Prayer
Thank you for your prayers yesterday for the Catholics at the Capitol Day. I have attached the information the Catholics who represented us gave to our Ohio legislators. I hope you will pray this week for those legislators to take to heart the issues discussed and to open their hearts to the wisdom of the Spirit.
Action
Recently a bill was introduced in the House HR 7408, to increase funding for wildlife restoration. While, on the surface, this sounds like a good thing. Wildlife management advocates are warning that the bill will undercut the Endangered Species Act. Among other concerns, this bill would allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to approve contracts for logging projects “without regard to any other provision of the law,” which could result in logging of old growth forests and other sensitive habitats that are home to at-risk species. It would also take back over a billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act funding that is dedicated to conducting critical environmental reviews for infrastructure projects, manage vital habitat restoration, and meet conservation goals. Can you contact your members of Congress and share these concerns. You can contact them directly, or use this tool provided by the National Resources Defense Council.
You may remember we advocated for the House to pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. Now we must work on the Senate where it faces potential amendments that would weaken the legislation and make fewer families eligible for the credit. Can you contact your Senator this week? Demand the Senate take up this important legislation! Contact information can be found at the end of this document, or you can use the advocacy tool provided by Catholic Charities USA.
You may have heard the news that President Biden finally called for a cease-fire in Gaza. Our voices are being heard! Can you make another call? Advocates are now asking that we call the White House comment line (202-456-1111) or switchboard (202-456-1414) and ask the administration to go even further. The specific asks are:
- That the US to support the UN resolutions,
- That the US demand that Israel allow food and aid through to Palestine
- That the US stop sending military aid until this conflict is ended.
Education
On Monday, April 22, from 7- 8:30 PM, Anna Gallagher, Executive Director at Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), and Elizabeth Clapp, Immigration Legal Services Director at Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio will present an informative update on the challenges of our immigration system, realities faced by local refugees and migrants and our moral response through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. There may also be testimony and community conversation with migrants. This will be hosted in Xavier University's Health United Building (FREE Parking at the Cintas Center); 1723 Cleneay Ave, 4th Floor. Refreshments, appetizers, and conversation begin at 6:15. You must register for this event.
The Alliance to End Human Trafficking and the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd will host a webinar on April 17 at 12:30 PM (EDT) titled “Breaking the Link: Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers Protects them from Trafficking.” Asylum seekers in the U.S. are at risk of sex and labor trafficking when not authorized to work and provide for their families. This webinar will focus on H.R. 1325, the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act and how we can encourage Congress to fix this vulnerability. You can register here. This is the third in a webinar series. You can view recordings of our first two webinars: “How Immigration Courts Can Protect Vulnerable Children from Trafficking” and “Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.”
Democracy Watch
More and more justice advocates are paying attention to several concerning things happening regarding our democratic process. It is something I have frankly tried to ignore. It seems so big and so frightening. However, ignoring concerning things has never helped anyone. I have added an additional section to the Weekly Update. It will appear as needed.
Resources:
The USCCB has released new materials for Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. We are invited to read and share these materials, which guide our political responsibility as Catholics and faithful citizens. The information is available in English and Spanish.
New Introductory Note to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: English | Spanish.
The Role of the Church in American Political Life: English | Spanish.
The Dignity of the Human Person: English | Spanish.
The Common Good: English | Spanish.
Solidarity: English | Spanish.
Subsidiarity: English | Spanish.
“In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.” — Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, No. 13. The USCCB encourages us all to form our conscience and vote! It is a call of our faith.