Action Alert from Church World Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Jonathan Ernst/ACT Alliance 

Contact your Representative urging her or him to co-sponsor and support House Resolution 521.

Two years after the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, women and girls continue to be at risk of physical and mental abuse, forced labor and sexual violence.

Church World Service and other colleagues from the Haiti Advocacy Working Group in Washington, D.C., has learned that women who live in tent camps – where up to 700,000 people continue to live – face insufficient policing and security, lack safe access to sanitation facilities surrounding the camps, and feel unsafe at night with many women being raped.

Children are also at risk.  Hunger drives hundreds of adolescent girls to sell unprotected sex to strangers.  Forced child labor prevents young children from getting an education, locking them into a vicious cycle of poverty and marginalization.

H.RES.521 calls on the Government of Haiti to prioritize women and children, to swiftly pass proposed legislation on violence against women, provide medical and psychological support to affected women and children, train public officials, the police, prosecutors and judges so that they can become more responsive, and fund specialized units within the Haitian National Police so that they are sensitized and equipped to provide support when members of the public report crime to them.  The resolution also urges that U.S. Government humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Haiti prioritize the issue of violence against women and children.

Click here to take action.

Salem-area radio talk show host Bill Post (who not long ago said he wanted to urinate on the corpses of dead Taliban soldiers) says that he's a Evangelical Christian who shares the "world-view" of the Founding Fathers.  Thomas Jefferson might argue with that but those views lead Post to question President Obama's Christian faith and American values.  In fact, those views leave Post very afraid of the future if the president is re-elected. Post writes that electing Mitt Romney, a Mormon, might not be great for evangelical Christians, but consider the alternatives:

1 - Is Obama a Muslim?  I don't know for sure, but we all know he has made some pretty big concessions to Muslims as well as some pretty interesting statements concerning Muslims.  So, if he IS a Muslim or leans towards them, would you rather have a Muslim or a Mormon President? I haven't seen very many Mormons strap bombs to the jackets blowing up marketplaces, have you?

2 - Is Obama a Marxist/Socialist/Communist?  I don't know for sure, but again, his statement and policies sure make it look that way.  Have you seen any Mormon gulags, death camps or mass murders committed lately?

Evangelicals, Mainline Christians and Roman Catholics have repeatedly condemned those who question the president's Christian faith for partisan political reasons but that won't stop people like Post who are so far outside the mainstream that they actually believe the president of the United States is planning death camps if re-elected. 

We can expect opponents of the president this election - big and small - to attempt to exploit racial divisions and to paint President Obama as something "other" than fully as American. Consider the new racially charged film financed by right-wing billionaire Joe Ricketts that suggests that the president has a Kenyan, not American, world-view. 

These campaigns against President Obama are driven by fear, hatred and racism - let's be honest.  The good news is that the American people are better than Bill Post or Joe Ricketts.  We are an optimistic people at our core.  But whether or not we agree with the president's policies - whether we support his re-election or not - all good Americans must reject the division and hatred promoted on talk radio and the web and use the election to engage in a serious debate over the issues this nation faces.

Does Tucker Carlson crave publicity so badly that he's willing to embrace a racist gun dealer or does he himself harbor hatred toward the president of the United States of America based on the color of his skin and wish him harm? It's a legitimate question as Carlson's website gives away guns from a known bigot.

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Reports:

Washington, DC—That Tucker Carlson and the Daily Caller would promote a man like firearms manufacturer Jim Pontillo to their readers is a testament to how far the American Conservative movement has moved to the right in the last several years. It is not just that Pontillo’s dislike of President Obama is tinged with not-so-subtle racism (“He will never be President of the United States; that job requires he represent all Americans, not just the angry black ones.”). Pontillo also believes that political violence has a legitimate place in American politics. He states that armed resistance to democratic government is “integral to the American DNA” and warns, "I can't imagine how much more insult the American people are willing to endure under the 'enterprises of ambition' by our politicians, but I do know, gun ownership and an understanding of our American Founders' vision will have positive and deliberate effect on the psyche of our populace and can subdue the overzealous and prejudicial effect of this ambition. When law is abused to achieve political ends where do the gallant citizens turn? Quite possibly to their guns." 

Such commentary would have been inappropriate and dangerous even before Gabby Giffords was shot in the head by Jared Loughner (“You don’t have to accept the federalist laws”). That the Daily Caller would associate itself with such rhetoric in the wake of Tucson is unfathomable. 

Tucker Carlson has already attempted to downplay the controversy, suggesting that the only relevant detail about Pontillo is the fact that he’s a licensed gun maker. But giving away a handgun with the Bill of Rights engraved on its side is an overtly political statement. It is therefore relevant and worth asking whether Carlson embraces Pontillo’s ideas about “Second Amendment remedies.” 

Finally, it is ironic that while Pontillo sees Liberals as a bunch of Socialists and Communists that are subverting all that is great about America, he seems to see no contradiction in his own effort to void sacrosanct democratic institutions like political equality and the rule of law.

Threats against President Obama and our democracy must be taken seriously.  There is room for debate in our nation - that is what elections are all about - but Carlson crosses a line here that must be condemned.

People of faith must demand an end to gun violence and a return to civility in public life.  

Just this past month voters in North Carolina passed an anti-gay ballot measure. Some brave Christian clergy spoke out against the measure but we're learning more and more that other clergy not only supported the anti-marriage amendment but used the campaign to preach a message of hate and violence directed at gays and lesbians inconsistent with the core of Christianity.

The pulpit is holy space and those that use it to promote violence commit theological malpractice as ugly and wrong as those who throughout history have used their pulpits to target Jews and other minority groups.

Are these hateful messages mainstream? In some communities, yes. And not just in the South. We have heard the same ugly language preached here in Oregon during campaigns past by the now defunct Oregon Citizens Alliance, the right-wing Christian group that promoted a series of anti-gay ballot measures.

All Christians - regardless of whether or not we support gay marriage (I strongly do) - must condemn hate speech from pastors and denominations where this occurs are obligated to hold their clergy accountable - taking away their status as ordained clergy. Because let's be clear: these hateful men are not preaching the word of God.

God created gays and lesbians, like all humanity, in God's image and was well pleased.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The lawsuit announced today by some Roman Catholic organizations isn't supported by all Roman Catholics and certainly not many Christians, including Roman Catholics, who support President Obama's efforts to expand health care opportunities for women and their families.

There is no war against religion. As a minister in the United Church of Christ, I join other people of faith in continuing to applaud the president's efforts. He has, in fact, gone the extra mile to meet religious objections raised by some Roman Catholics and Religious Right evangelicals. But they want more. They want to strip women of the ability to make their own health care decisions. Christians and other good people of faith need to continue to fight these efforts even as we seek reconciliation with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. In a democratic pluralistic society no church gets the final say and no church will be allowed to dictate health policy to women.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

We had a wild primary contest for mayor in Portland this year that ended last night with state Rep. Jefferson Smith - far behind in money and opposed by powerful special interests - making a strong showing and the run-off in November.  He'll face former Portland City Commissioner Charlie Hales, a person I like, who held office in the 90s.  Few gave Smith's campaign any chance of success and to make the run-off his campaign had to secure support from a coalition of Portlanders that in the end overwhelmed the $1 million + war chest of Eileen Brady, who had strong support from downtown business interests but came in third after leading in the polls most of the last year. 

What makes Smith's campaign special - and I was glad to play a small role in it - was that he brought together a coalition that covered everyone from the police union to the Occupy Portland protesters.  He argued that as Portlanders we have common problems that will require diverse people - from both sides of the river in our divided city - to seek common ground.  Smith actually offered public policy proposals and demanded a positive campaign.  He made the campaign about Portland's future and not just himself.  Most importantly, from my perspective, he argued that for Portland to be great no neighborhood or group of people can be left behind.  His campaign staff and supporters modeled real diversity.  In the end, Smith ran a campaign based on values.  People responded.

My hope is that Eileen Brady finds ways to remain involved in our city's public debates.  Like many, I've been particularly impressed with her work on health care in Oregon.  Her focus on creating jobs in the campaign was spot on.  But history has shown that Portlanders don't like to feel they are being bought.  After watching her this year, however, I see her as someone who could make a valuable contribution to public life for many years with her passion for the city and our environment.  I wouldn't rule her out as a future candidate.    

Hales took the top spot last night.  He was the safe choice for many.  Like I said, I like Hales.  I worked with him when he served on the City Council.  Portland is a better city because of his tenure on the council.  But Portland is a different city from when he was first elected in 1992.  He's smart as a whip but I don't see him understanding the changes and challenges faced by Portland with the same insight that Smith brings to this race.  His continued support for the failed Columbia River Crossing - a bridge that hasn't been built and might never be built but has already cost taxpayers tens of millions in consultant fees - is example #1 of this.  Portland needs better vision.

As we move toward November I fully expect both Jefferson Smith and Charlie Hales to run positive campaigns.  That's what Portland needs.  We are a unique city in that we tend to produce good candidates who actually care about public service. 

House Republicans are playing politics with the Violence Against Women Act and it is up to people of good faith to stop them. As a minister in the United Church of Christ, I support the bi-partisan version of this legislation passed by the Senate. The House version strips protections from Native Americans, immigrants, and LGBT victims of violence. Take action now by signing the below action alert from the United Church of Christ (you can modify the language to reflect your religious tradition) or call your House member directly.

JPANet: Violence Against Women Act Protections in Jeopardy

Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a measure which has received strong bipartisan support since it was first passed by Congress in 1994, is currently moving through Congress. The Senate passed its version of the reauthorization (S. 1925) in late April, and it included important enhancements for addressing the needs of Native American families living on tribal lands, immigrants, and those who are living in same-sex relationships and are victims of domestic violence.

These important provisions protecting Native American women, immigrants and LGBT victims of violence are being threatened!

A House version of the VAWA reauthorization, introduced by Rep. Sandy Adams (R-FL), now has the full backing of the House majority leadership and will be moving to a floor vote soon. The House version strips out the Senate provisions strengthening legal protections for Native American women and eliminates essential confidentiality protections for immigrant women seeking protection from abuse. While the Senate version includes provisions for improving services and increasing funding efficiency based on input from thousands of direct service providers, the House version rejects those improvements without any such consultation or review.

The United Church of Christ, in partnership with a diverse coalition of faith groups, has long supported efforts aimed at addressing and eliminating domestic violence. As part of the Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition, the United Church of Christ joined with many others in supporting the Senate version of the reauthorization and applauded the expanded provisions for under-served communities. The House version jeopardizes those improvements and could put many women and families in greater danger with fewer resources and recourse.

Let your representative know that you do not support the House version of VAWA reauthorization. Urge your representative to support a House bill that reflects the Senate version and strengthens protections for women and their families.

Send your letter here.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Creator God, this Mother's Day we stop to give you thanks for our mothers. We remember the times that they have set-aside their own needs to tend to ours. We remember those moments where they have expressed love for us when no one else would. We give you praise for the gift of human creation. And on this day we remember moms that we have lost and ask that your spirit hold them fast – and that you watch over us as we still grieve. We also ask for your healing touch for mothers who have lost children and for women who have tried to conceive but been unable to. Help us in different ways to be the family for those that have no other. God of Justice, we also lift up to you today those mothers who are struggling to provide shelter, food and medical care for their children. Use us as instruments of your will as we seek to build the Kingdom you have promised – a place where all such inequities are washed away. We also acknowledge, O God, that not every mother is perfect. Help us to forgive those that have wronged us. Forgive us to, dear Lord, for the times we have not shown our mothers the love and appreciation they deserve for all the mighty gifts they have given us. In the name of Jesus, born of Mary, we pray. Amen.

- The Rev. Chuck Currie

(Pictured above: Judith F. Bright, ARNP, CNM, MPA. My mom who passed away April 3, 2012.)

As a minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC), I want to applaud President Obama's decision today to endorse marriage equality.  The General Synod of the United Church of Christ first called for marriage eqality in 2005. Gay and lesbian Americans deserve all the protections of U.S. law afforded other citizens. Discrimination is contrary to the will of God. I believe, in fact, that we are called to be a people of reconciliation that advance the cause of justice. A generation ago laws against interracial marriage were struck down. Many in our churches see this as the time to advance the cause of freedom and equality. I hope and pray with President Obama's leadership and a growing consensus from different political leaders - including former Vice-President Cheney - that marriage equality will soon become the law of the land.

- Rev. Chuck Currie

There were dense clouds covering between Mt. Hood and Portland this evening that delayed the arrival of the much anticipated "Supermoon."  These photos were taken with our simple family camera.  It was a beautiful sight.

Psalm 8 1-4 NRSV

 

To the leader: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of David.
¹ O Lord, our Sovereign,
   how majestic is your name in all the earth! 

You have set your glory above the heavens. 
²   Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
   to silence the enemy and the avenger. 

³ When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
   the moon and the stars that you have established; 
⁴ what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
   mortals^* that you care for them? 

I simply do not believe that at this point in time the distinctiveness of our different churches is more important than the values and common understandings of Scripture that unite us.

My latest on The Huffington Post.