Peacemaking - January 2010 Church Newsletter Article

I have been thinking a lot about war and peace lately. War was my profession for many years, although in keeping with the vision of Air Force General Curtis Lemay, I believed that “peace” was my profession – peace through the deterrence of armed force. This was my calling and I proudly wore “my country’s cloth” as a United States naval officer for twenty-five years. I still believe that the United States Navy is one of our country’s greatest institutions because it is the sum of many good men and women who embrace core values that I cherish – Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Those core values informed how I led the Sailors at Guantanamo. I hope those core values will inform how I teach young children in my new career as a public school educator.

And yet, because of my professional education and experience, I have become a pacifist. I chose this path not out of naiveté or hopeless dreams but because I came to realize that there is no such thing as a truly just war and that there are alternatives to armed conflict that we seldom explore but are no less reasonable and practical. Interestingly, I arrived at this epiphany preparing one of the sermons I gave over the summer as part of the Moon landing – commemoration series. If you are interested and missed it, you can read it at: http://www.channingchurch.org/Archives/Talks/2009/07-19-Beall-We_Came_In_Peace.pdf.

Of course, this is my opinion and I know that it is not widely shared in our society and not even shared by everyone in this church. And yet I believe the issue of war and peace is the fundamental issue of our times. We cannot address the urgency of distributive injustice, climate change, or the other pressing needs of oppressed mankind until we decide how much of our scarce resources we will dedicate to war and how much to peace, to healing our planet, to healing our fellow man. I believe that, as a church, we must confront this question and decide where we stand.

A few years ago, as President of Channing, I talked a lot about vision as we worked together to come up with one for our church – to chart its course into the future. In that painstakingly crafted document, representing a consensus within our community, we pledged to be a catalyst for, “Peace, justice, and respect for all people and our planet.” How will we do that? I invite you to join me in thinking about that through the venue of two programs organized by our minister. The Peacemaking Study Action Issue series that continues following church services this month and the program offered by the Rev. Richard Gilbert in February. The times demand that we think and act now.

Tom Beall

Co-chair of the Social Action Committee

From Investors Against Genocide

I received this from SAC member Beth Milham.

Peace,

Tom Beall

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Dear Beth,

As we reach the end of this year and the start of the next, we want to share exciting news and plans. We also invite you to support our all-volunteer organization through a year-end deductible donation.

Successes in introducing genocide-free investing

In 2009 we achieved two major victories by working with receptive companies to improve their support for genocide-free investing. TIAA-CREFagreed to vigorously engage PetroChina and other problem companies partnering with the Government of Sudan and to divest from those companies by the end of this year.

Recently, iShares, formerly part of Barclays Global Investors and now part of Blackrock, announced that it intends to develop a genocide-free, international, exchange-traded fund (ETF). For the many millions of American families who do not want their hard-earned savings to be invested in companies that help support genocide, the introduction of this fund provides a new genocide-free investment alternative and should further encourage development of genocide-free alternatives for all fund types in the future.

Over the course of the year, our shareholder campaign helped raise awareness of the problem of investments in companies tied to genocide, with proxy votes at the world's largest mutual funds companies - Fidelity, Vanguard, and American Funds. We also had a vote at Putnam. As a result of the votes, these mutual fund companies sent our shareholder proposal to huge numbers of their shareholders. Millions of them responded positively and voted in favor of making their savings genocide-free, despite the active opposition by their mutual fund, and even though both Vanguard and American Funds used misleading statements to discourage support for our proposal.

We continue to learn how heavily the proxy voting process is tilted in management's favor. Nevertheless, genocide-free investing has received as much as 31% of the vote, which is outstanding for a shareholder proposal on a social issue that is strongly opposed by management.

Looking ahead

In 2010, we will continue our shareholder proposal campaign. We will also begin new initiatives to make investors aware of the genocide-free alternatives becoming available to them. Since we began the campaign in 2007 we have believed that ultimately market forces would push companies to satisfy the desires of their customers. We hope to see more of such movement in 2010.

We are working with key members of Congress to hold a hearing on genocide-free investing in early 2010. There is a strong effort underway to force financial services companies to better address the needs of their customers rather than themselves. Genocide-free investing fits naturally within this framework. We hope that regulation will assist shareholders seeking genocide-free investments.

Please support us

We hope you will consider supporting our work. We are a completely volunteer project of a 501(c)(3) non-profit and spend almost none of your tax deductible contributions on administration or fundraising. Last year more than 99% of our spending went to furthering genocide-free investing. Click here to donate. We also continue to seek volunteers to submit shareholder proposals to their mutual funds. Click here to learn more.

Thanks in advance for your support. We'll keep you posted as we progress next year.

Eric, Susan, Bill and Mary

on behalf of the Investors Against Genocide Team

To Be a Peacemaker, One Must Be Informed!

Hello everyone,

As a retired naval officer, I was a "national security professional" for twenty-five years.  During that time, the Navy provided me with graduate education at both the Naval Postgraduate School and Naval War College that gave me insights that have ultimately informed my decision to embrace pacifism and be a peacemaker.

You need not have this expensive education, however, to inform yourself of national security issues - in order to engage in the public policy debate as an informed peacemaker.  There are a number of resources available to you online to include:

1.  The National Security Archive, a program of George Washington University, is, "...an independent non-governmental research institute and library located at The George Washington University, the Archive collects and publishes declassified documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. The Archive also serves as a repository of government records on a wide range of topics pertaining to the national security, foreign, intelligence, and economic policies of the United States. The Archive won the 1999 George Polk Award, one of U.S. journalism's most prestigious prizes, for--in the words of the citation--'piercing the self-serving veils of government secrecy, guiding journalists in the search for the truth and informing us all.'"

2.  The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has, since 1945, informed, "...the public about threats to the survival and development of humanity from nuclear weapons, climate change, and emerging technologies in the life sciences. Through an award-winning magazine, our online presence, and the Doomsday Clock, we reach policy leaders and audiences around the world with information and analysis about efforts to address the dangers and prevent catastrophe.

3.  The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is, "...an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public."

4.  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), "...is the world´s center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world´s "Atoms for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies."

5.  The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), "...is a practical expression of the faith of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Committed to the principles of nonviolence and justice, it seeks in its work and witness to draw on the transforming power of love, human and divine."  AFSC publishes a number of works on peacemaking, pacifism, violence in our society, and violence around the world to offer an informed, alternative perspective on issues of violence and justice, war and peace.

6.  The UU Peace Ministry Network (UU Peacemakers), whose mission is, "...to institutionalize this energy (for peacemaking) at the national level to encourage a culture of peace within our families, our association, our communities and throughout the world."  They offer a variety of resources for interested Congregations.

There are many others which I hope to provide from time to time or you can discover yourself through these web sites.

Tom Beall
Co-Chair of the Social Action Committee

From "Standing on the Side of Love"

Just moments ago, the Council of the District of Columbia took an historic stand for love. By an 11-2 margin, council members voted to legalize marriage for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens. Marriage equality is coming to the nation's capital!

Please take a moment to send a note of gratitude to the 11 council members who took this nation one step closer to full equality.

It was thrilling to be present in the Council chambers as history was being made. When the vote was announced, people shouted and wept for joy. Friends, this is what it feels like to stand on the side of love.

I want to thank so many of you for your messages of support and solidarity in recent months. You understand that what happens in the nation's capital has significance far beyond D.C.'s borders. Further, you recognize that in D.C. we are changing the national debate on marriage equality, showing that this issue need not divide us. People of color and white people, people of faith and secular people, can all stand together on the side of love.

The Standing on the Side of Love (SSL) Campaign made a big impact here in DC, providing our interfaith coalition with a slogan to rally around, supporting our media outreach, and helping us go viral with video. Thanks to everyone across the nation who has helped support the SSL campaign, our efforts are making history.

Of course, the struggle for marriage equality in DC is not over yet. After Mayor Adrian Fenty signs the bill, the United States Congress has 30 legislative days to veto it. We hope that the U.S. Congress will respect the sovereignty of the elected leaders of the District of Columbia and stay out of our affairs. If we need your support on that front, we'll be sure to reach out. But today, it is time to celebrate.

Please send a personal note to the D.C. City Council to express what this victory means to you.

Love,

Rob

Environmental Justice News from UU Justice Action Network

Dear Friends of Environmental Justice,

The world has turned its attention to climate change for the moment, with two weeks of discussions and negotiations happening right now in Copenhagen. Let us do what we can to inform ourselves and take action to protect our planet for future generations and to support those most affected by the climate change already occuring. We are blessed to have such an opportunity to shape the future. Happy Holidays!

In This Issue:

Climate Change -- UUSC, UUMFE, UUA

The Human Right to Water -- UUSC

The Human Right to Water -- UUSC

Environmental Justice News is a collaborative effort between:

UU Ministry for the Earth

UU Service Committee

UUA's Green Sanctuary program

UUA's Washington Office for Advocacy

In faith,

Rowan Van Ness

Program Associate for Environmental Justice

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(1) Climate Change -- Updates from UUSC, WOA, and UUMFE

ACTION: Dial Down Climate Change: Obama in Copenhagen [WOA]

The UN COP15 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen is nearing a close, and President Obama is expected to go to Copenhagen on Friday, 12/18. He's planning on negotiating for emissions reductions in the range of 17% below 2005 levels (4% below 1990 levels), which is simply not enough to prevent the worst effects of climate change. As he said himself in his Nobel Peace Prize speech, "there is little scientific dispute that if we do nothing, we will face more drought, famine and mass displacement," and the impacts of climate change most adversely affect those with the least power to do something about it. We need to join our partners and tell the Administration how important it is for the US to Dial Down Climate Change!

ACTION: Stand Up for Climate Justice [UUSC]

The disruption caused by climate change affects all of us, but the people who are feeling these impacts most profoundly did little to cause them. They are street vendors in Kenya who are grappling with the instability of crop failures and rising food prices. They are women in Darfur who must walk further and further away to collect firewood. You can help address this injustice by supporting UUSC partners to ensure a safer, healthier tomorrow. See how you can support international efforts of grass roots organizations who are working on climate justice.

RESOURCE: Human Rights and Climate Change [UUSC]

People around the world are looking to Copenhagen for significant change in climate change policy. Grassroots organizations from around the world are mobilizing to impact the talks to tip them more toward climate justice. UUSC partner Asia Pacific Research Network began a "people's movement" for more just climate policy last year - culminating in the "People's Protocol on Climate Change" with far reaching aspirations. Human rights defenders are also mobilizing to engage the UN Human Rights Council in their initiative to address the nexus of climate change and human rights. Become familiar with the human rights issues related to climate change and monitor the UN process - help human rights defenders around the world by including human rights in your efforts to create climate justice.

NEWS: Vigils for Survival & Sounds of 350 [UUMFE]

UUs joined people from around the world in a weekend of climate action during COP-15, the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. UU Ministry for Earth supported candlelight "Vigils for Survival" around the world on Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12. On Sunday, Dec. 13, faith communities "sounded out" the 350 call to action through ringing bells, beating drums, and making all kinds of noises 350 times. Visit UU Ministry for Earth for more information.

NEWS: Blogging from Copenhagen [WOA]

Several UUs are in Copenhagen right now for the Climate Change Conference, and are blogging about their experiences. Check out the Inspired Faith, Effective Action blog to read their reflections.

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(2) The Human Right to Water -- Update from UUSC

Governor Schwarzenegger vetoes Human Right to Water Bill (AB 1242)

NEWS: Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed the historic state wide human right to water bill in California at the last hour on October 11th - but did sign four other water justice bills, due in part to the pressure from UUs on the bill. See the governor's message (PDF). UU Legislative Ministry of California and UUSC members worked to make this historic legislation a reality. See information about AB 1242.

NEWS: UUSC briefs the UN Independent Expert on the Human Right to Water and Sanitation

UUSC, the Religious Working Group on Water, and ally Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, held a briefing about the human right to water in the United States for Ms. Catarina De Albuquerque, the UN Human Rights Council Independent Expert on the Human Right to Water. See the full briefing and the IE's comments.

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(3) Food Justice -- Update from Green Sanctuary

A Thriving Ministry of Local Foods - UU Rockland, ME Fishing has always been a traditional way of life in coastal Maine. For generations, fishing was plentiful and fishermen could count on selling their catch locally. Over time, stocks plummeted due to over-fishing and competition from global markets caused prices to decline. When the price of fuel soared the profit margin for local fishermen narrowed even further. The downturn in fishing took its toll on communities, schools could no longer survive and villages faced extinction.

Several local non-profits worked together to sustain the endangered fisheries. As a result of a successful Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, the Green Sanctuary team at UU Rockland started one of the nation's first Community Supported Fisheries (CSF). The creation of the CSF led to the creation of additional CSFs in Maine and fishing communities from around the world have been contacting the MFA to see if they can replicate the model. The CSF partnership has played a seminal role in helping to sustain the local fishing fleet, spreading the word about the importance of buying locally, and the fishermen and CSF members share a bond and common goal of the restoration of a vibrant fishery along coastal Maine. More information about UU Rockland's ministry of local foods is on the Congregational Stewardship blog.

A Good Peacemaking Resource

Hello everyone,

I came across a resource sponsored by Eastern Mennonite University (the Mennonites, as I understand them, are a peace church). You might take a look. This group has published a number of policy papers and put forth a number of ideas on realistic, pragmatic alternatives to the use of military power as well as the implications of the continued use of our military power that are worth taking a look at.

http://www.3dsecurity.org/Mission

http://www.3dsecurity.org/learn

Tom Beall

Co-chair of the Social Action Committee

From Cool Aquidneck Island

Two priority reminders!

Greetings from frizzly Seattle! I'll be attending a 350.org Candlelight Vigil here, tonight.

Back home, Salve Regina's faculty and staff environment committee is hosting a vigil in tonight in Washington Square at 6:30. Please go, and help tell the leaders in Copenhagen that we need real action now!

And Saturday morning, after thinking globally last night, take a couple of hours to act locally to help lower energy consumption. Help us distribute door hangers in Newport and Jamestown, informing residents of both National Grid's home energy audit program, and the Neighborhood Energy Challenge.

Details: Meet at 9:45 AM in the Channing Memorial Church Parish Hall, the gray building behind the sanctuary. (Channing is on Pelham St., Newport, next door to the Elks' Lodge, and across from the Old Mill in Touro Park.)

You'll be given a map for the area to visit, and you'll hang door tags from 10 AM to 12 noon. (Important reminders: Don't put any in mailboxes--that's a violation of federal law! Don't open any doors. Just hang the tags as best you can.

At noon, return to Channing Parish Hall for a pizza fest!

And thank you! Sorry to miss all the fun.

Beth

From East Bay Citizens for Peace

VIGIL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

SATURDAY

December 12, 2009 11 AM – NOON

Hope St., Bristol

(by the Post Office)

HEALTHCARE - NOT WARFARE!

BRING OUR TROOPS HOME!

Sponsored by East Bay Citizens for Peace, a grassroots organization committed to peaceful solutions to conflict and to social and economic justice through the promotion of open, respectful dialogue. For more information contact 247-9738, eastbaycitizens4peace@hotmail.com or http://www.eastbaycitizens4peace.org/.

From the American Friends Service Committee

Here are holiday treats for you, featuring a solution for last-minute holiday shopping, videos that share personal stories from those encountering a new land, resources for peacebuilding for Afghanistan, and a video slideshow of glimpses from a Friends Meeting’s fair to support AFSC. We hope you enjoy them!

From all of us at the American Friends Service Committee, we wish you a happy, peaceful, and healthy holiday season. We deeply appreciate your support.

Learn more

Simple Gifts – AFSC’s Gifts with Heart and Hope

Have some people on your holiday list who are hard to shop for? Simplify your giving and give a gift that supports AFSC’s programs for peace, justice, and human dignity. For every Gift with Heart and Hope, you receive a holiday card to notify your loved ones that a gift has been made on their behalf.

Give a Gift with Heart and Hope today.

Immigration Stories

One weekend last October, ten people — immigrants and their allies — embarked on a 72 hour marathon of sharing stories, learning production techniques and creating works of media art. The ten short digital stories that they produced are a moving mosaic of immigrant experience in the U.S. This week, the stories will have a gala premiere at a theater in Denver. You can also watch them on AFSC’s web site: http://www.afsc.org/ImmigrantsRights/.

How to End the War in Afghanistan

Last week, AFSC’s Wage Peace: Afghanistan campaign held a strategy call with more than 100 peace supporters across the country. You can listen to the call recording online to learn more about the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and what you can do in your community to end the war. Our web page also has resources about the cost of war in Afghanistan and better ways to build peace.

To listen or find out more visit us online

A Fifty Year Tradition of Support

Every year since 1952, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Kennett Friends Meeting in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, has put on a “Quaker Fair” to benefit AFSC. Selling homemade foods, pony rides and other items, they have raised thousands of dollars for AFSC’s work. Watch a short slide show about this year’s Quaker Fair. We are most grateful to these Friends and to others such as Gwynedd Friends Meeting (Pennsylvania), who hosted a recent volunteer-run “Recycle” holiday sale of donated items that raised more than $6,000 for AFSC.

See you on Facebook?

Become a ‘fan’ of AFSC on Facebook to receive more updates about peace and justice and learn even more about what we’re doing. Follow this link to see AFSC on Facebook.

From the American Friends Service Committee

The American Friends Service Committee, on behalf of Quakers performing international service, is the 1947 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Send a letter to the editor now.

Today, President Barack Obama has also been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. We congratulate him for the award and hope that he works to build a legacy of peace and justice.

Sadly, this moment for celebrating peacemaking is diminished, since last week Mr. Obama announced his decision to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. This prolongs a failed policy of pursuing military intervention more than diplomacy and reconstruction.

Help us spread the word that the pro-peace majority in this country does not support an escalation in Afghanistan.

With many of us focused on the poor economy and the healthcare debate in Congress, opposition to this decision is not getting the airtime it deserves.

We can use the opportunity of Mr. Obama’s acceptance of the prize today as an opportunity to let our neighbors know that there are better alternatives to war.

Please write a letter to the editor today to let your community members know that instead you support a clear timeline for withdrawal from Afghanistan, badly needed development aid by civilian-led organizations not the military, and a redirect of the more than $44 billion spent yearly on war funding to human needs in Afghanistan and at home. Letters to the editor are still one of the most important ways that Congressional offices judge public opinion.

We have a good opportunity today to make our call for peace visible. Please take a minute and use our online system to email your local newspaper.

Thank you for continuing to help us wage peace,

Peter Lems and Mary Zerkel

P.S. If you are on Facebook, show your opposition to war by changing your profile photo to the graphic above. See more on our Postcards to Obama Facebook initiative.

From Standing on the Side of Love

At its best, this is a season of generosity, peace, and most of all, love. It is a time to reconnect with our loved ones and strengthen our communities' bonds. From the Thanksgiving table to the final seconds of 2009, we are expected to treat our neighbors with the utmost respect and love. Thankfully, this time around, the season of love does not have to end on January 1st.

On February 14th, we will reimagine Valentine's Day by celebrating National Standing on the Side of Love Day. Congregations across the nation will participate in a day of worship and practice works of love.

Get more information and register your interest here.

National Standing on the Side of Love Day empowers each congregation to take action on issues that matter locally, and to pursue strategies that are effective and meaningful to each. We also ask for three simple things from you. Take a picture of you standing on the side of love, send us the picture, and take a collection to provide this campaign with essential resources to effect positive social change and justice in your community.

I know this is a busy season, so I thought I'd give you a heads up about Valentine's Day Reimagined before December flies by. In the weeks ahead, I have two office parties, a Hanukkah party, and then I'm off to Minnesota to spend solstice and Christmas with my fiancé's family. As I remember the many blessings in my life during this season, the privilege of managing this remarkable campaign and working with all of you will be at the top of my list (and I'll be checking it twice).

Get more information about National Standing on the Side of Love Day and register your interest here.

Love,

Adam

From Rev. Jim Wallis of Soujourners

Rediscovering Values: A Book I Didn’t Plan to Write

I am an Evangelical Christian. What does that mean? In part, I believe that Christmas, the celebration of Christ’s birth, is good news. Not just to me or my family or those that think or believe just like me, but for everyone. Last Christmas was tough for many families in our country, and this year will be the same for many more. There are few families that will not be touched in some way by the Great Recession. It might be a relative laid off, a friend’s house nearing foreclosure, or uncertainty at your workplace. In the midst of it all, families across the world -- along with Joy and I and our boys -- light Advent candles each night and wait with great anticipation for Christmas morning -- but we also engage in preparation.

Preparation for the good news. Because there is good news. Two thousand years ago, in a land under the rule of foreign occupiers, a baby was born to a virgin to bring hope and give light to a world in desperate need. That fact is still good news today; it’s the reason why, in the midst of economic uncertainty, we prepare, we anticipate, and we celebrate. It is because of this hope that I do the work I do and that I write you today.

I have written a new book -- one I didn’t expect or plan to write, but one that simply emerged as we were seeking to respond to the economic crisis that has gripped the nation and the world. I wrote it as a tract for the times, and it’s titled Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street -- A Moral Compass for the New Economy. It will be released by Simon & Schuster in January and is available now for pre-orders.

This recession presents us with an enormous opportunity to rediscover our values -- as people, as families, as communities of faith, and as a nation. It is a moment of decision we dare not pass by. We have forgotten some very important things, and it’s time to remember them again. Yes, we do need an economic recovery, but we also need a moral recovery -- on Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street. And we will need a moral compass for the new economy that is emerging.

The Great Recession that has gripped the world, defined the moment, and captured all of our attention has also revealed a profound values crisis. Just beneath the surface of the economics debate, a deep national reflection is begging to take place and, indeed, has already begun in people’s heads, hearts, and conversations. The questions it raises concern our personal, family, and national priorities; our habits of the heart; our measures of success; the values of our families and our children; our spiritual well-being; and the ultimate goals and purposes of life -- including our economic life.

Underneath the public discourse, another conversation is emerging about who and what we want to be -- as individuals, as a nation, and as a human community. By and large, the media has missed the deeper discussion and continues to focus only upon the surface of the crisis. And most of our politicians just want to tell us how soon the crisis can be over. But there are deeper questions here and some fundamental choices to make. That’s why this could be a transformational moment -- one of those times that comes around only very occasionally. We don’t want to miss this opportunity.

The economic tide going out has not only shown us who was “swimming naked,” as Warren Buffett put it, but it has also revealed that no invisible hand b­e­hind the curtain is guiding our economy to inevitable success. It is a sobering moment in our lives when we can see our own thoughtlessness, greed, and impatience writ large across the global sky. And it is a good time to start asking better questions.

The book suggests we have been asking the wrong question: “When will this crisis end?” It seeks to replace that with the right question: “How will this crisis change us?” The book is about the moral recovery which must accompany the economic recovery, and suggests that we must not go back to business as usual; rather, we need a new normal. The new book is about the values questions that are at the heart of how we got into this crisis, and are critical to getting us out of it. It describes the maxims that overtook us -- Greed is Good, It’s All About Me, and I Want it Now -- values that wreck economies, cultures, families, and even our souls. Instead it calls for a return to new/old virtues like Enough is Enough, We’re In It Together, and evaluating our decisions by their impact on the Seventh Generation out.

It also calls for a conversion of our habits of the heart to a clean energy economy, a family values culture, and a new meaning for both work and service. It suggests that, spiritually, the market had become god-like, and that restoring proper worship even means recognizing the limits of the market. The book describes how our many religious traditions contain many valuable correctives to this economic crisis that has spun out of control. It describes how the recent narrative of banks, bailouts, and bonuses has all the makings of a bad morality play. And it ends with 20 “moral exercises” that offer a values audit of our personal, family, community, financial, and social life.

Could there be some good news in, through, and even because of this Great Recession? Maybe so, if it becomes the opportunity to rediscover some important things that we somehow lost, but now might find again.

From Unitarian Universalist Justice Action

Dear Friends of Justice,

As we enter in earnest into the winter holiday season, we wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, which begins tomorrow at sundown.

In faith and for justice

Rob, Susan, Audra, Orelia, Rowan, Kat and Meg

ACTION: Reflecting on Who are our Neighbors?

As we prepare for the holidays and spending time with our families, let us be mindful that many immigrant families are being separated by detentions and deportations. The UUA is working for reform of our broken immigration system and we expect legislation to be introduced in 2010 that we will be asking you to support.

In preparation for all out advocacy it's important to know who the immigrants are in our communities. We are encouraging UU congregations to find out more about your neighbors. What are your relationships? Does your congregation offer "welcome to the stranger?" See Welcoming Our Neighbors: A UU Guide to Immigrant Justice for ideas. (Note: this will be updated in Jan with information on new legislation.)

SUCCESS: Stop Stupak Rally

Last week, Unitarian Universalists joined over 1,000 protesters from across the nation to rally and lobby their Members of Congress against the Stupak and Nelson Amendments, which would effectively eliminate abortion coverage in the proposed insurance exchange. Those who could not come to Washington, D.C. made phone calls, signed online petitions and wrote letters to their elected officials asking them not to take away insurance coverage that most women have today. During yesterday's debate on the Senate floor, Senator Barbara Boxer read the names of 13 religious organizations, including the UUA, when she entered our coalition's letter opposing the amendments into the official record. The Nelson Amendment, which was defeated yesterday in a 54-45 vote, will not appear in the Senate health reform bill. Thank you to everyone who has contacted your members of congress so far. We will continue to speak out against the Stupak Amendment, which could still pose a threat to women's reproductive rights if included in the final health care bill. Learn more at http://www.stopstupak.com./

NEWS: UUs Support Justice in the Tomato Fields

UU congregations in southwest Florida cluster and interfaith allies are working together with Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida to support the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) in stopping slavery and poverty in the tomato fields. Their current action is focused on getting Publix Supermarkets to come to the table to talk about the tomatoes they buy.

See Rev. Allison Farnum, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Church in Ft. Myers, FL, report on the Dec 6th CIW Walk for Farmworker Justice, Dignidad: Standing on the Side of Farmworkers! on the Standing on the Side of Love blog. As Rev. Farnum points out this work is part of our association's commitment to study and act upon ethical eating and to stand on the side of love.

RESOURCE: SSL Grants for Congregations - Apply Now!

The Fund for UU Social Responsibility has set aside $25,000 to be made available as matching grants of $500-$1,500 to UU congregations participating in the Standing on the Side of Love campaign. SSL matching grants will support UU congregations mobilizing at critical times, using social networking and coalition building to take action in a broad range of arenas where people are excluded, oppressed, or attacked based on real or perceived identities.

To apply, complete an SSL Application (PDF) (Word) and send to love@uua.org. Applications are an EZ form and are distributed on a rolling basis (about a two week turn around time).

SSL Web-Cast Calls: in 2010 - Organizing for Feb 14th

The Standing on the Side of Love campaign has a new schedule for 2010 that we will post monthly. In January, join SSL staff and congregational leaders to learn about how your congregation can participate in National Standing on the Side of Love Day, Feb 14th, where we reimagine Valentine's Day.

On this day, congregations across the nation will participate in a day of worship and practice acts of love. National Standing on the Side of Love Day empowers each congregation to take action on issues that matter locally, and to pursue strategies that are effective and meaningful to them.

Join us for two planning meetings: Wednesday, Jan. 13th, 1 pm (EST) and Wednesday, Jan. 20th, 8 pm (EST). More details to follow.

These web-cast conference calls are 45 min. in length. For more information, go to http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/ssl-webcast-calls/. (Please note the new url.)

"Unitarian Universalists Walking the Talk": Congregational Action and Social Justice with the Rev. Richard S. Gilbert

Hello Friends,

The Rev. Amy Freedman, Parish Minister of Channing Memorial Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Newport, RI has arranged with the Rev. Richard S. Gilbert, one of the true visionaries today in the UU movement, for a weekend program and service entitled "Unitarian Universalists Walking the Talk". You can find information about this program at http://www.channingchurch.org/walkthetalk/.

I personally have been inspired by Rev. Gilbert's vision for the UU church as articulated in his book, The Prophetic Imperative: Social Gospel in Theory and Practice. I hope you will join Linda and me in registering for and participating in this important program.

Tom Beall
Social Action Chair
Channing Memorial Unitarian Universalist Congregation