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. The Washington Memo Blog is frequently updated, so you do not have to wait for the next issue of the Washington Memo to find out what is going on. The following are excerpts from recent blog posts:
Who Would Jesus Torture?
May 12, 2009
The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life published the disturbing results of a poll they conducted a few weeks ago, which found that Christians of all stripes (though especially evangelical Protestants) supported torture at higher rates than people unaffiliated with religious denominations.
Additionally, increased support for torture correlated with increased church attendance. In other words, people who attend church most are also most likely to support torture, and people who attend church least (or not at all) are also least likely to support torture.
MCC Joins Letter to Secretary Clinton on Palestinian Christians
May 7, 2009
Yesterday MCC and other church bodies sent a letter to Secretary Clinton, highlighting the plight of Palestinian Christians. The letter comes on the occasion of Pope Benedict XVI’s trip to the Middle East later this week, and was coordinated by Churches for Middle East Peace.
Also today the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs released a report describing how Israel is increasing its control over Bethlehem through settlements and the separation barrier. Bethlehem, located in the West Bank, is home to many Palestinian Christians.
Resource Highlights
Washington E-Memo
The Washington E-Memo is the newest resource from the MCC Washington Office. The E-Memo is a monthly electronic newsletter to keep you better informed on the changing events here inWashington on the issues of peace and justice that you care about. Each issue will provide legislative updates, links to action alerts and information about upcoming events. The E-Memo complements the print Washington Memo which provides more indepth issue analysis. Sign up for the E-Memo here.
Preventing Gun Violence Packet
Learn about gun violence prevention and get involved. This new MCC Washington Office guide includes gun death statistics, a faith reflection on violence and nonviolence, policy suggestions for preventing gun deaths and injuries and advocacy tips for contacting your elected officials. Order free hard copies by clicking here. Download electronic copies by clicking here.
Website: “Abundant Life: Economic Justice for All”
TheWashington Office website includes more materials related to U.S. health care. Go to washington.mcc.org/life to find background information, prayer and reflection resources, action alerts, and links to articles and other websites which are useful for gaining a better understanding of the issue.
Action Alerts
We have a new format for sending and receiving action alerts. We hope that these changes will make your work as an advocate easier, and that you will choose to make your voice heard on Capitol Hill on behalf of others. Sign up at washington.mcc.org.
