Pray and Act for Sudan
August 28–30
The people of Sudan have experienced conflict for years. Across the country, lives have been lost, communities scattered, people displaced. Steps toward peace have been made. The situation remains fragile. Our sisters and brothers in Sudan need our prayer at all times. The Presbyterian Office on Africa, the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and the Sudan Advocacy Action Forum invite you to join in prayer and action on the weekend of August 28–30.
New Associate at Presbyterian United Nations Office
The Presbyterian United Nations Office announces the appointment of Jessica Hawkinson as associate for International Relations and Education. This is a one-year term position. Hawkinson will help cultivate educational and advocacy programs for the Presbyterian United Nations Office. She will help facilitate the office’s long-standing seminar program. Additionally, she will help manage the January term course in conjunction with Colombia Theological Seminary, and will strengthen Presbyterian participation at official United Nations advocacy sessions.
Observe the International Day of Peace: Ceasefire U.S.A.
The International Day of Peace, observed each year on September 21, brings a global call for a day of ceasefire and nonviolence. It is a time to reflect on the benefits of peacefully resolving disputes. This year, consider that gun violence claims some 30,000 lives annually  in the United States. What might it look like to observe a day of ceasefire in our country? How might we work to address the tragedy of gun violence? Send information to the Peacemaking Program about ongoing efforts and ideas for new efforts to share with others. Read about current PC(USA) efforts. Learn about work at Bryn Mawr (Pennsylvania) Presbyterian Church. Find some ideas for working with legislators about gun violence.
Act against conflict minerals in the DRC
Contact your Senators and urge them to cosponsor the Congo Conflict Minerals Act of 2009. Demand for minerals cassiterite (tin ore), gold, coltan (tantalum) and wolframite (a source of tungsten) found in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and used in everyday electronics products help finance armed groups who engage in violent struggle. The conflict has had a particularly disastrous impact on women and girls, some 500,000 of whom have suffered sexual violence. The bill would demand greater transparency and accountability from all companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges requiring them to disclose the origin of their supplies to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. For minerals coming from Congo or neighboring countries, companies would need to disclose the precise mine of origin. Learn more about the bill and the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Send an email to your Senator. Call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your senators' offices.
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September 2009
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December 10: Human Rights Day |
