House Passes Historic Waxman-Markey Clean Energy Bill

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.

Faith Groups Call for Health Care Reform

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.

Speakers at the event included Dr. James Forbes (retired pastor of Riverside Church in New York), Simone Campbell of NETWORK (a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby), Rabbi David Saperstein of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, Sayyid Syeed of the Islamic Society of North America, Rev. Tim McDonald (First Iconium Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA), and many others. Representing the Obama Administration were Joshua DuBois (White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships), Paul Monteiro (White House Office of Public Engagement), and Neera Tanden (Health and Human Services). Greetings and support were brought from Congress by Representatives James Cyburn from South Carolina (Majority Whip) and Tom Perriello from Virginia.

The theme of the event and the specific approach to health care reform shared by the participants were set out in a statement of principles based on a vision statement developed by Faithful Reform in Health Care and endorsed by many denominational offices, ecumenical agencies, interfaith groups, and faith-based organizations. The statement calls for comprehensive health care that is inclusive, accessible, affordable, and accountable.

The director of Faithful Reform in Health Care, and one of the major organizers of the event, is Rev. Linda Walling, a Disciples minister. Linda also serves as the Senior Advisor on Health Care Issues and Concerns at The Disciples Center for Public Witness, where she works closely with the Center's Senior Fellow for Health and Health Care, Dr. Laird Thomason and the Center's Special Advisor on Children's Health Care, Matt Rosen.

The DC event was co-sponsored by many denominational, ecumenical, and interfaith organizations including DJAN (Disciples Justice Action Network) and The Disciples Center for Public Witness. Other events--worship services, vigils, rallies, forums, etc.--were held throughout the week in many parts of the country. Also, advocates made over 1000 phone calls to Congress, and over 2000 people signed the Vision Statement, "A Faith-Inspired Vision of Health Care."

To read the Vision Statement from Faithful Reform in Health Care, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

To read about the DC event as it was twittered live, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Historic Victory for America's Kids and Health over Tobacco

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.

The President recounted the all-too-familiar statistics: that more than 400,000 Americans now die of tobacco-related illnesses each year; that more than 8 million Americans suffer from at least one serious illness caused by smoking; and that almost 90% of all smokers began at or before their 18th birthday.

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."

To view the signing ceremony, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

To read the fact sheet from the White House, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

To read a press statement from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Supreme Court Upholds Voting Rights Act

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.

Cynthia Hale Named to Presidential Commission

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.

Dr. Hale has been involved with the Obama campaign and administration in a number of ways. She gave the invocation at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, read scripture at the National Prayer Service during the President's inauguration, and served as co-chair for Women in Ministry for Obama.

For more from Disciples News Service, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

To read more information about this from the White House , PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Disciples Participate in Anti-Torture Events and Meet with Administration Officials at the White House

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."

Prior to the meeting with Administration officials, the 33 religious leaders joined other religious leaders and hundreds of activists in an anti-torture rally and a public religious ritual calling for truth, repentance, and reconciliation. Organized by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, these events were held in front of the White House, where religious leaders spoke to and prayed with participants carrying signs and banners that read, "Torture is a Moral Issue," "Torture is Wrong," and "The Truth Shall Set You Free."

To read the resolution on torture adopted by the General Assembly, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

To read the letter to the President from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

To sign the statement of conscience against torture, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

To sign the statement calling for a Commission of Inquiry, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Government of Canada Announces First Recipient of New Multiculturalism Award

John Yaremko is the first recipient of the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism, announced Canada's Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney during a special ceremony today.

"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 Hosts Memorial Service for Dr. George Tiller

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.

CANADA: National Day of Prayer

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 Seeks "New Beginning" with Muslim World

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.

According to the President, "I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles -- principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings."

To watch a video of the President's speech, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

To read a copy of the President's speech, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

President Obama Opens New Dialogue with the Muslim 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.

White House Makes the Economic Case for Health Care Reform

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.

To read the report, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

To learn more about the faith-based campaign for health care reform, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Organizations Respond to Murder of Dr. George Tiller

Yesterday, in Witchita, Kansas, Dr. George Tiller was shot to death at his church--a Lutheran congregation where he served as an usher. Among other reproductive health care services provided to women, abortions had been performed by Dr. Tiller since 1973. He was one of the few doctors in the nation who performed abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, often for women carrying fetuses so badly damaged that they had no possibility of survival, and also for women whose lives were endangered by their pregnancy.

Many religious leaders and organizations have responded to his murder. For example, The Rev. Carlton Veazey, President and CEO of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, issued a statement saying, "This good doctor put his life on the line every day to make sure that safe, legal abortion was available to women in the greatest need, women with late-term complications and emergencies, who often had nowhere else to turn. He did so in respect for each woman he served and in the service of a great and noble cause--preserving the promise of reproductive freedom for all women."

In a press release, The Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said, "The murder of Dr. Tiller is an affront to every moral system imaginable. He had worked relentlessly to preserve the guarantee that women could make their own medical and ethical decisions. Our deepest sympathies go to his family, friends and patients."

"All honor to Dr. Tiller, who joins the list of martyrs for ethical decency and human rights, killed for healing with compassion," said Rabbi Arthur Waskow, director of the Shalom Center. "In his case, a religious martyr in the fullest classical sense, killed in his own church as he arrived to worship, killed for acting in accord with his religious commitments and his moral and ethical choices."

And according to Francis Kissling, former director of Catholics for Free Choice, "Let us hope that no one compares his murder to abortion. . . . Dr. Tiller saved women’s lives; this is not a debatable point."

Vigils and rallies took place in many communities and congregations across the nation, including DC, Chicago, and Boston.