Justice Jottings
February 2007

Alternatives to Violence Issue Team
The War & Peace Issue Team has been transformed into this new issue team. Larry Hufford pictured to the left will be its chair. The team will be inviting members of the Marianist Family to participate in the People's Peace Initiative - more details coming soon! Interested in being a part of the team? Contact Larry Hufford.

In this issue..
  • Anti-Racism
  • Death Penalty
  • Ecology & Environment
  • Adele Social Justice Project
  • MSJC Steering Committee
  • Act Now! Be an Advocate for Justice!
  • Events
  • Resources - know any good ones? Share them with us
  • A Thought to Ponder

  • Anti-Racism

    Several members of the Anti-Racism Issue Team are working to prepare workshops for Marianist groups to understand the nature of racism and other dysfunctional social systems. This working group made up of Paul Marshall, Ted Gorczyca, Pati Krasensky, Myles McCabe , Jim Vogt and Ted Cassidy will meet again in April.

     

    Death Penalty

    Pictured above: Letter from death row inmate asking for all executions to end.

    Impending Executions
    As of publishing date, the February executions were not available. To find latest execution alerts click here.

    St. Louisans join us Feb. 22
    Missouri History Museum presents the documentary Race to Executions followed by a panel discussion. To see the flier for the event click here.

    Daytonians join us Mar. 31
    MSJC Anti Death Penalty Issue team will be meeting in Dayton and representatives from Ohio organizations active in efforts to end the Death Penalty are invited to join us Sat, Mar 31 at 6:30 PM at Univ. of Dayton for an evening sharing. Location, flier and more details to come soon.

    New Developments

    • Is America ready to turn its back on the death penalty?
    • Will the US oppose Ban Ki-moon and the UN’s move toward a moratorium?
    Read more on these developments at the Death Penalty Issue Team website.


    Ecology & Environment

    Attention Parish Leaders!
    Make social and environmental justice part of your congregation's Palm Sunday celebration. Buy eco-friendly palms by Mar. 14 by clicking here.

     

    Adele Social Justice Project

    As a follow up from the Immersion weekend in Oct. a young adult community formed in the DC/Baltimore Metro area. They met in Jan. and held a discussion on fair trade. For Feb. they have a day of service planned with Habitat. They are interested in reaching out to other young adults in the DC/Baltimore Metro area. Please feel free to contact Beth Jamieson.

    Next ASJP Weekend Immersion - St. Louis - May 4-6. Watch for details! For more information contact Laura Libertore.

     

    MSJC Steering Committee

    The Steering Committee met in New York City on Jan. 11-14 at St. John’s of Rockaway Beach. Highlights included the Alternatives to Violence Issue Team, 2007 named the year of listening, and continued work on MSJC's response to the issue of homosexuality. To read the report from the meeting click here.

    The Steering Committee signed Pax Christi's statement on the 4th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. To read the statement or add your own name click here.

     

    Act Now! Be an Advocate for Justice!

    Guantanamo – Make a Difference! Act Now!
    Richard Sroczynski, MSJC member, is deeply conflicted over the Guantanamo situation. He states, "Letting this go on so long seems inconceivable for a nation that claims to be an upholder of liberty and justice for ‘all’." To read more of what Richard writes and to act for justice click here.

    Send a letter to Congress to support resolutions to stop the escalation of US troops in Iraq. NETWORK has a letter you can use. Click here

     

    Events

    March 16 Christian Peace Witness on Iraq
    This event includes an evening ecumenical worship service at the Washington, D.C. National Cathedral, a candlelight procession to the White House, and a late night peace vigil, during which some participants may engage in “divine obedience” (civil disobedience). For more information click here.

     

    Resources - know any good ones? Share them with us

    Lenten Resources

    • Pax Christi offers a number of resources. Click here
    • Education for Justice offers daily reflections. They are really good! Week One is now available. Click here

    "17 Steps for Peacemakers to Stay Spiritually Alive for the Long Haul" - click here.

    "An Impartial Interrogation of George W. Bush" by George McGovern - submitted by MSJC Steering Committee member Bill Farrell, SM - . To read it click here.

    Pachamama Alliance provides a network working for rain forest preservation and sustainability. To learn more click here.

     

    A Thought to Ponder

    Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.

    Hafsat Abiola

     

    MSJC LOGO

    New on Our Website

    Minimum Wage Update
    Passage of the minimum wage bill (S.2) is delayed. Let your Senators know that the workers cannot wait. To write a letter click here. For more information click here.

    Guantanamo
    An MSJC member is really concerned. Should you be too? Learn about his response by clicking here.

    Fair Trade Websites
    A new resource available to you through our website - click here

    What exactly is the Common Good?
    Education for Justice has a background paper on the topic. Click here.

    Remember - Our website is interactive. We’d like to hear from you! Just get a password and you can enter into current discussions with other MSJC members or start a new discussion. NOTE – if you are using the AOL browser, you can view the website but may not be able to enter any of the discussions with that browser.

    Visit us at www.msjc.net.....
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