Announcement from the Social Justice Commission | |
NEW Monthly email from the SJC | |
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To: Parochial & Non-Parochial Clergy, Wardens, SJC, Parish Admins
From: Social Justice Commission
Re: Monthly Update
Date: December 4, 2024
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We are trying something new! Rather than one or two items in Mission Matters, the Social Justice Commission will issue a monthly update for various areas of justice work in our diocese. | |
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Bishop Fisher commends the work of Cristosal
and encourages our opposition to H.B. 9495
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For more than 20 years, Cristosal has served the most vulnerable communities by defending human rights and contributing to long-lasting positive change in Northern Central America.
The U.S. House passed a bill that would give the executive branch broad authority to rescind the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations that it disagrees with through H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. This bill would allow the Secretary of Treasury to designate an organization as “terrorist-supporting” at her or his sole discretion. An organization given that designation would lose its tax-exempt status. Current U.S. law already prohibits tax-exempt nonprofits from supporting terrorism, making the law unnecessary. It is written so broadly that it could be misused to target any number of religious, humanitarian, or other charitable organizations if the administration disagrees with their work.
Noah Bullock (son of the Rev. Michael Bullock) asks us all to register our opposition to the bill using the Episcopal Public Policy Network's ACTION ALERT.
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Consider an end-of-year gift to Cristosal! | |
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Creation Care
The Rev. Jimmy Pickett suggests showing the Earth Day video to your congregation.
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April 2, 20257:30 pm - 8:30 pm (Eastern) * OnlineSpring Event: Via Transformativa, with the Element of WaterEvent Partner: Waterspirit The shattered water made a misty din.Great waves looked over others coming in,And thought of doing something to the shoreThat water never did to land before.- Robert Frost, Once by the Pacific Spring in the northern hemisphere is filled with holidays that draw us into the forces of transformation: the resurrection of Easter, the liberation of Passover, and Beltane, the ancient springtime festival of optimism and fertility. | | | |
Bishops United Against Gun Violence | |
BUAGV is working with CC shareholders to alert big gun purchases. In the meantime... | |
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The Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act (H.R. 4992) would prohibit the sale of firearms without serial numbers and require that businesses that sell firearm kits receive dealer licenses. As the threat of untraceable firearms continues to grow, it is imperative that we urge Congress to pass legislation aimed at regulating the use of these weapons. Rooted in the tenets of justice and compassion, we are called to dismantle the pathways that enable the proliferation of these weapons.
The Episcopal Church continues to be heavily involved in advocating for reforms to our current system of gun manufacturing, sale, and use. With almost two dozen resolutions aimed at the prevention of gun violence, this continues to be an issue our Church believes deeply in the need to resolve. We are tasked with being stewards of peace, safeguarding the well-being of our neighbors, and defending the vulnerable from harm. That is why we ask you to take action today and urge Congress to pass The Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act.
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Agape's Annual Advent Evening | In a time of historic upheaval, war and discord, let us call out to the nonviolent Jesus as we pray: Come Nonviolent one * lighting of the advent wreath, songs, poetry, prayer | | | |
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The Episcopal Church has a longstanding commitment to protecting undocumented individuals brought to the United States as children known as Dreamers and has advocated for legal status for Dreamers since 2009 and for passing the Dream Act since 2012, specifically calling on Congress to pass “federal legislation that presents a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth and young adults.”
We call on our community to contact their members of Congress to rise to the urgency of the moment and pass a bill like the Dream Act to protect individuals who have called this country their home their whole lives.
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On average, more than 20 million people receive SNAP benefits, commonly referred to as food stamps. These benefits are often modest, with the average monthly allocation already quite limited. However, they are crucial for vulnerable families, bridging the gap between hunger and survival. Any cuts to the program would disproportionately harm these families, exacerbating difficult decisions such as choosing between food and housing, or healthcare. We urge Congress to fully fund SNAP to ensure that families who need it most can access sufficient nutrition. | |
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Mission
Following Jesus’ call to discipleship and seeking to live into our baptismal promises, the Social Justice Commission of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts strives, with our congregations, to create new ways to heal injustice, challenge violence, pursue peace, and care for creation.
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Members
Ms. Leah Gregg co-chair
The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher ex-officio
The Rev. Steven Wilco ex-officio
The Rev. Vicki Ix ex-officio
The Rev. Michael Hamilton
Ms. Alexizendria Link
The Rev. Meghan Mantler co-chair
The Rev. Jimmy Pickett
Ms. Meredith Haider
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