Water
Voter Voice – Affordable Clean Energy Rule
The Trump Administration has proposed the Affordable Clean Energy rule as a replacement for the previous administration's Clean Power Plan. As noted by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), "The proposed rule would significantly weaken the Clean Power Plan (CPP) which sought to speed the closure of coal-burning plants and the conversion to clean energy in order to reduce carbon pollution, mitigate climate change, and protect the health and welfare of all people, especially the most vulnerable.” Please join us in opposing the Affordable Clean Energy Rule that threatens the health and safety of our neighbors and our planet home!
Feast of Saint Francis
Don’t forget to access the wonderful resources and participate in Who Is My Neighbor In A Climate-Threatened World?, a program by the Catholic Climate Covenant, with your local community on October 4th!
Immigration
The Trump administration has just set the refugee admissions goal for next fiscal year at 30,000 - the lowest level in U.S. history. This drastically low number will leave tens of thousands of vulnerable refugees without a chance at safety. Click here to read the press release issued by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, of which the LCWR is a member.
As people who care about refugees, we must make our voices heard and tell both the White House and Congress that 30,000 is inexcusable and that we must set a refugee admissions goal of at least 75,000. The White House is required under U.S. law to consult with Congress prior to setting the annual refugee admissions number. This has not happened yet, which means Congress can and must weigh in immediately.
In addition to participating in the Voter Voice campaign linked to above, please call your Senators and Representatives today: 202-225-3121
Sample Script: “I’m your constituent from [CITY/TOWN], and a Catholic sister/person of faith. I urge you to protect the refugee resettlement program. I am outraged that President Trump has set a new historic low for FY 2019’s refugee admissions goal at 30,000. Protecting vulnerable populations is not a zero-sum game; we can and should protect refugees and others fleeing violence or persecution. Refugee resettlement facilitates U.S. diplomatic, national security, and foreign policy interests.
The White House is required to consult with Congress prior to setting the refugee admissions number, but they have not done so. Congress must act. I urge you to do everything in your power to see that the administration resettles at least 75,000 refugees in 2019 and to stop the administration from further dismantling the resettlement program.
My community welcomes refugees, and I urge you to reflect the best of our nation by supporting refugee resettlement."
Feel free to share a personal story about standing in solidarity with refugees. Let them know the specific ways that refugees contribute and are welcomed into your community.
You can also tweet at your Senators and Representatives and the administration.
Here are some sample Twitter and Facebook messages:
- BREAKING: @SecPompeo just announced the LOWEST refugee admissions goal in history - 30k - putting the lives of vulnerable families in danger. We will not stand for this. @[MemberOfCongress]
- BREAKING: @SecPompeo‘s announcement of the lowest refugee admissions goal in history - 30k - is an affront to the countless American communities who have welcomed refugees and understand that they are valuable members of their cities and towns. @[MemberOfCongress]
(Human) Trafficking
Please visit the website Trafficking Matters and add it to your bookmarked pages for resources and news updates concerning human trafficking!
Haiti
As the peak Atlantic hurricane season continues through November, we pray that the vulnerable in Haiti and in other nations be spared from further weather ravage. At the same time, we pray in gratitude for the renewal witnessed in the aftermath of past hurricanes.
In Haiti, the expression of love and solidarity shown by many and our province specifically resulted in new hope and opportunity. Click here to see the 18-month report from Beyond Borders to learn more about the AMSSND’s support to 23 families in Lagonav, providing new hope and opportunity for the families.
While Matthew destroyed so much, it also resulted in regeneration of life. To read about how a new water source was created and productively used by one community as a result of hurricane Matthew click here.
Blessed Antonina
We invite you to pray the Novena to Blessed Antonina, SSND, Patron of Shalom, which begins September 23rd.
