Prayer
I know Memorial Day has passed, but I wanted to share a reflection with you from a very good friend of mine. As we hear of more violence in more areas of the world…
I have no good platitudes for this Memorial Day because the loss of lives is so great from this time and from all time really. May we honor the dead by valuing the living. May we thank those who sacrificed by remembering history. May we work for peace in their memory and in their names. – Mary Cummins Wlodarski
Action
Well, it looks like the fossil fuel industry is at it again. They have their eyes on subsidies recently allocated for green technologies. Certain lawmakers are attempting to include a few loopholes in the law. Can you join your voice to the League of Conservation Voters and tell lawmakers that clean energy subsidies should be used for clean energy? You can use their online tool.
The U.S. House of Representatives just voted to pass the dangerous Mining Regulatory Clarity Act, which would give mining companies a statutory right to permanently occupy and bury tons of toxic waste on Indigenous peoples’ ancestral lands and waters. We can make our voices heard in the Senate to stop this bill from becoming law! The Native Organizers Action Fund has an online tool here to send a message to your Senator.
Education
On June 4th from 7 to 8:30 PM the Georgetown University Initiative on Catholic Social Thought will host The Civil Rights Act of 1964 After 60 Years: Challenges and Questions for Voters and the Nation in 2024.
Sixty years ago, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed and signed into law after a long moral and political struggle. Catholic and other religious communities played key roles in this effort, which offered hope to people who had been excluded from opportunities in education, housing, and employment simply based on race, color, or national origin. “Racism is a virus that quickly mutates and, instead of disappearing, goes into hiding and lurks in waiting." - Pope Francis Come hear the panel speak regarding what, after 60 years, has changed and what has not, how racial discrimination been overcome and how it continues, and what the key racial justice issues are that face voters, parties, and candidates as we choose a future for our nation this November. You can RSVP here.
Every year on June 5, the United Nations celebrates World Environment Day. This year, we are encouraged to become a member of Generation Restoration, and leave our Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z titles behind. On June 6, at 1:00 PM (ET), in celebration of World Environment Day, join Catholic Climate Covenant in a conversation with Gopal Patel and Amy Echeverria (two internationally recognized faith-based environmental leaders). These distinguished panelists will go on an inner and outer journey of exploring the theme of “Restoration.” In the context of UN processes on land restoration, biodiversity, climate change, and more, they will weave together a holistic tapestry of spirituality and advocacy in action. You can register here.
Democracy Watch
I will soon be inviting those of you in Cincinnati to join me in writing a few non-partisan letters to registered, but inactive, voters to encourage them to get out and vote. I hope you will join me in this effort.
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.