When Governments Kill
Writing in Sojourners Magazine, Richard A. Viguerie (who has been called "one of the creators of the modern conservative movement" by The Nation magazine) says "because I am a follower of Jesus Christ, I oppose the death penalty....and because (of) my political philosophy..., I find it quite logical to oppose capital punishment."  To learn how some people have reacted, and to read his essay, click here.

The Death Penalty Information Center has begun issuing podcasts discussing key death penalty issues.  The most recent episode explores the costs of capital punishment; previous topics include arbitrariness and clemency. To learn how to download and/or subscribe to the series, click here.  

 

Standing Up Against the Death Penalty 

Bro. Jerry Sullivan, shown below in front of the US Supreme Court Building, participated in the recent Fast and Vigil against the Death Penalty.  He writes: "We had a teaching with speakers each evening from 6-8 pm.... There were men who had spent time on death row and were exonerated who spoke as well as folks from Murder Victims Families, also families of men on death row.  The compassion, forgiveness and acceptance expressed were overwhelming.  Sometimes I'm angry when I hear of murders, but the stories of conversion and the turning away from anger to forgiveness, acceptance and a desire to change the vengeful attitude of others touched me deeply."  Click here to read the rest of Jerry's reflections.

 

        

 

 

Good News! A Letter from Benita Veliz          

In the May Justice Jottings, we featured a story about Benita Veliz, a former St. Mary's U. student threatened with deportation. Click here to read it.  Then click here to read an update from Benita to all of her supporters.

Letter and Resources on Immigration Reform

Read a copy of the letter and resource that the team recently sent out to Marianist communities.

 

                                                                                    Benita Veliz

GLBT Initiative 

 

 

Cape May Experiences GLBT Presentation 
Members of the GLBT Team presented "A Place at the Marianist Table" to the board of the Cape May Family Retreat Center on May 19. Pictured standing from left to right: Matt Dunn, Vince Mirigliani, Dave McGuigan, S.M., Tony Fitzgerald, Jim Montavan, Annette Wasno, Susan Kovach, Linda Flores-Tober, and Ted Cassidy, S.M.  Seated from left to right:  Hank Mascotte, Linda Zappacosta, Anthony Fucci, and Mary Taney.  Photo courtesy of Jack Ventura, S.M. 

 

SPEAKING UP by Shirley Newman 
"Whether you are a black, white, yellow or redskinned American, you know all the derogatory names people get called because they are different.  Recently I had a decision to make about a name that I heard that I found objectionable.  The word was 'Dyke.'"  Click here to read how Shirley responded. 

 

Stewardship of the Earth 101

Phil Schmitt, Marianist Family member in Kalamazoo MI and alternative energy instructor at Michigan Career and Technical Institute, has developed a 1-3 hour 'traveling road show' presentation on alternative energy complete with scale model wind turbines, solar panels, fuel cells, etc. It can be custom-tailored to the audience. It includes the rationale for conservation/alternative energy, practical energy conservation measures including wind turbines, PV solar, solar collectors, fuel cells, micro-hydro, and wood boilers.  Contact Phil at philipjames144@aol.com.

 

 

       

 

A New Tree Grows at Cape May          

Fr. Ted Cassidy stepped down earlier this year after serving as chair of the MSJC Steering Committee for six years.  The committee honored him for his service by having a tree planted at the Cape May Family Retreat Center where he ministers.  Thanks, Ted, for your leadership of MSJC. 

 

Now is the Time for Healthcare Reform 
Click here to watch a short video, I Can't Wait for Health Care Reform.  Then  click here to contact your senators and representative urging them to pass healthcare reform that provides access to quality, affordable healthcare for every person in the United States. Click here to read NETWORK's statement on healthcare reform.

 

Take Action to Demand Accountability for Torture

Click here to sign on to this letter from the Bill of Rights Defense Committee in support of torture accountability for all government officials.

 

 

"Earth's crammed with Heaven, and every common bush afire with  God . . . . 

 

"Auroa Leigh"