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No Time to QuitThere's no denying last week was a tough one for health care reform. In a matter of days the political landscape changed, and our leaders are wavering. What hasn't changed: the needless suffering of families in our congregations and communities going without health care. These families are witnesses to the moral consequences of political calculations. We can't turn our backs on them now. Despite the setbacks, we're still closer to reform than we've ever been before -- we just need our leaders to stand up and fight for it. We're not giving up, and we can't let our leaders give up either! Today is a massive national call-in organized by the faith community to tell Congress they need to stay strong and not scale back or delay reform any longer. We need YOU to call Congress and tell them not to back down! Call TODAY: 1-866-279-5474 CALL TODAY!Not in our Name
UPDATE: Our concerns have been heard! Manufacturer Trijicon has agreed to take the Bible references off the weapons! Just Monday, ABC news broke a disturbing story: guns used by the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan have been inscribed by their manufacturer with Bible verses. That's right. The high-powered weapons feature clear references to Christian scriptures like "2COR1:6" and "JN8:12." Branding tools of war with Christian messages is a dangerous misuse of faith falsely implying that America is at war with Islam in the Middle East. We can't let this be the face of American faith: Tell the Pentagon to Stop Using "Christian" Weapons. Our Faithful America community is made up of people from diverse faith traditions, but we all share a common call to seek and build peace, in our communities and across nations. Branding weapons of war with a message of faith goes against this call, and degrades all of our faiths by seeming to pit them against each other in the midst of war. Tell the Pentagon: Keep our faiths off tools of war. Our thanks to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation for breaking this story. Though the MRFF recieves the support of Christian organizations like California Church IMPACT, it is now being attacked as "anti-Christian," for it's important work in protecting religious freedom. (Image via ABC News credit defenseimagery.mil) Find Out MoreHelp for Haiti
By now you've heard the news from Haiti: heartbreaking destruction. Tens of thousands are feared dead, and hundreds of thousands are homeless amid the rubble. This news makes my heart just drop, and I know I'm not alone. People of faith have always been among those responding first to disasters and humanitarian crises -- let's make sure that's still the case. When disaster strikes, the response in the first few days matters the most. That's why I'm asking you to support organizations that already have staff providing relief on the ground in Haiti. Here are a few outstanding organizations -- please support them in this hour of need: Oxfam has four offices in Haiti and more than 200 experienced aid workers on the ground. They're sending badly needed emergency supplies including clean water, temporary shelters, and sanitation equipment from a base in Panama. Support Oxfam's assistance to Haiti. Numerous faith-based organizations run excellent relief services. If you would like to support relief in Haiti through a group affiliated with your religious tradition, click here for a list of organizations -- including many that are faith-based -- raising money and providing on-the-ground services. Thank you for helping the people of Haiti in this time of great suffering. I know that, together, we can aid the afflicted and speak for justice. Find Out MoreDouble your impact!
The uninsured mother who can't afford to get sick. The families kept apart by a broken immigration system. The developing nations who've already begun to bear the brunt of climate change-related disasters. They are the ones who stand to lose the most if partisan pundits on talk radio and special interests claiming to speak for people of faith are allowed to derail the debates on health care, immigration, and climate change. That's why from now until December 31st, a generous donor has agreed to match all donations up to $20,000 to help Faithful America fight twice as hard for our most vulnerable neighbors in 2010. Help us take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Click "donate" below to have your gift automatically matched dollar-for-dollar. Find Out MoreWe're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat
We're down to the wire on climate change. If we don't do something about it soon, we could be facing global catastrophe on a level not seen since, well, the Great Flood. That's why we're joining our friends at Avaaz.org to build a giant Ark on the National Mall. During this critical time of the UN Copenhagen climate talks, we need to remind our leaders exactly what's at stake. Sign the petition: Our leaders need to reach a real climate deal before we need another Ark! (photo courtesy of Action Factory DC) Find Out MorePass Health Care Reform!
UPDATE: House passes the Affordable Health Care for America Act 220-215 From the middle class to those most in need, Americans are feeling the health care crunch. Our insurance premiums have doubled in the past 10 years. And our uninsured neighbors have it even worse as they struggle to get by without the care they need. This bill is not perfect. Some in the faith community have concerns, and negotiators are working hard to resolve them as we speak. But here's the bottom line: this bill will provide health care coverage for 36 million people who don't have it right now and give support to millions more who are struggling with ever-rising costs. This bill is the best package on the table for low-income families, incorporating the strong affordability provisions the faith community has been promoting. With your support, we've sent tens of thousands of calls and messages to Congress urging them to pass strong health care reform. We've made real progress, but we can't let up now. Tell your Rep to vote yes on HR 3962. Find Out MoreStop the Devastating Effects of Climate Change
While we debate how to reduce carbon emissions and protect our future, climate change is already costing lives. Millions around the world are facing increased flooding, new disease outbreaks and dying farms. Climate change disproportionately affects the people who have done the least to cause it and have the fewest resources to help cope. Developing countries are 20 times as likely to be effected by climate-related disasters. But there is hope: new legislation in the Senate would provide targeted funding to support innovative solutions that are already helping people adapt to a rapidly changing environment. Sign our petition and tell the Senate to stop climate change and it's devastating effects! Find Out MoreTake Back the Momentum!
Wednesday night, President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress and closed with a moral case for health care reform, using the words of Sen. Kennedy to remind Americans that, "at stake are not just the details of policy but fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our country." It's Congress' third day back on the job after August recess, and as the President reminded us, we are all in this together and we all have work to do. Every day in our congregations and communities, people of faith see the effects of our broken health insurance system. With Congress back in session, we have a new opportunity to get reform back on track.
Write your representatives today: let them know that as a person of faith, you support action on health reform NOW. Find Out MoreKeep our ad on the air!
Don't let special interests hijack the health care debate. We're letting Congress know people of faith support health care reform in a national TV ad. Contribute now, and help us deliver this message to Congress! Find Out MoreReform, not Fear
In the past 10 years, health insurance premiums have doubled, and millions of Americans like you and me still struggle to afford health care. The health reform proposals currently before Congress will ease the burden on us all, from middle class families to those most in need. There's a lot on the line in the health care debate, yet special interests, even those that claim to speak for people of faith, are trying to block reform with distortions and distractions. We can't let them speak for us. Before they go on recess on August 7th, the Senate know that People of Faith Support Health Care Reform. Sign the petition today. Find Out MoreOn the Air for Health Care
As Senators head home for Independence Day Recess, local faith leaders from across the country will take to the airwaves with radio ads reminding them that the status quo on health care is "not who we are as a nation" and that "America can do better." Drawing on the Scriptural call to act with a spirit of courage, love and action, the ads urge key Senators to support reform that makes quality coverage truly affordable for every American family. Ads will air on Christian and mainstream radio in Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Nebraska, and North Carolina featuring local pastors from each state asking their Senators to support reform. This campaign is a follow-up to ads that ran over the Memorial Day recess and is sponsored by PICO National Network, Faith in Public Life, Faithful America, Sojourners, Gamaliel Foundation, and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good. UPDATE: the religious right has attacked our health care initiative, calling it "anti-family, anti-faith, anti-freedom." Help us respond by keeping our positive, pro-active message on the air. Chip in here.Local clergy from across the country have taken to the air waves as part of a targeted ad and advocacy campaign to encourage Members of Congress to move reform forward and make quality health care truly affordable for every American family. The campaign includes radio ads in each of the pastors' states -- Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri and Nebraska -- plus hundreds of events in local congregations across the country, public meetings with Members of Congress, and other local and national lobbying efforts. The ads, airing through Memorial Day recess in districts and states where Representatives and Senators especially need support to back comprehensive health reform, say, "every person, created in the image of God, is of limitless value" and encourage listeners to contact their Members of Congress "to work together to make quality health care choices affordable for all families." The campaign is sponsored by a coalition of faith-based community organizing networks and national religious groups, including PICO National Network, Faith in Public Life, Faithful America, Sojourners, Gamaliel, and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good. Continue reading to hear more ads and read a sample ad script. Find Out MoreA New Way on Abortion
Yesterday, during a highly anticipated speech at Notre Dame, President Obama outlined a strategy for people on all sides of the issue to work together to reduce the number abortions in America through decreasing unintended pregnancies and increasing support for women and families.
Many, like the hard-line outside protesters at Notre Dame's commencement, believe such "common ground" can't exist, but President Obama believes it can, and we do, too. Find Out MoreA Torture Lament
Americans who attend worship services are more likely to support torture than those who don't. According to new poll data released last week, more than half of Americans who worship regularly support torture. Our communities of faith need to repent. President Obama has recognized today as the National Day of Prayer. Join us in a prayer for forgiveness and healing. Join us in lamenting this support for torture, which shows how far we've drifted from our highest faith ideals. Torture violates human dignity, goes against the teachings of our faiths, and makes us less safe. It must never happen again. The soul of our nation is at stake. Add your voice today as we work to change hearts and minds on the question of torture. Find Out MoreDemand Accountability
No accountability for war crimes? The recently released "torture memos" provide evidence that the United States authorized brutal interrogation methods. Not only were these techniques particularly harsh, but they violate international standards. In fact, the memos authorized techniques that the US government itself has prosecuted other nations for practicing. President Obama has done the right thing in putting an end to these practices, but that is not enough. Torture is a crime, and no one, not even government officials, should be above the law. Tell the Attorney General: We can't just look the other way on torture. We need a full investigation and accountability. Find Out MoreStand with Notre Dame
Since President Obama announced he would be speaking at Notre Dame's commencement this year, conservative groups have been mobilizing against Notre Dame, collecting hundreds of thousands of petition signatures against them and going on a Fox News media blitz. Some are even calling for bishops to revoke its Catholic status. While it's obvious that President Obama has deep disagreements with the Catholic Church on some important issues, shutting down the conversation is not the way forward. For decades, presidents of both political parties have been invited to Notre Dame for this occasion to engage in rigorous discourse about the most pressing issues of our day. Presidents have touched on such essential issues as international affairs, peace building, poverty, and human rights. Through this invitation, Notre Dame President Fr. John Jenkins is honoring the best of our nation's democratic and religious values. Faithful America is joining with Catholics United to show that people of all faiths value dialogue and debate. Notre Dame is coming under intense pressure from conservative groups to rescind the invitation. Let them know there is another voice out there, and support this proactive step they've taken. Find Out MoreBeyond AIG
Since this economic crisis began, the U.S. government has handed out billions (including $165 million in bonuses to AIG) to banks and investment firms that helped wreck the economy in the first place. Meanwhile, with donations sagging and investment values plummeting, organizations caring for the immediate needs of hard-hit Americans like housing, health care and nutrition are facing debilitating budget cuts. These programs are lifelines for thousands of struggling families. Help restore fairness; show your support for hardworking service providers. While we bail out AIG and investment banks, food banks are struggling with record demand. "When you hear a client tell you that "I never thought that I would have to come to the pantry to get food" or to have someone say that "I used to donate to the pantry and now I am using it," that is when you realize how tough things are." -Community Food Banks of South Dakota [1] Tell Congress: Support needed funding for vital programs. The new federal budget is a step toward fairness. By increasing funds to food assistance, health care, and providing tax cuts for low and middle-income families, [2] it renews our commitment to the common good. This budget says we're not going to bail out investment banks while leaving food banks and other service providers behind. Members of Congress will be under intense pressure to cut these vital funds. We need to remind them that difficult times are when these programs are needed the MOST. Find Out MoreWe need the Truth
The evidence keeps piling up. A leaked secret Red Cross report now confirms in explicit detail that prisoners at CIA "black sites" were tortured. But we can't just keep relying on leaked reports. We need to uncover the whole truth to make sure we never torture again. Will you join our search for the truth? According to the report, the detainees were beaten, deprived of sleep, exposed to extreme temperatures and waterboarded. Most significantly: the report calls these practices what they are -- torture. This finding is wrenching, but unfortunately, it is probably not the whole story. Faithful America is joining with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture to call for a Commission of Inquiry into U.S. interrogation practices since 9/11. The Commission of Inquiry is just one part of a process to uncover the truth and restore justice to our national security policies. The Commission will have subpoena power, and will not block any possible prosecution of perpetrators. Torture violates human dignity, the teachings of our faiths, and makes us less safe. Please, join our call to uncover the truth, and end torture once and for all. Find Out MoreWomen's Day: Stand Against Violence in the Congo
The current conflict in the Congo is the deadliest since World War II, and women are bearing the brunt its most brutal force. This Sunday, March 8th, is International Women's Day. Together with human rights activists across the globe, we are calling on President Obama to issue a statement in honor of Women's Day committing to stopping gender-based violence in the Congo. The situation in the Congo is horrific, but there is hope. Human rights advocates have crafted a bold, multi-pronged plan to stop sexual violence in the Congo. The plan: Promotes Peace through aggressive diplomacy, getting at the root cause of the violence. Protects People caught in the war's wake with a larger peace-keeping force and increased aid for the treatment of those victimized by violence Punishes Perpetrators, calling on the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes in the Congo, sending a signal that sexual violence is unacceptable. Even in these difficult times, a few simple actions from President Obama can make a tremendous difference for the women of the Congo. International Women's Day is this Sunday. Sign the petition now and urge President Obama to act. Find Out MoreSen. Brownback: Set the Record Straight
A new-on-the-scene conservative organization run by former Bush adviser Deal Hudson recently sent out a fundraising appeal using Sen. Sam Brownback's (R-Kansas) name to question the sincerity of several of his Congressional colleagues' religious faith. The hurtful letter claimed to be a voice for "real Catholics," and called several senators' faith a "smokescreen." Sen. Brownback's office has stated he does not support the letter and has asked the Catholic Advocate to stop using his name in such fundraising efforts. This is a good first step, but more needs to be done. Countless Catholics have been misled by this letter, and Hudson is still profiting off these insults. All people of faith have reason to be offended by the letter's divisive tone. Together with our friends at Catholics United we are calling on Senator Brownback to 1) clarify to all those who received the letter that he does not support these attacks on his colleagues' faith and 2) ask Deal Hudson to return all the funds raised by this campaign or put them to good use in this time of economic crisis, by donating them to Catholic Charities. Please sign the petition. With your help, we can set the record straight. Find Out MoreBan Torture
UPDATE: On Thursday, January 22nd, President Obama signed an executive order banning torture and "enhanced interrogation techniques" and set a schedule to close Guantanamo Bay prison and CIA prisons. Thanks to all who joined us in working to end the abuse of detainees. Did you hear the news? After years of denials and euphemisms, (remember "enhanced interrogation techniques"?), a Bush Administration official finally admitted that the U.S. has tortured prisoners in its custody. Whatever you call it, the abuse needs to stop. Clearly, government officials at many levels were involved in authorizing torture. As the administration official said though, "the buck stops at the Oval Office." That's why we need to make sure signing an executive order to ban torture is a top priority for President-Elect Obama once he takes office. Find Out More"War on Christmas" is not the Answer
They're at it again. Even against a backdrop of economic crisis and real suffering, hard line culture warriors have once again focused their attention on the "war on Christmas." Just this week, we got word that Utah state senator Chris Buttars is actually championing a resolution that would codify a preference for "Merry Christmas" over "Happy Holidays," and James Dobson and Focus on the Family launched their "I stand for Christmas Campaign" which encourages consumers to shop at "Christmas Friendly" stores in the aftermath of massive company layoffs. Sign our petition and we'll give it to Dobson and Senator Butters, letting them know that people of faith are tired of these games. We'll also keep monitoring the news and will send the petition to other prominent pundits and politicians who waste time on these frivolous issues. We need our leaders to focus on the issues that really impact our lives, like creating good jobs, and making sure people can stay in their homes. Let's send a strong message: people of faith expect their leaders to work for solutions, not fan the culture wars. These individuals are doing their nation--and their faith tradition--a disservice. Help for those most in need is much closer to the true spirit of the holiday they claim to defend than saying the words "Merry Christmas." Find Out MoreSetting the Record StraightFaithful America has been attacked for its response to the horrific abuses at Abu Ghraib prison. Please sign our petition and let our political leaders know that standing against abuse is the just response, not a radical one. Partisan interests have tried to distort our position, running an ad that calls us a "liberal advocacy group that ran ads on Arab TV apologizing for the actions of US troops." What the attack ad does not mention is that the 2004 Faithful America ad was a specific response to the abuses committed at Abu Ghraib, or that America's political and military leaders similarly condemned the brutal treatment of detainees at the Iraqi prison. Standing against human rights abuses isn't liberal or conservative, it is a moral obligation and we are proud to stand by our record. Find Out MoreThe Economy is a Moral Issue
Six weeks into the biggest financial crisis we've faced in a generation (and just one week to go until election day) we're still suffering--on Wall Street and Main Street. We've seen what a culture of greed and corruption can do to this country. The economic crisis is a moral crisis.
Help make sure your values are heard at the polls. We know that voters view the economy as the most important moral issue facing our country. But, if exit pollsters pose the same questions as they did in 2004, the economy won't count as a "values" issue. In 2004, when asked which issue most influenced their vote, voters had to choose between "moral values" and issues like the economy and the war in Iraq. We know this is a false choice. Economic justice, human rights, and the war in Iraq are all "values issues." Let's not let the exit pollsters pigeonhole our values! False Witness
This year, it seems politicians are often more interested in scoring political points and attacking each other than in telling us the whole truth about how they're going to lead our nation. This is not the discussion the American people need. We're on the air with a radio ad in Mississippi calling for honesty and integrity during the first Presidential debate at Ole Miss. Our faith traditions call us to speak truth in the public square. Join us as we flood debate moderator, Jim Lehrer, with requests that he hold both candidates accountable when they bear false witness about themselves or their opponent. Find Out MoreActual Responsibilities
"A small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities." When Gov. Sarah Palin made that statement in St. Paul on September 3, community organizers leapt into action to set the record straight. They got some attention, but apparently not Sarah Palin's. She repeated the zinger two days later in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Many politicians simply don't understand what community organizers do. So here's a short lesson: They work in church basements, synagogues and mosques to empower their communities and make life better for millions of working people across the country. Because community organizers have taken on these "actual responsibilities," we have them to thank for the 8-hour workday, integrated swimming pools, public transportation, health care for children and safe neighborhoods. Some politicians may not appreciate community organizers, but we do. Help us thank them for their work. Your contribution will help us run ads in St. Paul and Wisconsin to let community organizers know how much we appreciate them. Find Out MoreThere's More to Faith than James Dobson
Is Focus on the Family president James Dobson's opinion worth more than the beliefs of the entire American population? The cable news networks seem to think so. Early this week, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released a groundbreaking survey1 of 35,000 Americans documenting the diversity and tolerance of people of faith and the growing consensus around issues like poverty and the environment. But what religion story dominated the cable networks yesterday? James Dobson attacking Sen. Barack Obama for a speech he gave two years ago on his faith. In fact, on Tuesday, June 24, Dr. Dobson was mentioned a total of 189 times on CNN, MSNBC and Fox News. The landmark Pew survey? Just 8. Let the cables know there's a lot more to faith than James Dobson. Find Out MoreDirect Aid for Burmese Cyclone Victims
The world was outraged when Burma's military leaders brutally suppressed a peaceful uprising of Buddhist monks back in September. Now Burma's leaders are slowing aid to millions of victims of Cyclone Nargis that hit two weeks ago, killing over 100,000 people. The International Burmese Monks Organization, including many leaders of the democracy protests last fall, launched a new effort to provide relief through Burma's powerful grassroots network of monasteries -- the most trusted institutions in the country, and currently the only source of housing and support in many devastated communities. Our friends at Avaaz.org raising money for the Burmese Monks' relief efforts, and you can chip in. Click below to help the Burmese people with a donation and see a video appeal to Avaaz from a representative of the International Burmese Monks Organization: Find Out MoreTorture is always wrong
Have you seen the headlines? A newly released memo reveals that the Bush administration said torture was legal. His lawyers argued that government officials who torture could not be prosecuted unless their act of torture was inspired by malice or sadism. They argue: "Whether conduct is conscience-shocking turns in part on whether it is without any justification." Startling isn't it? Bush's lawyers have given him some bad advice. He needs to hear another message. Sign our different "torture memo" to President Bush from the faith community. Tell him torture is always wrong, and always shocks the conscience, no matter what his lawyers say. Find Out MoreCompassion Forum
This election season, we've heard a lot of sensationalized talk about religion, but not nearly enough substance. On Sunday, April 13, The Compassion Forum, sponsored by diverse religious leaders, will enable us to go deeper with the candidates -- and you can vote on what they'll be asked -- live on CNN, as well as CNN International! Sens. Clinton and Obama have accepted invitations to appear at the Compassion Forum, an unprecedented discussion of urgent moral issues that matter to people of faith: climate change, genocide, torture, poverty, and HIV/AIDS. Faithful America has been invited to weigh in. Click below to vote for a question that reflects your values. Find Out MoreGod's Only Party?
Tell the pollsters to stop stereotyping people of faithThe television networks' presidential primary exit polls are reinforcing false stereotypes about religious voters by asking Republican voters more religion questions than Democratic voters, and in some cases ignoring Democrats' religion entirely. In Michigan and Iowa they didn't ask Democratic voters any religion questions at all. In every state, they have exhaustively analyzed Republican evangelicals and completely ignored evangelical Democrats. Can you sign the petition asking that the media pollsters to stop stereotyping people of faith? We will deliver the petition with your name and comments to the networks' pollsters in the next two weeks -- before the March 4 primaries in Texas and Ohio. The petition says: "The presidential primary exit polls, sponsored by ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox and the AP, must stop stereotyping people of faith. We call on the media pollsters to ask all voters -- Republicans and Democrats -- the same religion questions on the exit poll surveys." If we are silent, the media pollsters will continue to reinforce false stereotypes about religious voters. The wedge-issue "values voter" will be the face of faith in politics AGAIN. We must refuse to be pigeonholed. Find Out MoreOverride President's Veto of Health Care for Poor Children
October 2007 The State Children's Health Insurance Program covers millions of low-income families and children, which in many cases makes the difference between life and death. When President Bush vetoed expanding it to cover four million more uninsured children, we sent an alert urging Faithful America members to contact their Congressional representatives immediately and encourage them to override the veto. Congress did not succeed in overriding the veto, but we are poised to take action when children's health legislation comes up again. It's not a red state or a blue state issue. Supporting the health of children is a fundamental responsibility for our nation, and we can successfully urge Congress to insure every child. Find Out MoreBring Our Troops Home
March 2007 "Congress...by its action or its lack of action, has proven to be totally morally inept to intervene and too politically compromised to act with real conviction... More than ever America needs our moral witness." --Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta When thousands gathered in Washington for a religious witness for peace in Iraq, Rev. Warnock reminded the crowd that people of faith are a critical force for peace. We followed up by alerting Faithful America members to write their representatives in support of a House bill mandating a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by the fall of 2008. Ending the Iraq war remains a top priority for people of faith, we're watching for opportunities to take action to finally end this unjust war. Find Out More |
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Once again, operatives with strong partisan ties are misusing faith to achieve their political ends.
