January Newsletter: What's Happening at Interfaith Action SW Michigan |
New Year, New Email Platform
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HAPPY NEW YEAR - WE’RE WORKING TO MAKE IT A YEAR OF JUSTICE |
What's Happening at Interfaith Action This section is designed to be copied and pasted into our congregational worship bulletins or newsletters. |
Theologies of Transformation and Actions for Justice Series The Common Good and a Preferential Option for the Poor | January 23 at 6 pm
During this session, we have the privilege of welcoming Dr. Clark Gilpin to give a reflection on our tenth Interfaith Action principle. Clark is Interfaith Action's Lead Advisor for Faith Framing, and the Margaret E. Burton Professor, emeritus, at the University of Chicago Divinity School, where he served as dean from 1990 to 2000. He lives in Stevensville and attends the Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, where he and his wife Nancy co-chair the Social Justice Committee. Clark studies the history of modern Christianity, especially in relation to literature, and he recently published Religion Around Emily Dickinson (Penn State University Press).
The tenth principle states: 'Our faith traditions uphold the common good as grounded in solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable. Alleviation of poverty, homelessness and hunger are essential causes for people of faith. This commitment requires us to promote basic standards of living and to confront excesses of capitalism and growing wealth divides.'
Please join us for this discussion on poverty, solidarity, and the common good. |
Save the Date: Join a Film Screening of “The Letter”
On January 18, 2023 from 7p-9p Eastern Time join Franciscan Action Network virtually to watch The Letter, a new documentary about how spiritual values unite us in the face of the planetary emergency. After the film, there will be a discussion as to what we can do to join the movement of people who are building a better future.
The Letter tells the story of a journey to Rome of frontline leaders to discuss the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis. Watch the trailer on YouTube here. The exclusive dialogue with the Pope, included in the film, offers a revealing insight into the personal history of Pope Francis and stories never seen since he became the Bishop of Rome. Join the virtual screening and discussion by registering on the website.
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Interfaith Action Co-Hosts Immigrant Community Event
In December, Interfaith Action along with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of St. Joseph co-hosted a meeting of local immigrant community members to present their needs for the restoration of drivers licenses in Michigan (a state policy which was ended in 2008). Community members discussed how statewide legislation happens and several spokespersons made presentations as to how the lack of drivers licenses prohibited their participation in local schools, work, and accessing health care. Newly elected State Representative, Joey Andrews, was invited to the event to hear the needs of the immigrant community.
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Photo by Liam Edwards on Unsplash Gun Safety Top of the Agenda for Lansing
On January 18th, End Gun Violence Michigan will be hosting a series of events around Michigan to stress the importance of the Michigan legislature to adopt gun safety policies. The following gun safety policies are currently being proposed for consideration: safe storage of guns in homes where children are living, extreme risk protection orders for individuals determined by a judge to be a danger to themselves or others, expansion of background checks for purchasing of guns, expanded protections for survivors of domestic violence.
If you are interested in attending an event in Kalamazoo or Lansing please email swmichinterfaithaction@gmail.com
Interfaith Action is a member of the Steering Committee of End Gun Violence Michigan. |
As we start a new year, Interfaith Action continues its weekly Monday morning prayers for peace for the people of Ukraine. The following prayer from Rabbi Naomi Levy is one we invite all to pray.
A Prayer of Peace for the People of Ukraine by Rabbi Naomi Levy
God, Our hearts are with all the people of Ukraine,
Its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, And with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Ukraine 200,000 souls Who crouch in fear As the sound of sirens and bombs pierces the air. Synagogues once filled with songs of celebration
Have become makeshift shelters. Echos of the Holocaust reverberate, The memory of the one and a half million Martyred Ukrainian Jews. God, we pray that the panic in the streets of Ukraine
Will give way to the sound of children playing, And the sound of sirens will give way to songs of hope. We pray that the world community will unite And cause the Russian army to retreat. We pray for no more violence Or bloodshed
And we pray that diplomacy Will be the path to peace. Hear our prayers, God, Hear the prayers of the mothers and fathers, the prayers of the children longing for safety.
God, our Shelter, Bring peace. Let it rain down from the heavens like a mighty storm. Let it wash away all hatred and bloodshed. Peace, God. Please, God. Amen. |
Be a Part of Interfaith Action Work -- Donate Today!
Consider giving a financial gift to Interfaith Action. To learn more about our mission and goals, visit www.swmichinterfaith.org. You can donate online now, or learn more about our other donation options on our website. |
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