Lectionary Reflection for May 20, 2012 (Seventh Sunday of Easter)

May 9, 2012

Tim Schmucker, MCC Ottawa Office Public Engagement Coordinator, reflects on the latest lectionary passages and the divisions we often make between “us” and “them.”

This week’s lectionary passages are replete with what appear to be stark contrasts between “us” and “them”, and as such deserve careful consideration.

“Happy are those whose … delight is in the law of the Lord.”

Thus begins the book of Psalms – with a burst of joy and rejoicing in the Law. Really? The Law? The Old Testament Law is often viewed as obscure, never-ending rules through which salvation could barely be gained, if at all.

Read the entire reflection here.

Leave a Comment » | Faith Reflection | Permalink
Posted by jesseeppfransen

Letter urges U.S. to join Mine Ban Treaty

May 9, 2012

Photo: Jenna Stoltzfus/MCC

Mennonite Central Committee U.S. and Mennonite Church USA have joined dozens of organizations in calling on the U.S. government to join the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty.

We write now to encourage you strongly to make a decision on future U.S. landmine policy as soon as possible, and to announce that the United States will accede to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. This is a crucial humanitarian decision that should not be put off any longer, or postponed during a busy election year.

Read the full letter here.

Leave a Comment » | Issues, Militarism, Sign-on Letters | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach

International Debt Arbitration

May 8, 2012

Patricia Kisare writes about the need for an international debt court in the latest Third Way Cafe.

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are two of the largest sources of sovereign loans for low-income countries. While most of these loans are for poverty alleviation, the debt burdens they have created are themselves creating cycles of poverty.

High interest rates have made it more expensive for countries to service these loans, forcing governments to spend more on debt services than on social services for their citizens. As a result, many low-income countries continue to struggle with paying off their sovereign debts.

Read the entire article here.

Leave a Comment » | Global Economic Justice, Issues | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by jesseeppfransen

Action alert: May 7 immigration call

May 3, 2012

Join this call to hear more about private prisons and immigrant detention, the story of United Methodist Church divestment, and ways you can push back against the increasing influence of the private prison industry in policy and electoral matters.

  • Monday, May 7, 2012, 4pm Eastern Time
  • Call in number: 605-475-4800; code: 540390

Read the action alert

Leave a Comment » | Action Alerts, Immigration | Permalink
Posted by Tammy Alexander

May 13, 2012 Lectionary Reflection

May 2, 2012

Greg deGroot-Maggetti, of MCC Ontario, reflects on loving our neighbor in the latest lectionary reflection

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”  (John 15:12)

It does not get more clear than that. Love of neighbour is central to what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

But that simple, straightforward commandment raises questions.

Recall the story in Luke’s account of the Gospel when the lawyer asked Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus responded that it is to love God and to love your neighbour as yourself. And the lawyer asks “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus responds with the parable of the good Samaritan. To be neighbour is to show compassion to those in need (Luke 10:25-37).

Read the entire reflection here.

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Posted by jesseeppfransen

Action Alert: DREAM day of action May 17

May 1, 2012

On May 17, immigrant youth, along with allies across the country, will issue a “Declaration of DREAMS.” Through the Right to Dream campaign, United We Dream (UWD) is launching a nationwide call to President Obama for real and lasting relief for DREAMers and their communities.

Click here to find out how you can participate.

Leave a Comment » | Action Alerts, Immigration | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Tammy Alexander

Restorative Justice Works!

May 1, 2012

Jesse Epp-Fransen recently attended a Restorative Justice conference hosted by West Coast MCC.

Restorative justice works! This was the message of the Day of Justice held in Fresno, California, on March 16, 2012. The conference, put on by West Coast Mennonite Central Committee, featured members of local law enforcement, a judge, a leading advocate for the “three strikes” law in California, and members of the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) in Fresno.

The participants brought varied opinions and a range of perspectives on restorative justice. Restorative justice is a perspective on addressing crime that puts healing and community support at the heart of its action. While some speakers were cautious of giving full support to the restorative justice model, other panelists, such as Reedley Police Chief Joe Garza, expressed being confident that restorative justice was the direction law enforcement needed to move.

Read the entire reflection here.

Learn more about West Coast MCC here and the Washington Office’s work on restorative justice here.

Leave a Comment » | Articles, Crime and Justice, Issues | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by jesseeppfransen

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