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On the Air for Health Care.jpg) 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. Call for Truth!
As people of faith, we have an obligation to stand up for truth and honesty. This week, the US House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the landmark climate bill. But polluting energy companies are spending millions on lobbyists trying to kill the bill with misinformation. Do your part to help us pass a just climate bill: counter the distortions and speak some truth to Congress. Find Out MoreClergy for Health Care Reform
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.
