News Archives » North America
Europeans Call for a Moral Economic System January 22nd, 2009
Non Governmental Organizations meeting in Paris issued a declaration on the financial crisis that those working with the poor will find very useful. It is a concise and clear call for engagement in the forthcoming debate on the financial system, its purpose and governance.
Paris Declaration (PDF available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian)
European leaders have stressed the need for Europe to play a significant role in the G20 Summit scheduled for April in London. There, the group of leading and emerging countries will hammer out ways of reinforcing the architecture of global regulation. Speaking at a conference in Paris on the future of capitalism, the leaders of the EU’s powerhouse member states agreed on the need to make long-term changes to the old financial order, which Sarkozy said had been “perverted” by an “amoral” form of unbridled finance capitalism.
Funds Available to Help Victims of Modern Slavery January 22nd, 2009
Are you involved in a program to help victims of modern slavery?
The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery allocates project grants (for a maximum of US$15,000), for programs of humanitarian, legal and financial assistance to individuals whose human rights have been severely violated as a result of contemporary forms of slavery. Contemporary forms of slavery include trafficking, sexual slavery, child labor and child servitude, debt bondage, serfdom and forced labor, forced marriage and sale of wives etc.
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Vatican Dossier on Immigration Available January 21st, 2009
Agenzia Fides, the Vatican’s information news service of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples has issued a 12-page dossier on “The Question of Immigration in the United States of America.” The dossier, published in November 2008, examines the history and economic spurs for immigration in American history. The dossier makes a specific example of current immigration policy along the U.S.-Mexico border and praises the U.S. Catholics Bishops for their leadership on behalf of immigrants.
Faith Groups Call on Obama to Infuse Stimulus Package with Economic Justice January 16th, 2009
The Oblates and others in the ecumenical faith community have written President-Elect Obama calling for moral leadership that works for justice, stewardship, and sustainability for God’s community. In addition to providing resources to stimulate economy, a stimulus package should also foster the common good and invest in a vibrant, sustainable economy that protects God’s creation and God’s people.
Inauguration and March for Life Expected to Fill Washington January 16th, 2009
Washington will host millions starting this weekend, with the historic inauguration of Barack Obama, 44th president of the United States on Tuesday, January 20th. This will be followed by the 2009 March for Life on Thursday, January 22. An inter-faith National Prayer Service is scheduled for Wednesday at the National Cathedral in Washington. The event is invitation-only.
The inauguration is expected to draw a record-setting crowd of between 1.5 and 3 million people. The theme of the inauguration is “A New Birth of Freedom,” commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. President Obama will be sworn in using the Lincoln Bible.
The March for Life is an annual protest of the Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion which was handed down on January 22, 1974. A large group connected with the Oblates is coming to Washington for the March and will be staying at the Oblate national headquarters during their stay. The March begins at noon on the National Mall at 4th Street and processes to the Supreme Court to the north of the Capital building. More information on the event is available at the website of the March for Life Organization and Defense Fund.
If you are coming to Washington, be prepared for frigid weather. Need information on what is happening during the inaugural weekend and when? Check the Washington Post’s Inauguration Central.
The US Capitol Visitor Center has now opened – following six years of major construction. The sweeping entrance to the underground facility is on the east side of the Capitol building and hosts exhibition rooms as well as a restaurant and gift shops.
