tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087345804942103372024-02-02T15:42:39.670-05:00PC(USA) Office of Public WitnessThe Presbyterian Office of Public Witness is the public policy information and advocacy office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Its task is to advocate, and help the church to advocate, the social witness perspectives and policies of the Presbyterian General Assembly. Here, you can read about the advocacy work of the PC(USA) OPW.Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comBlogger521125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-18518014775117530002019-08-08T21:02:00.002-04:002019-08-08T21:07:41.555-04:00Declaración de Solidaridad con Puerto Rico<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“El ayuno que a mí me agrada es que liberen a los presos encadenados injustamente, es que liberen a los esclavos, es que dejen en libertad a los maltratados y que acaben con toda injusticia; es que compartan el pan con los que tienen hambre, es que den refugio a los pobres, vistan a los que no tienen ropa,
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Isaías 58: 6-7 TLA </span></i></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">El viernes 2 de agosto, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/08/02/747717176/puerto-ricos-governor-resigns-amid-political-chaos-says-successor-will-be-sworn">Ricardo Rosselló renunció oficialmente</a> como gobernador de Puerto Rico después de quince días de protestas masivas. Las protestas comenzaron después de que el Centro de Periodismo Investigativo publicara casi 900 páginas de mensajes despectivos, groseros y vulgares enviados por Rosselló a través de la aplicación de mensajería Telegram a sus "hermanos" miembros actuales y anteriores de su gabinete. Además de generar algunas partes desagradables de la conversación, Rosselló toleró las expresiones de sus "hermanos" sin comentar lo contrario. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">La membresía de la Iglesia Presbiteriana (EE. UU.) y la Oficina de Testimonio Público condenan enérgicamente cualquier retórica, en cualquier lugar, que se utilice para apoyar la opresión sistemática de las personas y construir comunidades de odio e intolerancia, especialmente cuando se trata de funcionarios en posiciones de poder político e influencia. Aplaudimos el rol que desempeñaron las personas de fe, especialmente los presbiterianos que hablaron exigiendo un nuevo liderazgo político que sea decente, competente y visionario. Mientras miles exigían la renuncia del gobernador, las voces del pueblo presbiteriano estaban presentes. El liderazgo de las congregaciones presbiterianas, así como de los tres presbiterios y el sínodo de Puerto Rico, tomaron medidas contra la administración de Rosselló al emitir declaraciones públicas en las que se denunciaba la corrupción y el discurso de odio del gobernador. El pueblo presbiteriano salio a las calles exigiendo justicia y participaron en l<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/march-people-puerto-rico-mobilizes-largest-protest-gov-rossell-s-n1032286">a manifestación más grande de Puerto Rico en la historia reciente</a>. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">Eric LeCompte escribió en la revista <a href="https://www.jubileeusa.org/eric_puerto_rico_national_catholic_reporter_pr">The National Catholic Reporter</a> (27 de julio) que “desde el 2015, mi mayor y profesional privilegio ha sido trabajar con líderes religiosos en Puerto Rico que exigen una economía que sirva a todas las personas de la isla […] Nuestro Jubileo interreligioso de los EE. UU. La coalición, la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los EE. UU., los líderes judíos, las caridades católicas y las iglesias episcopales, luteranas, presbiterianas, metodistas y de la Iglesia Unida de Cristo caminaron con los líderes religiosos de Puerto Rico [...] Hay mucho más por hacer, pero mucho de lo que se logró es gracias al liderazgo de varios de los líderes religiosos en la isla ". </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">La Iglesia Presbiteriana (EE. UU.) se solidariza con el pueblo presbiteriano en Puerto Rico a medida que van hacia adelante. Oramos para que la nueva administración establezca un gobierno que sea transparente y honesto, trabaje hacia la eliminación de la deuda de Puerto Rico y ayude a las personas que aún luchan por recuperarse de la destrucción masiva de los huracanes Irma y María en el 2017. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">La Iglesia Presbiteriana (EE. UU.) está "<a href="https://www.pc-biz.org/#/search/3000478">llamada a levantar una voz profética</a> contra el genocidio económico sistemático, la opresión y el colonialismo del gobierno de los EE. UU. contra Puerto Rico y sus residentes". Puerto Rico ha estado oprimido durante más de 120 años bajo un ejemplo de libro de texto de la opresión del colonialismo moderno dirigida por el gobierno de los Estados Unidos. Nosotros, fieles siervos del Señor, estamos llamados a detener esa opresión. Oramos para que el gobierno federal de los Estados Unidos ponga fin a la carga tributaria injustificada impuesta a Puerto Rico, derogue las disposiciones de la Ley Jones que limitan las importaciones de Puerto Rico y han obstaculizado su recuperación de los huracanes del 2017, y trate al pueblo puertorriqueño de manera justa como ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos, más que como ciudadanos de segunda clase. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">Dios ha bendecido a la Iglesia para que sea una fuerza guía y una fuente de fortaleza para la comunidad puertorriqueña. Oramos para que nuestros hermanos y hermanas en Puerto Rico se mantengan fuertes y no se desanimen en su lucha por la justicia. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">En la Fe que Compartimos, </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">Rev. Jimmie Hawkins</span></h3>
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Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-68621514584143368212019-08-08T12:19:00.000-04:002019-08-08T12:35:47.687-04:00Statement in Solidarity with Puerto Rico<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” </i> </span></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-Isaiah 58: 6-7, NIV </span></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Friday, August 2nd,<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/08/02/747717176/puerto-ricos-governor-resigns-amid-political-chaos-says-successor-will-be-sworn"> Ricardo Rosselló officially resigned</a> as Puerto Rico’s governor amid fifteen days of mass protests. The protests began after el Centro de Periodismo Investigativo released nearly 900 pages of derogatory, crude, and vulgar messages sent by Rosselló and his “hermanos”, current and former members of his cabinet, through the messaging app Telegram. As well as generating some of the objectionable portions of the chat, Rosselló tolerated his “hermanos” expressions without comment to the contrary.</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Office of Public Witness strongly condemn any rhetoric, anywhere, that is used to support the systematic oppression of people and build communities of hate and intolerance, especially when it comes from officials in positions of political power and influence. We applaud the role that people of faith played, especially the Presbyterians who spoke out demanding new political leadership that is decent, competent and visionary. As thousands demanded the governor’s resignation, the voices of Presbyterians were present. Individual Presbyterian church leaders, as well as Puerto Rico’s three presbyteries and synod, took action against Rosselló’s administration by releasing public statements decrying the governor’s corruption and hateful speech. Presbyterians took to the streets demanding justice and participated in <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/march-people-puerto-rico-mobilizes-largest-protest-gov-rossell-s-n1032286">Puerto Rico’s largest demonstration in recent history</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eric LeCompte wrote in <a href="https://www.jubileeusa.org/eric_puerto_rico_national_catholic_reporter_pr">The National Catholic Reporter</a> (July 27) that “since 2015, my greatest and professional privilege has been working with faith leaders in Puerto Rico who call for an economy that serves all of the island’s people […] Our interfaith Jubilee USA coalition, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Jewish leaders, Catholic Charities, and the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist and United Church of Christ churches walked with Puerto Rico's religious leaders […] There is much more to be done, but much of what was achieved is because of the leadership of several of the island's religious leaders.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) stands in solidarity with Presbyterians in Puerto Rico as they move forward. We pray that the new administration will establish a government that is transparent and honest, works towards the elimination of Puerto Rico’s debt, and assists individuals still struggling to recover from the massive destruction of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is “<a href="https://www.pc-biz.org/#/search/3000478">called to raise a prophetic voice </a>against the systematic economic genocide, oppression, and colonialism of the U.S. Government against Puerto Rico and its residents.” Puerto Rico has been oppressed for more than 120 years under a textbook example of modern colonialism oppression directed by the U.S. Government. We, as faithful servants of the Lord, are called to stop such oppression. We pray that the United States federal government will end the unjustified tax burden imposed on Puerto Rico, repeal the provisions of the Jones Act that limit Puerto Rico’s imports and have hindered Puerto Rico’s recovery from the 2017 hurricanes, and treat all Puerto Ricans fairly as citizens of the United States, rather than as second-class citizens.</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">God has blessed the Church to be a guiding force and source of strength for the Puerto Rican community. It is our prayer that nuestros hermanos y hermanas puertorriqueños will remain strong and will not be discouraged in their fight for justice, and to know that we stand with them!</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the Faith We Share,</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">En la Fe que Compartimos, </span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rev. Jimmie Hawkins </span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-4535980237058969452019-08-01T14:03:00.004-04:002019-08-01T14:09:59.202-04:00Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Joins 30 National Faith-Based Organizations Calling for More Humane Policies Towards Immigrants and Refugees <br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 143.6px; transform: scalex(0.899816);">August 1, 2019</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 188.386px; transform: scalex(0.909924);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 188.386px; transform: scalex(0.909924);">U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee </span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 210.778px; transform: scalex(0.909677);">U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 232.987px; transform: scalex(0.876546);"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 232.987px; transform: scalex(0.876546);">U.S. House and Senate Leadership</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 232.987px; transform: scalex(0.876546);"></span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 278.4px; transform: scalex(0.896223);">Dear Members of Congress,</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 320.8px; transform: scalex(0.944018);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 320.8px; transform: scalex(0.944018);">We write to you from across different faith traditions and faith</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 586.808px; top: 320.8px; transform: scalex(0.882181);">-based </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 640.996px; top: 320.8px; transform: scalex(0.922833);">organizations to urge you to<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 343.193px; transform: scalex(0.975453);">prioritize non</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 222.801px; top: 343.193px; transform: scalex(0.940832);">-defense discretionary funding for programs that address true human needs while </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 365.586px; transform: scalex(0.944014);">reducing the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) budget for deportation, detention, and border </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 387.978px; transform: scalex(0.994594);">militarization.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 430.4px; transform: scalex(0.891778);"> </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 430.4px; transform: scalex(0.891778);">Congress just appr</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 257.595px; top: 430.4px; transform: scalex(0.909506);">oved a budget deal that raises the spending caps for non</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 679.194px; top: 430.4px; transform: scalex(0.917279);">-defense discretionary </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.982px; top: 452.793px; transform: scalex(0.894709);">spending. In the coming weeks, Congress</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 428.8px; top: 452.8px; transform: scalex(0.921001);"> will choose how much money each federal department and </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.993px; top: 475.193px; transform: scalex(0.92391);">program will receive. Many of these departments oversee critical responsibilities </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 725.592px; top: 475.193px; transform: scalex(0.936014);">ranging from anti-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.993px; top: 497.586px; transform: scalex(0.913978);">hunger and housing programs, to green infrastructure, education, and humanitarian assistance. As you </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.993px; top: 519.794px; transform: scalex(0.910003);">determine funding levels for fiscal year 2020, we urge Congress to ensure all non</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 721.397px; top: 519.794px; transform: scalex(0.918455);">-defense discretionary </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.993px; top: 542.187px; transform: scalex(0.923233);">increases which resulted from the</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 373.195px; top: 542.187px; transform: scalex(0.895624);"> budget caps deal </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 506.4px; top: 542.2px; transform: scalex(0.916744);">are invested in crucial programs that help every </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 564.593px; transform: scalex(0.920739);">person realize their full God</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 327.202px; top: 564.593px; transform: scalex(0.938974);">-given potential.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 607px; transform: scalex(0.910993);">We believe that our nation’s budget and the decisions made by Congress should be treated as a moral </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 629.393px; transform: scalex(0.930124);">roadmap toward a world where every child o</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 456.002px; top: 629.393px; transform: scalex(0.905782);">f God is clothed, fed, safe, loved, and free. As people of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 651.785px; transform: scalex(0.91858);">faith, our various traditions command us to love our neighbors and welcome guests as we would </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 674.178px; transform: scalex(0.913675);">welcome God.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 716.6px; transform: scalex(0.91924);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 716.6px; transform: scalex(0.91924);">It is with these values in mind that we raise our concern and</span><b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 567.598px; top: 716.6px; transform: scalex(0.957845);"> objection to the ever</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 731.395px; top: 716.6px; transform: scalex(0.931572);">-increasing funding </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.982px; top: 738.993px; transform: scalex(0.900539);">provided by Congress to DHS </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 343.983px; top: 738.993px; transform: scalex(1.02623);">for</span></b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 366.192px; top: 738.993px; transform: scalex(0.970343);"><b> immigrant detention and border militarization</b>.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 728.58px; top: 738.993px; transform: scalex(0.918735);"> Faith communities </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.982px; top: 761.386px; transform: scalex(0.91902);">have long stood against increased incarceration in favor of community</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 643.774px; top: 761.386px; transform: scalex(0.929466);">-based alternatives to detention, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.963px; top: 783.594px; transform: scalex(0.930715);">mitigation of the root causes of forced mig</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 437.97px; top: 783.594px; transform: scalex(0.936798);">ration, and meaningful reforms that would reunite families </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.963px; top: 805.987px; transform: scalex(0.935548);">permanently and allow our communities to flourish.<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 512.159px; top: 805.987px; transform: scalex(0.950967);">We stand strong in our belief that more money for </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.963px; top: 828.38px; transform: scalex(0.938009);">enforcement will only serve to exacerbate the plight of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants</span></b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 842.568px; top: 828.38px; transform: scalex(0.872246);">, as we </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.963px; top: 850.773px; transform: scalex(0.917456);">have seen unfold over the past few months at our southern border. As Congress determines allocation </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.963px; top: 873.166px; transform: scalex(0.952712);">of non</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 168.558px; top: 873.166px; transform: scalex(0.918521);">-defense discretionary increases, we faithfully urge you to decrease spending for detention, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.945px; top: 895.558px; transform: scalex(0.949414);">deportation and border militarization.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 938px; transform: scalex(0.901395);"> </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 938px; transform: scalex(0.901395);">We urge Cong</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 226.591px; top: 938px; transform: scalex(0.954852);">ress not to conflate enforcement funding with programs that provide relief and support </span></b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 960.393px; transform: scalex(0.96403);"><b>to communities</b>.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 247.4px; top: 960.4px; transform: scalex(0.91327);">Congress should instead carefully consider ways to invest in true humanitarian </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.998px; top: 982.793px; transform: scalex(0.916784);">solutions. A pre</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 236.397px; top: 982.793px; transform: scalex(0.934817);">-existing network of non</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 417.986px; top: 982.793px; transform: scalex(0.921478);">-governmental organizations and faith communities are already </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.98px; top: 1005.19px; transform: scalex(0.925931);">engaged in reuniting families, providing legal support to people going to immigration court, and </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.98px; top: 1027.39px; transform: scalex(0.928244);">providing shelter for people in need. Investing in this community</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 601.582px; top: 1027.39px; transform: scalex(0.900925);">-based model is far less costly and more </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.98px; top: 1049.79px; transform: scalex(0.921639);">humane than incarcerating </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 325.582px; top: 1049.79px; transform: scalex(0.936729);">every immigrant.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 1092.2px; transform: scalex(0.957708);"> </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 1092.2px; transform: scalex(0.957708);">Moreover, amid the finite funding increase for non-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 512.803px; top: 1092.2px; transform: scalex(0.943789);">defense discretionary funding, there are myriad </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 1114.59px; transform: scalex(0.9528);">programs that need critical investment</span></b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 416.203px; top: 1114.59px; transform: scalex(0.908524);"><b> </b>including education, nutrition assistance, housing assistance, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 1136.99px; transform: scalex(0.927856);">development, and re</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 275.793px; top: 1136.99px; transform: scalex(0.92653);">-entry programs</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 396.386px; top: 1136.99px; transform: scalex(0.890693);">. Only one in six </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 517.385px; top: 1136.99px; transform: scalex(0.92234);">eligible </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 574.977px; top: 1136.99px; transform: scalex(0.939826);">childre</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 625.982px; top: 1136.99px; transform: scalex(0.891884);">n receive child care assistance, and </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 119.982px; top: 1159.38px; transform: scalex(0.932068);">only one in five low</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 264.974px; top: 1159.38px; transform: scalex(0.918032);">-income families with children are able to secure rental subsidies.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 752.371px; top: 1159.38px; transform: scalex(0.920076);"> We</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 781.958px; top: 1159.38px; transform: scalex(0.916523);"> urge you to </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 123.6px; transform: scalex(0.927726);">invest in human needs priorities, not</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 393.406px; top: 123.6px; transform: scalex(0.916096);"> detention and deportation. We ask that Congress stop squandering </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 145.993px; transform: scalex(0.936228);">funds for inhumane use in detention, enforcement and border militarization</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 688.008px; top: 145.993px; transform: scalex(0.908012);">, which comes as the direct </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 168.386px; transform: scalex(0.916555);">expense of other programs including </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 397.601px; top: 168.386px; transform: scalex(0.924372);">government responsibilities within DHS outside of the realm of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 190.778px; transform: scalex(0.948768);">immigration enforcement.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 233px; transform: scalex(0.918335);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 233px; transform: scalex(0.918335);">Our nation is only as strong as the communities’ in which we invest. Please prioritize funding true </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 255.393px; transform: scalex(0.927375);">human needs over detention and deportation and reduce the overall b</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 647.602px; top: 255.393px; transform: scalex(0.937094);">udget of the Department of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 277.786px; transform: scalex(0.913004);">Homeland Security accordingly.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 320.2px; transform: scalex(0.940044);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; left: 120px; top: 320.2px; transform: scalex(0.940044);">In faith,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 362.6px; transform: scalex(0.919498);">African American Ministers In Action </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 387.205px; transform: scalex(0.907031);">Alliance of Baptists</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 411.81px; transform: scalex(0.901969);">American Baptist Home Mission Societies </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 436.414px; transform: scalex(0.900734);">American Friends Service Committee</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 461.019px; transform: scalex(0.899022);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 461.019px; transform: scalex(0.899022);">Bend the Arc Jewish Action</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 485.413px; transform: scalex(0.937139);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 485.413px; transform: scalex(0.937139);">Bread for the World</span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 485.413px; transform: scalex(0.937139);"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 510.018px; transform: scalex(0.886893);">Bridges</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 172.8px; top: 510.018px; transform: scalex(0.931843);"> Faith Initiative</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 534.622px; transform: scalex(0.913191);">Christian Community Development Association</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 559.227px; transform: scalex(0.893231);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 559.227px; transform: scalex(0.893231);">Christian Reformed Church Office of Social Justice</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 583.832px; transform: scalex(0.898465);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 583.832px; transform: scalex(0.898465);">Church World Service</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 608.437px; transform: scalex(0.903857);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 608.437px; transform: scalex(0.903857);">Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 632.83px; transform: scalex(0.918968);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 632.83px; transform: scalex(0.918968);">Conference of Major Superiors of Men</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 657.435px; transform: scalex(0.895302);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 657.435px; transform: scalex(0.895302);">Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, US Provinces</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 682.04px; transform: scalex(0.895503);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 682.04px; transform: scalex(0.895503);">Daughters of Charity, USA</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 120px; top: 706.645px; transform: scalex(0.898436);">Disciples Center for Public Witness</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 731.25px; transform: scalex(0.914888);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 731.25px; transform: scalex(0.914888);">Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 755.854px; transform: scalex(0.896608);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 755.854px; transform: scalex(0.896608);">Faith in Public Life</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 780.248px; transform: scalex(0.910547);">Franciscan Action Network</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 804.853px; transform: scalex(0.911221);">Friends Committee on National Legislation</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 829.458px; transform: scalex(0.889379);">Leadership </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 201.787px; top: 829.458px; transform: scalex(0.901801);">Conference of Women Religious</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 854.062px; transform: scalex(0.915157);">Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 878.667px; transform: scalex(0.91906);">Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Office</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 903.272px; transform: scalex(0.902985);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 903.272px; transform: scalex(0.902985);">National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 927.666px; transform: scalex(0.900512);">National Council of Churches</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 952.27px; transform: scalex(0.908646);">National Council of Jewish Women</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 976.875px; transform: scalex(0.854354);">NETWORK Lobby f</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 250.381px; top: 976.875px; transform: scalex(0.880522);">or Catholic Social Justice</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 1001.48px; transform: scalex(0.883781);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 1001.48px; transform: scalex(0.883781);">Presbyterian Church (USA)</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 1026.08px; transform: scalex(0.901892);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 1026.08px; transform: scalex(0.901892);">Sisters of Mercy </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 237.99px; top: 1026.08px; transform: scalex(0.913703);">– Institute Justice Team</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 1050.69px; transform: scalex(0.904652);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 1050.69px; transform: scalex(0.904652);">Sojourners</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 1075.08px; transform: scalex(0.891203);">T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 1099.69px; transform: scalex(0.904408);"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 1099.69px; transform: scalex(0.904408);">Union of Reform Judaism</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 1124.29px; transform: scalex(0.921485);"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.982px; top: 1124.29px; transform: scalex(0.921485);">Uni</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 144.376px; top: 1124.29px; transform: scalex(0.8995);">tarian Universalist Assoc</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 317.771px; top: 1124.29px; transform: scalex(0.949275);">iation</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.965px; top: 1148.9px; transform: scalex(0.899355);">Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.965px; top: 1173.5px; transform: scalex(0.905936);"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 119.965px; top: 1173.5px; transform: scalex(0.905936);">United Church of Christ, Justice and Wit</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; left: 402.568px; top: 1173.5px; transform: scalex(0.912246);">ness Ministries</span>Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-23861529016951102412017-06-23T13:53:00.000-04:002017-06-23T13:53:37.171-04:00Rev. Hawkins Speaks out on the Senate Health Care Bill <div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">On
yesterday, the Senate released its version of the Affordable Care Act replacement, which was prepared behind closed doors by just 13 Senators. It is called
the Better Care Reconciliation Act, patterned after the House American Health
Care Act. This is a greatly flawed bill rushed with the intent of getting it
passed before there is a thorough examination of its contents. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/how-aca-replacement-compares/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> House
bill </span></a>which passed in May, the Senate version would take this
nation back to the horrors before the Affordable Care Act. It would <a href="mailto:https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/22/us/politics/senate-health-care-bill.html">create
enormous tax breaks for the wealthy, roll back Medicaid expansion in 31 states,
block Planned Parenthood funding for one year,</a> remove the requirement for
Medicaid to coverage for mental health care, and end the coverage mandate for
both individuals and employers. We can expect that passage of this bill would result
in loss of healthcare coverage for millions of people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is a hard-hearted effort on the part of the Republican leadership to take
control of the health care conversation and determine policy. It is an attempt
to take the name of President Obama from healthcare reform and claim for
themselves that legacy. But therein they will create for themselves a legacy
of doing more harm than good. They will reduce greatly the number of people who
have health coverage and give the power of life and death back to the insurance
companies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Senator
Chuck Schumer said that this bill is “a wolf in sheep’s clothing with sharper
teeth than the House bill. This bill will result in higher costs, less care and
millions of Americans will lose their health insurance, particularly through
Medicaid.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Is
this who we are as a nation? Have we been reduced to a country wherein the vast
majority of our citizens are barely making it off of the scraps of the wealthy
and politically powerful? Do we not have any compassion left for the unemployed
poor, the working poor, the devastated poor? It is not as if we don’t have the
means or the ability to strengthen the Affordable Care Act: it is simply that
we don’t have the will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Members
of ADAPT <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/06/22/protesters-have-sit-mitch-mcconnells-office/419748001/">staged
a sit-in</a> at Senator Mitch McConnell’s office yesterday to protest the
Senate bill, after it was clear that politicians were not going to listen to the
hundreds of thousands of people who have written letters, made calls and met
with legislators to ask that their healthcare be protected. This group of people
with disabilities, many of whom use wheelchairs, let their voices be heard loud
and clear challenging this bill which will permanently damage lives. We respect
the risk they took, and seek to follow the leadership of those who will be most
greatly impacted by the loss of healthcare. ADAPT organizer Bruce Darling said
that the Republican bill will "greatly reduce access to medical care and
home and community based service for elderly and disabled Americans who will
either die or be forced into institutions. Our lives and liberty shouldn't be
stolen to give a tax break to the wealthy. That's truly un-American."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">As
Presbyterians we have always cared for others. The 218<sup>th</sup> General
Assembly re-affirmed:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Jesus Christ, who has reconciled us
to God, healed all kinds of sickness (Mt. 4:23, par) as a sign of God’s rule. Isaiah
speaks God’s word to say “No more shall there be … an infant that lives but a
few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime” (Isa. 65:20a). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, as Reformed Christians, bear witness to
Jesus Christ in word, but also in deed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As followers of our Great Physician
Jesus, we have a moral imperative to work to assure that everyone has full
access to health care.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is time that we take that concern to a higher level of involvement and action.
The prophetic voice of the church, both collectively and individually, must be
lifted high to oppose this bill. We must let our members of Congress know who
outraged we are by this action. It is not too late. There is still a process
which must be followed before it becomes law. Organize a letter writing campaign
in your church, ask tough questions at your member’s town hall meeting,
encourage your pastor to speak out, challenge your Session to overture your
presbytery to make a statement. But first and foremost, begin and end with a
prayer for the intervention of God’s Holy Spirit to soften the hearts to soften
with compassion for the “least of these our brothers and sisters.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Call
your Senators, especially in key states where they are undecided: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Senator
Alexander (TN): (202) 224-4944</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="background: white;">· Senator Boozman (AR): (202) 224-4843</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">· Senator Capito (WV): (202) 224-6472<br />
· Senator Collins (ME): (202) 224-2523<br />
· Senator Corker (TN): (202) 224-3344<br />
· Senator Cotton (AR): (202) 224-2353<br />
· Senator Daines (MT): (202) 224-2651<br />
· Senator Flake (AZ): (202) 224-4521<br />
· Senator Toomey (PA): (202) 224-4254<br />
· Senator Gardner (CO): (202) 224-5941<br />
· Senator Portman (OH): (202) 224-3353<br />
· Senator Heller (NV): (202) 228-6753<br />
· Senator Cassidy (LA): (202) 224-5824<br />
· Senator Murkowski (AK): (202) 224-5824</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-70854116011589613742017-06-22T12:49:00.000-04:002017-06-22T12:50:57.099-04:00Mourning Souls Lost to the Violence of White Supremacy <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v-yqjVg-thiS9gEg9mdfhjIKA4S1qIzL50yonP2UZJpQ73yPjU1v4fv9sxpqRxHKGf93oEfjb3auCkz522uqSQD_YQBtHhHQVwLZfpiksAg_r2T5x_qNY9173Bt7rfQ64OaL-inCAro/s1600/Charllena+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v-yqjVg-thiS9gEg9mdfhjIKA4S1qIzL50yonP2UZJpQ73yPjU1v4fv9sxpqRxHKGf93oEfjb3auCkz522uqSQD_YQBtHhHQVwLZfpiksAg_r2T5x_qNY9173Bt7rfQ64OaL-inCAro/s200/Charllena+.jpg" width="128" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">In the past few
days, we’ve received devastating news that Nabra Hassanen, a 17 year old on her
way back from mosque was beaten to death and left in a pond, that Charleena
Lyles, a pregnant mother of four was killed by police after calling them for
help, and that our legal system once again failed to deliver justice in the
acquittal of Jeronimo Yanez for the murder of Philando Castile. For those (especially
people of color) feeling<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>rage, despair,
fear, and in mourning, we are with you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We say their names so that they might never be
forgotten. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_cRQAMZKEKdxv_HCX8_jS_LyBBbDXhIN-eTMAKAuScedzB_NoQ8dy47GryVOEA7sthDfydl6pEYbpPraj6wIstDjAMUO-tx7UvyeW6S5hNlWrPCt3YXm3qPPR_nRdN0kxLOE8CzEhhI/s1600/Nabra+1+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_cRQAMZKEKdxv_HCX8_jS_LyBBbDXhIN-eTMAKAuScedzB_NoQ8dy47GryVOEA7sthDfydl6pEYbpPraj6wIstDjAMUO-tx7UvyeW6S5hNlWrPCt3YXm3qPPR_nRdN0kxLOE8CzEhhI/s200/Nabra+1+.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The thread that
ties each of these horrific acts of violence together is as old at our nation
itself; the dehumanization and devaluation of Black and Brown people. The need
to uproot white supremacy in our culture, institutions, and indeed within
ourselves has never been more clear. Yet in these difficult political times,
the creation of policy that might ease the threats of white supremacy seems
increasingly out of reach. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx9ZoF92O82VOtlM3hUgSKZ4sraVlOp-PO_DrLzTC9L6nJ1ijNxcL033u1f7WIsanQCORsJhK2JbzS6RlxLcz3Y93x4frYwYozabrUksl1DI6lF0XoN2423nt3AIff_F_DPqKyI0aRCQ/s1600/Philando+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="478" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx9ZoF92O82VOtlM3hUgSKZ4sraVlOp-PO_DrLzTC9L6nJ1ijNxcL033u1f7WIsanQCORsJhK2JbzS6RlxLcz3Y93x4frYwYozabrUksl1DI6lF0XoN2423nt3AIff_F_DPqKyI0aRCQ/s200/Philando+.jpg" width="171" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">However, that
does not absolve us, as a predominantly white denomination, to act: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because of our
biblical understanding of who God is and what God intends for humanity, the
PC(USA) must stand against, speak against, and work against racism. Antiracist
effort is not optional for Christians. It is an essential aspect of Christian
discipleship, without which we fail to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Facing Racism: A Vision of the
Intercultural Community Churchwide Antiracism Policy</i>. Approved by the 222<sup>nd</sup>
General Assembly (2016), PC(USA).) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">White supremacy
is insidious in that is seeps into our psyche and into our most private
thoughts. The assumption it produces is that people of color must have done
something bad when they become victims of violence: that Philando shouldn’t
have reached for his wallet, that Charleena was a threat even when she was well
known to officers and had never before tried to harm them, that Nabra said
something to provoke the driver who eventually ended her life. The questions we
should be asking are “are we satisfied with a world where a broken tail light
can get you killed?” “why didn’t Ms. Lyles have access to the mental health
care she needed?” “what kind of world have we created when children coming home
from prayer need be vigilant?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we confront white supremacy and the systems it creates,
other questions come to mind. Questions that help us name and remember, and assess
our own commitments. Questions such as:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">What provokes
outrage and sorrow?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">For whom do we
grieve? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Who will be
remembered and how? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">How can our
local congregations combat the systemic evils which claim innocent lives?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">How can we
hold accountable those in power who abuse their authority through neglect and
abuse?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">What are
appropriate ways we can grieve with families in the midst of such tragic
circumstances?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">What are
fitting memorials so that we can work to prevent future horrors?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">As the
beneficiaries of unearned privileges wrought by white supremacy, it is
incumbent on white people to do the work of interrupting racism. We ask white
readers of this piece to contribute to our collective memory by memorializing
these souls in some way this week; include their names and circumstances in
your prayers individually and in your corporate worship services, begin the
anti racism study and action group your congregation has been considering,
reach out to local organizations who are working to dismantle white supremacy
and offer talent and treasure, as individuals and as a congregation make the <a href="http://auburnseminary.org/dear-white-christians/">Dear White Christian</a>
(<a href="http://auburnseminary.org/dear-white-christians/)">http://auburnseminary.org/dear-white-christians/)</a>
pledge offered by Auburn Seminary and implement the commitments it suggests. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">PC(USA) Resources
on Race and Racism: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Facing
Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural Community <a href="https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/racialjustice/new_2016_antiracism_policy.pdf">https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/racialjustice/new_2016_antiracism_policy.pdf</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The
Facing-Racism Web site provides PC(USA) resources including policies, study
guides, information about training opportunities and more <a href="http://facing-racism.pcusa.org/">http://facing-racism.pcusa.org/</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The Engaging
Belhar Web site provides resources related to the Confession of Belhar </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://oga.pcusa.org/section/mid-council-ministries/constitutional-services/belhar/">http://oga.pcusa.org/section/mid-council-ministries/constitutional-services/belhar/</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we follow
Jesus in our efforts to challenge white supremacy and establish equity, we
commit that: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In our
affirmation that God loves difference, we will honor diversity as a good in
which God delights. In our conviction that God desires justice, we will learn
from others to broaden our understanding of equality. In our humility as sinful
people, we will listen openly to diverse voices regarding how racism functions
in our society. In our gratitude for God’s grace, we will turn again and again
towards the vision of whole community found in the Word of God. In our joyous
response to God’s love, we will love one another. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Facing Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural
Community Churchwide Antiracism Policy</i>. Approved by the 222<sup>nd</sup>
General Assembly (2016), PC(USA).)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We hold you in prayer in all your work to dismantle
white supremacy and establish equity as you follow Jesus who lived and taught
of God’s love.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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</style>Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-66126470755928512222017-06-15T17:01:00.000-04:002017-06-15T17:01:11.444-04:00Launching the Grassroots Advocacy Program: Join Us for a Training Webinar 6.21<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 1:8</b> Jesus says
to His disciples, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“<em><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: normal; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit
comes upon you; </span></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: normal; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and you will be </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">my</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">witnesses</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: normal; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">in Jerusalem, </span></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: normal; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth</span></em>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Presbyterians have heard the call
from Jesus fully commit to being faithful witnesses to the call from God to
transform the world. We are called to be active in social and moral issues as
we engage the world in the public square. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years much of our justice work out of
this office has focused on direct advocacy with Congressional offices, the
White House, and government agencies. This year alone we have met with members
of Congress and their staffers on such vital issues as the travel ban, the Johnson
Amendment and the federal budget. Over and over again, members of Congress
insist that they want to hear directly from their constituents while also
building a relationship with representatives of the denomination. While our
presence on Capitol Hill is essential, we see the need to build political power
with the church to advance a justice agenda and know we cannot do all of that
necessary work from Washington D.C. Every member of Congress is elected from
their district and their ultimate loyalties lie with their constituents. It is
indeed true that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all politics is local</i>
for politics is originated and determined locally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is with great enthusiasm and
excitement that we share with you our Grassroots Advocacy Coordinator Program.
We created this program to offer a higher level of engagement and leadership
development for congregations who want to build power in their communities,
states, and amplify the voice of the faith community on the national level. Our
vision is that every congregation will have a robust social witness ministry
that is deeply involved in local work and has strong relationships with state
and national legislators. Over the course of the next year, the Office of
Public Witness will connect with Grassroots Advocacy Coordinators to offer
team-building workshops, issue briefs and grassroots advocacy and community
organizing trainings. OPW staff will also be available to for regular
consultation by phone to support Grassroots Advocacy Coordinators with the
cohesion of their team and as they prepare for in-state Congressional visits, participate
in local campaigns, and engage in congregational education. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>If you are interested in becoming a
Grassroots Advocacy Coordinator, fill out <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeypWnFak8QJUesYRvzT0rTjY6Sc8Z4aG28iuj2zryOU_tMGg/viewform?usp=sf_link">this</a>
form and we’ll be in touch with you shortly! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For an introduction to the program, please
join us for a webinar entitled “Grassroots Advocacy and Organizing 101, ” :<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 4.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Please
register here: <a href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4797280666033270274"><span style="color: #2e8bcf; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4797280666033270274</span></a> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 4.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>After
registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about
joining the webinar.</b></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #373f50; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I know there are those among you who
have further questions about the relationship between faith and politics. Should
Christians and people of faith be politically active? If so, how far should
individual Christians go in order to make a difference and not cross lines
separating church and state? These are questions which the church has struggled
with over the centuries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our guide first and
foremost is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the Bible</i>. Our biblical
understanding of the mission of the church, and individual Christians, is
shaped and established by what God is doing in the world. Since we are created
by a loving God who cares for us, we are to care for the lives of others, as
well for all of God’s created order. God is a God of liberation who covenants
with faithful humanity. God first made a covenant with Israel through Abraham
promising that through him all the families of the world would be blessed.
Abraham responded by showing hospitality to the strangers as he fed them and
granted them rest. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God liberated the people of Israel from
oppression: God covenanted with Israel to be their God and they to be God’s
people, that they might <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do justice, love
mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord</i>...<span style="background: white;">The
prophets proclaimed the Word of God as a word of justice for the people of
Israel and for all nations as Amos 5:24 declares “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an
ever-flowing stream”. </i>God is incarnate in Christ Jesus who preached his
first sermon from Luke 4 as borrowed from the prophet Isaiah (61:1):</span> “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good news to the poor, proclaimed release
for prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, let the broken victims go
free, and proclaimed the year of the Lord’s favor</i>... “ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John Calvin, in his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.amazon\.com\/Calvin-Institutes-Christian-Religion-Volume\/dp\/0664220282\/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363016691&sr=8-2&keywords=institutes+ford+lewis+battles\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Institutes of the Christian Religion</span></span></i><em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,</span></em> writes
that the sufficient motivation for doing justice lies in the fact that each
human being is made in the image of God: ““The Lord commands all men without
exception ‘to do good’ [Hebrews 13:16]. Yet the great part of them are most
unworthy if they be judged by their own merit. But here Scripture helps when it
teaches that we are not to consider mens’ merit by themselves but to look upon
the image of God in all men, to which we owe all honor and love. Therefore,
whatever man you meet who needs your aid, you have no reason to refuse to help
him.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
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is the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Constitution</i> of the PC(USA) as
it informs our faith<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i>The Book of
Order (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">G-1.0304</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Ministry of Members)</i> reads: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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in the Church of Jesus Christ is a joy and a privilege. It is also a commitment
to participate in Christ’s mission (through): proclaiming the good news in word
and deed;<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;"> </span></i>supporting
the ministry of the church through the giving of money, time, and talents;<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;"> </span></i>responding
to God’s activity in the world through service to others;<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;"> </span></i>living responsibly in the
personal, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships of
life; and working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human
fulfillment,…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Historically the Book of Order has
stated that <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“The
Church is challenged to be Christ’s faithful evangelist... participating in
God’s activity in the world through its life for others by: healing and reconciling
and binding up wounds ministering to the needs of the poor, the sick, the
lonely, and the powerless, engaging in the struggle to free people from sin,
fear, oppression, hunger, and injustice, giving itself and its substance to the
service of those who suffer, sharing with Christ in the establishing of his
just, peaceable, and loving rule in the world. (G-3.0300) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is our calling, to work, serve
and minister with and unto others. The Office of Public Witness invites you to
renew and expand the work of your social witness ministry by building a
Grassroots Advocacy Team. More information on the teams and the trainings can
be found at our website:
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/compassion-peace-justice/washington/advocacy-teams/
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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our voices to advocate for education, investment in peace and not war, economic
and racial justice, and the whole inhabited earth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-89973478012958948272017-06-15T15:33:00.001-04:002017-06-15T15:34:17.411-04:00Recognizing Race: A Guest Post from Seminary Intern Bridget Wendell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pif5TieuSQHG9yCGQlO5483kEcZXh3YRmViOA1sI4uy71TvkHH760KuZqshG4kIKmCFvMEkIl8CcL0O9uqntnqivmjpgMyOCQpSt4wN-xoeu-agrRrJPKGfG0gMjjcRZKCN83ruJ_s8/s1600/Bridget+Headshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="299" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pif5TieuSQHG9yCGQlO5483kEcZXh3YRmViOA1sI4uy71TvkHH760KuZqshG4kIKmCFvMEkIl8CcL0O9uqntnqivmjpgMyOCQpSt4wN-xoeu-agrRrJPKGfG0gMjjcRZKCN83ruJ_s8/s320/Bridget+Headshot.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">In Second Samuel, after David saw
Bathsheba bathing on a roof, and murdered her husband, there is a poignant
moment of reckoning between the King and his Prophet.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Nathan comes into David’s court and tells him
the story of a poor man who’s lone ewe is stolen by a rich man.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">In the moment after David’s anger is “kindled
against the man” the prophet turns to him and in a brave assumption of risk,
tells David, “You are the man!”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Following Nathan’s profession, David is convicted, and he, the most
powerful man in Israel, comes face to face with his own naked sin.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Despite its glaring presence and seemingly
obvious nature, David himself was blind to it until Nathan mirrored it back to
him in new words.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We all have prophets
in our own lives who can be easy to ignore.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">When was the last time you were confronted by one of them? In my own
life recently, I have felt both the pain and the freedom that comes with the
prophetic mirror, especially around the issue of race.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As someone who grew up in a
predominantly white area, it took longer for me than for most people to
consider the impact of race on my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
began seminary in September of last year and quickly found myself piled under a
stack of theology books in the expansive library, with the sudden knowledge that
seminary was going to challenge my beliefs about the world and God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of these challenging experiences happened
for me in late October, in a corner room on the top floor of the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twelve students and our TA were gathered in a
loose circle discussing the theological perspectives of Chung Hyun Kyung, a Korean
feminist theologian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The conversation
began to heat up as students of different ages, races, economic backgrounds,
and life experiences struggled to make themselves heard.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">As our discussion unfolded, the professor
posed the question: “Can we ever really fully understand another person’s
experience?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I raised my hand. “Yes,” I answered unequivocally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course we can.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My response was greeted with entirely justified looks of
suspicion from the Black, Korean and Latino students in the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another student raised her hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think that’s true,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We went back and forth;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>posited that if I read enough,
thought hard enough, and talked to enough people, then I could fully understand
her experience. She continued to push back on me, saying there were some
aspects of growing up a person of color in America I could never understand<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left the classroom feeling let down, like
somehow there was no hope to end division if we couldn’t all be the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized later that uniformity was not a
prerequisite to relationship, and that my comments had been informed by a set
of beliefs that make white, European experiences “normal” and other experiences
“abnormal”. I’ve now learned to name that system of beliefs as a system of
white supremacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">White supremacy is “the beliefs and ideas purporting the
natural superiority of lighter-skinned, or “white,” human races over other
racial groups.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=208734580494210337#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The term “white supremacy” has often been
associated with extremist racist groups, but it in fact describes the
underpinnings of a country founded on the stolen labor of enslaved people.
Today, it can take the form of using stereotypes to maintain unjust
systems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be white flight or
assuming that the “white” idea of success or practice is the right way of doing
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, it looked like assuming my
experience was standard, and so believing that I could understand other
people’s experiences as a result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In that moment in class, I had made the mistake of confusing
“head knowledge” with “lived knowledge.” I thought that if I could understand a
concept, it would be as though I had experienced it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other circumstances, I would have thought
this to be illogical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that watching
someone lose a loved one, seeing them mourn, and understanding the grieving
process is not like experiencing loss for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the classroom that day, I had incorrectly
assumed that the experiences my classmates of other races had been similar to mine,
intelligible to me. In reality, the loss they had experienced in their lives
was the lived experience of being in a world that systematically tries to tell
you that what is right is something that you are not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My classmate held up a prophetic mirror to me that has
helped me to see my own blindness to the pieces of myself that are influenced
by my privilege as a white person and my participation in the systems that hurt
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Nathan the Prophet
confronting King David, it has called me to account.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has led me to consider the words of
Ta-Nehisi Coates and look deeply into the mirror so that I can see and sit and
struggle with the injustice that surrounds me in order to become less blind to
the sin in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the story of King
David, the King went on to repent, and mourn for the consequences of his
sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that this process for me,
like the rest of white America, will be a long one, but not one without hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be a parallel process of
liberation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Lila Watson, an artist
and leading activist for aboriginal rights in Australia, said, “If you have
come here to help me, then you are wasting your time… But if you have come
because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have spent the last weeks thinking about, learning about
and trying to understand what it means to embody solidarity, or unity of
thought or action among people with a common goal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that solidarity begins in
relationship, extends to caring, listening, and then helping in ways that the
oppressed group feels are needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
think back to the seminar at Princeton, I realize that solidarity is not
sameness, as I once thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solidarity
is recognizing and valuing our differences and using our social location to
work towards communal liberation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather
than believing one should gain nothing from acts of solidarity, I think that
true solidarity benefits all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
chosen to share my own story, not because it is original, but because it is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that others can see begin to recognize
the prophets in their midst who hold up the mirrors to their own
experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a woman who is preparing for ministry in the church, and
I believe that I cannot faithfully proclaim the word of God without addressing white
supremacy culture in my own life, and in the communal life of the mainline
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means addressing and
education congregants on the history of the church and the way that we have
excluded people of color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also means
examining the effects of history on our lives and being humble enough to listen
to the Nathans all around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
created a culture of comfort in the mainline church that often times obscures
the mirrors God places in our midst to draw us closer to God’s self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So go out into the world this summer; be
uncomfortable, be challenged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find the
prophets and listen to them, and if you don’t see anyone in your midst who
looks or thinks differently than you, reach out to people who will help you
bravely confront yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find out what
solidarity means to you and in the process, let’s move the church together.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<i>Bridget Wendell was the Spring 2017 Seminary Intern with the Office of Public Witness. Bridget is attending Princeton Theological Seminary, and is pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree. This semester she participated in Wesley Seminary's National Capital Semester for Seminarians program. Through this program she had the opportunity to meet with advocates and politicians in DC and delve into advocacy work with the OPW. She felt her call to ministry while participating in a summer long mission program in Pucallpa, Peru. A desire to do long-term mission work led her to attend Princeton Theological Seminary. Through participation in various programs, her seminary experience, and her work with the OPW, she is continuing to discern her specific call. Integral in this process has been her work with local churches. Throughout last year, she worked as a Youth Minister in a PCUSA church in Glenside, PA and spent the past summer working with a Methodist church in Wilmington, NC.</i></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=208734580494210337#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> https://www.britannica.com/topic/white-supremacy<o:p></o:p></div>
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Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-36441828711371779802017-06-08T13:00:00.000-04:002017-06-08T13:00:10.348-04:00The Presbyterian Church (USA) Joins 22 Faith Based Organizations Urging Congress to Stand Firm in its Commitment to Foreign Assistance<div class="page" title="Page 1">
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<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 14.6667px;">June 7, 2017</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The Honorable Thad Cochran
Chairman<br />
Senate Appropriations Committee
Washington, D.C. 20510
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<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The Honorable Patrick Leahy
Ranking Member<br />
Senate Appropriations Committee
Washington, D.C. 20510</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The Honorable Rodney Frelinghuysen
Chairman<br />
House Appropriations Committee
Washington, D.C. 20515
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<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The Honorable Nita Lowey
Ranking Member<br />
House Appropriations Committee
Washington, D.C. 20515</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 14.6667px;">Dear Chairs and Ranking Members,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">We are a diverse group of national faith-based organizations committed to saving lives and advancing the
dignity of vulnerable and marginalized persons and communities across the world. We support U.S.
investment in international humanitarian and poverty-focused development assistance and peace-building
programs that alleviate suffering from hunger, extreme poverty, forced displacement, debilitating illness,
natural disasters and violent conflict.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">While representing various faith traditions, we all believe that people and nations are accountable for how
we treat our brothers and sisters at home and abroad who are vulnerable and in need. The Federal budget
is a moral document, which reflects the values of our nation. In the rich history of our country the
American people have responded with a hand up to millions of people suffering from hunger, disease,
displacement and violence.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">We believe that the international affairs budget proposed by the Administration does not reflect this moral
and compassionate commitment. Proposing to decrease funding for development assistance, disaster
assistance, food aid, migration and refugee assistance, and the bureau of conflict and stabilization
operations - compromises our foreign policy strategy, endangers our development and peacebuilding
experts, and threatens our position in the world as a leader in global development. It also halts the
progress that we have made over the last 20 years eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Fortunately, Congress has continued to provide bipartisan support for the international affairs budget, and
</span><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">we applaud concerns that have been expressed in response to the Administration’s proposal. We urge
</span><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Congress to stand firm in its commitment to foreign assistance, and why we join the international
advocacy community in support of </span><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPS'; font-size: 11.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">$60 billion for the international affairs budget. </span><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The U.S. must
remain the global leader, committed to reducing poverty and increasing opportunity </span><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">– </span><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">at home and
abroad.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Most of the 150 budget is within the jurisdiction of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee. As
you allocate subcommittee funding we </span><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPS'; font-size: 11.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">urge you to protect these programs by providing at or above
the current FY17 levels of $</span><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPS'; font-size: 11.000000pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">53.1 billion for the SFOPS subcommittee. </span><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Investing in life-saving peace
building, humanitarian, and poverty focused development assistance is critical for helping create a
healthier world, and generating goodwill toward the United States.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 11pt;">U.S. foreign assistance investments literally mean life or death for millions of people. Almost 800
million people still suffer from hunger, 767 million people still live in extreme poverty, and thousands of
children die each day from preventable diseases. We are also facing the largest combined humanitarian
crisis since WWII. Currently 60 million persons have been displaced from their homes </span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 11pt;">– </span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 11pt;">the highest
number in decades. Famine has been declared in South Sudan, and near famine conditions are in
northeast Nigeria, Somalia, and Yemen-threatening starvation for over 20 million people within the next
six months. Now, more than ever, we need to think about what our role is in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Again, thank you for considering our request. We look forward to working with you in building a world
of hope </span><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">and prosperity for the future of all God’s children, including our own.
</span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Thank you! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Sincerely,
</span><br />
<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;">
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Adventist Development and Relief
Agency
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">American Jewish World Service
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Bread for the World
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Children's Medical Ministries
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Christian Connections for International
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Health
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Church World Service
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Conference of Major Superiors of Men
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Disabled Children's Fund
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Evangelical Lutheran Church in
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">America
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Faiths for Safe Water
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Food for the Hungry
</span><br />
</li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">IMA World Health</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">International Aid, Inc.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Islamic Relief USA</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Jewish Council for Public Affairs </span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Lutheran World Relief</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Mennonite Central Committee, U.S, </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Washington Office </span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Office of Social Justice, Christian </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Reformed Church in North America </span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Presbyterian Church (USA)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Union for Reform Judaism</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">United Church of Christ, Justice and </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Witness Ministries</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">United Methodist Church, General </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Board of Church and Society </span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">World Renew</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-36116682953764821682017-06-05T12:24:00.000-04:002017-06-05T12:24:12.485-04:00Rev. Hawkins Responds to Exit from the Paris Climate Accords <div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yX4b1BaX0cVbu3lRJydOVVpCO2Ilf9YtuHpX2ooRzPn1kVEUNLrAdMPdK4g5JnWO90pZ_S9Pub5mduSEgg41-9xkVzWI4SeFN2tvWjMej_kDiz9Ovc8Aeg4kJUwUQ61HausOwWrVXCc/s1600/Jimmie+Climate+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="712" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yX4b1BaX0cVbu3lRJydOVVpCO2Ilf9YtuHpX2ooRzPn1kVEUNLrAdMPdK4g5JnWO90pZ_S9Pub5mduSEgg41-9xkVzWI4SeFN2tvWjMej_kDiz9Ovc8Aeg4kJUwUQ61HausOwWrVXCc/s320/Jimmie+Climate+1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><i>Remarks as prepared for climate rally in front of the White House 6.2.17</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Bible begins, “In the beginning, God created the heaves and the earth…” </span><span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/www\.biblegateway\.com\/passage\/?search=Genesis+2%3A15&version=NRSV\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Christians</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> are
called to </span><span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/thinkprogress\.org\/in-leaked-encyclical-pope-francis-deconstructs-conservative-talking-points-on-climate-and-fossil-878fbdc11838\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">care for</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> the
earth and its inhabitants, including the sea, birds, and “every creeping thing
that creeps on the earth.” The environment, the world, the stars, the moon and
the sun, everything that is was created by God and given to human beings to
care for and to protect. We are called to be stewards of God’s creation, not
abusers of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">On
Thursday June 1, 2017 at 3:30 President Trump announced that the United States would
withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord agreed to on Dec. 12, 2015.This decision
on his part will do tremendous damage to this planet. It will not create jobs,
rather slow tremendous job growth already occurring in clean energy production.
<a href="https://www.business.com/articles/the-impact-of-green-energy-on-the-economy/">The
United States economy has benefited greatly from the decision to adopt green
energy sources and cut down on emissions in order to limit the rise of global
temperatures.</a> The threat of climate change is "urgent and potentially
irreversible," and can only be addressed through "the widest possible
cooperation by all countries" and "deep reductions in global
emissions." This agreement gives direction and needed momentum to the
movement for Christian stewardship of creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Unfortunately
the United States is not fully equipped with leaders who are ready to lead in
climate justice. Far too many voices are speaking for God who, quite frankly,
don’t understand theologically what Christian stewardship means. Many of our
politicians have adopted a uninform theology which denies the reality of
climate change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Rep. Tim Walberg</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> (R-MI) preached last Friday at a town hall “Well, as a Christian, I
believe that there is a creator in God who is much bigger than us, and I’m
confident that, if there’s a real problem, he can take care of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In 2011, North
Carolina Republican <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rep. Virginia Foxx</i>
</span><span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/www\.publicintegrity\.org\/2011\/04\/06\/3956\/climate-facts-and-fancy\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">complained</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> that
environmentalists “think that we, human beings, have more impact on the climate
and the world than God does.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And in 2013, GOP
Texas <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rep. Joe Barton</i> said, “I would
point out if you’re a believer in the Bible, one would have to say the Great
Flood is an example of climate change, and that certainly wasn’t because
mankind overdeveloped hydrocarbon energy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">But
I urge you, rather than listen to politicians who are way out their lane when
talking theology, listen to those who have an informed faith, who are in
conversation with the <a href="https://climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus/">97%
of climate scientists</a> who agree that warming trends over the last decades
are due to human influence.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u5hNs9SA-aCRMpxIu24bKQV3uobvnO3mH1IJoAztJ2cfprMapmPUoi1m3WFjG7NOT281xyNrbqFvBIZPgfzlIu6l79Oj0CKF8jpGel5qkVsYTBxzxIuVh5wJPhIHiBAtZDnce0bCIb0/s1600/Jimmie+Climate+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1068" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u5hNs9SA-aCRMpxIu24bKQV3uobvnO3mH1IJoAztJ2cfprMapmPUoi1m3WFjG7NOT281xyNrbqFvBIZPgfzlIu6l79Oj0CKF8jpGel5qkVsYTBxzxIuVh5wJPhIHiBAtZDnce0bCIb0/s320/Jimmie+Climate+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Listen to the Presbyterian
Church which has for decades been an advocate for protecting the earth,
eliminating the use of fossil fuels and warning about the dangers of climate
change. Read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+power+to+change+pcusa&oq=the+power+to+change+pcusa&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i64.2719j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8">The
Power to Change</a> </i>the climate justice policy approved by the 218<sup>th</sup>
General Assembly which outlines our role and responsibility to act on climate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Listen to the
more than 80 groups and 3,600 individuals of Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu,
Christian, and Muslim faith who have signed on a declaration against climate
change including the Dalai Lama, the head of the World Council of Churches and
several Catholic cardinals.</span> <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/publicreligion\.org\/research\/2014\/11\/believers-sympathizers-skeptics-americans-conflicted-climate-change-environmental-policy-science\/\0022 \\l \0022\.VxT7o-YrKRt\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Listen to the</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> <a href="https://www.prri.org/research/believers-sympathizers-skeptics-americans-conflicted-climate-change-environmental-policy-science/#.VxT7o-YrKRt">majorities
of American people of faith who say that dealing with climate change now will
help prevent future economic problems</a>: 82% of Jewish Americans; 76% of
black Protestants, and 69% of Hispanic Catholics</span> <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/tcktcktck\.org\/2015\/11\/1-8-million-sign-faith-call-for-climate-action-ahead-of-paris-climate-talks\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1.8 million</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">people have signed faith-based petitions calling for
climate action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Listen to Pope
Francis<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>who has explicitly presented
global warming as a moral issue. He issued a 184-page papal letter titled “<span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/www\.documentcloud\.org\/documents\/2105201-laudato-si-inglese\.html\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Laudato Si</span></span></span>” (“Praise Be to You”)
describing global warming as a worldwide problem rooted in greed, apathy and
unceasing environmental exploitation. Pope Francis wrote that the poor and
powerless are paying the heaviest price for those behaviors and that climate
change “represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day. The
earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of
filth… Any harm done to the environment, therefore, is harm done to humanity.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">What
we say as a church and what we do makes a difference. We can influence others
who are hesitant to support the science which informs us of the current danger.
EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said the Pope’s encyclical on climate change
was a “game changer.” According to a report from the Yale Program on Climate
Change Communication,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/climatecommunication\.yale\.edu\/publications\/the-francis-effect\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">17% </span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">of Americans say the Pope’s stance on global warming
has shaped their view of the issue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">So
don’t stop protesting. Don’t stop shouting. Don’t stop marching. Don’t stop
praying. Don’t stop demanding that the United States support the Paris Climate
Accord. Don’t stop what you are doing in the name of God for climate justice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-31084773898882199532017-05-09T09:42:00.000-04:002017-05-09T09:42:01.031-04:00Faith Leaders Urge President Trump to Keep Paris Climate Commitments <div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"> </span>May 9, 2017 </div>
<div class="p2">
President Donald Trump </div>
<div class="p2">
The White House </div>
<div class="p2">
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW </div>
<div class="p2">
Washington, DC 20500 </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Dear Mr. President: </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
As members of a coalition of diverse faith traditions, we are united across theological lines and called by our commitment to care for all of God’s creation and to stand with vulnerable communities, both across the world as well as right here in the United States. Included in our coalition are many faith organizations that provide direct accompaniment, technical support and post-disaster relief to frontline communities everywhere. These communities daily face the devastating impacts of dramatically changing weather patterns. Climate change disproportionately affects the world’s poorest communities; our faith traditions compel us to bear prophetic witness to their suffering. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
It is in keeping with our deeply held religious values that we write to urge that the United States remains a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement and to fulfill our commitments under that agreement. </div>
<div class="p2">
As people of faith, we believe that we have a responsibility to be caretakers of Divine creation - to preserve our ecosystems for future generations and to ensure the human dignity and worth of all people. The ongoing climate crisis places a disproportionate burden on women and children, communities of color, low-income communities, and tribal nations both in the United States and globally. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and drought can create great instability for individuals, families, and entire nations. It can mean losing their livelihoods, incomes, homes and land. It can also lead to an increase in conflict, hunger, disease, displacement, and human trafficking. </div>
<div class="p2">
Many people in the United States live at or below the poverty line, including members of our own congregations. The Paris Agreement is a historic pact that will not only protect vulnerable populations, but benefit the United States’ economy and society. It will reduce carbon emissions, result in long-term energy savings, and foster growth and job creation in the emerging alternative energy market. Efforts to address climate change are, at their core, efforts to protect all of earth’s inhabitants, especially poor and vulnerable communities. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
There are also broad international consequences to exiting the Paris Agreement or failing to meet domestic reduction goals. If the United States withdraws from the agreement or halts all efforts to reduce carbon emissions, we will face diplomatic ramifications that could undercut cooperation on other global efforts that are in the interests of the United States. Exiting the agreement would send the message that the United States cannot be trusted as a leader and partner in global affairs. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
The need for global leadership could not be more urgent. We believe that the United States can and must play a leadership role in addressing the environmental challenges which threaten our planet, our security, the health of our families, and the fate of communities throughout the world. </div>
<div class="p2">
For these reasons, we join together to urge you, as the President of the United States, to remain in the Paris Agreement and to meet our commitments in that agreement. The Paris Agreement will safeguard God’s creation, protect the vulnerable, address the impacts of climate change and fulfill our moral obligation to future generations. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Sincerely, </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
American Jewish World Service </div>
<div class="p2">
Coalition for the Environment and Jewish Life </div>
<div class="p2">
Columbian Center for Advocacy and Outreach </div>
<div class="p2">
Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces </div>
<div class="p2">
Church World Service </div>
<div class="p2">
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America </div>
<div class="p2">
Franciscan Action Network </div>
<div class="p2">
Friends Committee on National Legislation </div>
<div class="p2">
Interfaith Power & Light </div>
<div class="p2">
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns </div>
<div class="p2">
Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Office </div>
<div class="p2">
National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd </div>
<div class="p2">
Office of Social Justice, Christian Reformed Church in North America </div>
<div class="p2">
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) </div>
<div class="p2">
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas' Institute Justice Team </div>
<div class="p2">
UUSC: Unitarian Universalist Service Committee </div>
<div class="p2">
Union for Reform Judaism </div>
<div class="p2">
Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth </div>
<div class="p2">
Unitarian Universalist Association </div>
<div class="p2">
Young Evangelicals for Climate Action </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
CC: The Honorable Rex Tillerson </div>
<div class="p2">
The Honorable Scott Pruitt </div>
<div class="p2">
The Honorable Wilbur Roos </div>
<div class="p2">
The Honorable Steve Mnuchin </div>
<div class="p2">
The Honorable Bob Corker </div>
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<br />
<div class="p2">
The Honorable Ben Cardin </div>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-17190905971062525632017-05-02T12:25:00.004-04:002017-05-02T12:25:35.946-04:00Join a National Call In Day to Oppose the AHCA<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Call <a href="file://localhost/tel/(866)%20426-2631"><span style="color: blue;">866-426-2631</span></a>
to make your voice heard.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">As introduced,
the American Health Care Act would profoundly reduce coverage for millions of
Americans—including many low-income and disabled individuals who rely on
Medicaid—and increase out-of-pocket costs for the sickest and oldest among us.
Recent changes to the AHCA are alarming; these changes include allowing states
to waive the requirement for essential health benefits, which could deny
patients the care and treatment they need to treat their conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Another change
allows states to waive protections against health status rating. Weakening
these rules would enable insurers to charge higher prices to people with
pre-existing conditions, possibly making insurance unaffordable for those who
need it most.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">States that
waive health status rating protections would be required to set up a high risk
sharing program, which may include a high-risk pool. Offering these risk
sharing mechanisms as an alternative to affordable health insurance is not a
viable option, particularly high-risk pools. Previous state high risk pools
resulted in higher premiums, long waiting lists and inadequate coverage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Weakening
protections in favor of high-risk pools would also undermine the ban on
discrimination based on health status. The individuals and families we
represent cannot go back to a time when people with pre-existing conditions
could be denied coverage or forced to choose between purchasing basic
necessities and affording their health care coverage. Given these factors, we
oppose the latest draft of the AHCA. We urge Members of Congress to reject this
legislation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For more than 60 years, Presbyterian General Assemblies have
been calling for reform of the U.S. health system, urging the establishment of
a national medical plan that will ensure universal health coverage for all
persons residing in the United States. In 1988, the Assembly wrote, “Jesus’
command to love our neighbor requires persons with plentiful health resources
both to comprehend the condition of those persons without basic health care and
to share the means to health.” In other words, it is our collective
responsibility as a community, and as a nation, to make sure that all people
have access to the means to good health – that is, access to quality,
affordable, comprehensive health coverage. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Join our National Call-In Day: Call your
representative at <a href="file://localhost/tel/(866)%20426-2631"><span style="color: blue;">866-426-2631</span></a> make your voice heard and oppose the
cruel new health care bill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sample
Script:</span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As
a Presbyterian, I urge Representative _____ to vote NO on the American Health
Care Act</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">1) The Presbyterian Church has long viewed healthcare as a moral issue</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2)
I am are especially concerned with the 880 billion in cuts to Medicaid
contained in this bill. If this bill is passed an estimated thousands of people
in this district will lose lifesaving Medicaid coverage.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">4)
Restructuring Medicaid, a program that covers over 70 million people, and
ending the Medicaid expansion will end affordable coverage for millions of
low-income Americans – making it even harder for them to put food on the table
each day.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I
forcefully oppose the AHCA and strongly urge Representative _____ to vote
against it.</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-33072714247355776202017-04-24T09:37:00.002-04:002017-04-24T09:44:55.621-04:00Hundreds of Faith Leaders to Hold March Urging Congress to Reject Trump’s Immoral Budget Proposal<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
<i>Prominent ecumenical coalition call on House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell</i></div>
<div class="p3">
<i> to protect the vulnerable</i></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
Washington, D.C.—Hundreds of clergy and lay leaders from across the country will gather for a prayer vigil in front of the United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave., NE, at 12 p.m. on Monday, April 24th, to urge Congress to reject President Trump’s sinful and immoral federal budget proposal, which makes deeply destructive cuts to programs that address human needs in order to increase Pentagon spending.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
Following the vigil, clergy will march to the Hart Senate Building, where they will kneel and pray in the atrium to draw attention to the magnitude of the harm this budget will cause vulnerable populations in our nation.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
The Christian clergy and lay leaders participating in the march are in the nation’s capital for the Lobby Day of the 2017 Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice. Close to 1,000 Christians will participate in the EAD conference over the weekend, which is organized around the theme, “Confronting Chaos, Forging Community: Challenging Racism, Materialism and Militarism.” </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
In the Christian tradition of fasting to petition God to respond to dire circumstances, Ecumenical Advocacy Days participants will fast from sunup to sundown on April 24.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune, an organizer for Monday’s public witness event, remarked, “The extreme nature of this proposed budget, which would cut funding for programs that help children, the elderly, those who have disabilities, and those protecting God’s creation, to build walls and tanks that we don’t need is sinful and immoral. It goes against our beliefs and values. We reject it. We say no to it. In fact, we say hell no to this sinful budget that would hurt the most vulnerable people in our nation!”</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
Doug Grace, Director of Ecumenical Advocacy Days,said, “It’s important for us to send a strong message to Congress and the President that this budget is immoral, and we will do all we can to oppose it. We will not be silent or stand idly by while those most in need are harmed. We will not watch as families are ripped apart through mass deportations and our air and water are polluted because of corporate greed and deregulation.”</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
<b>WHEN:</b></div>
<div class="p4">
Monday, April 24th, at 12 p.m.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
<b>WHERE:</b></div>
<div class="p4">
United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave., NE</div>
<div class="p4">
Washington, D.C. 20002</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
<b>WHO:</b></div>
<div class="p4">
<b>Rev. Dr. Susan Henry Crowe</b>,</div>
<div class="p4">
General Secretary, General Board of Church & Society, United Methodist Church</div>
<div class="p4">
<b>Rev. Traci Blackmon,</b></div>
<div class="p4">
Executive Minister of Justice & Witness Ministries, United Church of Christ</div>
<div class="p4">
<b>Rev. Jimmie Hawkins,</b></div>
<div class="p4">
Director, Office of Public Witness, Presbyterian Church (USA)</div>
<div class="p4">
<b>Rev. Aundreia Alexander, Esq.</b>,</div>
<div class="p4">
Associate General Secretary for Justice and Peace, National Council of Churches of Christ USA</div>
<div class="p4">
<b>Dr. Patrick Carolan,</b></div>
<div class="p4">
Executive Director, Franciscan Action Network</div>
<div class="p4">
<b>Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland Tune</b>,</div>
<div class="p4">
Director, Ecumenical Poverty Initiative</div>
<div class="p4">
<b>Mr. Douglas Grace</b>,</div>
<div class="p4">
Director, Ecumenical Advocacy Days</div>
<div class="p4">
<b>Rev. Noel Anderson</b>,</div>
<div class="p4">
National Grassroots Coordinator, Church World Service</div>
<div class="p4">
<b>Bishop Jose Garcia</b>,</div>
<div class="p4">
Senior Advisor for Prayer and Special Initiatives, Bread for the World</div>
<div class="p4">
<b>Rev. Dr. Timothy D. Boddie</b>,</div>
<div class="p4">
General Secretary, Progressive National Baptist Convention</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
###</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p5">
<i>Ecumenical Advocacy Days is a movement of the ecumenical Christian community, and its more than 50 recognized partners</i></div>
<div class="p5">
<i> and allies, grounded in biblical witness and shared traditions of justice, peace and the integrity of creation. Through worship, theological reflection and opportunities for learning and witness, EAD’s goal is to strengthen Christians’ voice and to mobilize</i></div>
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<br />
<div class="p5">
<i> for advocacy on a wide variety of U.S. domestic and international policy issues.</i></div>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-71129935369298218812017-04-10T10:44:00.000-04:002017-04-10T10:44:17.566-04:007 things you should know about the 2017 DHS immigration enforcement guidelines<div class="normal" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">By Ray Chen, Emerson National Hunger Fellow at the Office of Public Witness</i></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On February 20,
2017, DHS Secretary John Kelly issued two memoranda [<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/publication/implementing-presidents-border-security-and-immigration-enforcement-improvement-policies">1</a>,
<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/publication/enforcement-immigration-laws-serve-national-interest">2</a>]
that guides DHS offices and personnel on how the department will fulfill the
executive orders President Trump signed earlier in January [<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/25/executive-order-border-security-and-immigration-enforcement-improvements">1</a>,
<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/25/presidential-executive-order-enhancing-public-safety-interior-united">2</a>].
The memos detail a radical departure from more community-friendly guidelines
that were adopted towards the end of the Obama administration. <b>Generally, there
will be much stricter immigration enforcement and subsequent expansion of the
immigration system.</b> It is still unclear as to how these memos will affect
immigration enforcement on the ground, but they provide us with general trends
we need to be aware of. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1. These memos rescind all previous DHS guidelines except
the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans
memos, including the memo that enforce sensitive locations, which grant
churches a layer of protection when providing sanctuary, and memos that protect
vulnerable populations.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All conflicting
DHS guidelines were rescinded except for the 2012 DACA memorandum and the Nov
2014 DACA+/DAPA memorandum, which allow deferred action and work authorization for
undocumented people who enter the country as minors and parents of US citizens
or lawful permanent residents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, it is
unclear what this will look in practice, but some clues offer us some insight
on the following guidelines: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enforcement actions at sensitive locations</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. The sensitive location memo instructs
ICE officers to avoid enforcement activity at places of worship, schools,
medical facilities, religious or civil ceremonies, and public demonstrations. The
memo protects the people who are housed in places of worship in the Sanctuary
Movement. This guideline is currently still up on the DHS </span><a href="https://www.ice.gov/ero/enforcement/sensitive-loc"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">FAQ</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> page. However, this may be only
temporary, and it is important to note that there have been reports of
enforcement actions adjacent to these sensitive locations (i.e. <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-immigration-school-20170303-story.html">on
public road next to a school</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Protection for victims or witnesses of crime. </span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On Tuesday, Apr 5, DHS spokesperson
says that witnesses or victims of crime are not immune to deportation (</span><a href="http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/department-of-homeland-security/327332-dhs-immigration-arrests-fair-at"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the Hill</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">). This can lead to decreased public
safety, as undocumented people will be less likely to report crime.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Protection for other vulnerable populations</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. Previous guidelines have deemed
certain groups of people as not an enforcement priority for humanitarian
reasons, such as primary caregivers of children, individuals with serious
mental disabilities or physical illness, and pregnant and nursing mothers.
However, the </span><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/14_1120_memo_prosecutorial_discretion.pdf"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">memo</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> that allows for this flexibility was
specifically named to be revoked in the new memos.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2. These memos end “catch and release,” which allowed undocumented people without criminal records to not be detained, and restrict
exemptions from detention to a very few people, greatly increasing the
population targeted for detention.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These memos
specifically called for an end to “catch and release,” which loosely describes
the practice of not detaining undocumented people unless if they meet certain
criteria for priority removal such as having been convicted of a felony or
being a gang member. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With these new
guidelines, the only people exempted from detention are: People who are being
removed from the US; People granted relief from removal or with valid
immigration status in the US; People who withdraw an application for admission
voluntarily and leave the US; People required to be released by statute,
judicial order, or a binding settlement agreement; People granted parole under
the DHS; People who an asylum officer finds has a “credible fear” of
persecution or torture, pose no security risk, and agree to comply with any additional
conditions of release. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Very few people
fit the above criteria, and there would need to be massive expansion of
detention facility and personnel to make these detentions a reality. The
guidelines vaguely state that ”detention resources should be prioritized based
upon potential danger and risk of flight.” The memos also specifically name a
restriction on the use of parole, adding that parole can only be granted in
“demonstrated urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefits.”
Further regulations that clarify the use of parole power is expected.<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3. These memos expand the definition of who is considered
criminal, thus prioritizing the removal of virtually all undocumented people. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These memos
rescind the <a href="https://www.ice.gov/pep#wcm-survey-target-id">Priority
Enforcement Program</a>, which restricted the criminal offenses that are
prioritized for removal, and returns to the <a href="https://www.ice.gov/secure-communities">Secure Communities Program</a>.
Furthermore, it expands the department’s enforcement priorities to also people
who have been<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">convicted or charged with any
criminal offense, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">committed acts that constitute a
chargeable criminal offense, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">engaged in fraud or willful
misrepresentation, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">have abused any public benefits
programs, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">have a final order of removal, or, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">as deemed by an immigration officer,
poses a risk to public safety or national security. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These criteria
are broad and ambiguous, and can cover petty offenses such as jaywalking or
even simply “improper entry by alien.” There is also a specific focus on
immigration offenses committed at the southern border.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4. These memos restrict prosecutorial discretion and
expand expedited removal so that more people are deported without due process
of law. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In contrast to
previous guidelines that encouraged prosecutorial discretion for vulnerable
groups, these memos say that “shall not be exercised in a manner that exempts
or excludes a specific class or category of aliens from enforcement of the
immigration.” The General Counsel will issue further guidance on what this will
look like in practice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Furthermore,
there is an expansion of the use of Expedited Removal that allows for the
removal of arriving undocumented people at the discretion of immigration
officers, without further judicial hearings or review. Before the memo,
expedited removal had only been used within 100 air miles of the border for
people who have only been in the US for less than 14 days and people arriving
to the US by sea other than at a port of entry. This memo seeks to enforce
removal without further hearings or review for anyone who cannot prove that
they have been continuously present in the US for at least two years. The
specific guidance has not yet been developed, and will be published in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Federal Register</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5. These memos call for increased state and local law
enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Under the
Priority Enforcement Program that has now been dismantled, there has been a
shift away from state and local law enforcement agencies assisting in the
enforcement of federal immigration law. Returning to the Secure Communities
program, local and state enforcement can <a href="https://www.ice.gov/detainer-policy">detain</a> an undocumented
individual for up to 48 hours additional hours so that ICE officers can
apprehend the person, regardless of the type of crime the person had been
charged for. Many civil rights groups have criticized this hold as
unconstitutional detention. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Furthermore,
the memo calls for the expansion of the <a href="https://www.ice.gov/287g">287(g)
program</a> in the border region, which allow for written agreements between
state and local governments to authorize their law enforcement agencies to
perform the functions of a federal immigration officer. The 287(g) program had
been restricted after it came under criticism for encouraging racial profiling
behaviors from local law enforcement and putting communities in dangers as a
result of fewer crimes being reported for fear of deportation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The <span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">memo also calls for the expansion
of the <a href="https://www.ice.gov/criminal-alien-program">Criminal Alien
Program</a> (CAP), which is facilitated by increased state and local
cooperation. CAP focuses on expediting securing a final order of removal for
undocumented people who are incarcerated so that the person is deported without
even being taken into ICE custody. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">6. These memos call for the expansion of detention
facilities & enforcement staff.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To implement
the above policies, the memos call for the hiring of an additional 10,000 ICE
agents and other associated operational, mission support, and legal staff,
5,000 additional border patrol agents, and 500 air and marine agents or
officers. The memos also call for resources to be allocated to expanding
detention capabilities and building a border wall. Congress will have to
allocate enough funds in the federal budget to the DHS for the department to
make this expansion a reality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7. These memos create mechanisms to reinforce the narrative
of the “criminal alien.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most ostentatiously,
the memos establish the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office,
which will ensure that victims of crimes committed by undocumented people and
the victims’ families have information about the offender. Furthermore, the
memos call for a monthly report of data on alien apprehensions and releases
that include “country of citizenship, convicted criminals and the nature of
their offenses, gang members, prior immigration violators, custody status of
aliens, and if release, the reason for release and location of their release,
aliens ordered removed, and aliens physically removed or returned.” The memos
also calls for a <a href="https://www.ice.gov/declined-detainer-outcome-report">weekly
report</a> to the public of non-federal jurisdictions that release aliens from
their custody, particularly spotlighting cities that have adopted “sanctuary”
policies and do not fully cooperate with ICE officers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In contrast to
prior protocol, the memo declares that the Privacy Act as now only covering US
citizens and lawful permanent residents, thus facilitating the release of
personal identifiable information to the public by these regular reports and
the VOICE office. Under the guise of transparency and accountability, the
department is releasing information that can be used as fodder to feed the
growing hysteria around “criminal aliens.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The memos also
cover other policy changes, such as ones to collect authorized civil fines and
penalties from undocumented people and those who facilitate their presence, to
return arriving unauthorized migrants to the contiguous country while they wait
for their removal proceedings, regardless of their country of origin, and to
change the definition of who qualifies as an unaccompanied minor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Overall, these
memos show that this administration seeks to greatly expand immigration
enforcement, and that any undocumented person can be targeted for removal.
However, it is unclear how these policies will actually look in practice. It is
important to continue watching out for new guidelines that more specifically
describe how these policies look on the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-49723627646947951372017-03-29T09:40:00.000-04:002017-03-29T15:08:04.900-04:00The Executive Order on Climate Threatens God's Creation <style type="text/css">
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The PC(USA) Office of Public Witness Raises Grave Concern Over Rollbacks of Climate Protections</div>
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March 30, 2017 </div>
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Washington D.C.- On Tuesday March 29, 2017, President Trump
signed an executive order that will nullify the Obama administration’s efforts
to curb global warming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it is
not a formal withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, this order forecloses
on the possibility of the US meeting the 2015 commitment to roll back emissions
by at <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/03/28/climate/trumps-executive-order-pushes-the-us-climate-pledge-further-out-of-reach.html">least
26 percent below 2005 levels by 2025</a>. Our concern as Presbyterians lies not
only in our mandate to protect God’s creation, but in the knowledge that the
ruins wrought by climate change will fall disproportionately on the backs of
the poor, indigenous, and citizens of the Global South. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">President Trump directed the Environmental
Protection Agency to start the complex and lengthy legal process of unraveling
and rewriting the Obama-era </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/26/us/politics/obama-court-clean-power-plan.html"><span style="background: white; color: #326891;">Clean Power Plan</span></a></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, which would have closed hundreds of coal-fired power plants, frozen
construction of new plants and replaced them with vast new wind and solar
farms. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was
projected to prevent nearly 3,000 premature deaths and almost 100,000 asthma
attacks per year by 2030. Every child has the right to a pollution free
environment and we have a moral obligation to protect God’s gift of air for our
children and grandchildren. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Beyond the Clean Power Plan, Trump’s order prioritizes
the development of domestic coal, oil and natural gas reserves over renewable
energy sources and opens federal land to coal leases.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Office of Public Witness Director, Rev. Jimmie Hawkins
remarked:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
President’s Executive Order on climate change is a tragic turn for the future
of this nation and for the entire planet. By this one stroke of his pen, the
president has rescinded the Coal Mining Moratorium on US federal lands and
substantially weakened a number of environmental protections. His signature threatens
the health of children already suffering with respiratory illness, endangers
seniors living in environments already polluted by industrial waste and places
at risk the well-being of every living person the world around. As people of
faith who believe in a God of creation who commands good and proper stewardship
of this gift, we must speak with one voice that this world is worth protecting.
We affirm that climate change is real and impacted by the actions of human
beings. We can protect the environment and affirm the dignity of work as we
come together to produce solutions which enhance all aspects of created life .
But environmental justice must be a priority or we will not have a future to
work towards. <i>“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,…
and God saw that it was good.” </i>(Gen 1:1; 10b)</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/28/climate/trump-executive-order-climate-change.html?_r=0">Legal
experts say</a> it could take years for the E.P.A. administrator to carry out
the process of withdrawing and revising the climate change regulations, and the
process will be hit by legal challenges at every turn. More than anything,
this executive order is a signal by the Trump administration that they do not
intend to take seriously the threat of climate change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
primary motivation for the order, according to the Trump Administration is to
bring jobs back to coal country. As Presbyterians, we have deep care and
consideration for families who rely on extractive industries for their livelihood.
But the reality is that markets are already shifting to favor investment in
renewable energy and this political measure is <a href="http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/politics/How-Trump-Moves-on-Coal-Will-Affect-the-Industry-AP-Analysis-417407183.html">unlikely
to reverse the decline of the coal industry.</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
difficult times, we refer back to a report entitled “The Power to Change”
Approved by the 218<sup>th</sup> General Assembly: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The challenge we face
is daunting. The temptation to despair is real. Only God can give us the power
to change. Our Reformed tradition reminds us that it is God who created the
earth and saw that it was good, God who sustains the earth and seeks to hold
its processes together, God who judges sin and greed, and God who reveals in
Jesus Christ that love and justice are the essence of God’s power. God is the
inexhaustible source of energy for personal, social, and ecological
transformation. Although we are complicit in the evils we face, we can repent
of our own sinful misuse and abuse of the Earth as we confess our sins. As
recipients of God’s endless mercy, this redemptive energy frees and empowers us
to be good stewards of God’s creation.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-70089201628676313632017-03-24T10:59:00.001-04:002017-03-24T10:59:41.185-04:00Webinar: Update on the Korean Peninsula<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Please join us for our upcoming webinar:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Update on the Korean Peninsula</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thursday, March 30th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1-2 pm</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Click <a href="https://pcusa.webex.com/pcusa/onstage/g.php?MTID=e737d7455c96503d503252edf44bf3bab">here</a> to register.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tensions are rising on the Korean Peninsula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the testing of missiles by North Korea
and the deployment of an anti missile defense system by the United States and
South Korea, it is more important than ever for there to be rational voices
advocating for peacebuilding and peacemaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Join this webinar to hear the perspectives from our partners on the
ground in South Korea, learn from our World Mission Area Coordinator for Asia
about the history of partnership on the Korean Peninsula, and get up to date
insights into the current politics of the situation in Congress and the
Administration from policy experts in DC. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Learn what you can do to work for peace and reconciliation
and support our partners on the ground in the Korean Peninsula.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Speakers include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mienda Uriarte</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Area Coordinator for Asia</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">World Mission, PCUSA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dan Jasper</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Advocacy Coordinator for Asia</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">American Friends Service Committee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Catherine Gordon</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Representative for International Issues</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Office of Public Witness, PCUSA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And a special video presentation from<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dr. Kiho Yi</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Professor of Political Theory, Hanshin University</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Member of the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea
(PROK)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Member of the Reconciliation and Unification Committee of
the National Council of Churches of Korea<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Click <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1862546270"></span>here <span id="goog_1862546271"></span></a>to
register.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-78388313842840274672017-03-20T14:34:00.000-04:002017-03-20T14:54:48.737-04:00Faith Groups join Indigenous People at the Native Nations Rise March on Washington to Demand Indigenous Sovereignty and Environmental Justice<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";"><i>By Ray Chen, Emerson National Hunger Fellow at the Office of Public Witness</i></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";">Washington D.C. - Friday
morning, March 10, indigenous people from across the world gathered to fight for
indigenous sovereignty and environmental justice in the Native Nations Rise
march. They were joined by allies of the movement, which included clergy and
faith-based groups including the Office of Public Witness. This </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";"><a href="http://nativenationsrise.org/"><b>multi-day demonstration</b></a></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";"> was
organized by the Standing Rock Sioux Nation and other grassroots indigenous
leaders. It is a part of the movement that stems from the struggle at Standing
Rock to block the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, but has now
“evolved into a powerful global phenomenon highlight the necessity to respect
Indigenous Nations and their right to protect their homelands, environment, and
future generations.” In particular, this demonstration follows on the heels of a
<a href="https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/3410448/Construction-of-the-Dakota-Access-Pipeline.pdf"><b>presidential
memorandum</b></a> sent to the Secretary of the Army to continue the construction
of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the destruction the protest camps set-up by
the Standing Rock Sioux and Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies. In addition
to the actual march Friday morning, indigenous leaders also set-up a symbolic
tipi camp on the National Mall from Tuesday to Friday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Faith leaders
gathered before the march to build community and stay out of the biting cold.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";"> There were delegations of faith leaders from across the
country, as far as Seattle, indigenous and non-indigenous. In an address to the audience, Rev. John Floburg from The Episcopal Church in Bismark
called upon the faith community to stand in active solidarity with our
Indigenous brothers and sisters in the fight for Indigenous sovereignty and
environmental justice. He mentioned that though he had observed general
wariness from Native people towards Christians due to role of churches in the
subjugation and domination of Native people, he has seen now more of an openness
towards Christians as a result of Christians showing up and standing with
Native people in the struggle in Standing Rock.</span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYWA9KYvUdJC1VD5DCB0hGzYYEXgkJHXvD9-mYhgvl_XK5l5hTixfpGhpAwtTPLdpwOOicEgRJsBt1VcnLFc5XoCByk_cgEr3a0UtHftzaiJJbgy4SFhZ4SDoLz9kKL6zppg6UYA1pfk/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYWA9KYvUdJC1VD5DCB0hGzYYEXgkJHXvD9-mYhgvl_XK5l5hTixfpGhpAwtTPLdpwOOicEgRJsBt1VcnLFc5XoCByk_cgEr3a0UtHftzaiJJbgy4SFhZ4SDoLz9kKL6zppg6UYA1pfk/s400/IMG_0637.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";">Faith groups joined the march
at 10 AM, which started outside the headquarters of the Army Corps of Engineers.
This site was important because the Army Corps continue to sanction the
drilling of the dangerous oil pipeline despite the protest of thousands of people.
Indigenous people wore both traditional and non-traditional dress, with signs
and banners that proclaimed the existence of the first peoples of <b><a href="https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/news/opinions/canada-and-the-united-states-are-in-turtle-island/">Turtle
Island</a> </b>and their resistance to the current government efforts’ to deny
their sovereignty. Representing hundreds of nations, many wore their tribal
flags banners across their shoulders. Despite the cold and the sleet coming
down, the tone of the crowd was celebratory but vigilant, with chanting and
drums resounding throughout the streets and the smell of burning sage following
the crowd. The procession stopped next at Trump Towers, outside of which
demonstrators set-up a tipi and led a circle dance around it, symbolically
reclaiming the land as Native land.</span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";">The march ended in Lafayette
Square, across from the White House, with speeches from tribal leaders and
representatives, as well as performance from indigenous artists. Specifically,
Chairman David Archambault II of the Standing Rock Sioux Nation Tribal Council
called for the repudiation of the Christian Doctrine of Discovery that grew out
of Papal decrees in the 1400s and sanctioned widespread European domination in
the following centuries in the Americas and beyond. The Doctrine of Discovery
was codified into American policy through <i>Johnson v. McIntosh</i> (1823) and
many other court cases that proclaimed the US government as an inheritor of the
European Christian Doctrine of Discovery, and thus having complete dominion
over any Indigenous people. Archambault specifically asked for Pope Francis
to revoke the Doctrine of Discovery as part of the fight to recognize
indigenous <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20170317T1401; mso-comment-reference: NL_1;">sovereignty</a></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";">. In 2016, the General Assembly of PC(USA) <a href="https://healingmnstories.wordpress.com/2016/07/27/presbyterian-church-usa-joins-growing-list-of-denominations-repudiating-the-doctrine-of-discovery/"><b>joined
a growing list of denominations</b></a> which have repudiated the Doctrine of
Discovery. There was a call for the church go to beyond the framework for
reconciliation to adopt the fra</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";">mework of repair that rectifies historic and
modern injustices faced by Native people</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";">. This was only the first step in the
long process of healing that Presbyterians need to undertake.</span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";">Reflecting on the event,
Office of Public Witness Director Rev. Jimmie Hawkins remarked, “The OPW and the PC(USA) marched in full
support of indigenous peoples and their sovereignty. From the site of the
pipeline to the halls of power, we stand in solidarity with water protectors at
Standing Rock and the broader movement they’ve ignited for indigenous land and
water rights. It was indeed powerful to be with so many Presbyterians who came
from all over the country, both native and non-native, to assert the treaty
rights of the Standing Rock Sioux.” </span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial";">Similar demonstrations happened all across the US on Friday
in solidarity with the Native March on Washington. Organizers of the Native
Nation Rise march has hope that this march is only the beginning of the mass
mobilization of Indigenous people and their allies.</span><br />
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Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-44232004216169233952017-03-17T13:50:00.001-04:002017-03-17T13:50:30.277-04:00Prepared Remarks by Rev. Hawkins for the #DefendClimate Rally<br />
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<span style="line-height: 150%;">Wednesday, 3/15/17</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 150%;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYOotsrOdS8pa3s7l1coj0PcIRVMMTVL_QSidLm6QiidkKEjaZGpx_oO-elM19qQVu0bOp6zy_C3nB2SPjl94sZOlPvAn-hp0f_laHAhQscelCTLTglK6a9JJsbQB-aatt4a7TaZfF0w/s1600/EPA+Rally+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYOotsrOdS8pa3s7l1coj0PcIRVMMTVL_QSidLm6QiidkKEjaZGpx_oO-elM19qQVu0bOp6zy_C3nB2SPjl94sZOlPvAn-hp0f_laHAhQscelCTLTglK6a9JJsbQB-aatt4a7TaZfF0w/s400/EPA+Rally+5.JPG" width="266" /></a><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;">With our Lord Christ Jesus, we stand with the ‘least of these’
and advocate for the poor and oppressed in present and future generations who
are often the victims of environmental injustice and least able to
mitigate the impact of global warming that has fallen disproportionately on
them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;">As citizens of the U.S., which has historically produced more
greenhouse gases than any other country, and which is currently responsible for
over a fifth of the world’s annual emissions, we implore our nation to accept
its moral responsibility to address global warming. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;">By drastically
limiting the </span><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;">Environmental Protection
Agency’s</b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;"> ability to protect public health and enforce environmental safety
standards, this administration’s actions are no less than an attempt to gut the
</span><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;">Clean Air Act</b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;">.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;">The Clean Air Act is a </span><u style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;">landmark public
health and environmental protection law</u><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;"> that has drastically reduced
dangerous, toxic pollutants in our air, land and water, and protected Americans
for more than four decades.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;">The current
administration has signaled its intent to eliminate EPA protections against
dangerous pollutants like smog, mercury, arsenic and methane and limits on
carbon pollution from power plants. All of these standards are authorized under
the federal Clean Air Act.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;">We oppose these
reckless attacks on clean air as if our lives depended on it, because they do.
Because of immoral decisions to harm our air quality, our communities will
conduct thousands of funerals for preventable premature deaths. It will cause
dramatic harm to the health of children, especially those already suffering
with illnesses such as asthma. This is tragic, it is wrong, and we will not accept
it.</span></div>
<div class="Normal1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Normal1CxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPygJeHcQud3sokEmhkpK4gTbA9gr5K8Ps1N9BMurIChXqIWqEdwnNT4iNLB8JmiBVmgmdgUQzMYutNrXP92LDUrvbuA7GmElYs1uiSD_06z0K5UUzGiWjpaonCnEtzCKip_Xe60IIHw0/s1600/EPA+Rally+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPygJeHcQud3sokEmhkpK4gTbA9gr5K8Ps1N9BMurIChXqIWqEdwnNT4iNLB8JmiBVmgmdgUQzMYutNrXP92LDUrvbuA7GmElYs1uiSD_06z0K5UUzGiWjpaonCnEtzCKip_Xe60IIHw0/s400/EPA+Rally+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">As <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">people of faith</b>, we are called to hold
the powerful to account. We still do not know the full extent of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Scott Pruitt’s</b> ties to corporate
polluters. The American people deserve to know the full truth.</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 150%;">We know that as a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Baptist</b>,
Scott Pruitt, shares a faith tradition that calls us to responsible stewardship
of God’s creation and Mr. Pruitt himself has publicly stated his intention to
protect clean air and clean water. However, we need him to earn our trust. His
track record of suing the EPA, and his public refusal to recuse himself from
ongoing cases he brought against the EPA, are deeply troubling. And his
statement last week to </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 150%;">CN</span><span style="line-height: 150%;">BC</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 150%;">denying that carbon dioxide emissions are a primary
cause of global warming is extremely troubling. He said, “I think that
measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very
challenging to do and there’s tremendous disagreement about the degree of
impact, so no, I would not agree that it’s a primary contributor to the global
warming that we see.”</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> This is
a dangerous belief which is out of touch with environmental scientists who are
signaling just the opposite. It is our prayer that we have an Environmental
Protection Agency head who actually believes in science and protects the
environment. We are watching him closely, and we will hold him to account if he
harms clean air and clean water.</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Normal1CxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">President</b> has claimed he will protect
clean water, yet in his short time in office, he has not only gutted a rule to
protect streams from coal mining waste, he has also used his executive
authority to gut protections for wetlands and drinking water sources for more
than 117 million Americans. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Normal1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Normal1CxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Clean Water Rule</b> is critical -- polluting or destroying a water resource can obviously harm other water users,
fish, and wildlife, indeed all of God’s good creation. Polluting activities
need to be minimized to ensure that downstream neighbors are not harmed by
upstream polluters. Too often, it is low income communities and communities of
color who bear the brunt of harm caused by major polluters while seeing few of
the benefits of industry. The faith community and the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) in particular take a firm stand against environmental racism that
would be wrought by a rollback in clean water protections. We call upon this
administration to fortify and strengthen the EPA and the Clean Air Act, not
diminish their power and influence. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Normal1CxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #18181a; line-height: 150%;">A
report approved by the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) titled </span><a href="http://www.pcusa.org/resource/power-change-us-energy-policy-global-warming/"><i><span style="background: white; color: #cc0000; line-height: 150%;">The Power to Change:
U.S. Energy Policy And Global Warming</span></i></a><span style="background: white; color: #18181a; line-height: 150%;"> states emphatically that we have
both a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">spiritual and moral responsibility</i>
to address the issues related to global warming. In order to do this we believe
that <b><i>repentance is required</i></b>. Repentance in our biblical understanding
calls humanity and nations to stop the actions that are contrary to God’s
desires for the sustainability of human life, while turning to a new way of
living that promotes life more abundantly. God can give us the power to change.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #18181a; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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</div>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-33852401452348463452017-03-17T12:47:00.000-04:002017-03-17T12:47:06.647-04:00Trump: Preserve Church and Charity Nonpartisanship<div class="p1">
<b><i>Johnson Amendment Should Not Be Repealed or Altered, 86 Groups Say</i></b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="p2">
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump and members of Congress should preserve the Johnson Amendment to keep partisan politics out of 501(c)(3) organizations, 86 religious and secular groups said in a <a href="http://www.citizen.org/documents/protect-the-johnson-amendment-letter-march-2017.pdf"><span class="s1">letter</span></a> to Trump and Congress today.</div>
<div class="p2">
The Johnson Amendment recently has gained national attention after Trump vowed at the National Prayer Breakfast in February to “totally destroy” the law. The provision protects charities and religious organizations from political meddling and protects the separation of church and state. Without it, Americans could not be sure their charitable donations were going solely to a charitable mission, and religious organizations could become a funnel for tax-deductible secret spending in elections.</div>
<div class="p2">
“Without this rule, nonpartisan charities and places of worship would be open to manipulation for political ends,” the letter said. “Up to now, charities and religious organizations have been insulated from electioneering, and instead have been committed to doing good work, like alleviating poverty, ministering to the spirit, curing disease, and addressing other basic human and social needs. Changing the law jeopardizes the public’s confidence that their charitable contributions would be used for these universally valued purposes rather than mere partisan politics.”</div>
<div class="p2">
The letter concludes, “Politicizing the charitable sector harms our communities and our relationship with the public. We urge you to reject any attempt to remove the campaign intervention ban which protects our charitable and religious sectors from being used for political purposes.”</div>
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<div class="p3">
<a href="http://www.citizen.org/documents/protect-the-johnson-amendment-letter-march-2017.pdf">Read the letter</a><span class="s2">.</span></div>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-11875523277526862842017-03-16T08:54:00.000-04:002017-03-16T08:54:13.043-04:00We Choose Welcome!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PROTECT WELCOME & RESTORE HOPE</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>TAKE ACTION TODAY: Tell Congress & the White House that
you OPPOSE the Administration’s executive order that suspends refugee
resettlement & discriminates against people from certain countries</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
President Trump has rewritten his executive order to ban
travelers from six Muslim-majority countries for 90 days; suspend refugee
resettlement for 120 days; and drastically reduce the number of refugees the United
States welcomes from 110,000 to 50,000, a historic low. Make no mistake – this
new order is concocted to have the same impact as the original executive order,
while avoiding court proceedings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By barring individuals from Syria, Iran, Libya,
Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, this rewritten executive order remains a
Muslim ban. Banning refugees from all countries for 120 days will still grind
refugee processing to a halt. Refugees are already the most thoroughly vetted
individuals in the United States, undergoing biographic and biometric
checks, medical screenings, forensic document testing, and in-person
interviews. Each step of the process is time sensitive, so any pause will
cause checks to expire and force refugees who have already been approved to
wait months and even years to go through multiple security checks all over
again, while their lives hang in the balance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Disastrous consequences of the initial executive order are
still reverberating around the world. These orders are gut-wrenching for our
community members who are waiting to be reunited with a family member, and for
refugees overseas with no other options for safety than to be resettled. It is
critical that all Members of Congress and President Trump hear their
constituents decry these announcements and declare their support for refugees
from all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>CALL YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TODAY!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your Senators and Representatives: (202) 224-3121*</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>* Please call this line 3 times to be connected with your
1 Representative and 2 Senators</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sample Script:<i> “I’m your constituent from [City,
State], and I support refugee resettlement. I strongly oppose President Trump’s
executive order against refugees – both the original and the rewritten version.
The order will bar individuals from Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan,
and Yemen; grind refugee resettlement from all countries to a halt; and
reduce the number of refugees we welcome to 50,000, a historic low. This is
morally reprehensible and does not reflect the welcome for refugees I see in my
community every day. I urge you to do everything in your power to see this
executive order rescinded.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please also share a personal story about why refugee
resettlement is important to you, your community, etc. Let them know the
specific ways that refugees contribute and are welcomed into your community.
You can also tweet @ your <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/lists/members-of-congress/members">Senators/Representatives</a> with
the same message!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best ways to make your voice heard by President Trump and
the White House is by tweeting <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump">@realDonaldTrump</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse">@WhiteHouse</a>; posting a comment on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/">Facebook.com/WhiteHouse</a>; and
submitting an electronic message at <a href="http://whitehouse.gov/contact">whitehouse.gov/contact</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Suggested Tweets:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">.<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump">@realDonaldTrump</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse">@WhiteHouse</a> Don’t stop
welcoming refugees. Resettlement demonstrates the best of our values
#RefugeesWelcome #GreaterAs1<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">.<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump">@realDonaldTrump</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse">@WhiteHouse</a> Keep America
welcoming. Refugee resettlement is a proud American legacy with bipartisan
support #RefugeesWelcome #GreaterAs1<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Countering
‘alternative facts’ with real ones. FACT: #Refugees are the most vetted
group to enter the US. #RefugeesWelcome #GreaterAs1<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">.<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump">@RealDonaldTrump</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse">@WhiteHouse</a>: Today’s EO is the
same unconstitutional EO we saw last month & we are still against it.
#GreaterAs1 #RefugeesWelcome<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow @CWS_global on Twitter and “like” <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CWSImmigrationandRefugeeProgram/">CWS
Immigration & Refugee Program</a> on Facebook for up-to-date alerts.
Join our global home base for refugee solidarity—because we are all <a href="http://greateras1.org/">#GreaterAs1</a>. <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KM8CKNN">Please tell us if you take action
(opens a new webpage)!</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/577d437bf5e231586a7055a9/t/5881079b20099ec2c4c010c9/1484851100541/Refugee+Resettlement+Backgrounder+-+January+2017.pdf">RCUSA
refugee 101 backgrounder</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/577d437bf5e231586a7055a9/t/588108379f74567afd5b2f9f/1484851255926/RCUSA+Refugee+Security+Screening+Backgrounder+-+January+2017.pdf">RCUSA
background on the security screening process</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.rcusa.org/state-refugee-profiles/?rq=state%20profiles">Refugee
Resettlement State Profiles</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.interfaithimmigration.org/welcoming-refugees-state-by-state-reference/">Letters
and articles, national and state-by-state, demonstrating welcome for
refugees</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/290442757/Two-Former-Homeland-Security-Secretaries-Wrote-President-Obama-on-Safely-Welcoming-Syrian-Refugees">Letter
from former Secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/sites/default/files/FormerNatSecOfficialsLetterRefugees.pdf">Letter
to Congress from 20 Former National Security Officials</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.interfaithimmigration.org/3500religiousleaderletter/">Letter
from 4,000 faith leaders affirming welcome for refugees
of all religions</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://greateras1.org/diverse-faith-leaders-denounce-president-trumps-anticipated-announcement-on-refugee-resettlement/">Quotes
from faith leaders in opposition to refugee executive order</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1viAT0QyfKYXSq1NHEyO7B4PMyINWucFDoaj-WymXTK0/edit?usp=sharing">In-Process
stories of refugees impacted</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/19_z1k-kzw1ZhRiTUkY1JdvOliShv5iLM16-ubg6V4Dc/edit">Mobilize
Your Community: Rapid Response to Rewritten Executive Order</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
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Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-59291954376344845812017-03-15T11:01:00.002-04:002017-03-15T11:01:30.358-04:0035 National Religious Leaders Applaud Republican Climate Resolution<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The partisan narrative on climate change was disrupted today when 17 House Republicans re-introduced a resolution that affirms that climate change is real, human-caused, and needs to be addressed by Congress</i>.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">March 15<span style="box-sizing: inherit; left: -1px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th,</span> 2017, Washington, DC –</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, 35 diverse religious leaders joined together to welcome a Republican resolution on climate change, introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Rep. Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-6), and fourteen other Republican members of Congress. Signatories of the letter, organized by the Friends Committee on National Legislation, include prominent voices from Evangelical, Baptist, Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, and other religious communities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This resolution affirms the impacts of climate change, acknowledges that human activity has contributed to these changes, and calls on Congress to work constructively on solutions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The letter states that “climate change is so great a challenge that it transcends political, faith, and social divides. As people of faith, we are rooted in the practice of emphasizing our common values in order to advance cooperation and overcome partisanship. All voices are needed to solve climate change, and the resolution provides a space for the House to join the dialogue.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The religious community provides a unique space for members of Congress to dialogue about climate solutions. By seeking common ground and emphasizing shared values, people of faith feel called to pray and work to overcome divisions that have prevented climate action.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This letter illustrates the depth and breadth of support from the religious community for bipartisan action on climate change.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.fcnl.org/documents/289" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition: all 150ms ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">The full text of the letter reads:</span></em></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Member of Congress:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our diverse faith traditions are guided by principles of compassion, justice, dialogue, and stewardship. We believe that it is the moral responsibility of our nation – and our sacred task as people of faith – to act to address climate change. We feel a special calling to pray and work to overcome the divisions and fears that have prevented action to address one of the greatest threats to current and future generations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In this spirit, we welcome the resolution introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Rep. Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-6), and fourteen other Republican members of Congress on March 15<span style="box-sizing: inherit; left: -1px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span> that affirms the impacts of climate change, acknowledges that human activity has contributed to these changes, and calls on Congress to work constructively on solutions. We see this resolution as a much-needed step towards continuing bipartisan resolve for action within Congress. We encourage every member in the House of Representatives to co-sponsor this resolution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Climate change is so great a challenge that it transcends political, faith, and social divides. As people of faith, we are rooted in the practice of emphasizing our common values in order to advance cooperation and overcome partisanship. All voices are needed to solve climate change, and the resolution provides a space for the House to join the dialogue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We thank those members of Congress who are co-sponsoring the resolution. We ask that other members consider co-sponsoring this resolution as a statement of our shared moral obligation. We look forward to working with you in the coming months to foster a spirit of bipartisan dialogue within Congress so that together, we can create solutions to address climate change for the well-being of our common future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blessings,</span></div>
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Diane Randall<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Executive Secretary<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Friends Committee on National Legislation</div>
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Rev. Paula Dempsey<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Director of Partnership Relations<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Alliance of Baptists</div>
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Sister Simone Campbell, SSS<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Executive Director <br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice </div>
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Joan Marie Steadman, CSC<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Executive Director<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Leadership Conference of Women Religious</div>
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Dr. Steve Timmermans <br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Executive Director <br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Christian Reformed Church in North America</div>
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Kyle Meyaard-Schaap<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />National Organizer and Spokesperson<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Young Evangelicals for Climate Action</div>
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Jim Wallis<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />President and Founder<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Sojourners</div>
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David Bernstein<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />President and CEO<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Jewish Council for Public Affairs</div>
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Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Director<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism</div>
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Reverend John L. McCullough<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />President and CEO<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Church World Service</div>
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Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Chair of the Board<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life</div>
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Sister Patricia McDermott, RSM<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />President<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Sisters of Mercy of the Americas</div>
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Irene Keim<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Chair of the Board<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth</div>
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J Ron Byler<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Executive Director<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Mennonite Central Committee U.S. </div>
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Rev. Peter Morales<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />President<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Unitarian Universalist Association</div>
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Stan Becker<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Clerk<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Quaker Earthcare Witness</div>
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Rev. Jimmie Ray Hawkins <br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Director<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Office of Public Witness, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) </div>
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Sally Bingham<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />President and Founder<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Interfaith Power and Light</div>
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Reverend Tim Mulroy, SSC<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />U.S. Regional Director<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Missionary Society of St. Columban</div>
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Sharon E. Watkins*<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />General Minister and President<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)</div>
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The Rev. Fletcher Harper<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Executive Director<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />GreenFaith</div>
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Shan Cretin<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />General Secretary<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />American Friends Service Committee</div>
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Josh Zinner<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />CEO<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility</div>
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Rebecca Linder Blachly<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Director, Office of Government Relations<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />The Episcopal Church</div>
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The Rev. Amy E. Reumann<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Director, Advocacy<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Evangelical Lutheran Church in America</div>
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Sandy Sorensen<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Director, Washington Office<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries</div>
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Bishop W. Darin Moore <br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Presiding Prelate of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />AME Zion Church </div>
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Marie Dennis<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Co-President<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Pax Christi International</div>
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Adin Strauss<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />General Director<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Soka Gakkai International-USA Buddhist Association (SGI-USA)</div>
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Patrick Carolan<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Executive Director<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Franciscan Action Network</div>
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Colin Saxton*<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />General Secretary<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Friends United Meeting</div>
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Gerry Lee<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Executive Director<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns</div>
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Sr. Mary Ann Smith<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Social Concerns<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Eastern Region, USA<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Maryknoll Sisters</div>
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Shantha Ready Alonso<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Executive Director<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Creation Justice Ministries</div>
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Very Reverend Kevin J. Mullen, O.F.M.<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Provincial Minister<br style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Holy Name Province - Franciscan Friars</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Affiliation listed for identification purposes only</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to our coalition partner, FCNL for language</span></i></div>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-26555134888562723362017-03-10T08:59:00.000-05:002017-03-10T08:59:11.474-05:00Take Action for South Sudan!
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The United Nations and the Government of South Sudan have declared a state of famine in several parts of the fledgling country. A formal famine declaration means people have already started dying of hunger.</div>
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<a href="http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56291#.WMBxaRLyuqA" style="color: #c60c30; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">United Nations agencies</a> working on the ground in South Sudan say that the situation is “the worst hunger catastrophe” since fighting erupted more than three years ago. It is estimated that by July nearly 5.5 million people – almost half the population of South Sudan - will face life threatening hunger. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-right: 0.9em; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<a href="https://www.unicef.org/media/media_94893.html" style="color: #c60c30; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">According to the UNICEF Representative in South Sudan</a>, more than one million children are currently estimated to be acutely malnourished across South Sudan, and over a quarter of a million children are already severely malnourished. If aid does not reach these children soon, many of them will die.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-right: 0.9em; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
Click <a href="http://capwiz.com/pcusa/issues/alert/?alertid=76017626">here</a> to send a message in support of South Sudan today!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-right: 0.9em; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
The UN has appealed to the international community for $1.6 billion in additional funds to cope with the crisis. Please contact your members of congress and the administration and urge them to ensure that the funding request for famine relief for South Sudan is met.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-right: 0.9em; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
The famine in South Sudan is a direct result of the civil war and is a man made famine. The multi-sided conflict with the collapse of rule-of-law and destruction and looting in large portions of the country has produced this food crisis. The US State department recently issued a <a href="https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/02/267757.htm" style="color: #c60c30; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">statement</a> on the famine saying that, “This crisis is man-made, the direct consequence of a conflict prolonged by South Sudanese leaders who are unwilling to put aside political ambitions for the good of their people.”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-right: 0.9em; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
In order to reduce the threat of famine, the international community must do more to bring political stability to the war-torn country. Please urge your members of congress and the administration to work with the international community to put <a href="http://www.enoughproject.org/reports/weapons-mass-corruption-how-corruption-south-sudan%E2%80%99s-military-undermines-world%E2%80%99s-newest-coun" style="color: #c60c30; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">increased pressure</a> on the armed actors to halt the conflict, provide humanitarian access, and bring stability back to South Sudan. The longer the conflict drags on, the harder it will be to stop.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-right: 0.9em; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
Click <a href="http://capwiz.com/pcusa/issues/alert/?alertid=76017626">here</a> to send a message in support of South Sudan today!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-right: 0.9em; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
If you would like to give funds to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and its work in South Sudan please click <a href="https://pma.pcusa.org/donate/make-a-gift/gift-info/DR000042/" style="color: #c60c30; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">here.</a> Funds will go toward humanitarian assistance and/or trauma care for families affected by the conflict and civil strife.</div>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-50381740529558618382017-03-09T09:23:00.003-05:002017-03-13T16:25:51.711-04:00Heads of Washington Faith Offices Meet with Congressional Black Caucus Members On Matters of Justice<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday, March 13, 2017<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Washington D.C.- On
Thursday morning, leaders in the faith community gathered with members of the
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and their staffers to discuss matters of
common concern. The meeting was called by Office of Public Witness
Director Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, who when asked about the urgency of such an event
said, “the premature and unwise actions of the Trump administration in the
first months of his administration have become a rallying cry of protest for
many of us. We hope to discuss opportunities to partner together in resisting
many of the political actions which will bring harm to the poor and
disadvantaged.” The meeting took place at 10 AM in the office of CBC Chair, North
Carolina 1<sup>st</sup> District Representative G. K. Butterfield. Also in attendance
were Heads of Office from a broad range of religious traditions including the
ELCA, The Religious Action Center for Reformed Judaism, and the National
Council of Churches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissFvF5LJWZjd8TNuHu_HLpG_I49AL3TtipdygE3Xc1KCKzgVw6TRuUswThV0vd3RhLOR8nDfUPDz3ucs6zJTLe_3jwWdGgLHWuzlDOM_flG6pvKRrorQyOfzJomi3skzwBUEgZ2vdiZw/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissFvF5LJWZjd8TNuHu_HLpG_I49AL3TtipdygE3Xc1KCKzgVw6TRuUswThV0vd3RhLOR8nDfUPDz3ucs6zJTLe_3jwWdGgLHWuzlDOM_flG6pvKRrorQyOfzJomi3skzwBUEgZ2vdiZw/s320/IMG_1976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Legislative Assistant to
Rep. Butterfield, Edward Hill fielded questions and concerns from faith leaders
on topics ranging from public benefits to immigration. He encouraged faith
leaders to reach out to their representatives and provide them with moral
arguments for preventing increased military spending and preserving safety net
and education programs. Chief of Staff to Rep. Butterfield, Troy G. Clair
stressed the importance of continuing to mobilize the faith community to show
up, disrupt, and be a moral voice for justice at town halls, particularly those
hosted by Members of Congress who are making decisions that will cause many
Americans to fall below the poverty line and lose healthcare. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Texas 18<sup>th</sup>
District Representative Sheila Jackson Lee also made remarks at this meeting
and spoke on the current political climate from her vantage point. She recounted
how the social safety net is being attacked from all fronts, from efforts to repeal
the Affordable Care Act to the recently announced cuts to the Housing and Urban
Development budget. She discussed how these actions would devastate the lives
of people across this nation, many of them congregants of the faith groups
represented in the room. She encouraged faith leaders to heed the command, “get
up and walk,” stating that this is the time for faith groups to hold their own
town halls and advocacy meetings. She said that more than ever before, it is
necessary for faith groups to be a prophetic voice for justice in a time when
the most vulnerable in our society are being actively marginalized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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interest in a continued dialogue with CBC members and staff, and will continue
to explore opportunities to co-create a justice agenda in 2017 and beyond. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span> </div>
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Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-89401191929410185422017-03-07T16:52:00.000-05:002017-03-07T16:53:32.243-05:00Priorities for a Faithful Healthcare System <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqdt6we-L8GeN6iVD4Q_z2qxsGFmooHgKoU8K5GfpiZjqyMfLgf25AO8NknkNNiAeJnfxh_NMPoCjKLN1Bv7dhKOW9PEIIaXeXBCaSjbm_lDbc1SUT8bseIeeu3A1hQsZvpFBWmHgYsI/s1600/blog+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqdt6we-L8GeN6iVD4Q_z2qxsGFmooHgKoU8K5GfpiZjqyMfLgf25AO8NknkNNiAeJnfxh_NMPoCjKLN1Bv7dhKOW9PEIIaXeXBCaSjbm_lDbc1SUT8bseIeeu3A1hQsZvpFBWmHgYsI/s640/blog+header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">The Office of Public Witness joins 40
Faith Organizations in signing a letter urging that any change, repeal or
repair of the ACA must be comprehensive and meet our 10 priorities for a
faithful healthcare system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">These principles include preserving the
coverage gains made by the ACA, upholding the purpose of Medicaid by refraining
from structural funding changes, maintaining the essential health benefits
currently provided by the ACA, and preventing insurance companies from discrimination
against women, the elderly, and people in poverty. The letter can be </span><a href="https://networklobby.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/WISC-10-Priorities-Letter.pdf"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">viewed in
full online</span></a><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The draft House bill revealed yesterday, entitled the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/06/politics/republicans-public-obamacare-plan/">American Health Care Act</a> will <b>substantially reduce the Affordable Care Act subsidies that helped
millions afford health insurance and end the Medicaid expansion that extended
health coverage to millions more</b>. It also ends Medicaid as people in
America now know it, saddling states with new health care costs by creating
per-capita caps[2].<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">The proposal also defunds </span></b><a href="http://www.latimes.com/topic/social-issues/planned-parenthood-ORNPR0000047-topic.html"><b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Planned
Parenthood</span></b></a><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">.</span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It must be noted that it is
illegal for government money to be used for abortions. Therefore, arguments on
Capitol Hill, state legislatures and local municipalities are morally based
rather than directly related to the utilization of government funds for
abortions<i>. </i></span>At the center of the debate is discontinuing government
contracts for Planned Parenthood as a service provider for poor people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Furthermore, all of ACA’s taxes are
repealed, </b>which amounts to <span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">an enormous tax cut
for the wealthy — at least $346 billion over 10 years with every cent going to
taxpayers earning more than $200,000 ($250,000 for couples). It also will
exacerbate the fiscal problems of Medicare, by hastening the exhaustion of the
program’s trust fund by four years, to 2025.[3]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Isaiah speaks God’s word to say “No more
shall there be … an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does
not live out a lifetime” (Isa. 65:20a).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">We, as Reformed Christians, bear witness
to Jesus Christ in word, but also in deed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">As followers of our Great Physician
Jesus, we have a moral imperative to work to assure that everyone has full
access to health care[1].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The
call for people of faith to care and provide for those whose lives are scarred
by poverty and illness is a mandatory call. Christians are called to feed the
hungry and provide for the sick. Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan
wherein a stranger, an enemy of the injured man, provided for his care out of
his personal resources. Muslims are called to visit the sick as a part of their
healing. The Jewish faith has a scriptural mandate to provide hospitality and
care for the sick required of both laity and clergy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We
are faced with a repeal based upon reasons which are not moral, ethical nor
right; rather strictly political. The American Health Care Act is an
unnecessary replacement for a law that has increased by over 20 million those
who have health care coverage. What we have before us is a refusal to do what
is best for millions who are having to make difficult choices when deciding
whether to feed their family or health care. We stand and speak in support of
the Affordable Care Act as a sign of our witness to the love of God for all
people, especially those struggling under the crushing weight of poverty.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">[1]</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">On Supporting
Single Payer Universal Healthcare Reform</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Approved by
the 218<sup>th</sup> General Assembly (2008)</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">[2]</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">
http://familiesusa.org/press-release/2017/house-aca-replacement-plan-revealed-would-slash-coverage-and-ration-care-millions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">[3]</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">
http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-obamacare-repeal-20170306-story.html</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-16206716988797648572017-03-02T15:55:00.001-05:002017-03-02T15:56:15.394-05:00A Response from the Office of Public Witness to Acts of Religious Bigotry <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqdt6we-L8GeN6iVD4Q_z2qxsGFmooHgKoU8K5GfpiZjqyMfLgf25AO8NknkNNiAeJnfxh_NMPoCjKLN1Bv7dhKOW9PEIIaXeXBCaSjbm_lDbc1SUT8bseIeeu3A1hQsZvpFBWmHgYsI/s1600/blog+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqdt6we-L8GeN6iVD4Q_z2qxsGFmooHgKoU8K5GfpiZjqyMfLgf25AO8NknkNNiAeJnfxh_NMPoCjKLN1Bv7dhKOW9PEIIaXeXBCaSjbm_lDbc1SUT8bseIeeu3A1hQsZvpFBWmHgYsI/s640/blog+header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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March 2, 2017 </div>
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The Office of
Public Witness stands firmly with our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters
against <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/26/us/headstones-toppled-jewish-cemetery-philadelphia.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0">targeted destruction of ancestral Jewish grave sites</a>, the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/02/us/mosque-fires-2017/">burning of Mosques</a>
and all acts of religious bigotry. We echo the <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/news/2017/2/28/stated-clerk-calls-president-trump-condemn-all-for/">words
of Stated Clerk Rev. Dr. J Herbert Nelson</a>: “<span style="background: white;">In the face of our current realities, where hatred and
prejudice have become all too evident, it is imperative that we, the people, be
able to look to our leaders to bear witness to the best that is in us, to lift
up the promise of our Statue of Liberty that all are welcome, and to speak in
ways that unite us rather than divide us.” </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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We require
strong condemnation of all religious intolerance from our elected leaders at
the highest levels, and find their response insufficient thus far. I<span style="background: white;">n the immediate aftermath of
Election Day, a wave of hate crimes and lesser hate incidents swept the country
—<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2016/12/16/update-1094-bias-related-incidents-month-following-election"><span style="background: white;">1,094 bias incidents
in the first 34 days</span></a><span style="background: white;">, according to a
count by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The highest count came on the first day after
the election, with the numbers diminishing steadily after that. The number of
hate groups operating in the country in 2016 remained at near-historic highs,
rising from 892 in 2015 to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map"><span style="background: white;">917 last year</span></a><span style="background: white;">,
according to the latest count by the SPLC.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white;">We call upon the Trump administration to address and root out
anti Semitism, anti Muslim bigotry and religious intolerance in all its forms,
including those found in its own communications. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The Office of Public Witness is deeply inspired by the
solidarity of Muslim-American leaders Linda Sarsour and Tarik El-Messidi, who <a href="https://www.launchgood.com/project/muslims_unite_to_repair_jewish_cemetery#/"><span style="text-decoration: none;">raised over $100,000</span></a> to help repair the gravestones in St.
Louis, and are now directing extra funds from that effort to Philadelphia.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">Through decades of policy, Presbyterians
have demanded humane treatment of people of all nationalities and faiths who find
themselves within our borders.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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“Many neighborhoods and communities across the United
States are welcoming of greater religious and cultural pluralism. Many are not.
People from non-Christian, non-white, non-Western backgrounds often experience
discrimination due to religiocultural bias. Note especially the rise in
Islamophobia. Religiously based violence has risen throughout the United
States. This violence divides communities and discourages the neighborliness
advocated in Scripture and modeled in the life of Jesus Christ.” (<i><a href="https://pma.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/theologyandworship/interfaith/the_interreligious_stance_pc(usa)1.pdf">The Interreligious Stance of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),</a></i> as approved by the 221<sup>st</sup>
General Assembly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In Faith We Share, </div>
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Rev. Jimmie Hawkins </div>
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Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208734580494210337.post-32009839348511255782017-02-23T15:39:00.001-05:002017-02-23T15:39:15.652-05:00Rev. Hawkins Responds to Rollback of Protections for Trans Students <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5xkgYqZT_cx-C3IIwqees7pf1UyvetdOky8KJGNnHKqU4do7wcV9RzbO0mxM4dzXsf89vFkqdxl9fIeVgg_mJo48kA3BkvQYUavw2G2b7bnSW1F-NC65DRQMGa8BVw2DjAdp7amuGQA/s1600/letterhead_header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5xkgYqZT_cx-C3IIwqees7pf1UyvetdOky8KJGNnHKqU4do7wcV9RzbO0mxM4dzXsf89vFkqdxl9fIeVgg_mJo48kA3BkvQYUavw2G2b7bnSW1F-NC65DRQMGa8BVw2DjAdp7amuGQA/s640/letterhead_header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">We at the Office
of Public Witness affirm the rights of children to a safe educational
environment and mourn <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/22/us/politics/devos-sessions-transgender-students-rights.html?_r=0"><span style="color: #0000e9;">the loss of protections for transgender students</span></a>
ordered by the Administration that jeopardize that safety. It is a moral
obligation for every school in the U.S. to protect students from bullying and
harassment. We are called to stand with the marginalized and oppressed, and
stand with students who may once again experience fear about going to school
after a brief period of protection from the federal government. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its predecessor churches
have explicitly affirmed the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender (LGBT) people for almost forty years. This includes a call
from the 117th General Assembly (1977) of the Presbyterian Church in the
United States to stand for just treatment of LGBT people regarding their
civil liberties, equal rights, and protection from social and economic
discrimination. We also draw on the General Assembly’s rich history of
education advocacy, particularly a 2010 resolution which “recommit[ted] the PC(USA)
to the principle of equal educational opportunity for all children in the
United States, different as each child may be, and affirms them all as our
children, neighbors in our care.” (<i>Loving Our Neighbors: Equity and Quality
in Public Education (K-12). Approved by the 219th General Assembly of the
PC(USA), 2010.</i>) Support for transgender students is mandated by our
larger charge to advocate for rigorous quality education for students, to
create affirming environments for all learners, and to live into the idea
that children truly are neighbors in our care. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Call the offices of Attorney General Sessions,
Education Secretary DeVos and the White House to share your voice. Make sure
your Members of Congress hear from you and tell them to pass a trans-inclusive
safe schools act. And, advocate at the local level, with your local school
board and administration, calling on them to ensure the safety and equal treatment
of all students in school policies and their implementation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">In Faith We Share, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Director, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office
of Public Witness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Office of Public Witness PC(USA)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05691931021109588353noreply@blogger.com