JPANet March 2021 Newsletter

Getting to the Root of It

Each month, the Justice and Peace Action Network Editorial Board meets to discuss possible topics for the next Getting to the Root. This month we asked UCC Washington D.C. Public Policy and Advocacy Office Director, Sandy Sorensen to speak to the concerning rise in threats to reproductive healthcare access across the country.

Women’s Bodies Are Not Battlefields

In my second year of seminary, I chose to do a community-based field placement at a comprehensive women’s health clinic in New Haven, CT. It was not lost on me that in order to enter the clinic – providing the full range of health and health care for women in widely diverse circumstances – I had to be buzzed in past a series of locked, reinforced doors. One of the first things covered in my orientation was what to do in the event of a bomb threat. And just be prepared, I was told, on Saturdays I might need to walk through a line of protesters and New Haven police on horseback. Read more.

Justice Events

Register Now for Ecumenical Advocacy Days April 18-21!

UCC Advocates! Register now for the virtual 2021 Ecumenical Advocacy Days, “Imagine: God’s Earth and People Restored!” This online conference to be held April 18 – 21 will include national speakers, worship, workshops, a denominational time, advocacy training, and a lobby day on legislation focused on climate justice. Register now and spread the word! 

International Women’s Day – March 8

International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political divisions. Find resources and worship materials from Global Ministries here.

World Water Day – March 22

Over 1 billion people in the world lack sustainable access to fresh water. Water is a vital ingredient for life. It is a gift from God for all creation and should be viewed as such a gift, not a commodity for profitable gain. Find resources and worship materials from Global Ministries here. 

Webinar: Climate Savior or Neocolonialist?—Biden from an Indigenous Christian Perspective

The environmental movement has widely lauded the climate actions taken by the Biden administration. Yet, there is a larger context to consider, as indigenous leaders continue fights against pipelines and Syria is bombed. In this webinar, author and activist Mark Charles will provide an indigenous Christian perspective on the presidency. Sign-up for this webinar on March 10th at 1pm ET.

Fellowship for Climate Action: Digital Advocacy Gathering to Oppose Line 3

A UCC digital advocacy gathering is being organized to oppose the Line 3 tar sands pipeline. The gathering will begin with a moment to center advocacy in our faith and to hear the latest updates. Those present will then partake in actions while enjoying fellowship with each other. Join the gathering via Zoom at 1 pm ET on March 11th by signing up now.

Justice in Action

Immigration Update

This month, the U.S. Citizenship Act 2021 was introduced in the House and Senate providing a path to citizenship for 11 million people, but it still creates barriers resulting from criminalization of migrants. A new ICE memo providing interim guidance on enforcement was released resulting in many of those claiming Sanctuary, such as Saheeda Nadeem at FCC Kalamazoo and Alex Garcia at Christ Church, to be able to finally go home. However, we must continue to advocate for better enforcement guidelines for all those in Sanctuary. Please join this faith leader/ lay leader sign on letter to tell the Biden-Harris administration to free people in Sanctuary by granting relief from deportation. We are thankful to the Administration for raising the number of refugees back to historic norms, but we are asking President Biden to sign the new refugee admissions goal now, so resettlement can begin again.

Thursdays in Black

In every country, gender-based violence is a tragic reality. This violence is frequently hidden, and victims are often silent, fearing stigma, and further violence. We all have a responsibility to speak out against violence, to ensure that everyone is safe from rape and violence in all places in our societies. You can find more information, resources, and ways to act on our webpage.

Justice Resources

DC Action Center

Each week, the D.C. Office creates an action alert based on what is happening at that time in Congress, and offers you the opportunity to contact your legislators with just one click! You can find all the alerts here.

The Pollinator

The Pollinator is a digital platform of the UCC for the sharing of ideas and inspiration. Its focus is the building of a faith-filled and faith-rooted movement for the care of creation

Witness for Justice

Looking for up-to-date social justice commentary? Check out Witness for Justice, a weekly editorial opinion column written by the staff of Justice and Witness Ministries.

Featured Topics:

Remaining Vigilant | Let’s Talk About Abortion | There is Enough for All – Even During a Pandemic | A Dispatch from D.C.