club and Worldwatch Institute have published a new report, Smart Choices for Biofuels, which offers specific policy recommendations for developing sustainability standards, advancing biofuels production and new technologies, creating green jobs through biofuels, and promoting policy coherence across energy sectors.
http://www.worldwatch.org/smartchoicesforbiofuels?emc=el&m=203168&l=4&v=6b7824a686

CST Prayer Service
The Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Union of Superiors General has created a prayer service based on Catholic Social principles.  It's available in various languages at:
http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/EN_prayer

Watch on Wealth
Two Much is a website and weekly newsletter which chronicles the growing divide between "haves" and "have-nots" in our society, and the impact of excessive wealth on the rest of the society.
http://www.toomuchonline.org/

From Maryknoll
"While we support serious efforts to rescue the U.S. middle class and to invest in a greener economy, we are deeply concerned about the well-being of factory workers in Phnom Penh and hundreds of millions of others who are even more vulnerable."  Read the latest issue of the newsletter from the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns:
http://campaign-archive.com/?u=6eb379bed1d769d3f0142d581&id=ab4fcb41e8&e=[UNIQID]
• Read the monthly Briefing from Catholic Relief Services:
http://donate.crs.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=12681.0&printer_friendly=1

Perspectives

...on the Middle East.  SandyTolan says a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is no longer possible.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0204/p09s01-coop.html

...on economic justice. The rich aren't paying their fair share, say Chuck Collins and Sam Pizzigati:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0224/p09s02-coop.html
• Thad Williamson says "the time is ripe to reconsider the institutional structure and moral assumptions of American capitalism, from the bottom up."
http://www.tikkun.org/article.php?story=mar09_williamson

...on competition.  After a 100-0 highschool basketball game, a Texas newspaper wonders: how should believers reconcile the obligation to be morally excellent with the aspiration to excel in competition?
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/02/texas-faith-please-god-let-me.html

...on health care reform. The window of opportunity for comprehensive health care reform is open wider than at any time for decades, says Jacob S. Hacker.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0203/p09s01-coop.html

...on foreign affairs.  Ideas that recently qualified as smart have suddenly become passe, writes Andrew Bacevich. "The bubble of American triumphalism has burst".
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/article.php3?id_article=2426

...on fixing the world.  In the current Worldwatch magazine, Thomas Homer Dixon says "panarchy theory" illustrates the way catastrophes caused by tectonic stresses could produce a surge of creativity leading to the renewal of global civilization.
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6008

...on the environment. Robert Parham says people of faith must become people of doubt -- doubt about claims of “clean” coal, doubt about the veracity of the coal industry’s environmental commitment.
http://www.ethicsdaily.com/news.php?viewStory=13648

...on race relations.  Now is the time for white people to listen, not talk about race, says John D. Pierce:
http://www.ethicsdaily.com/news.php?viewStory=13743

...on health and food.  Tom Buetel examines the connections between health and h0w we grow and manufacture our food:
http://peace.mennolink.org/cgi-bin/m.pl?a=577

...on military spending.  Representative Barney Frank says anyone who talks about the need for fiscal responsibility should be challenged to begin with the area where spending has been the most irresponsible and has produced the least good for the dollars expended --the military budget.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090302/frank

Worth Quoting...

"After more than thirty years with the Catholic Worker in city and in country, I am convinced that all we do is but a gesture and a prayer for the better future that we hope for but can only glimpse from afar.  What else is even the largest soup kitchen in the face of massive hunger and poverty?  How can protests, sit-ins, marches, even our jail sentences begin to meet the challenges of rampant militarism and nuclear madness?  But we do these things because, insufficient as they are, there is not much else to do.  So here in Maloy we take time from our other important labors to grow beans, mostly because it is what we are used to but also, I hope, to take up a tiny piece of the responsibility that is ours to make a world where each person lives without fear, where each of us does our fair share of the work that needs doing, and each enjoys our fair share of the fruits of our labor." -- Catholic Worker Brian Terrell, explaining why they grow beans at the Catholic Worker farm in Maloy, Iowa (in the June/July 2008 [New York] Catholic Worker).

•   •   •

Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice e-Network
Vol. 4 - No. 13  •  February 2, 2009

Social Justice News, Opportunities, Resources and Observations

Local Events

Dorothy Day's Legacy -- Brian Terrell, until recently director of Catholic Peace Ministry in Des Moines, will discuss the legacy of Catholic activist Dorothy Day, with whom Terrell worked, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 7:00-8:30pm at the Cellar Lounge in downtown Waterloo, and Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the 9:00pm Mass at St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center in Cedar Falls.  Details at:
www.waterloocatholics.org/cellar.htm

Three Cups of Tea Author -- Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, will discuss his work as co-founder of the Central Asia Institute in a free lecture Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Acts Center in Cedar Falls.  The lecture is free and open to the public.  Details at:
http://www.uni.edu/mortenson/
In preparation for Mortenson's lecture University Book & Supply will host Arif and Zeeni on Thursday, Jan. 29, 6:00-8:00pm.  The Afridis are native Pakistanis and local physicians who grew up near the area highlighted in Mortenson's books. Reservations (not required) at 319-266-7581.

Lenten Retreat -- Joshua Casteel, a native of Cedar Rapids who converted to Catholicism and became a pacifist as a result of his experience as a military interrogator at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, will be the guest presenter for the Social Justice Lenten Retreat April 4 in Waterloo.  The retreat is is co-sponsored by the Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice Network, Cedar Valley PaxChristi, and the Waterloo Catholic Worker. Register online at:
www.waterloocatholics.org/registration.htm
• Read more about Joshua Casteel in the National Catholic Reporter:
http://ncronline3.org/drupal/?q=node/2964

Issues

Iowa Legislature
The first session of the 83rd Iowa General Assembly convened on Jan. 12.  According to Tom Chapman, executive director of the Iowa Catholic Conference, "there are two overriding concerns that legislators will have to address during the session – a looming budget shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars, and flood recovery."   The ICC reports that House File  64, a disaster relief bill approved by the Rebuild Iowa committee in the House provides $56 million in recovery funds for homeowners, businesses and nonprofit organizations.  The Conference supports House File 3, a bill that would give counties "local control" over the placement of large Confinement Animal Feeding Operations; House File 31, which would make it possible for nonpublic schools to use textbook funds to purchase computer hardware for educational purposes; House File 43, which would give juveniles sentenced to life in prison without parole an opportunity for parole, and House File 14, a bill to repeal Iowa's "English-only" law which the bishops opposed when it passed in 2002.  The conference is supportive of House File 8, a bill which would add clergy to the list of mandatory reporters of abuse in Iowa, but is working for amendments which would  protect communications in the confessional.
> Read Chapman's analysis of issues of concern to the Catholic Conference at:
http://www.iowacatholicconference.org/bins/site/templates/default.asp?area_2=pages%2FICC+Web+Site%2FE%2DNews%2FNews+Full+Page&norelay_place=page&objectid=16DB0C220&articletitle=ICC+
Newsletter&norelay_ai=3E922D5DACE148F1A1EECD1A78E7F087&norelay_gn=ICC+
News&norelay_reset=false&NC=6065X

Economic Recovery
The U.S. House of Representatives last week passed a $819 billion economic stimulus package.  Provisions of the House legislation include $13 billion in funding for public transportation,  increased access to the Child Tax Credit, and health care assistance for low-income families.
> Read an analysis of the House legislation by the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker lobby:
http://www.fcnl.org/pdfs/budget/economic_recovery_package_summary.pdf
> Summary of legislation pending in the U.S. Senate:
http://appropriations.senate.gov/News/2009_01_27_Senate_Appropriations_Committee_
Approves_American_Recovery_and_Reinvestment_Plan.pdf

The Middle East
Put the recent events in Gaza into historical and political perspective with the following resources:
• Analysis by United Methodist Pastor Adam Hamilton, author of Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality and Politics.
http://ethicsdaily.com/article_detail.cfm?AID=11551
• Analysis from the International Crisis Group
http://www.fmep.org/analysis/analysis/ending-the-war-in-gaza
• References prepared by Churches for Middle East Peace, including links to statements by various religious organizations
http://www.cmep.org/Alerts/GazaBackgrounder.htm
• Fact sheet prepared by the American Friends Service Committee
http://www.afsc.org/israel-palestine/ht/d/ContentDetails/i/3636
• Read a Catholic News Service story on the debate over the proportionality of the Israeli response
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0900239.htm
• Read a provocative discussion about Gaza between a Catholic columnist and Jewish rabbi:
http://www.beliefnet.com/News/Hot-Topics/Gaza.aspx
• Read a rabbi's suggestions for "weaving an Abrahamic peace"
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/arthur_waskow/2009/01/
weaving_an_abrahamic_peace.html
• Listen or watch Bill Moyer's reflections on the recent violence in Gaza. [Note: this material includes explicit images which may be disturbing to some viewers.}
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/01092009/watch3.html
• Read the American Friends Service Committee's "Principles for a Just and Lasting Peace Between Palestinians and Israelis"
http://www.afsc.org/israel-palestine/ht/d/ContentDetails/i/3689/pid/13382
• Pray "A Jew's Prayer for the Children of Gaza"
http://peace.mennolink.org/cgi-bin/m.pl?a=563

Immigration
The New York Times reported recently that the federal government's concentration on immigration violations "has siphoned resources from other crimes, eroded morale among federal lawyers and overloaded the federal court system."  According to the Times, while prosecutions for immigration violations have risen, federal prosecutions for white-collar crimes, weapons violations, organized crime, public corruption and drugs have all fallen.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/12/us/12prosecute.html?ref=us

Environmental Stewardship
• The U.S. Climate Action Partnership, a coalition of 26 corporations and five environmental groups, released A Blueprint for Legislative Action, a detailed set of integrated policy recommendations for developing legislation that would create an environmentally effective and economically sustainable national climate protection program.
http://www.us-cap.org/
• The Worldwatch Institute reports that climate change is occuring more rapidly than reports can be published. Since the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report 14 months ago, studies suggest that sea-ice melt, glacier retreat, and food insecurity are all more dire than predicted.
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5990?emc=el&m=188242&l=8&v=6b7824a686
• The Worldwatch Institute provides a Climate Change Reference Guide and Glossary at http://www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/SOW09_Climate%20Guide-Glossary.pdf?emc=el&m=194497&l=8&v=6b7824a686

World Food Crisis
Food prices have eased on global markets, but rice volatility, the credit crunch, and shrinking coffers (both private and government) are making it harder for farmers to get loans to invest and plant.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0129/p08s01-comv.html
• Perspectives on the world food crisis from Catholic Relief Services ... just in time for Lent's Operation Rice Bowl.
http://crs.org/emergency/global-food-crisis/index.cfm
• The U.S. Working Group on the Food Crisis provides a background paper on the world food crisis and a list of actions people can take at a local and national level to address the problem.
http://www.usfoodcrisisgroup.org/
• A new report from the Rodale Institute calls for an "Organic Green Revolution" which would "fundamentally change the way we grow our food to maximize yield while mitigating climate change, restoring clean water, building soil, and protecting agricultural production during times of drought."
http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/files/GreenRevUP.pdf

Social Action

...for economic stimulus. Catholic Charities USA has issued an Action Alert, on behalf of provisions in an economic stimulus package which would temporarily increase supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits, temporarily increase the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages payments, restore funding to the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), protect homeowners at risk of losing their homes, provide short-term bridge funding for nonprofit organizations facing immediate cash flow constraints due to delayed government reimbursement payments and provide additional funding for the Emergency Food Shelter Program (EFSP).
http://capwiz.com/catholiccharitiesusa/issues/alert/?alertid=12540556&type=CO

...for immigration reform. The U.S. Catholic bishops' Justice for Immigrants campaign is organizing a letter-writing campaign to the new Congress in support of comprehensive immigration reform.
http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/action.html

...for closing Gitmo. A number of organizations, including Network and PaxChristiUSA have joined the 100 Days coalition to lobby for closing the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay.  Details at:
http://100dayscampaign.org/

...against nuclear weapons. The Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker lobby, is renewing efforts to have the United States sign the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.  Read the Committee's report, "Still in the Shadow of Nuclear Weapons":
http://fcnl.org/pdfs/shadow_nucs_bklt.pdf
And take action at:
http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/alert/?alertid=12318051

...for economic justice. Inspired by the gospel,  "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," JubileeUSA is organizing a "What's On Your Heart" campaign to welcome the new Treasury Secretary and urge him to make global economic justice a guiding priority of his tenure at the Treasury Department.
http://www.jubileeusa.org/heartcampaign/aboutheartcampaign.html

...for rural issues. The National Catholic Rural Life Conference is conducting a Rural Issues Survey to identify the issues most important to people of faith living in rural areas.  In appreciation for responses to the online survey, NCRLC will make a $2.50 donation to a charity of the respondent's choice.
http://www.informationsurveys.com/ncrl/ncrllogn.htm

Resources

Catholic Social Agenda
A panel of experts modered by William Barbieri, associate dean of the Catholic University of America's School of Theology and Religious Studies explores "The Obama Administration and the Catholic Social Agenda," in video provided by the University's Digital Media Services
http://digitalmedia.cua.edu//calendar/event_dsp.cfm?event=4587

Poverty Action
Catholic Charities USA provides a list of "20 Things You Can Do to Address Poverty" at:
https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=571

Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism: An Ecumenical Study Guide, is a new resource from the United Church of Christ's Eco-Justice Program designed to help participants examine the effects of environmental racism.
http://www.nccecojustice.org/resources.html#environmentaljusticeresources

Sustainable Agriculture

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is a new coalition of grassroots organizations engaged in supporting family farms and ecologically-based food and farming systems.
http://sustainableagriculturecoalition.org/
• "The 30-Year Challenge," a new report from the Farm Foundation examines the issues which agriculture must address in order to meet the world's growing need for more food.
http://www.farmfoundation.org/news/templates/template.aspx?articleid=1694&zoneid=85

The Refugee Experience
Watch testimonies about the refugee experience from Bantu refugees from Somalia now living in Baltimore:
http://www.afsc.org/midatlantic/ht/display/ContentDetails/i/71842

Racism Initiative
The Church of the Brethren's On Earth Peace initiative announces a new webpage dedicated to confronting racism in our midst. 
http://www.onearthpeace.org/eliminatingracism/index.html

Common Good Blog
Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good introduces a revamped blog, "Just Words," which will feature news and commentary from theologians, scholars, social justice leaders, and the Alliance staff on public policy issues.
http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/common-good-blog

Teaching About the Downturn
The Southern Poverty Law Center's Teaching Tolerance provides teachers and parents with experts' opinions on the current economic crisis and how to help students cope...
http://www.tolerance.org/teach/magazine/features.jsp?p=0&is=44&ar=1011&ttnewsletter=ttnewsgen-012209
...and lesson plans that put poverty into perspective. http://www.tolerance.org/teach/activities/activity.jsp?ar=875&ttnewsletter=ttnewsgen-012209

Transitional Justice
Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights provides a curriculum on transitional justice, The Road to Peace, appropriate for adults and young adults.
http://discoverhumanrights.org/3e4d356b-9922-4a97-afa7-918957e53e86.html?NodeId=

Perspectives

...on Israel and the Palestinians.  "Our rejection of 'the other' will undo us," writes Sara Roy. "We must question our own narrative...rather than continue to cherish beliefs and sentiments that betray the Jewish ethical tradition."
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0102/p09s01-coop.html
• "If Israel sincerely wants peace, there is only one road open," writes Fr. John Dear.  "They must hear the grievances of the Palestinians, honor their human rights, and give them justice."
http://ncrcafe.org/node/2363

...on the new world order. "Welcome to the networked world," writes Helena Cobban. She observes "the shift from the US-dominated world we have lived in since 1989 to one in which global power has become significantly more diffuse, more networked, and more Asian."
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1215/p09s02-coop.htm

...on the power of nonviolence. Read the transcript of a discussion between Jonathan Schell and Taylor Branch on "Gandhi, King and the Power of Nonviolence: Alternatives to Force in the 21st Century."
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090126/nonviolence?rel=hpbox

...on military spending. James Quinn says the United States currently spends more on military than the next 45 highest spending countries in the world combined and accounts for 48 percent of the world’s total military spending.
http://seekingalpha.com/article/90742-the-economic-cost-of-the-military-industrial-complex?source=d_email

...on ending torture.  David Gushee says the next challenge concerning the use of torture is "coming to grips [with] the fact that not only did our government torture people, but that many Christians fully supported it."
http://www.abpnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3801&Itemid=9

Worth Quoting...

"One of the most important ways of building peace is through a form of globalization directed towards the interests of the whole human family. In order to govern globalization, however, there needs to be a strong sense of global solidarity between rich and poor countries, as well as within individual countries, including affluent ones. A "common code of ethics" is also needed, consisting of norms based not upon mere consensus, but rooted in the natural law inscribed by the Creator on the conscience of every human being (cf. Rom 2:14-15). Does not every one of us sense deep within his or her conscience a call to make a personal contribution to the common good and to peace in society? Globalization eliminates certain barriers, but is still able to build new ones; it brings peoples together, but spatial and temporal proximity does not of itself create the conditions for true communion and authentic peace. Effective means to redress the marginalization of the world's poor through globalization will only be found if people everywhere feel personally outraged by the injustices in the world and by the concomitant violations of human rights…." -- Pope Benedict XVI, World Day of Peace Message, January 1, 2009.
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/peace/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20081208_xlii-world-day-peace_en.html

•   •   •

Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice e-Network
Vol. 4 - No. 12  •  January 2, 2008

Social Justice News, Opportunities, Resources and Observations

Local Events

Social Services Meeting -- The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo have invited representatives of local social service agencies to attend a joint meeting to discuss current and future needs created by the economic downturn.  The meeting will be held on Jan. 8 at Queen of Peace Church.  Members of parish Social Concerns Committees will meet at 7:00pm to discuss reports from the agencies.

JustFaith Study Group -- The Waterloo Catholic Worker and the Waterloo parishes will sponsor a JustFaith study group this spring.  JustFaith is a formation program for adults and young adults who want to better understand and practice principles of Catholic social teaching.  The group will begin meeting in January.  Contact Dave Cushing at 319-234-9912 (email DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us).
> Read more information about JustFaith:
http://www.justfaith.org/JF1211.html
> Watch a testimonial from Rodger Routh, a Des Moines JustFaith graduate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgQGdycZH-w

Special Announcement

Lenten Retreat -- The Cedar Valley Catholic Social Justice e-Network is making arrangements to sponsor a Lenten Social Justice retreat led by Joshua Casteel.  Casteel is a native of Cedar Rapids who converted to Catholicism and became a pacifist as a result of his experience as a military interrogator at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.  The cost of this retreat is considerably more than we are accustomed to and we are seeking co-sponsors and private donors who can help underwrite the cost of the retreat.  For information contact Dave Cushing at 319-234-9912 (email: DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us).
> Read more about Joshua Casteel in the National Catholic Reporter:
http://ncronline3.org/drupal/?q=node/2964

Regional Events

Peace Vigil for Gaza -- People for Justice in Palestine and the University of Iowa Antiwar Committee will sponsor Peace Vigil for Gaza will be held on Saturday, January 3, at 1 pm at the fountain on the Pedestrian Mall in downtown Iowa City.   For information, contact Pat Minor at 319-530-0255 (email: pat-minor-nidey@uiowa.edu).

Social Action Institute -- Antonio B. Cube, Jr., national director of the U.S. Catholic bishops' Justice for Immigrants  Campaign, will be the keynote speaker for the 2009 Iowa Institute for Social Action January 18-19 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Des Moines.   The annual two-day Institute, sponsored by the Iowa Catholic Conference and the four Catholic dioceses in Iowa, is designed for individuals who are or wish to become involved in the church's social ministry.  In addition to the keynote presentations, there will be a variety of workshops dealing with various social action issues. Information and registration at:
http://www.iowasocialaction.org/

Worker Craft Retreat -- The Catholic Worker School will hold a Craft Retreat Jan. 20-25 at  the Mustard Seed Catholic Worker Community Farm near Ames.  There will be instruction in wheel-thrown and handbuilt pottery, knitting, candle-making, spinning and other crafts as well as time for rest, prayer, reflection and fellowship.  Housing and food provided.  Registration required.  Contact Alice McGary at 515-460-1467 (email mcgarya@yahoo.com).

Issues

Violence in the Middle East
Israeli defense forces began an aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip Dec. 27 in retaliation for rocket and mortar attacks on Israel's Negev district from Gaza.  According to news reports at least 400 Palestinians have been killed and more than 2,000 wounded since hostilities resumed following the breakdown of a truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza Dec. 19.
• In Rome, the Director of the Vatican Press Office, Fr. Federicco Lombardi, expressed alarm at the proportions of the Israeli offensive and serious concern over the number of victims.  Speaking on Vatican Radio Dec. 27, he described the Israeli offensive as a "very serious blow" to the Islamic militant group Hamas but also said it may cause "many innocent victims and damage peace prospects in the Holy Land".  Fr. Lombardi observed that "Hamas is prisoner of the logic of hate, while Israel prisoner of the belief that the use of force is the only answer to hate".
http://www.oecumene.radiovaticana.org/EN1/Articolo.asp?c=255115
• In his Angeles remarks Dec. 28, Pope Benedict said he was "deeply saddened" by the events in Gaza and what he called "this tragic chain of attacks and retaliations."  The Pope said, "the native land of Jesus cannot continue to be witness to so much bloodshed, repeating itself without end."  He said the violence "must be condemned in all its forms" and urged restoration of a truce in the Gaza Strip.  "I call for a jolt of humanity and wisdom in all those who have a responsibility in this situation," the Pope said.  "I call on the international community not to leave any stone unturned to help Israelis and Palestinians out of this blind alley, and not to give in to the perverse logic of confrontation and violence...."
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=14091&size=A
• Albany, NY Bishop Howard Hubbard, Chair of the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, said President Bush should "take immediate action to help end the escalation of violence between Hamas and Israel.”  In a December 30 letter to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, Bishop Hubbard said “rocket attacks on Israel must be stopped, and Israel's military attacks on Gaza halted….The toll in human deaths and suffering, the negative effects on progress in negotiations for peace and the risks of wider war caused by this escalation of violence cannot be allowed to continue.” Bishop Hubbard added, “it is tragic that innocent civilians are once again the victims of armed conflict and a humanitarian crisis.  A ceasefire and humanitarian relief are indispensable initial steps on the road to a two-state solution….”
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-207.shtml
More on the Middle East:
•  Read a statement of concern and dismay from leaders of churches in Jerusalem:
http://www.ncccusa.org/news/081230patriarchsongaza.html
•  Background provided by  United for Peace and Action:
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/
• Action steps suggested by U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation:
http://www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php?id=1775
• Send an electronic letter to President Bush, sponsored by Catholic Relief Services:
https://secure2.convio.net/crs/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=447&autologin=true&AddInterest=
1101&JServSessionIdr006=tei86shuq4.app44b
• Make a contribution to the Middle East Children's Alliance's next shipment of medicine and food to Gaza:
https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=1171
• Read a review of Iowa-native David Shulman's book, Dark Hope--Working for Peace in Israel and Palestine:
http://peace.mennolink.org/cgi-bin/m.pl?a=553

Financial Crisis
In a document addressed to the current international financial crisis, the Pontifical Council for Peace and Justice said the crisis is an opportunity "to ask oneself questions that, if things had gone well, would have been put aside or forgotten."  Among the questions: "How have we arrived at this disastrous situation...? Why was enough weight not given to the verification of incidents that should have led to reflection?"  The answers, the Council wrote, suggest that "the ethical dimension of the economy and finance is not something that is accessory, but essential...if there is a desire to carry out correct, long-term economic and financial dynamics fruitful in progress."  It said "the Social Doctrine of the Church, with the rich variety of its moral principles, can and must make a contribution of realism and hope both to the questions discussed today" and "questions that, though being of vital importance for a large part of the world, do not receive the attention they deserve."
http://www.zenit.org/article-24369?l=english
More on the Financial Crisis:
•  The Obama administration contemplates a big stimulus plan...
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/12/22/obama-weighs-a-supersized-stimulus-plan/
•  ...but conservatives argue that you can't spend your way into prosperity:
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/12/23/can-america-spend-its-way-to-economic-recovery/
•  Network's analysis of the current economic crisis:
http://www.networklobby.org/issues/economic_equity/FinancialCrisis10-31-08.htm

World Food Crisis
To be effective, the fight against hunger must "recognize that fighting against hunger is conditioned by multiple factors and by the motives inspiring it," according to Msgr. Renato Volante, permanent observer of the Holy See at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization. Too often, Msgr. Volante said, "strategies are adopted which pursue particular goals rather than a holistic vision which ranks the human needs first."  A better approach does not mean being "closed to new and perhaps better results made possible by scientific and technological research and new production systems," but it does require "an ordered balance between those systems and a proper prevention of the risks for people and the ecosystems."  Msgr. Volante said.  He added: "This means that an ordered research aimed at improving agricultural production so as to meet the growing food demand, must not forget the reasons of food security which is the consumers' health, nor crop sustainability, i.e. the environmental protection."
http://www.zenit.org/article-24398?l=english

Organizing for Climate Change
Catholic Church officials from more than 170 Catholic organizations and 38 countries have launched a campaign to persuade the United Nations to meet the "moral obligation" of tackling climate change.  "Climate change is a reality today affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions," said an appeal signed by 92 bishops, archbishops and cardinals. "Economically developed nations have a moral obligation to tackle climate change because of their disproportionate consumption of natural resources," it said.  The leaders' appeal, titled "A Call for Climate Justice," said poor communities were affected the worst by climate change, but had done the least to cause it.  The statement, which coincided with the UN's Climate Change Conference in Poland, said Catholics worldwide would "stand in profound solidarity" with those suffering harsh effects.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0806142.htm
> Text of "A Call for Climate Justice":
http://www.cidse.org/uploadedFiles/Areas_of_work/Climate_Change/cidse_
policy_paper_climate_justice_dec08_EN.pdf
> Summary of activity from the UN Climate Change Conference in Poland:
http://unfccc.int/2860.php
More on Environmental Stewardship:
•  The Vatican won the 2008 Euro Solar Prize for turning the football field-sized roof of its Paul VI audience hall into a giant solar-power generator. The 2,400 solar panels on the roof of the audience hall will produce some 300,000 kilowatt-hours of power each year.  A large electronic tally board in the hall keeps count of how many kilowatt hours are being produced and how much oil and carbon dioxide is being saved.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0805996.htm
•  Clean energy technologies could eliminate one-third of all carbon emissions and create millions of new jobs by 2030, according to a new report from the Worldwatch Institute.
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5945?emc=el&m=175597&l=5&v=6b7824a686

Social Action

...for pregnant women.  Democrats for Life is organizing public support for the Pregnant Women Support Act (S. 2407/H.R. 3192) which would provide services such as ultrasounds and increased awareness of existing resources; extend state health insurance to unborn children; establish programs for pregnant and parenting students; prevent health insurance issuers from classifying pregnancy as a pre-existing condition; and increase Food Stamp allowances and tax credits for adoption.

...for environmental justice.  The Catholic social justice thinktank Center of Concern's "Cultivate a Climate for Justice" is part of a international campaign for a fair and equitable international agreement that addresses both the causes and effects of climate change.
http://coc.org/ed/cultivate-climate-justice
•  Sky1, an environmental action organization, is organizing a national network of "Climate Precinct Captains" in 300,000 electoral precincts.  Find out more, and volunteer as a captain:
http://action.1sky.org/t/1984/signUp.jsp?key=136

...for a better Africa.  The Mocha Club is launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the joy and hope that exist in Africa.  The goal is to recast an image of the continent which elicits pity over partnership and convince people in the west that "I need Africa more than Africa needs me."
https://www.mochaclub.org/mochaclub/i_need_africa
More on Africa:
•  Read or listen to Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina's concerns about the effects of prolonged, multi-directional aid on the people it is aiming to help.
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2008/ethics_of_aid-kenya/
• Pope Benedict proposes 2009 as the "Year For Africa":
http://ncrcafe.org/node/2351

...against Columbian violence.  Witness for Peace continues to advocate for an immediate end to U.S. military aid to Columbia, where 1,1,122 civilians were murdered by the Colombian Armed Forces between July 2002 and June 2007, a 68% increase over the previous five year period. Human rights organizations report that 535 civilians were killed by the Colombian military between January 2007 and June 2008.  Watch testimony the daughter of one victim of "extra-judicial" killing at:
http://witnessforpeace.org/article.php?id=625

...for toy safety standards.  Global Trade Watch campaigns for stricter safety standards on toy imports, which now account for 90 percent of toys sold in the U.S.
http://action.citizen.org/t/6413/content.jsp?content_KEY=5058

Resources

Iowa Legislative Priorities
A list of 2009 legislative concerns and priorities approved by the Iowa Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the Catholic bishops in Iowa, is available at the ICC's website:
http://www.iowacatholicconference.org/bins/site/templates/default.asp?objectid=B15DAF2D0%2D3&area_2=pages%2FICC+Web+Site%2FIssues+Priorities%2FIssues&area_3=pages%2FICC+Web+Site%2FBlank&NC=2246X

Confronting Consumerism
"Through the Eye of A Needle" is a study resource prepared by PaxChristiUSA to help individuals or small groups focus on affluenza, overconsumption, sweatshops, the environment, and simple living.
http://paxchristiusa.3dcartstores.com/Consumerism-Packet-Through-the-Eye-of-a-Needle_p_7-11.html

A Sustainable Food System
Grassroots International and the National Family Farm Coalition offer a free online resource called "Food for Thought and Action: A Food Sovereignty Curriculum."  This collection of exercises and factsheets helps participants understand how the food system works (or doesn't) and proposes alternatives.
http://www.grassrootsonline.org/what-you-can-do/education-for-action/food-thought-action-a-food-sovereignty-curriculum

Racial Responses
Teaching Tolerance provides a variety of resources for administrators, teachers and parents who want to address racially-motivated reactions to the election of Mr. Obama.
http://www.tolerance.org/teach/activities/activity.jsp?ar=987&ttnewsletter=ttnewsgen-120408

Perspectives

...on the poor among us.  "Society at large may harbor negative attitudes toward the poor in our midst, but followers of Jesus do not have the luxury of such feelings," writes James Evans.
http://ethicsdaily.com/article_detail.cfm?AID=11417

...on 'conscientious consumption.'  Tom Beaudoin envisions six ways in which to be a "concientious consumer":
http://www.uscatholic.org/life/2008/07/6-ways-be-a-conscientious-catholic-consumer

...on bridging differences.  Jim Wallis says the faith community can help bridge the divide on moral issues which have rent American politics:
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj0901&article=a-new-faith-coalition

...on agricultural reforms.  Christopher Cook says the time has come to reform agricultural policies which subsize large corporate farms and destructive industrial agriculture, and rob the countryside of economic diversity and environmental resources such as water and topsoil.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1226/p09s02-coop.html

21st century may grossly underestimate the effect of climate change on the flow of Antarctica's ice sheets.
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5958?emc=el&m=181324&l=4&v=6b7824a686

...on the American Empire.  Gary Dorrien wrote recently, “most of the world has no doubt that the U.S. is an empire, but now it has plenty of doubt about the kind of empire that the U.S. wants to be.”  An overview of the discussion provided by Religion and Ethics Newsweekly:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/november-21-2008/god-and-empire/1216/#hide

Prayer

A Prayer for All Who Live with Violence

This year as we sing Silent Night
with its echoes of calm and heavenly peace,
we say a prayer for all who live in homes
where peace is absent.
We pray for children who live in fear,
whose homes are not a place of safety,
but a place of physical and verbal beatings.
We pray for seniors and other vulnerable people
whose caregivers do not care
as they are neglected or degraded.
We pray for all who are emotionally abused,
and who are not loved, honored and cherished.
We pray for women who have had to flee their homes
or are afraid to flee their homes.
We pray for all who have been sexually violated,
and who are haunted by fear of violation.
May love's pure light this season empower us
to come to the aid of your hurting people.
We join together to sing Alleluia and thank you
for your grace that transforms our world.
In the name of the Holy Infant,
Jesus our Savior, Amen.
-- Written by Carol Penner of Vineland, Ontario, online in the Dec. 16 issue of PeaceSigns: http://peace.mennolink.org/cgi-bin/m.pl?a=556
•  Read Fr. John Dear's "Christmas Prayer for Peace" from his National Catholic Reporter blog at:
http://ncrcafe.org/node/2343

Worth Quoting...

"By now we have all heard about the Wal-Mart employee in Long Island who was trampled to death….  Mr. Damour's death is a single, shocking glance at the incalcuable cost of always low price.  Incalcuable because we don't really know how many more Jdimytai Damours have been trampled by the force of a disconnected trade system…. 
"[T]he truth is most of us don't know who milked the cows today that we will drink from tomorrow.  Nor do we know who cuts the cane for our sugar or picks the bananas for our lunchboxes or sews the shoes for our feet.  We have no idea whether they are making a fair wage or--like Mr. Damour--being left exposed to the cruel forces of consumption.
"So, in reality, we're a lot like the folks at the back of that Wal-Mart line.  We have no idea who's up there ahead of us.  We can't see who's being crushed by the weight of our wants. All we know is that there's a sale and the doors are now open…."
-- Ryon Price, pastor of United Church of Colchester (Vt.) in a commentary on EthicsDaily.com at
http://ethicsdaily.com/article_detail.cfm?AID=11415

•   •   •
 
Posted  05.02.08  •  Last Update 04.13.09