SWC Justice and Witness Ministry
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Report from Lauri Hasler, JWM Chairperson:
Justice and Witness Ministries
04-29-12
What an experience we had! The Annual Meeting was centered on Justice Issues. I want to say a few words about the border immersion trip to Nogales, MX. Once across the border ... Read more
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| Prison industry: Advocating for Justice |
At the 2012 Southwest Conference Annual Meeting, delegates approved a resolution recommending study of the private prison industry, authorizes our agents to advocate for justice and an examination of our investments, if any, in the private prison industry.
Below are links to the resolution and to additional information on this issue.
SWC 2012 Resolution:
Advocating for Justice in the Prison Industrial Complex
Enlace Institute:
Information on Enlace’s National Private Prison Divestment Campaign
Justice Policy institute study:
Gaming the System
ACLU study:
Banking on Bondage
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| Faith Advocates for Jobs |
Become part of a nationwide network
This is a campaign that we hope Southwest Conference churches will join to support unemployed and underemployed workers. Congregations that join Faith Advocates for Jobs (FAJ Network) become part of a nationwide interfaith network of congregations committed to assist the unemployed and the underemployed and their families in their struggle to survive and look forward to a better day.
Full Information
More information about Faith Advocates for Jobs is available on their newly created website: www.faithadvocatesforjobs.wordpress.com.
Fill out the Congregational Commitment form found under the "Resources" tab.
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| UCC JWM News & Resources |
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| Immigration Issues |
Immigration issues focus for year
The SWC Justice Witness Team brought several options to the Annual Meeting asking the delegates to help choose the major area of interest for the next year. Although all causes are worthy, our limited resources could not be spread among every area of concern. So, while various causes will be supported and addressed by the JWM Team, its major focus will be on Immigration initiatives.
Check this page for updates and opportunities to become involved.
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Competitive Enterprise Institute Discussion on Immigration Policy, in Washington, D.C.
On May 1, the Rev. Phil Reller was one of the panelists on this panel.
Reller speaks at 31:43 and then again at the end of the video.
Watch the CSPAN video
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SB1070 Protest in Washington DC
Noel Anderson and other embers of the SWC took part in this protest on April 26, 2012.
Read news article
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| Regional Resources in the SWC |
Arizona Interfaith Power and Light invites UCC congregations to join AZIPL and respond to the crisis of climate change through education, prayer, advocacy and action. Their goal is to advance energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy to achieve a just, sustainable and healthy planet in harmony with all Creation. There is no cost to become a member, just a commitment to be good stewards of God's creation.
The Rev. Doug Bland and other members of the AZIPL Steering Committee are available to preach, lead workshops and worship, tell green faith stories and train leaders in living more sustainably. Contact Doug Bland, doug.bland@tempeccc.com or 480-967-5266.
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| Justice Action Agencies |
In El Paso, Texas
Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center
1500 E. Yandell Dr.
El Paso, TX 79902-5630
Phone: 915-544-5126
Web site: www.las-americas.org
Annunciation House
1003 E. San Antonio Ave.
El Paso, TX 79901-2620
Phone: 915-545-4509 Website: www.annunciationhouse.org
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"EXODUS" the documentary
On May 21, 2010, Southwest Pictures was formed to create an honest documentary about Arizona’s controversial immigration law and its effects on human beings from a faith and social justice perspective.
When this project was conceived the term “Exodus” was in reference to the emigration of people from the Latin community (including significant portions of one UCC congregation) who felt that it was necessary to move away from Arizona to other places that might be “Safer” for their families to reside without fear of family breakup.
NOW it appears that “Exodus” WILL also apply to some of the freedoms that we currently enjoy as “We the People.”
Exodus website
Donate to the making of this video by selecting the Donate button below.
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