Global archive 4

Global and Social Issues -- Archive # 4
January through June, 2002

Rabbi Michael Lerner has offered a response to Pres. Bush's policy statement on the Middle East conflict, saying that the statement gives encouragement to Israel's repressive policies, and thus encourages Palestinian terrorism rather than efforts for peace. [6-27-02]

The 9th District Circuit Court ruling that the mention of God in the Pledge of Allegiance violates the First Amendment prohibition on the establishment of religion has attracted much attention ... and argument.

The group Equal Partners in Faith has offered one statement in support of the decision. [6-27-02]

We welcome other views -- your own or those you've seen somewhere else. Just send a note!

We need even-handedness in the Middle East [6-15-02]

The Rev. Arch Taylor, a former Presbyterian Japan missionary, has sent this letter to President Bush, commending his even-handedness in dealing with the Pakistan-India conflict, and urging the same kind of approach to the Israeli-Palestinian situation.

The Bush response to global warming -- a faith-based response [6-8-02]

The Bush administration has recently submitted its "Climate Action Report 2002" to the United Nations. For the first time, this administration acknowledges the phenomenon of global warming, and the link between human activities and the rise in temperature of the atmosphere and the oceans. The report goes on to suggest an interesting response: Get used to it! And let any changes we make be voluntary.

We've been looking for some comment from the faith communities, and Peter Sawtell, Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ministries, has offered a thoughtful response, concluding, "I can think of no other term than 'foolishness' to describe the ludicrous US policy which knowingly increases our damage to the Earth's climate, and then proposes enormous and complex, but very partial, steps to try and adapt to the climate change we are causing.

Jim Wallis of Sojourners reports on Call to Renewal's Mobilization in Washington, DC, which focused on "Speaking the Truth About Poverty." The gathering featured visits to senators from 42 states, to urge "a compassionate and just reauthorization of welfare reform."

One clear response from the legislators was to ask for more local stories of what's working in efforts against poverty, and information on the human dimensions of poverty in local communities. [5-27-02]

Cuban Christians comment on Carter visit
[5-21-02]

While President Bush has been insisting on a continued embargo against Cuba, Christians in that nation welcomed the visit of former Pres. Jimmy Carter.

The Rev. Hector Mendez, a member of the central committee of the World Council of Churches, said, "We have been saying for many years that one of the main tasks of the churches in the U.S. and Cuba is to build bridges of reconciliation between our countries. The visit of former President Carter is one of those bridges."

Clergy urged to support hate crimes legislation [5-7-02]

Hate crimes legislation has once again been introduced in both houses of the US Congress. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2001 (S.625/H.R.1343) is enjoying broad bi- partisan support, and Senator Daschle has pledged that he will bring the LLEEA to the Senate floor for a vote before the Memorial Day recess.

The Faith Action Network, a project of People For the American Way, is encouraging ministers to add their names to a letter supporting this step against hate crimes.

NCC delegation condemns killing by both sides, lifts up steps toward peace in Israel/Palestine [5-6-02]

A delegation of US church leaders has returned from a 12-day visit to Israel, Palestine, and neighboring countries, under the auspices of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Calling on both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to agree to an immediate ceasefire, they "condemn equally and unequivocally both the suicide bombings and Palestinian violence against Israeli society and the violence of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories."

Among other steps toward a resolution of the conflict, they call for:

	the affirmation by Palestinians and by Arab states of the right of the State of Israel to exist within secure borders;
	the establishment of an international peacekeeping force ...
	the end of Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza;
	the cessation of the building of new Israeli settlements ...;
	... dismantling ... of settlements that negate the geographic integrity of a viable Palestinian state ...;
	the sharing of Jerusalem by the two peoples and three faiths so that Jerusalem may truly reflect its name, City of Peace; and
	the commitment by Israel to address the issue of the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

The Rev. Janet Arbesman, Vice-Moderator of the 213th General Assembly of the PCUSA, was a member of the delegation.

Equal protection of voting rights makes progress in Congress, but still needs support [4-25-02]

The Presbyterian Washington Office celebrates the passage of the "Equal Protection of Voting Rights" by the U.S. Senate, and suggests continued support of this legislation as it goes to the Conference Committee. The Washington Office passes along an Action Alert from the NAACP.

A new "decalogue" for peace [4-18-02]

Religious leaders spoke out in January to condemn all religious violence, and offered an "Assisi Decalogue" to give form to their call for peace. Was anybody listening?

Journalist David Walters gives some of the story, and the content of the statement itself.

A major oil company shows that Pres. Bush can stop worrying about the economic costs of measures to prevent global warming. [4-15-02]

Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick has issued a letter calling urgently for peace in the Middle East. He calls for an end to acts of terrorism and of state-sponsored violence, and for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territory. [4-10-02]

He notes that "

100^th death row inmate freed due to actual innocence

NCADP calls for immediate, nationwide halt to executions [4-10-02]

The Presbyterian Washington Office reminds us that the PCUSA has long stood in opposition to the death penalty, and now is a time to support legislation that would call for a moratorium on its imposition.

Protestant Justice Action (the newer name for the Oxbow group) gathered progressive groups for a conference in St. Louis, April 5-6, 2002, "celebrating insights from yesterday, the spirit of today, and action for tomorrow." [4-8-02]

The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship has issued a statement on the crisis in Israel/Palestine, restating its "conviction that acts of violence can not lead to security and peace for Palestinians and Israelis."

The statement expresses appreciation for Pres. Bush's April 4^th statement, and underscores the need for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. [4-5-02]

The Presbyterian Antiracism Program has launched its new web page. Mark Koenig invites you to check it out. [4-5-02]

An appeal has come to us urging that people around the world join in a circle of prayer for peace in the Middle East. We share it here in the confident faith that prayer does make a difference. [4-3-02]

UCC Justice and Peace Action Network urges action to support increased spending on foreign aid [4-3-02]

Immigrant rights are doubly threatened, and advocacy groups call for May 1 action [3-30-02]

The Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) and the National Coalition for Dignity and Amnesty for Immigrants warn about twin threats to immigrant rights -- from a recent Supreme Court decision, and a revived "bracero" program apparently favored by Pres. Bush.

UN Office plans seminar for May 2-5: Tackling Terrorism: Faith Talks in the Aftermath of September 11th, a four-day seminar on terrorism and peacemaking, is scheduled for May 2-5 at the Presbyterian United Nations Office in New York City. [3-30-02]

Heresy! [3-16-02]

Peter Sawtell of Eco-Justice Ministries ponders the problem of heresy, which happens "when partial truths are elevated to the status of absolute truths." And today's big heresy, he suggests, is the idea of personal freedom. It was the key argument in the US Senate against tighter standards for fuel economy in US vehicles -- including even SUVs and vans. The assumption was that Congress had no right to tell Americans what kind of cars they could drive.

Says Sawtell: "Freedom is one of the core values for the United States. But we have encountered heresy when that value is lifted up as an absolute truth."

The Christian Right and "racial reconciliation" [3-16-02]

Andrea Smith, writing for the journal Color Lines (Spring, 2002), examines the growing movement among conservative and evangelical groups toward what they call "race reconciliation." Basically, this new trend involves conservative Christian magazines highlighting the role of people of color in conservative groups. But it also seems aimed at splitting middle-class African Americans from those below them on the socio-economic ladder.

NCC website features resources on the challenge of poverty - a Lenten theme in March 2002. [3-13-02]

To launch its 10-year mobilization addressing the challenge of poverty, National Council of Churches focuses on poverty-related issues during the 31 days of March 2002, ending on Easter Sunday.

A special new section of the NCC website features . .

Preaching About Poverty
The Bible Speaks About Poverty
Poverty-Related Events During March
Good Works That 'Work'
Poverty By the Numbers
Theological Reflection on Poverty

Visit the website now: http://www.ncccusa.org/poverty/

"The National Council of Churches . . . 36 communions of faith, 140,000 congregations, 50 million Americans joining hands and voices to express the love of Christ."

Presbyterian Washington Office reports on new challenges to conscientious objectors in legislative proposals for Universal Military Training [3-13-02]

In line with actions of numerous General Assemblies, the Washington Office has prepared an excellent summary of current pressures for some kind of compulsory military service, challenges faced by anyone who feels compelled by conscience not to engage in such actions, and Presbyterian thinking on questions of military service.

The UCC Justice and Peace Action Network has sent a helpful bulletin with information on energy policy issues being discussed in the US Senate -- along with suggestions for action. [3-13-02]

Urban churches: Here's help in caring for your building and making it useful in your community [3-13-02]

Partners for Sacred Places is a Philadelphia organization that encourages churches in urban areas to find the resources to keep their buildings in good repair and offer services to their communities. They have just published a 60-page handbook, OPEN THE DOORS, SEE ALL THE PEOPLE: A GUIDE TO SERVING FAMILIES IN SACRED PLACES, funded by the Annie E. Casey and Weyerhaeuser Family Foundations. The entire publication can be accessed at www.sacredplaces.org/openthedoors.htm.

Presbyterians will join other churches to push for welfare reform [3-11-02]

At least a dozen Presbyterians will join more than 80 other representatives of churches and ecumenical groups next week in pressuring Congress to strengthen the nation's welfare system.

Congressman from Ohio offers a prophetic prayer for America [3-8-02]

Congressional representative Dennis Kucinich recently gave a speech in the form of a prayer - a prayer for America that challenges the U.S. "war on terrorism" - both what is being done now, and even more what is being proposed.

Here's an inspiring and prophetic mixing of religion and politics. It may not be what some advocates of prayer-with-politics have in mind, but it has power and authenticity that are worthy of our attention.

A call for peace in Colombia

Alice Winters, Presbyterian mission co-worker in Colombia, writes to express the concern of many people as war is renewed in Colombia. She includes a statement from the Executive Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia. [2-25-02]

From the Presbyterian Washington Office:

Immigration issues and campaign and election reforms lead off Congressional agenda [2-22-02]

This look ahead at the new session of Congress was published before they reconvened on January 23, but it highlights a number of the issues of concern to the PC(USA): immigration, election reform, and faith-based initiatives.

If you care about the well-being of children, the Presbyterian Washington Office invites you to join in ...

A national call-in day to protect unaccompanied children in INS detention on Tues. February 26, 2002 1pm-4pm Eastern Time [2-20-02]

Thursday, Feb. 21 -- a TV must-see on El Salvador

Tomorrow night (Thursday, Feb. 21) PBS will be showing "Justice and the Generals," a 90-minute documentary that explores military impunity for gross human rights abuses in El Salvador. [2-20-02]

Faith-based aid in the Senate

The Presbyterian Washington Office reports on the shape being given to the "faith-based initiative" in the U.S. Senate. The report includes a statement by

Criminal Justice Sunday is February 10, 2002, on the calendar of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The year's theme is the third of a three-part series that analyzes how victims, offenders, and communities participate in and help shape the United States criminal justice system. We know that all three constituencies have physical, spiritual, and psychological needs that the criminal justice system must meet if it is to address the problem of crime in a holistic and healing manner -- and the church has an important role to play in this process.

The Social Justice Program Area of the National Ministries Division has prepared resources for worship, background readings, and more. Visit their web page for details. [2-8-02]

As the President's budget goes to Congress, our UCC friends have posted a good, brief statement of the concerns for people committed to peace and justice. [2-8-02]

Dealing with the death penalty: a flawed system [2-8-02]

The American people understand that the death penalty system is broken, and they are looking to their elected officials for answers. In 2002, The Justice Project will continue to remind voters of how bad the system really is, and help find and implement solutions to those problems.

Bush is urged to release funds for UN family planning program [2-8-02]

President Bush is refusing to release funds appropriated for support of the United Nations Population Fund, in his effort to placate the Religious Right. The Christian Science Monitor carries an op-ed essay by Professor Steven W. Sinding, former director of the population program at the US Agency for International Development, who urges the President to act in accord with the vast majority of Americans, an in the interests of the world's poor, by helping to fund responsible family planning programs around the world.

Studying today's issues through eyes of faith [2-6-02]

The Confession 1967 calls us to "study ... both the Bible and the contemporary world." This call leads the Rev. Bruce Gillette to suggest readings from leading newspapers on "the imaginary axis threat," and on the President's proposed increase in military spending - in contrast to more constructive ways of responding to threats of terrorism.

Compromise reached on "charitable choice" [2-6-02]

After a long struggle to get his idea of providing social aid to and through religious organizations, President Bush seems to be nearing a compromise in the U.S. Senate that would allow government funds to go to religious and other non-profit groups for social service programs. The compromise would not allow religious groups freedom to discriminate against lesbians and gay men in government-funded programs.

The proposed legislation would also allow individuals who do not itemize on their tax returns to take a deduction for charitable contributions.

This compromise may still face hurdles as it is negotiated with the version passed by the House last year, which went farther in blurring the lines of church-state separation.

The President is trying to increase support for his "faith-based initiative" by folding that office into his new push for voluntary service. The new director of The Office of Community and Faith-Based Initiatives, with Jim Towey as its new director, will be under John Bridgeland, who was recently named to head the volunteer initiative in the White House. The former director of Faith-Based Initiatives, John J. DiIulio, had direct access to the White House.

See the full story in the Washington Post for February 6, 2002.

Over 300 national, state, and local groups are calling for swift passage of S. 767, The Gun Show Background Check of 2001 [2-6-02]

"Far from Home" -- looking at the reality of refugees through the experience of Jesus [2-1-02]

In a world where millions of people live as refugees, Jesus' "flight into Egypt" gives us a new perspective - and perhaps a new compassion - for people who are forced to live as strangers in strange lands. Including our land, and our communities.

Kent Winters-Hazelton preached on Matthew 2:13-23, the account of the flight of Jesus and his parents to Egypt, on the first Sunday after Christmas. His sermon was informed by a recent visit to the World Council of Churches, and a session with their director of refugee work, Beth Ferris.

Presbyterians for Restoring Creation have announced more details for their 2002 conference:
Earth's Energy, God's Light:
Faithful Responses to the Energy Crisis
July 11-14, 2002
Linfield College, Oregon
[2-1-02]

A new military draft is being considered in the House [2-1-02]

The House Armed Services Committee is considering a bill that would require everyone registered for the draft to serve up to one year in the armed services. The proposed Universal Military Training and Service Act of 2001 would mandate that men aged 18 to 22 serve between six months and a year in basic military training and education.

Here's an on-line report from the campus newspaper at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.

And there's another report in the Maine Commons.

For the full text of the bill, go to http://thomas.loc.gov and search for HR3598.

The State of Our Union [1-30-02]

Sojourners editor Jim Wallis reflects on the President's State of the Union speech in light of the comments of Canadian guests who watched it with him. He notes the "bellicose" tone of the speech, and laments the President's clear insistence on America's primacy in the world, rather than the new kind of partnership that appeared possible a few months ago.

Wallis applauds Bush's call for more volunteer service, while noting that no amount of volunteer effort will change the real social problems "without a massive political and societal commitment to match citizen action."

We plan to post more such comments. Please share yours, too ... just send a note!

The Oxbow network of progressive church groups is planning a conference in St. Louis, April 5-6 -- Click here for details, including schedule and registration form. [1-30-02]

From the Presbyterian Washington Office
[1-28-02]

Campaign finance reform to come before House; now is the time for concerned citizens to speak.

Now that the petition to discharge the campaign finance reform bills has received support, the House of Representatives will be voting on this issue soon. We now need to urge our House members to vote for the better of the two measures that will come before them.

Senators McCain and Feingold urge President to support genuine campaign finance reform in State of the Union address. [1-28-02]

You may want to do the same!

The ACLU has issued a statement urging support for a moratorium on executions, in light of the growing awareness of how many people on death row have been determined to be innocent. [1-23-02]

After 9/11: A new call for Jubilee and justice
[1-19-02]

Ross and Gloria Kinsler were the outstanding leaders of the Ghost Ranch Seminar on globalization in the summer of 2000. Last November, as the events of September 11^thled into the "war on terrorism," they sent out a "Jubilee Memo" relating that war to "the war we must fight" against poverty around the world.

Their letter includes insights on such topics as:

	the real significance of globalization (quoting Dr. Oscar Arias, former President of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Laureate, who said that "the [globalization] system encourages insatiable consumption and consumerism for some, but denies many others the basic necessities of life."
	the meaning of the biblical faith as summed up in the Lord's Prayer, with its petitions that remind us of our calling to make God's Reign a reality on earth, partly by observing the Sabbath and Jubilee years that involve the freeing of people from their debts.
	the call to responsible discipleship in caring for the people of our world as well as our natural environment - a call for which the Kinslers suggest a variety of resources, including the Presbyterian Hunger Program and much more.

The message of Enron: Diversify! [1-19-02]

Peter Sawtell of Eco-Justice Ministries sees a lesson in the crash of Enron, and especially the harsh consequences for employees whose pension funds were invested largely in Enron stock: Diversity is a good thing! In the economy, in the church, in nature.

Now's the time to act to preserve funding for the UN Population Fund. [1-17-02]

"Common ground" on meeting human need?

A wide spectrum of religious and civil groups offers appropriate ways to provide help to people in need without violating separation of church and state. [1-17-02]

Enron and ethics

Jim Wallis of Sojourners reflects on the deeper meaning of the Enron collapse. There are many levels of problems, he says, but while "the strongest media critics of Enron call it putting self-interest above the public interest; biblical ethics would just call it a sin." [1-17-02]

Presbyterian Washington Office, in line with previous GA actions, urges:

Voice Your Opposition to the U.S. Withdrawal from the ABM Treaty [1-10-02]

The National Council of Churches has issued a Christmastide statement on environmental justice, in which they affirm:

"We believe that the American religious community is ready to lead a new abolition movement - to abolish unsustainable ecological and economic practices and to create a new economy and society based on stewardship, conservation and renewable resources." [1-8-02]

In Search of Alternatives to Violence will be the topic for a Ghost Ranch seminar set for July 29-August 5, 2001. Leadership will include Bruce Gagnon, Alan Geyer, and Barbara Green. Co-sponsored by Witherspoon Society, Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, and Presbyterians for Restoring Creation. [12-5-01]

Stories on social and global concerns from September through December, 2001, are listed in Global Concerns Archive # 3.

Stories June through August 2001 are listed in Wide World Archive # 2.

And there's another page listing reports and comments on social issues, from May 2000 through May 2001.