JUSTICE MATTERS

CALL YOUR SENATORS TODAY!

2012-02-02T21:21:00.012-05:00

On February 2, 2012, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to move forward with S. 1925, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The bill--our nation's most effective tool in responding to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking--now moves to the full Senate for consideration and will be taken up in the House of Representatives later this

REGISTER TODAY!

2012-02-02T08:21:00.000-05:00

Children Welcome! From Stumbling Blocks to Building Blocks of Faith is happening in Kansas City, February 23-25, 2012.This fifth Children Welcome! Conference will be an opportunity for personal and congregational renewal as together we explore how best to respond to the needs and gifts of children. The time will be filled with music, worship, the learning of new skills, theological discussions

HAVE A BLESSED EPIPHANY!

2012-01-06T00:00:00.002-05:00

All of us at the Disciples Center for Public Witness hope you had a very merry Christmas, a happy New Year's Day, and, if you celebrated it, a wonderful and enriching Kwanzaa.On this holy Feast of the Epiphany, we wish you a blessed new year and pray that you will have many opportunities to share and receive gifts--especially the gifts of God's compassion, justice and peace.The icon is the work

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS!

2011-12-24T14:28:00.000-05:00

The Council of Governors, Senior Fellows, Senior Advisors and Advocacy Team of the DISCIPLES CENTER for PUBLIC WITNESS wish you, your family, and all your loved ones a very Merry Christmas.As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us pray that the love of God will be born anew in our hearts, and that our lives might more fully incarnate the Biblical vision of shalom--a

TAKE ACTION NOW for the UNEMPLOYED!

2011-12-19T15:03:00.004-05:00

The House is voting tonight on the Senate bill that will extend Unemployment Insurance for two months.If the House fails to pass the Senate bill, the unemployed will then have to wait over a full month for Congress to come back into session and start negotiating all over again.It is inexcusable for the House to abandon them right before the holidays and new year.The Senate bill may not be

JOIN US in PRAYER for a Faithful Budget

2011-11-18T16:15:00.002-05:00

Join us & spread the word! November 20 Prayer Vigils: 3 opportunities for prayer 1) Interfaith Prayer Vigil via Teleconference Hosted by Faithful Reform in Health Care Sunday, November 20 - 3 pm eastern With the Super Committee just days away from completing its work, people of faith across the

TAKE ACTION NOW!

2011-11-08T12:56:00.005-05:00

The world's most vulnerable people need your voice now!Tell Congress today: Don’t abandon our neighbors in need // Contact your Senators today and tell them that help for families and communities struggling to overcome poverty and recover from man-made and natural disasters must be

President Obama Affirms Commitment to Paycheck Fairness Act

2011-03-11T19:51:00.000-05:00

PM Harper Announces Humanitarian Aid for Libya

2011-03-02T20:41:00.001-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada is delivering up to $5 million in humanitarian aid to support the Libyan people."Canada is acting swiftly to help meet the humanitarian needs of the people of Libya which are a result of recent violence in that country," said Prime Minister Harper. "We are taking action to provide immediate humanitarian support to areas that need it most.

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on implementing sanctions against Libya

2011-02-27T23:24:00.002-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today made the following remarks announcing Canada's implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 adopting sanctions on Libya:"Canada had called for the Security Council to act and we are pleased that it has done so. The unanimous passing of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 yesterday sends a very clear message: the murder of its

Church of Canada Moderator Calls on the Government to Restore KAIROS Funding

2011-02-17T20:32:00.003-05:00

In a letter to Minister of International Cooperation Beverley Oda, United Church of Canada Moderator Mardi Tindal called on the government to act now to restore KAIROS funding.According to the letter, "Funding was removed despite very positive evaluation of KAIROS and its work by CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency), and no credible reasons for this action have been provided. "

Border Conference/Experience Inspires Participants

2011-02-15T12:34:00.000-05:00

On February 10 - 13, pastors, activists, staff and young adults from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ participated in a Border Conference in San Diego and Tijuana. The theme of the conference, hosted by Iglesia Cristiana Casa De Oracion, was "Turning Walls into Tables: A Border Experience."The conference included visits across the border to Casa de los

President Obama on a Egyptian President Mubarak's Resignation

2011-02-11T20:05:00.001-05:00

To read the transcript, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

PM Harper on Mubarak's Resignation

2011-02-11T16:55:00.003-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced his resignation:"Canada respects President Mubarak's decision to step down in order to promote peace and stability in the country. The future of Egypt is for Egyptians to decide."Canada wants to see free and fair elections; we want to see the rule of law and stability; we want to

First Lady Speaks About Let's Move! on 1st Year Anniversary

2011-02-10T20:30:00.003-05:00

At an event co-sponsored by Dr. Cynthia Hale, Senior Pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Atlanta, GA, First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a major address focused on the efforts of the Let’s Move! initiative to help parents raise healthy children.To read a transcript of the First Lady's remarks, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

United Church of Canada Calls for an End to Fossil Fuel Tax Breaks

2011-02-09T22:40:00.003-05:00

The Canadian federal government continues to give billions of dollars in tax breaks to the companies producing oil and gas in Canada.Climate Action Network has created a Fossil Fuel Subsidies Counter that shows the amount of money going every second in tax breaks for some of the wealthiest companies on the planet. To take a look at this counter and learn more by visiting the Subsidies page on

Prime Minister Harper on Southern Sudan

2011-02-08T21:27:00.002-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the results of Southern Sudan’s Referendum on Self-Determination:"The people of Southern Sudan have voted overwhelmingly for self-determination in a referendum that was judged free and fair by the international community. This is a historic moment for the country and a critical step in implementing the 2005 Comprehensive Peace

White House Names Three Heads of Communions to Faith-Based Council

2011-02-07T17:14:00.002-05:00

Three heads of National Council of Churches member communions are among a dozen White House appointments announced February 4 to President Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood partnerships.The NCC-related nominees are the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church; the Rev. Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in

President and PM Discuss Border and Trade Issues

2011-02-04T21:04:00.004-05:00

To read a statement about the meeting from the Prime Minister, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Health Care Repeal Vote Fails In Senate

2011-02-03T08:51:00.003-05:00

A Republican drive to repeal the year-old Affordable Care Act ended in party-line defeat in the Senate on Wednesday. The vote was 47-51.Moments earlier, the Senate had agreed to make one relatively minor change in the law, voting to strip out a paperwork requirement for businesses.President Barack Obama, who has vowed to veto any total repeal of the health care law, has said he would accept the

President Obama on Transition in Egypt

2011-02-01T19:57:00.000-05:00

To read the President's remarks, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Events in Egypt

2011-02-01T19:43:00.002-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on recent events in Egypt:"Following President Mubarak’s announcement today that he will not seek re-election, Canada reiterates its support for the Egyptian people as they transition to new leadership and a promising future."Canada supports universal values – including freedom, democracy and justice - and the right to the

Interfaith Anti-Toture Coalition Responds to Events in Eqypt

2011-02-01T19:39:00.001-05:00

Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, released this statement today sharing concern about the past U.S.-Egypt torture program and expressing hope for a torture-free Egyptian future. "There is strong evidence that in the past the U.S. rendered suspected terrorists to Egypt with the knowledge that they would be tortured. It is

STATE of the UNION: IMMIGRATION

2011-01-26T11:18:00.001-05:00

"Today, there are hundreds of thousands of students excelling in our schools who are not American citizens. Some are the children of undocumented workers, who had nothing to do with the actions of their parents. They grew up as Americans and pledge allegiance to our flag, and yet they live every day with the threat of deportation. Others come here from abroad to study in our colleges and

Faith-Based Anti-Torture Group Commemorates Anniversary of Executive Order Halting Torture

2011-01-21T23:00:00.000-05:00

On January 22, 2009, two years ago, President Obama issued an Executive Order halting torture by requiring that all interrogations comply with the standards in the Army Field Manual.Additionally, he mandated that the International Committee of the Red Cross be provided access to all detainees which ensured that they could not be "disappeared" into "black sites."The National Religious Campaign

Speaker Boehner Marks the 50th Anniversary of JFK's Inaugural Address

2011-01-20T22:50:00.000-05:00

House Votes to Repeal the President's Health Care Plan

2011-01-19T23:48:00.005-05:00

Members of the House of Representatives voted today to repeal the President's Health Care Plan by a vote of 245 to 189. A simple majority was necessary for passage.Three Democrats sided with all Republicans to repeal the plan, which President Obama signed into law last March as the "Affordable Care Act."Republican leaders said they were committed to trying to repeal it in order to honor a

Hundreds of faith groups show support for health care reform in letter to Congress

2011-01-19T10:22:00.002-05:00

Hundreds of national, state and local faith organizations showed their support for health care reform in a letter to Congress today.The letter begins with the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from his sermon at Riverside Church in New York City, April 4, 1967:"We as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a 'thing-oriented' society

Have a Blessed King Day!

2011-01-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

The Governors and all volunteer Advocacy Team of The Disciples Center for Public Witness join many others within our denomination, across our nation, and around the globe to honor the birthday, life, mission, vision and continuing challenge of one of America's prophets and one of her strongest advocates for justice and peace: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.PRAYER: O God of our salvation,

PM Calls Attention to Non-Smoking Week

2011-01-16T17:02:00.001-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement highlighting the importance of National Non-Smoking Week, January 16-22:"The health and well-being of Canadians is an important priority for our Government. Awareness of the many health hazards of tobacco use will help Canadians -- especially our youth and children -- avoid smoking, while helping others quit this very

A Victory for God's Wild Places

2011-01-14T19:55:00.003-05:00

Just before Christmas, as most of us were decorating our Christmas trees, Secretary of the Interior Salazar reinstated a policy that allows the agency to designate certain places in the West as "wild lands." This designation will keep these areas off limits to development. This decision will allow unique and irreplaceable places in God’s Creation to be protected and maintained for future

President Obama Speaks at a Memorial Service for the Victims of the Shooting in Tucson, Arizona

2011-01-13T08:49:00.001-05:00

To the families of those we've lost; to all who called them friends; to the students of this university, the public servants who are gathered here, the people of Tucson and the people of Arizona: I have come here tonight as an American who, like all Americans, kneels to pray with you today and will stand by you tomorrow. There is nothing I can say that will fill the sudden hole torn in your

Minister Kenney meets with families from Operation Stork

2011-01-13T06:36:00.001-05:00

Canadian Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney recently marked the anniversary of Operation Stork with some of the families helped by this special initiative to unite Haitian children with their adoptive parents. In the weeks following last year’s devastating earthquake, Operation Stork brought 203 Haitian children to Canada. "This was a truly monumental task

This is the Day: Remembering Haiti

2011-01-12T21:18:00.003-05:00

35 seconds can change your life. In a mere 35 seconds, the lives of hundreds of thousands of Haitians were changed. The earthquake that shook and shocked the island nation of Haiti on this day, already one year ago, lasted only 35 seconds. 35 seconds. I sit in silence and prayerfully count to myself. One, two, three...thirty-five. I slowly open my eyes and know that I am still here, breathing,

God’s Heart Was the First to Break

2011-01-12T13:05:00.001-05:00

God’s heart was the first to break - when one young man decided to pull the trigger and when his victims began to fall. Now a nation is in shock and grief. We are reminded again how fleeting is life and how enduring the patterns of human nature, both for good and for harm. A US Representative known for her openness, kindness, and care; a child at the very budding of her incredible promise; a

A Prayer in Times of Conflcit

2011-01-11T12:22:00.002-05:00

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.- Book of Common Prayer, p. 824.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

2011-01-10T22:45:00.000-05:00

The President has called for a moment of silence today for the victims of the Arizona shootings. Please pause at 11 am EST and pray for the victims, their families and loved ones. Also, pray for greater civility and mutual respect in our political discourse and policy debates.

U.S. Political Leaders Condemn Shooting of Congresswoman Giffords

2011-01-09T07:30:00.004-05:00

President Obama and congressional leaders condemned the Saturday shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., who is in critical condition at an Arizona hospital.President Obama called the shooting "an unspeakable tragedy" that left Giffords "gravely wounded." He said "a senseless and terrible act of violence has no place in a free society."Amid concerns that the shooting might have had a

Immigration Foe Passed Over for Chairman of Judiciary Subcommittee

2011-01-07T15:41:00.000-05:00

An avid illegal immigration foe, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) will not continue as the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee's Immigration subcommittee. Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) announced his selection for subcommittee chairman on Friday, and California Rep. Elton Gallegly (R) was chosen to head the Immigration and Enforcement panel. King, who served as the ranking

Grassley Investigation of TV Preachers Veers Off Course, Says Americans United

2011-01-07T15:15:00.002-05:00

A Senate Finance Committee investigation into several high-profile TV ministries went badly off track when staffers recommended that Congress repeal a federal ban on partisan politicking by churches and other non-profit groups, says Americans United for Separation of Church and State. U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) announced in 2007 that committee staff would investigate six TV ministries

Epiphany Blessings!

2011-01-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

The Governors and all-volunteer Advocacy Team of The Disciples Center for Public Witness hope you, your family, your congregation, and all your loved ones had a very merry Christmas and, if you celebrated it, a wonderful and enriching Kwanzaa.On this holy Feast of the Epiphany, we wish you a blessed new year and pray that you will have many opportunities to share and receive gifts--especially

U.S. Congress Elects Boehner New House Speaker

2011-01-05T14:31:00.000-05:00

One of the first actions of the 112th U.S. House of Representatives was the election of Congressman John Boehner (R-OH) to be the next Speaker of the House. He received 241 votes, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) got 173, and 19 voted present or for other members. During his speech to his colleagues on the floor he expressed his belief that both parties can find a way of working together, "we can

Prime Minister announces changes to the Ministry

2011-01-04T18:43:00.004-05:00

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced changes to the Ministry at a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall."Canadians have just come through a year during which the rewards of prudent financial stewardship, and of appropriate, well-timed stimulus measures have yielded dividends in jobs and growth," said Prime Minister Harper. "It is a good note upon which to start a new year.

New Year's Eve attack on Christian worshippers in Egypt condemned by U.S. Christians, Jews and Muslims

2011-01-03T22:15:00.001-05:00

The National Council of Churches has been joined by a wide range of faith leaders, including Jews and Muslims, in condemning the murderous New Year's Eve bombing of worshipers in All Saints Church in Alexandria, Egypt. "The perpetrators of this outrage are apparently so blinded by hatred that they have lost touch with the tenets of any known faith," said the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon,

NEW YEAR BLESSINGS!

2011-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Governors, Fellows, Advisors, and Advocacy Team of the DISCIPLES CENTER for PUBLIC WITNESS wish you, your family, and all your loved ones a very happy and blessed New Year.MAY YOUR DAY BE FILLED WITH GOODNESS and YOUR NEW YEAR OVERFLOWING WITH BLESSINGS!AND MAY IT BE A YEAR OF PEACE AND JUSTICE AND WHOLENESS FOR ALL GOD'S CHILDREN EVERYWHERE.Please keep The CENTER and its unique ministry of

2010-12-29T21:09:00.001-05:00

2010-12-24T07:04:00.001-05:00

Senate Passes START Treaty

2010-12-22T15:43:00.000-05:00

By a vote of 71-26, senators approved the strategic nuclear arms pact between the United States and Russia. Under the treaty, Russia and the United States agree to limit the number of nuclear warheads to 1,550 each, down from the ceiling of 2,200. The pact also establishes a system for monitoring and verification.The treaty was signed by Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on April 8.

President Meets With Congressional Hispanic Caucus about DREAM Act and Immigration Reform

2010-12-21T17:24:00.006-05:00

In an Oval Office meeting today, the President discussed immigration reform with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).The President and the members discussed their "deep disappointment" with the DREAM Act failing in the U.S. Senate despite "having the support of a majority of Senators and a majority of the American people," noting that "it would have

Government of Canada Renews Support for Aboriginal Languages Across the Country

2010-12-20T16:31:00.003-05:00

The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced a three-year renewal of the Aboriginal Languages Initiative, as well as a new formula for First Nations languages that distributes funding according to the regional realities of languages across Canada. The new funding formula for First Nations languages is based on regional distribution of these

Senate Rejects Amendments Altering New START Treaty

2010-12-19T23:26:00.003-05:00

The Senate on Sunday rescued a new arms treaty with Russia from Republican efforts to amend it in a way that would require the entire treaty to be renegotiated, but whether the Senate can ratify the New START treaty before the end of the lame-duck session remains in doubt.Senators have been debating the treaty for days, and Sunday's vote was the second time Democrats thwarted GOP efforts to alter

Senate Votes to Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

2010-12-18T15:02:00.002-05:00

By a vote of 65 to 31, the Senate just now voted to repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy that banned openly gay persons from serving in the military and denied recognition and acceptance of any sexual orientation other than heterosexuality. Earlier this week, the House passed the bill (H.R. 2965) by a vote of 250-175. The bill now goes to the President for his signature.

Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Passes Senate Procedural Vote

2010-12-18T13:18:00.004-05:00

The Senate will take a final vote this afternoon on legislation that would overturn the military ban on openly gay troops known as 'don't ask, don't tell.' Senators cleared the way for final action with a 63-33 vote to move the bill forward. The actual vote on the bill itself is now set for 3 p.m.

Opponents Successfully Block Vote on DREAM Act

2010-12-18T13:00:00.004-05:00

Today, the U.S. Senate failed to pass the DREAM Act, bipartisan legislation that, had it been passed, would have provided undocumented young women and men who were brought to the U.S. as young children with a pathway to U.S. citizenship if they attend college or perform military service.An effort to bring the House version of the bill (HR 5281) to the floor for a vote was rejected, 55-41.

SENATE VOTE IS TOMORROW: Urge Your Senators to Pass the DREAM Act

2010-12-17T14:08:00.000-05:00

The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act will be voted on TOMORROW, Saturday, December 18th in the U.S. Senate. Please urge your Senators to do the right thing tomorrow by voting "YES" on the cloture vote to enable the passage of this important legislation.202-224-3121.If passed, the DREAM Act would make a huge difference in the lives of undocumented youth who were

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the UN Commission on Information and Accountability for Women’s and Children’s Health

2010-12-16T23:09:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement following the announcement by Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General, that a new UN Commission on Information and Accountability for Women and Children’s Health has been established. The Commission will be co-chaired by Prime Minister Harper and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete:"This year, G-8 leaders endorsed and launched the

Canada: Feds Propose Private-Sector Pension Plan

2010-12-16T22:12:00.007-05:00

Conservative Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has shelved plans for a modest enhancement of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and instead is pitching a new private-sector pension plan which he claims will help Canadians prepare for retirement.The initiative, to be called Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPPs), is revealed in a letter that Flaherty has sent his provincial counterparts in advance

BREAKING NEWS: House Passes Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

2010-12-15T17:34:00.003-05:00

The House passed a repeal of the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy that has affected the service of gays and lesbians in the military. The stand-alone legislation calls for an end to the policy that since 1993 has barred recruiters from asking about sexual orientation while prohibiting soldiers from acknowledging that they are other than heterosexual.The legislation now goes to the Senate.

UPDATE: U.S. Senate Passes Tax Cuts and Unemployment Insurance Bill

2010-12-15T14:05:00.001-05:00

The Senate has passed legislation that would temporarily extend the George W. Bush-era tax cuts and renew unemployment benefits for 7 million Americans, moving the compromise package on to the House of Representatives.

DREAMers Pray for Passage of the DREAM Act, Visit Senators

2010-12-15T09:14:00.002-05:00

Supporters of the DREAM Act, which would create a path to citizenship for college students and soldiers who are the children of undocumented immigrants, pray in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building on Dec. 14th.Supporters, including religious leaders, also visited Senate offices, expressing strong support for this Act by diverse people of faith.Call your Senator today and express your

Canadian Church Leader Says Stephen Harper Fails Test of Leadership on Climate Change

2010-12-14T16:55:00.003-05:00

The news last week that Canada was ranked the fourth worst of 57 countries evaluated for their climate change performance is a shameful ranking for a country that could do so much better, says the Moderator of The United Church of Canada. In a commentary published in today’s Ottawa Citizen, Moderator Mardi Tindal calls on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to exercise accountable leadership on

Canada Joins World Leaders in Praising Holbrooke

2010-12-14T16:38:00.005-05:00

World leaders are praising U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke, who died Monday in a Washington, D.C., hospital following surgery for a tear in his aorta. Holbrooke was remembered for engineering the end of the 1992-1995 Bosnia war -- Europe's bloodiest conflict since the Second World War -- and for seeking to bring stability to war-torn Afghanistan. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Still Planning to Hold a Vote on the DREAM Act

2010-12-14T16:07:00.005-05:00

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to forge ahead with a vote on the DREAM Act, said his spokesman, Jim Manley."We intend to have a vote," Manley said. "We're still trying to figure out when."Republicans have threatened a filibuster on the DREAM Act, which would grant certain undocumented youth conditional legal status and a chance to pursue U.S. citizenship. Democrats, led by Reid, a

Parliament to Hold Emergency Debate on Haiti

2010-12-13T19:30:00.003-05:00

Canada's opposition on Monday called for troops to be sent to help stabilize Haiti and deal with a cholera outbreak, as parliamentarians readied for an emergency debate on Haiti's problems. Haiti has been hit by more upheaval and unrest following the disputed results of November presidential elections. Liberal MP Denis Coderre told AFP the opposition party during the session

President Signs Child Nutrition Act into Law

2010-12-13T19:22:00.003-05:00

DREAMers Prayer Vigil

2010-12-10T23:56:00.000-05:00

Dreamers Prayer Vigil from LIRS on Vimeo.First Trinity Lutheran Church in D.C held a candlelight vigil for young students organizing in favor of the DREAM Act. The vigil brought together faith leaders and “dreamers”: young immigrants who came to this country as children and now, as they get ready to go off to college or serve in the military, find themselves denied the opportunity to live a full

Senate Fails to Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

2010-12-09T23:50:00.001-05:00

A last-ditch effort to scrap the military's controversial ban on gays and lesbians serving openly failed today after several moderate Republicans whose votes were considered crucial voted against repealing the "don't ask don't tell" policy. President Obama said he was "extremely disappointed" that the bill failed. The "don't ask, don't tell" law "weakens our national security, diminishes our

UPDATE: Senate Postpones Vote on DREAM Act

2010-12-09T12:15:00.000-05:00

Today the Senate tabled discussion of the Senate version of the DREAM Act. Next week, they will try to vote on the House version. Keep calling and urging them to support it: 202-224-3121. Toll free: 1-866-945-0566.

BREAKING NEWS: House Passes DREAM Act

2010-12-08T21:08:00.003-05:00

The House of Representatives just passed the DREAM Act. The Senate will vote on this tomorrow at around 11 AM.CALL YOUR SENATORS: 202-224-3121.Urge them to pass the DREAM Act now!

President Obama Calls Tax Cuts and Unemployment Insurance Agreement "a Good Deal For The American People"

2010-12-07T20:13:00.000-05:00

Statement by the Prime Minister on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

2010-12-06T21:11:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on December 6:"On December 6, 1989, the lives of 14 young women were cut short in one of the most heinous acts of violence in Canadian history. They were daughters, sisters, wives and friends whose lives were full of promise and hope, horrifically taken

House Passes Child Nutrition Bill

2010-12-02T19:09:00.003-05:00

After months of heated debate, the House of Representatives on Thursday approved a $4.5 billion child nutrition bill, a valued project of first lady Michelle Obama that survived both Democrats' unrest about paying for the measure with cuts to the federal food stamp budget — and Republicans' last-minute attempt to sidetrack it.House Democratic leaders overcame an eleventh-hour procedural hurdle: a

President Obama & General Powell Push for a New START Treaty

2010-12-01T21:08:00.000-05:00

'Peace Among the Peoples' Conference July 28-31 in Elkhart

2010-07-22T06:52:00.003-05:00

"Peace Among the Peoples," is an ecumenical peace conference aimed at "overcoming the spirit, logic and practice of violence" slated for July 28-31 at the Associated Mennonite Bible Seminary in Elkhart, Ind.NCC General Secretary and Disciples theologian Michael Kinnamon is one of the organizers of the conference. According to Kinnamon, "From the very beginning, the ecumenical movement has

Don't Give Up on Immigration Reform!

2010-07-22T05:30:00.008-05:00

For several years now, advocates have pushed for comprehensive immigration reform. Several bills have been introduced into Congress. The President has made a major speech in support of immigration reform. Faith leaders, including many conservative faith leaders, have testified before Congress and written letters to editors calling for immigration reform. And yet, immigration reform legislation

FAITH COMMUNITIES WEIGH IN ON FTC'S REVIEW OF CHILDREN ONLINE PRIVACY

2010-07-21T23:02:00.000-05:00

Disciples News Service - Several faith communities, including Disciples, have urged the Federal Trade Commission to update and make the guidelines that regulate children's online privacy clearer. Family and Children's Ministries of Disciples Home Missions, the Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops responded to the FTC's

HISPANIC DISCIPLES MEET IN ORLANDO FOR 15TH BIENNIAL ASSEMBLY; APPROVE RESOLUTION OPPOSING ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW

2010-07-21T21:45:00.002-05:00

Disciples News Service - More than 300 Hispanics from the United States and Canada met in Orlando, Fla. from July 8-11 for the 15th Hispanic and Bilingual Assembly.The important role of family was highlighted at the four-day event where worship, youth activities, and workshops looked at the impact of the family in strengthening church and community life. Representatives at the Assembly also

President Obama Signs Wall Street Reform into Law

2010-07-21T21:14:00.000-05:00

Canadian Government Announces Alliance to Spearhead Global Fight Against HIV

2010-07-20T20:20:00.003-05:00

Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, on behalf of her colleagues, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, announced the renewed Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative (CHVI), which features the creation of the CHVI Research and

Faith-Based Eco-Justice Team Urges U.S. Government to Pursue a 'Just and Moral Response' to Oil Spill in the Gulf

2010-07-14T23:32:00.003-05:00

The National Council of Churches Eco-justice team is circulating a prayer petition urging government agencies to turn away from partisan politics and seek "a just and moral response" to the crisis caused by the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The petition, which declares that "the bonds that connect us to one another and to all Creation have been damaged in the Gulf," can

Preventive Care Now Available: Remarks by The First Lady, HHS Secretary Sebelius and Dr. Jill Biden

2010-07-14T23:13:00.002-05:00

President Obama Unveils HIV/AIDS Strategy

2010-07-13T23:24:00.001-05:00

First Lady Michelle Obama Discusses Her "Let's Move" Initiative

2010-07-13T22:08:00.000-05:00

In New Video, U.S. Religious Leaders Denounce Health Professionals’ Involvement in Experiments on Detainees

2010-07-09T23:44:00.005-05:00

The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) has released a new video, Accounting for Torture, featuring the voices of religious leaders who supporting the message of the Physicians for Human Rights report, Experiments in Torture: Human Subject Research and Evidence in the ‘Enhanced’ Interrogation Program. The video features the voices of National Council of

PM Welcomes Queen's Appointment of David Johnston as Governor General Designate

2010-07-08T23:53:00.003-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today welcomed the appointment of David Johnston as the Governor General Designate. Mr. Johnston, a respected lawyer and academic, will assume his new duties as Governor General on October 1."Mr. Johnston has a strong record of public service, a broad base of support and an impressive list of achievements," said Prime Minister Harper. "He has extensive legal

CIDA Funding to CCIC Threatened

2010-07-06T00:10:00.000-05:00

Funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to the Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC), Canada's pre-eminent coalition to end global poverty, is in doubt.CCIC's three-year contract with CIDA ended on March 31, 2010. Two months into a three-month temporary extension of CCIC's contract and no word yet from CIDA on the contract's renewal. In July, CCIC will

President Obama Calls for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

2010-07-01T20:54:00.000-05:00

U.S. Department of Labor Defends "We Can Help" Campaign

2010-06-29T14:25:00.004-05:00

In response to criticisms by the ideologically right-wing FOX news network, and in order to counter any misunderstanding about its "We Can Help" campaign, the Department of Labor released the following statement:"Through Democratic and Republican administrations, the Department of Labor consistently has held that the country’s minimum wage and overtime law protects workers regardless of their

U.S. SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD PASSES AWAY

2010-06-28T23:45:00.001-05:00

The family of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., announced the passing of the longest serving member of Congress in U.S. history. He was 92.Byrd died peacefully at approximately 3 a.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital.This morning President Obama issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Byrd:"I was saddened to hear this morning that the people of West Virginia have lost a true

G-20 climate pact erases word 'voluntary' from efforts to cut oil-firm subsidies

2010-06-28T13:05:00.000-05:00

In a last-minute turn in global climate talks, international negotiators agreed over the weekend to adopt more ambitious plans than expected to trim government subsidies to oil companies worldwide, part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.Earlier this week, negotiators were hammering out an agreement among the top 20 industrialized and emerging nations that called for each to

G20 Closes

2010-06-27T23:46:00.002-05:00

To read the G20 Toronto Summit Declaration, PLEASE CLICK HERE.To read remarks at the close of the G20 Summit by PM Stephen Harper, PLEASE CLICK HERE.To read a story about how rioters disrupted peaceful protests at the G20, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada at the Closing of the G8

2010-06-26T23:25:00.000-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today made the following remarks on the closing of the G-8 Summit:"Greetings, everyone. We had a very successful summit. We have refocused the G-8 on its strengths: development, peace and of course global security challenges. The G-8 has committed an additional $5 billion US over the next five years, and with our partners, as I mentioned yesterday, bringing the

PM Announces Canada Cancels Haiti's Debt

2010-06-26T07:55:00.003-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday announced that Canada has paid off its share of Haiti's debt to the Inter-American Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Canada is the first country to make all of the payments required to cancel the debt Haiti owes to all international financial institutions."Two weeks after the tragic earthquake in Haiti, Canada called

PM Harper announces Canada's contribution to the Muskoka Initiative on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

2010-06-25T23:30:00.002-05:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that following the Muskoka Summit, the total Canadian contribution for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health will be $2.85 billion over five years. In addition to $1.1 billion in new money, the Government will also renew existing funding of $1.75 billion over the next five years, for what will be a permanent and long-term commitment."I am very pleased

Global Religious Leaders Challenge G8/G20 Leaders

2010-06-24T07:04:00.000-05:00

After three intensely packed days, 80 senior leaders of eight world religions and faith based organizations from more than 20 countries, together with 13 youth delegates, spoke with one united voice to deliver a strong and simple message to governments: honour your commitments to the poor and vulnerable of the world – especially children. The statement, developed in consensus and unanimously

United Church of Canada Writes Prime Minister About Access to Abortion

2010-06-23T22:42:00.003-05:00

The United Church of Canada has written a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper affirming Canada's emphasis on maternal health as a global development priority at the upcoming G8 and G20 meetings. It expresses concern about the particular vulnerability of women in the global South to health problems because of the ongoing issues of poverty and violence, and calls forsafe and legal access to

U.S. Administration Working to End Homelessness

2010-06-23T19:45:00.000-05:00

President Obama Promotes Responsible Fatherhood

2010-06-20T19:57:00.001-05:00

The Governor General to Take Part in Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission's National Event in Winnipeg

2010-06-18T22:44:00.004-05:00

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will participate in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC’s) first national event on Indian residential schools, on Saturday, June 19, at The Forks National Historic Site, in Winnipeg. During the event, the Governor General will attend additional ceremonies where former students and their families, TRC

Interfaith Group Lauds New Bill Calling for Poverty Elimination in Canada

2010-06-16T23:39:00.004-05:00

Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), a national interfaith group that promotes public justice in Canada, praised a new private member's bill tabled in the House of Commons today calling for a federal poverty elimination strategy. The bill was tabled by Tony Martin of the New Democratic Party and seconded by Mike Savage of the Liberal Party and Yves Lessard of the Bloc Quebecois."This is an