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Video reflection for February 17, 2017 – Oblate Day July 12th, 2017
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Video reflection for February 17, 2017 “Oblate Day”
Action Alert: Urge Congress to Continue to Protect Trafficking Victims July 12th, 2017
The U.S. House of Representatives may be considering H.R. 2200, the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act of 2017. We urge you to voice your support!
H.R. 2200 would reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). The TVPA, the original foundational anti-trafficking legislation in the U.S., was created in 2000 and has been reauthorized four times by overwhelmingly bipartisan votes. H.R. 2200 was introduced by Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ-4) and Representative Karen Bass (D-CA-37) on April 27, 2017.
Supporting H.R. 2200 is an important step the United States can take to demonstrate our nation’s continued efforts to eradicate human trafficking and assist human trafficking victims. H.R. 2200 ensures critical funding for both domestic and international anti-trafficking programs. Reauthorizing the TVPA helps ensure that victims are able to continue to access programs and services that recognize the importance of dignified care.
Take Action by sending the following message:
Dear Representative,
As a concerned Catholic, I urge you to support H.R. 2200. I firmly believe in the dignity of the human person and this belief calls on me to protect the most vulnerable, including victims of human trafficking. H.R. 2200 is important, as it reauthorizes the TVPA, providing service provisions that will aid victims. Supporting H.R. 2200 will ensure that our nation’s efforts to eradicate human trafficking and assist human trafficking victims continue.
I thank Congress for its long-standing commitment to confront modern-day slavery. As a Catholic, I stand ready to support victims and appreciate your work to eradicate human trafficking.
Send the message from this link:
http://www.capwiz.com/justiceforimmigrants/issues/alert//?alertid=78157626&type=CO
Click here to read the US Bishops’ letter of support for H.R. 2200.
Take Action to Oppose Senate Version of Better Care Reconciliation Act July 6th, 2017
The Senate has postponed its vote on the health care bill, the 2017 Better Care Reconciliation Act— but negotiations continue, and the bill could soon come to the floor. Please contact your Senators and urge them to 
vote against the bill as it stands and make changes in favor of the poor and vulnerable. This legislation takes funding for healthcare coverage from our most vulnerable individuals and families and uses it for tax cuts for some of our most wealthy citizens.
The US Bishops have expressed deep concern and are asking for changes to the bill before Congress votes. Visit USCCB’s action center to send a pre-written alert to your Senators or write your own. Ask them to act with compassion and draft a better health care bill.
Visit USCCB’s Action Center to contact your Senator: https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/Campaigns/53371/Respond
Read a Catholic Health Association article about the healthcare bill.
Fortnight for Freedom 2017 June 23rd, 2017
Freedom for Mission – June 21- July 4, 2017
The U.S Catholic Bishops are encouraging observance of “Fortnight for Freedom,” a 14-day period of prayer, education and action in support of religious freedom. The fourteen days from June 21 (Vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More) to July 4, Independence Day, are dedicated to this “Fortnight for Freedom.” Respectful discussion is being encouraged for better understanding and celebration of religious freedom. Participate in special events or host your own to highlight the importance of defending religious freedom.
Visit USCCB’s website for more information and to download resources for organizing events in your parish and religious community: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/index.cfm
Martin Luther King and Martin Luther June 23rd, 2017
by Harry Winter, OMI
In 1934, an African American, Rev. Michael King Sr., visited religious reformer Martin Luther’s home in the town of Wittenberg, Germany. King was so impressed by Luther’s legacy that he changed his name to Martin Luther King, Sr., and his son’s to Martin Luther King, Jr.
Was it the free exchange of ideas and values that the older King saw in Luther’s posting of his 95 theses? Was it the fact that the Christian Church is in continual need of reformation, as Luther stressed? In any case, it shows that some of Luther’s legacy is very relevant today.
It surprises many Americans to learn that there are more Lutherans in Africa and Asia than in North America and Europe. Furthermore, Lutheran membership in Africa and Asia is growing, while in North America and Europe it is declining.
Lutheran World Services and Caritas International (R.C), have pledged to work more closely together. So civil rights, spirituality, ecclesiology and witness have been joined by Martin Luther and Drs. Martin Luther King, Sr. and Jr.
May Lutherans and Roman Catholics learn more about each other!
See the OMI USA website Mission-Unity-Dialogue (www.harrywinter.org) for important statements signed by both Churches.
