The Disciples Center for Public Witness, the Disciples Justice Action Network (DJAN), and the Disciples Advocacy & Witness Network (DAWN) in the Christian Church Capital Area wish you, your family, your friends and all your loved ones a very Happy Fourth of July!
The Disciples Center for Public Witness, the Disciples Justice Action Network, and the Disciples Advocacy & Witness Network in the Christian Church Capital Area wish a Happy Canada Day to all our sisters and brothers in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada, our ecumenical sisters and brothers in the Canadian Council of Churches, the United Church of Canada, the Congregational Christian Churches in Canada, Christian Churches and Churches of Christ in Canada, and all our sisters and brothers across the great nation of Canada. Happy Birthday, Canada!
The House of Representatives today passed the landmark American Clean Energy and Security Act, sponsored by Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Edward J. Markey, Chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.
According to a press release from Rep. Waxman's office, "This landmark bill will revitalize our economy by creating millions of new jobs, increase our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and preserve our planet by reducing the pollution that causes global warming."
President Obama recieved the news with enthusiasm. According to a press release from the White House, "This historic energy legislation passed by the House of Representatives will help America create green jobs, ensure clean air for our children, move towards energy independence and combat climate change.
Some in the faith community, despite their support of "something over nothing," had very strong reservations about the bill. For example, DJAN (Disciples Justice Action Network) joined with a coalition of religious organizations that signed a letter to the Congressional Progressive Caucus stating, "As currently written, the bill falls significantly short of creating the transformational change that is required to address global warming, aid middle- to low income families in America, and protect vulnerable populations around the world."
But others, despite similar reservations, strongly supported the bill and urged Christians and other people of faith to do the same. Among this group was the Disciples Center for Public Witness which, along with Disciple Home Missions and the National Council of Churches, had urged Congress to pass the bill: "The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACESA) provides the U.S. with the opportunity to address climate change in a comprehensive manner and we, as a country, must not miss this opportunity to address one of the most important moral issues of our time."
To read the bill, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
As part of the Interfaith Week of Prayer for Health Care, more than 1000 people gathered in Washington, DC, at Freedom Plaza, to sing, pray, and speak out in favor of health care reform.
President Obama today signed into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The President called it "change that's been decades in the making." By all accounts, it is the strongest measure protecting children from the dangers of smoking to date.
According to President Obama, "This legislation is a victory for bipartisanship, and it was passed overwhelmingly in both Houses of Congress. It's a victory for health care reform, as it will reduce some of the billions we spend on tobacco-related health care costs in this country. It's a law that will reduce the number of American children who pick up a cigarette and become adult smokers. And most importantly, it is a law that will save American lives and make Americans healthier."
In an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court today upheld a key provision of the Voting Rights Act.In Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District v. Holder, the court preserved Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which requires certain states and districts with a history of discrimination at the polls to get approval--also referred to as "pre-clearance"-- from the federal government before making any changes in their election practices or procedures.
Section 5 has long protected members of minority communities in states and districts across the country that have a history of discriminatory voting practices. The section is still applied in a number of southern states.
To read the Court's decision, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Decatur Ga., has been appointed to the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. Dr. Hale will serve on the commission along with such prominent citizens as former Sen. Thomas Daschle, special correspondent for NBC News Tom Brokaw, former NATO commander Gen. Wesley Clark, and renowned artist Maya Lin.
As part of a campaign urging the President to support a Commission of Inquiry on Torture, 33 religious leaders went to the White House yesterday and met with officials of the Obama Administration. Among the religious leaders were 5 Disciples: Dr. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches; Rev. Holly Beaumont, Legislative Advocate for the New Mexico Conference of Churches; Rev. Daniel Bryant, Past President of the Board, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon; Rev. Dennis Sparks, Executive Director of the West Virginia Council of Churches; and Dr. Ken Brooker Langston, Director of the Disciples Justice Action Network and Coordinator of the Disciples Center for Public Witness.
During the meeting, participants presented Administration officials with a letter to the President signed by over 50 senior religious leaders, including Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The letter called for "a comprehensive investigation into U.S.-sponsored torture since 9/11," and insisted that "the most credible way to conduct such an investigation is by establishing an independent, non-partisan Commission of Inquiry." According to the letter, "Such a Commission is necessary to (1) uncover the whole truth about U.S. torture policies and practices; (2) mobilize a national consensus, and (3) build support for the requisite safeguards to ensure that U.S.-sponsored torture never happens again."
"During his 25 years of dedication to the Ontario legislature, Mr. Yaremko was a strong advocate for education, human rights and multiculturalism," said Minister Kenney. "He is also well known for his philanthropic activities, which includes the 2002 creation of the John and Mary A. Yaremko Program in Multiculturalism and Human Rights at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law."
The Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism commemorates the late Senator Yuzyk's pioneering legacy in the areas of multiculturalism, diversity, and pluralism. Senator Yuzyk, who was a member of the Senate of Canada from February 1963 to July 1986, played a key role in the development and implementation of Canada’s multiculturalism policy.
Mr. Yaremko was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his strong advocacy for education, human rights, and multiculturalism, as well as his philanthropic activities. The award includes a $20,000 grant, which will be given to an eligible, registered not-for-profit Canadian organization or association of the recipient’s choice.
"I commend Mr. Yaremko for personifying the ideals of Senator Yuzyk and contributing to our diverse and vibrant Canadian society," added Minister Kenney.
Individuals from communities across Canada can be nominated in one of two categories for the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism. The Lifetime Achievement Award honours an individual who has demonstrated life-long dedication to the pursuit of promoting a strong multicultural society in Canada. The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to Canadian multiculturalism within the last five years.
Nominations for the 2010 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism are currently being accepted until March 2010.
For more information, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
National City Christian Church yesterday hosted a memorial service for Dr. George Tiller. The service, organized by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), provided an opportunity for supporters of comprehensive reproductive health care to honor the life of Dr. Tiller--champion of women's rights, talented and caring physician, devoted man of faith, loving husband, father and grandfather. Dr. Tiller was murdered on Sunday, May 31st, as he handed out worship bulletins in his church in Witchita, Kansas.The Rev. Carlton Veazey, President and CEO of RCRC, officiated at the service, and Dr. LeRoy Carhart, member of the RCRC Board of Directors and colleague and friend of Dr. Tiller, gave the eulogy. More that 300 people attended the service, including clergy, clinic escorts and staff, former patients, pro-choice organizers and activists, and concerned members of the community.
"It was a moving service and spoke volumes to the compassionate nature of Dr. Tiller and his brave and loving care for his patients," said Dr. Stephen Gentle, Senior Pastor of National City Christian Church and a member of the Council of Governors of the Disciples Center for Public Witness.
Click here to view a video of speakers t the memorial service.
Click here to read a copy of Dr. LeRoy Carhart's Statement to the Press.
As part of the celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the United Church of Canada, and leading into the 40th General Council (to be held in Kelowna, B.C. this August), The Right Rev. David Giuliano, moderator, today led the United Church of Canada in a National Day of Prayer.In a letter published in May, Giuliano said, "I encourage you to use June 10, or Sunday, June 7, as a time for reflection and prayer for The United Church of Canada, and for all those who will carry the responsibility of making decisions at General Council. . . . Whatever your prayer, or your way of praying, let us join our hearts together in goodwill for continued and growing faith in the Way of Jesus through The United Church of Canada."
The theme of the General Council will be "Called to Be Church." A document by the same name was released earlier this year with the intention of generating grassroots reflection and conversation about the denomination, its mission, and its future.
To read a copy of this document, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
To learn more about the United Church of Canada, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
President Obama spoke today in Cairo, calling for a "new beginning" in America's relationship with the Muslim world and with Muslim communities around the world.
President Barack Obama is beginning his latest bid to open a dialogue with the Muslim world by paying a call on Saudi King Abdullah, guardian of Islam's sacred sites in Mecca and Medina. The monarch of Saudi Arabia plans to greet Obama at Riyadh's main airport with coffee and ceremony when he arrives Wednesday after an overnight flight from Washington.
Saudi Arabia is a stopover en route to Cairo, where Obama is to set deliver a speech that he's been promising since last year's election campaign — aiming to set a new tone in America's often-strained dealings with the world's 1.5 billion Muslims. . . .
To read the rest of this Associated Press story, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
This morning the White House Council of Economic Advisers issued a pivotal report entitled "The Economic Case for Health Care Reform," explaining in the greatest depth to date why health reform is vital for the future of the American economy. The release comes on the same day that the President is visiting leaders on Capitol Hill to discuss the urgency of getting the job done at this unique moment in history.
Memorial Day had its beginnings in Georgia at the time of the Civil War when women burying the dead decided they would honor the enemy dead in their burial the same as their own soldiers who had died. They buried them together and planted flowers on their graves – honoring friend and foe alike.
On this Memorial Day, let us remember with special consideration the more than 4000 members of the Armed Services who have lost their lives in the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq. And in the spirit of the origins of Memorial Day, let us also remember the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians who have also lost their lives.
This Sunday is bracketed by two holidays, one in the U.S. and the other in Canada. Although not officially celebrated as a federal holiday, Saturday was Armed Forces Day in the United States. It's a day set aside for showing gratitude and appreciation for all the women and men in uniform who work so hard to keep our nation strong and free. This includes our many chaplains who bravely, compassionately and intelligently minister to those serving in the different branches of the military. . . .
For over 20 years May 15 has been celebrated as International Conscientious Objectors' Day, a tradition of struggle spearheaded by groups affiiliated with War Resisters’ International. Each year activities are focused in a country where C.O.'s and objectors are being harassed or persecuted.Conscientious Objectors, GI resisters and dissent within the military deserve our support as they stand up for human rights and dignity, democratic rights, and international law.
Widespread public support and pressure can help protect these courageous individuals from feelings of isolation and from repression of them and their rights.
For more information about faith-based support for conscientious objectors, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
For resources on conscientious objection made available by Disciples Home Missions, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
The idea of Mother's Day was first championed after the Civil War by social activist and abolitionist Julia Ward Howe, the well-known author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." She intended and promoted it as a day on which women would publicly proclaim and demonstrate their unity against war. With this goal in mind, she wrote "The Mother's Day Proclamation" as a call for peace and disarmament. Here are selections from that proclamation:
World Fair Trade Day is a salute to the people and organizations who have dedicated themselves to making Fair Trade what it is today, a solution not an issue. Fair Trade is not just about poverty, it's a solution to poverty, Fair Trade is not just about climate change, it's a solution to environmental degradation and bad practice. Fair Trade is not just about protest, it's about change. Change that’s long overdue.
On the occasion of the visit this week of his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to the Holy Land, Churches for Middle East Peace, a coalition of 22 U.S. church bodies, sent a letter to Secretary of State Clinton highlighting the rapid decline of the Palestinian Christian community there.The letter asserts that efforts to address the situation of Palestinian Christians "will bolster [the Administration's] comprehensive peace effort and can be acted on in a manner that fully respects Israel's security needs while helping to build the foundation for a viable Palestinian state with effective governing institutions."
Commenting on the letter, James Fine, Chair of the CMEP Board said, "The prospect of a Holy Land devoid of its living Christian community is not just a tragedy for world Christianity but would have serious ramifications for a future Palestinian state, the interreligious nature of Jerusalem, and regional peace and security. It certainly makes the Obama Administration's efforts to bring peace, stability and security through a just and lasting two-state solution even more urgent."
To read more about this story, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
To read the text of the letter, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Ceremonial Elders from Utah and California are joining Mohawks and Chippewa of Ontario to unite in defense of the Sacred Alliston Aquifer and Sacred Surface Springs of Tiny Township, Ontario. The press conference comes just days after over 500 people marched against the proposed North Simcoe Landfill, also known as Dump Site 41.Arnold Thomas from Utah, as well as elders Robertjohn Knapp from California, and Jimelda Johnston and Wilmer Nadjiwon of Cape Croker, Ontario are demanding that Premier Dalton McGuinty immediately rescind his government’s approval to create a garbage dump at the Sacred Surface Springs of the Alliston Aquifer, near Georgian Bay.
"Our people have been struggling hard to educate Canada about the sacredness of the Great Lakes, Georgian Bay and Mother Earth," said Cape Croker Elder Jimelda Johnston, noting that people have been living on this land for thousands of years. "We need to heal the water so that the water can heal us."
To sign a petition opposing the dump site, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
May was declared Asian Heritage Month in Canada in 2001, and since then has been celebrated in The United Church of Canada and other Canadian churches. The month provides an opportunity to prayerfully reflect on the contributions of Asian Canadians to Canadian society, and to honour and celebrate this important aspect of Canadian history. Canada is a diverse, multicultural country. Today, one in five Canadians is an immigrant, and one in six is a racialized person. As of the 2006 Canadian Census, the three largest visible minority groups in Canada were South Asian, Chinese, and Black. Currently, racial ethnic constituents make up about 1.4 % of the membership of The United Church of Canada.
The definition of "Asian" may be inclusive and broad, and applies to people who come from or whose ancestors come from
Please see Asian Heritage Month for worship suggestions and further background reading to celebrate this month in your faith community.
Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the date on which 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated a French army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico in 1862. The people of Mexico had won a great victory--one that also helped the United States during its Civil War: it kept Napoleon III from supplying the confederate rebels for another year.
May 5th is also the birthday of two important figures in world history: Soren Kierkegaard and Karl Marx. Kierkegaard criticized cultural Christianity and reminded us that faith, which involves risk, must be intensely personal and counter-cultural. 
Marx criticized the dehumanization of workers and called for economic and political change on behalf of the poor and oppressed workers. Democratic versions of his vision--in critical and constructive dialog with Christian social ethics--have inspired progressive movements, social democratic parties, and diverse theologies of liberation.
The U. S. Supreme Court today rejected a favorite tool of prosecutors in immigration cases, ruling unanimously that a federal identity-theft law may not be used against many illegal workers who used false Social Security numbers to get jobs.
