MCC Washington Memo

Washington Memo Blog

Visit the Washington Memo Blog to stay informed about Washington Office activities, publications, events, action alerts and news regarding the issues we cover. Here are some excerpts from recent blog posts:

MCC Sends Letter to Clinton Regarding DRC

Today, Mennonite Central Committee sent a letter to Secretary of State Clinton in anticipation of her travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Here is an excerpt:

As you are well aware, the DRC and the surrounding region have endured a cycle of violence resulting in the death and displacement of many Congolese.We applaud your attention to the horrifying level of violence against women and girls in the east—a level of brutality which adds another element of desperation to an already alarming humanitarian situation.

This conflict is indeed a complex one that requires a comprehensive approach to ensure a sustainable peace. In our view the fundamental problem is the long-term lack of effective governance within Congo, which has led to a deeplyentrenched culture of impunity…

Civilian Deaths Continue to Increase in Afghanistan

A newly released UN report notes that civilian deaths in Afghanistan continue to increase. According to a BBC article highlighting the report, the number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan “so far this year has risen by 24 percent compared with the same period last year.” During the first six months of this year “[m]ore than 1,000 people were killed.”

More needs to be done to reduce the number of Afghan civilians killed. The high number of civilian deaths only increases the level of insecurity and does little to ‘win the hearts and minds’ of the Afghan people.

Website Resource Highlights

The MCC Washington Office website provides information about the office, action alerts, upcoming events, and resources on domestic and international issues. Recent highlights include:

“Abundant Life: Economic Justice for All”

These Washington Office webpages includes additional resources on international debt relief. The Abundant Life campaign is a yearlong campaign that focuses on health care, international debt relief, U.S. housing and fair trade. To find background information, prayer and worship resources, action alerts, and outside resources, or to sign up your congregation, visit washington.mcc.org/life.

“U.S.-Mexico Border Fence”

The Washington Office website has several new pages focusing on the U.S.- Mexico border fence. Go to washington.mcc.org/issues/environment/border to find background information, faith resources, action alerts, and links to articles and other websites which provide useful analysis of the impact of this fence on local communities and ecosystems.

Need a speaker for your congregation?

Visit washington.mcc.org/resources/speaking for a list of topics on which MCC Washington staff are available to speak. This fall John Filson, recently returned from an MCC term in Iraq, is also available to speak in congregations. Contact us at mccwash@mcc.org or (202) 544-6564 if interested.