Franklin Circle Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
"Widening The Circle For All God's Children!"
Social Justice
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Circle Commitments:
Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation ~ Open & Affirming ~ Accessible To All
Take Action
Why should Christians engage in advocacy?
Beyond Charity to Advocacy: Our Right and Responsibility
Found at:
http://www.bread.org/take-action/Why-should-Christians-engage-in.html?log-event=sp2f-view-item&nid=39584539&print=t
We in the United States care for hungry people in many ways. As
individuals and in civic, campus and church groups, we contribute food
and funds to alleviate the symptoms of hunger and poverty in the United
States and in other nations. This aid, often termed charity, is good and
absolutely necessary. But often the problems leading to hunger and
poverty are massive and the causes are structural.
Governments can play a major role in both causing and resolving these
problems that affect billions of vulnerable people in our world. Those
committed to reducing hunger and poverty must encourage our nation's
leaders to adopt policy changes and adequate funding levels for programs
that both respond to immediate hunger needs and address the structural
issues that keep people in poverty in the United States and around the
world. Americans are generous people. When disasters like Hurricane
Katrina or the Asian tsunami strike, we open our hearts and pocketbooks
and give liberally. We also have the right and the responsibility to use
our voices to promote public justice and tackle the root causes of
hunger and poverty. Faith and Advocacy
Why should people of faith engage in advocacy? God calls us to love and
care for our neighbors, and biblical prophets such as Micah urge us to
imagine and also do justice. We speak up for those who are hungry and
oppressed just as Moses spoke to the powers of his day. Jesus and his
disciples challenged religious and political authorities to provide for
those on the margins of society.
Throughout history, people of faith have served as critic and conscience
of their nations' leaders. Today, advocating for public policy change
continues that essential prophetic task. Some may worry that engagement
in the political arena blurs the distinction between church and state.
In fact, when people of faith organize to advocate for hungry and
oppressed people, we draw clear distinctions between the two.
Individuals in the church say to government leaders, "We are concerned
about the people and things that matter to God and will hold you
accountable for government's role in addressing those concerns." Always
working for legislation in a bipartisan, balanced way allows people of
faith to speak out across party, ideology and faith tradition lines, and
has been effective in improving policies enacted in Washington.
Government action is not the only mechanism to deal with hunger and
poverty, but charitable responses, however vital and compassionate,
seldom result in lasting, structural change. Our advocacy—speaking out
boldly with and for our neighbors who are hungry and living in
poverty—is urgently needed in these times and embodies the vision of
God's justice.
©2006 Bread for the World & Bread for the World Institute · 50 F Street,
NW, Suite 500 · Washington, DC 20001 · USA
Tel. 202-639-9400 · 800-82-BREAD · Fax 202-639-9401
January 2008
Interact Cleveland
Appoints Donna Wilhelm, ssj-tosf, Executive Director
The board of trustees of InterReligious Partners in Action of Greater
Cleveland (InterAct Cleveland) on January 21, 2008 unanimously voted to
appoint Donna Wilhelm, ssj-tosf, to be its executive director. Wilhelm
is only the third executive director since the organization was founded
in 1991. InterAct has its offices at and is hosted by Franklin Circle
Christian Church.
The Rev. June W. Begany, InterAct president, praised Wilhelm for “her
strong leadership to move InterAct forward into its vision of
interreligious community.” “I believe InterAct's mission is a critical
one for our time. I feel called to this role, and I am not only eager to
press forward but both thrilled and humbled by the responsibility placed
on me by the board,” commented Wilhelm on accepting the post.
Wilhelm joined the InterAct board in 2004 and became president in 2006.
(A complete biography is available on the InterAct website).
The board appointed her acting executive director in September 2007.
Rabbi Melinda Mersack, who filled Wilhelm's term as president, chaired
the executive director search committee which was guided by Janus Small
Associates. The committee unanimously agreed on Wilhelm. Other search
committee members from within and outside the InterAct board were Dr.
Ali AlHaddad, the Rev. Daniel E. Budd, the Rev. Dr. Robert J. Campbell,
Allison Hauserman, and Leona Jackson.
For additional information about InterAct Cleveland, call (216) 241-0230
or e-mail
partners@interactcleveland.org , or visit
www.interactcleveland.org.
Dear
Congregation and Friends of FCCC,
I have been involved in We Believe Ohio and feel that this latest
campaign is a wonderful idea. I would encourage you to go to the
website and sign on to the declaration. I have. You can find it at:
http://www.webelieveohio.org/noguttersignup.html
Grace & Peace,
Allen Harris
Interfaith coalition seeks to stop gutter politics
Posted by
Amanda E. Garrett
October 26, 2007 08:50AM
From the
SunNews
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS -- An interfaith coalition based in Cleveland is
circulating a state-wide petition urging political candidates and
parties to get rid of gutter politics in Ohio.
We Believe Ohio hopes to have 1,000 signatures by Nov. 8 for a petition
that would ask candidates in the 2008 election to refrain from name
calling and divisive political issues.
Rev. John Lentz of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church on Monticello
Boulevard said he hopes all national, state and local candidates running
in the 2008 election will sign a petition agreeing to eight bullet
points.
For more information or to sign the petition visit
http://www.webelieveohio.org/noguttersignup.html.
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Disciples of Christ: A Long Tradition Of Justice
"A deep
Christian spirituality, true community, and a passion for justice."
Disciples ministries don’t stop at the front door of the church
building.
We work to make a difference in our neighborhoods and the wider
community. As followers of Jesus we help in soup kitchens and food
pantries, shelter the homeless and care for children. We advocate for
fairness in laws and public policy. The Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) has committed itself to become an anti-racist, pro-reconciling
church.
Our shared ministries reach out across North America. We “get dirty for
Jesus,” repairing homes and community centers, cleaning up after natural
disasters and bringing hope where there is despair. Disciples facilities
care for abused children and their families, persons with disabling
conditions and senior adults. Our higher education institutions educate
and train women and men for the ministry and for careers in other
fields.
Disciples overseas ministries stretch around the world. With partner
churches we tell the Good News, help dig wells, train pastors, immunize
children and much more. We also help persons in times of natural
disaster, economic upheaval and war.
Disciples of Christ Justice Organizations:
(Click on the icon to go to that organization's website!)
Reconciliation Ministries (Anti-Racist/Pro-Reconciling Ministries)
Disciples Justice Advocacy Network:
Disciples Advocacy & Witness Network:
Disciples Center For Public Witness
For an informative and up-to-date blog from Ken Brooker Langston, head of the Disciples Center For Public Policy, go to: http://www.centerblog.org/
Disciples AIDS Ministry Network
Disciples Peace Fellowship
Gay, Lesbian & Affirming Disciples Alliance
Other Faith-Based Justice Organizations (Local):
(Please Note: for organizations related to neighborhood and community development, affordable housing, and confronting issues related to poverty, please go to the Our Neighborhood Page by clicking HERE.)
Universal Health Care Advocacy Network (UHCAN)
UHCAN is a nationwide network that promotes comprehensive
health care for all
through education, strategy development and advocacy.
In fulfillment of its mission, UHCAN:
· is a consistent voice for justice in health care.
· seeks to connect advocacy for reform at the local, state and national
levels.
· brings together advocates for diverse policies and strategies which
are
consistent with principles for universal health care.
InterAct Cleveland
The mission of InterReligious Partners in Action of Greater Cleveland, known as InterAct Cleveland: To be a catalyst for creating an interreligious community through which members put faith into action working for social justice through dialogue, service and advocacy.
InterReligious Task Force
The InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF) is a Cleveland-based interfaith group that promotes peace and human rights in Central America and Colombia. People of faith and conscience founded IRTF after the 1980 execution of four U.S. church women in El Salvador by U.S.-trained soldiers.
Greater Cleveland Habitat For Humanity
Founded in 1987, Cleveland Habitat has completed over 135 homes in a number of Cleveland’s poorest neighborhoods. In the city of Cleveland nearly 50% of children grow up in households living in poverty, and in many of the communities where Habitat builds, as many as 70+% of the children live in poverty. The need for affordable housing has never been greater. Through the support of congregations, businesses, school and civic groups, Habitat works with over 2,000 volunteers annually in Cleveland communities.
For more information, click on the logo above, or go to: http://www.gchfh.org/index.htm
Cleveland Saves
Cleveland Saves is a broad-based coalition
of nonprofit, financial, corporate and government groups which
encourages individuals and families to save money so that they can build
wealth. Through the delivery of information, advice, and encouragement,
Cleveland Saves assists individuals who wish to pay down debt, build an
emergency fund, afford a home, education, investments, or retirement in
order to improve their standard of living and most important, gain peace
of mind.
Modeled after the nationwide campaign, America Saves, Cleveland Saves
developed from the need to help greater Clevelanders deal with social
and economic challenges which impact all aspects of their lives. Through
motivation, Cleveland Saves promotes wealth-creation and asset building
for all area residents.
Web Site:
http://www.clevelandsaves.org
Other Justice Organizations (National/Global):
Not In Our Town
Not In Our
Town is a documentary series and campaign that combines public
television broadcasts with grassroots events, educational outreach and
online activities to help communities battling hate talk to — and learn
from — each other.
Since the critically acclaimed PBS specials sparked a movement against
hate crimes in 1995, Not In Our Town has grown to become one of the
country's leading resources for community organizations seeking to
prevent and respond to hate crimes. Hundreds of communities have
participated in this nationwide campaign against hate, using screenings
of Not In Our Town documentaries to launch public discussions about
hatred in classrooms, town halls, workplaces and houses of worship.
Click on the logo above to find out more, or you may also go to: http://www.pbs.org/niot/get_involved/discussion.html
Sojourners Magazine & Website:
"Our mission
is to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and
building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church,
and the world.
In response to this call, we offer a vision for faith in public life by:
-- publishing Sojourners magazine, SojoMail and other resources that
address issues of faith, politics, and culture from a biblical
perspective;
-- preaching, teaching, organizing, and public witness;
-- nurturing community by bringing together people from the various
traditions and streams of the church;
--hosting an annual program of voluntary service for education,
ministry, and discipleship.
In our lives and in our work, we seek to be guided by the biblical principles of justice, mercy, and humility."
A New Religious
America:
Building Interfaith Understanding & Community
Sunday, June 3, at 3-5 p.m.
Baha'i Community of Greater Cleveland
Home of Dolly & Daryush Haghighi, 24434 Lake Rd., Bay Village
(I-90 West to Clague Rd. exit; north on Clague Rd.; west on Lake 1.5 mi.
to 24434)
InterAct Cleveland invites you to visit religious communities that are
relatively new to the American religious landscape. These visits will
introduce participants to the world's rich religious traditions and the
people who follow them in the Cleveland metropolitan area. Leaders from
each religious community will give an introduction to the basic teaching
and ritual practices of their tradition and there will be time for
discussion with community members.
Limited to 40 participants. Registration required. Register by calling
Laury W. Larson at (216) 421-0482, ext. 225, or e-mailing
llarson@core.com
.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WAYS TO COMBAT POVERTY WILL TAKE PLACE IN EARLY JUNE
Church leaders,
anti-poverty experts and others are expected to attend “Pentecost 2007:
Taking the Vision to the Streets” from June 3-6 in Washington, D.C. at
National City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The conference
will feature a forum by several presidential candidates and include an
address by Jim Wallis, a preacher, author, social activist and
international commentator. Wallis, who will also speak at the 2007
General Assembly on July 25, is executive director of Sojourners/Call to
Renewal, which is sponsoring the conference.
The mission of Sojourners/Call to Renewal is to articulate the biblical
call to social justice. It has convened a major conference of church
leaders, service providers, anti-poverty advocates and emerging leaders
from across the country to mobilize the church in the fight against
poverty for more than 10 years. The schedule includes a march to Capitol
Hill, Congressional visits, and a Capitol Hill reception on June 5. To
find out more, visit:
www.centerblog.org
DISCIPLES TO JOIN OBSERVANCE MARKING START OF
IRAQ WAR
March 16-18 marks the fourth year
anniversary of the start of the U.S. military involvement in
Iraq. Christians from across the country will mark this
date in a variety of ways. One of the largest Christian
gatherings will be in Washington, D.C., at the National
Cathedral. Disciples Peace Fellowship (DPF) has been part of the
creation of this event from the beginning, and will be
represented by all Disciples who go there, including the entire
DPF executive committee.
Organizers of the Christian Peace Witness for Iraq worship
service at the National Cathedral have provided a worship
outline, with suggestions for use on the local level. The
worship outline follows a similar format and includes most of
the readings and music that will be used at the cathedral.
To view a copy of the liturgy, go to:
www.disciples.org/dns/releases2007/07029.pdf
.
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Your Global Ministries
Update: March 12, 2007
A common witness of the Division of Overseas Ministries, Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ), and Wider Church Ministries, United Church
of Christ
Dear Disciples and UCC Friends of Global Ministries,
The resolution “Promoting Peace for All in the Sudan,” passed by the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ
in 2005, called for the Sudanese government to cease what has been
recognized as genocide against its own citizens, and to engage with the
international community in efforts to obtain a comprehensive peace that
includes Darfur.
The May 2006 Darfur Peace Agreement promised to stop the horrific
violence in western Sudan, yet it was too limited to be effective and
has been ignored by Khartoum. Sudanese leaders continue to hamper
humanitarian aid and support the raiding and burning of villages and the
rape and murder committed by the militia group, the janjaweed.
A pastoral letter released March 7, 2007 and signed by UCC and Disciples
General Ministers and Presidents John Thomas and Sharon Watkins, Global
Ministries Co-Executives David Vargas and Cally Rogers Witte, and Africa
Office Executive Sandra Gourdet, expresses “As Christians, we realize
that we must share in the responsibility to protect human life.” To read
the pastoral letter, click here: Pastoral Letter on Sudan
To focus members of the UCC and Disciples on the urgent need to respond
to the crisis in the Sudan, we are beginning an emphasis called Sudan: A
Responsibility to Protect. This is a place where background materials,
worship resources, updates and opportunities for action will be posted.
Our UCC and Disciples church leaders conclude their March 7 letter with
an appeal for action:
* Participate in our two churches’ Dear Sudan campaign.
* Give generously to Week of Compassion (WOC) and One Great Hour of
Sharing (OGHS) special appeals to support efforts to deliver
humanitarian relief and supplies to the region and efforts to aid the
internally displaced in Sudan/Darfur. Both WOC and OGHS support the work
of ACT/Caritas in Sudan/Dafur.
* Visit regularly the Global Ministries website for updates, resources
and links to other sites.
* Join Church World Service’s letter writing campaign. Church World
Service brings much needed relief to persons fleeing the violence in
Sudan.
* Sign up for the Disciples Justice Action Network and the UCC Take
Action through Justice and Witness Ministries.
We firmly believe that 1 John 3:18 is calling us to love not only in
word or speech, but in truth and action and that God’s spirit is calling
for peace and justice on behalf of the people of Sudan/Darfur. Let us
heed God’s call for lasting peace during this Lenten season.”
Grateful for your partnership in global mission,
Jan Aerie and Bob Shebeck
Please contact us, if you want any further information:
For Disciples:
bshebeck@dom.disciples.org Bob Shebeck
Executive, Mission Interpretation and Constituency Relationships
DOM/Global Ministries
PO Box 1986
Indianapolis, IN 46206
317-713-2571
aeriej@ucc.org
For the UCC:
Jan Aerie
Executive, Mission Interpretation and Education
WCM/Global Ministries
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3204
Through Global Ministries, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
and the United Church of Christ are committed to a ministry of Critical
Presence around the world. Our challenge is to timely and appropriately
meet God’s people and creation at the point of deepest need:
spiritually, physically, emotionally, and/or economically.
February 2007: Urgent
Action Needed To Address Genocide In Darfur
The President and his Administration must immediately take the
following steps to end the genocide in Darfur:
To contact the President, call (202) 456-1111, or email
comments@whitehouse.gov
President Bush must make peace in Darfur a higher U.S. priority: It has
been over two years since President Bush declared Darfur a genocide, and
yet the genocide continues. The President and his Administration have
made some progress, but the situation on the ground has continued to
deteriorate. The escalating nature of the crisis demands more than words
on paper, it demands results on the ground. The appointment of Special
Envoy Andrew Natsios in September of 2006 was a good step, but it is
critical that all facets of the Administration are working together to
resolve the Darfur crisis. In the most immediate terms, this means the
identification of and necessary preparatory work for additional U.S. and
multilateral sanctions against targeted Sudanese regime officials. In
all efforts, working in tandem with the international community will
lend credibility and weight to any U.S. efforts.
The Janjaweed, a militia that the Sudanese government is suspected of supporting, has perpetrated genocide that has claimed at least 400,000 lives, displaced 2.5 million people and left nearly 4 million completely dependent on international humanitarian aid. During an address to the United Nations Aug. 19, President George W. Bush pledged that he would work to get U.N. peacekeepers deployed into Darfur and announced the appointment of Andrew Natsios as presidential special envoy for Sudan. SDC applauded Bush's announcement. For more information on SDC, visit: www.savedarfur.org