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Up for a JustChurch!
Call
To Action is pleased to announce its new JustChurch Project. This project’s
structures are based on the nonviolent principles that come to us from
justice advocates of our past, such as St. Francis of Assisi, Mahatma
Gandhi, Dorothy Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Of course, our greatest
influence has been Jesus’ own model of nonviolence that he practiced in
his daily quest to attend to the suffering around him and to advocate
for change in the religious and governmental structures of his day. Today,
we Catholics also find ourselves deeply moved by the suffering that affects
our daily lives in both personal and global ways. As such, we feel called
to respond, as Christ did, to the suffering in our church and society.
In order to respond in an effective way, Call To Action has created a
program that highlights the areas where the hierarchical church structure
or government is perpetrating its worst abuses of power and bringing those
situations to consciousness in the souls of Catholics across the country
so that, together, we might help create a more just church. We have set
up an electronic action center on our website and will have a special
section in our monthly publications where we will publish accounts of
these abuses of power and share how Catholics are rising up to put an
end to the suffering. Call To Action individuals and chapters may sign
up for email alerts and will be notified to take action at key times to
help the people and places where the injustice is occurring—by praying,
writing letters, making calls, or even, in some cases, sending delegations
to be with those who are engaged in the local struggle. Additionally,
through our annual conference, local synods and downloadable resources,
we will offer opportunities for Catholics to cultivate a deeper understanding
of the history, spirituality and skillset of nonviolent activism in the
Christian tradition.
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Call
To Action/USA:
Nationwide Campaigns
March 2008
The election guide from the bishops this year
reminds us that in “Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship
is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation”
(Faithful Citizenship, 9). We are called to form our consciences
and to act with prudence when making election choices. However,
some bishops have begun to urge Catholics to vote simply based on
a candidate’s position on only one issue. This contrasts with Catholic
teaching and practice of concern for human life in all its stages.
The bishops’ election document reminds us that “Racism and other
unjust discrimination, the use of the death penalty, resorting to
unjust war, the use of torture, war crimes, the failure to respond
to those who are suffering from hunger or a lack of health care,
or an unjust immigration policy are all serious moral issues that
challenge our consciences and require us to act. These are not optional
concerns which can be dismissed.” (Faithful Citizenship, 13).
Speak out for the social injustices that matter
to you and your local community! Here are some suggestions:
What you or your chapter can do:
1. Speak with your friends, family, church members
and local community about the issues that are important to you,
your faith and the common good.
2. Write a letter to the editor about why your faith impels you
to vote for the common good. Here is a sample letter to the editor.
(link to sample letter to the editor).
3. If your bishop tells Catholics to vote for a candidate on the
basis of only one issue, you could write letters to the editor,
invite a speaker to your group or parish to talk about Catholicism
and its concern for a variety of social injustices, distribute a
press release with a statement from your chapter, or call the CTA
office to discuss other possible responses.
Catholic Election Guides
“Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:
A Call to Political Responsibility” USCCB Electi Guide
(link: http://www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship/)
“Loving our Neighbors in a Shrinking World” Maryknoll Election Guide
(link: http://www.maryknollogc.org/2008elections/index.htm)
“Elections 2008: Voting the Common Good” Center of Concern Voting
Guide
(link :
http://www.coc.org/election2008/files/framework.pdf)
Catholic Convention for the Common Good. Summer 2008
(link:
http://www.networklobby.org/ConventionMainPage.htm)
July 17, 2007: CTA Responds to LA Abuse Settlement (More information
available shortly)
July 12, 2007: CTA’s Statement
on the Vatican and Ecumenical Relations
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Washington DC:
Social Justice Campaigns
July 25, 2007: Speak Now to End the War in Iraq!
Four years into the Iraq War, Catholics from across the nation are coming together to say, "Enough!" And to get this message to those lawmakers who need to hear it most, Call To Action is a supporting organization of a collaborative petition drive called Cathoics for an End to the War in Iraq.
Joining with PaxChristi USA, Catholics United and NETWORK, the National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, we agree that our faith calls us to action to end the war. In fact, according to a post-election poll in 2006, the war in Iraq now ranks as the most pressing concern for Catholic voters across the country.
With this petition, we ask our lawmakers to legislate a solution to the Iraq War that includes diplomacy, redevelopment, and responsible withdrawal of U.S. troops.
Our goal is to gather 20,000 names between now and September 1st. Help us reach this goal by signing the petition and encouraging your friends and family to do the same. Once we reach our goal of 20,000, we will hand deliver the petition to our Congressional leaders in Washington.
Sign the petition today!
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Detroit Archdiocese:
Support Bishop Tom Gumbleton
On December 17th, Bishop Tom Gumbleton announced that his request
to continue ministry at St. Leo’s Parish in Detroit had been denied
by the Vatican. Catholics in Detroit are rising up to challenge the
Vatican’s decision and the local Cardinal’s support of it.
Despite Archdiocesan statements to the contrary, it is common practice
to allow priests and bishops to continue their ministry after they
reach the retirement age of 75 if they wish. Instead, Bishop Gumbleton,
a long-time advocate for those on the margins of church and society
and a dedicated prophet for peace, is being removed from active ministry
by the Vatican.
For an inspiring look at why so many Catholics support Bishop Gumbleton,
watch “A Prophet Without A Home,” a brief, five-minute introduction
to the people of St. Leo’s and their beloved pastor. Click here.
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Boston Archdiocese:
Laity Say “No” to Parish Closings
Laity in Boston have risen up to protest the closing of their parishes.
Cardinal Sean O’Malley announced the closings in 2004. Since then,
thousands of Catholics have risen up to keep their parishes open.
To send a letter of support or to join the vigils, contact Stan Doherty
at stan@sensusfidelium.org
or http://www.sensusfidelium.org.
To learn more about the Save Our Parish Community project, endorsed
by Call To Action, see www.futurechurch.org.
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New
Orleans Archdiocese:
Parishioners Reclaim Threatened Church, Helping to Rebuild New Orleans
After Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region,
Catholics and non-Catholics alike turned to their local churches
for support. St. Augustine’s Catholic Parish in New Orleans became
a center for the recovery efforts. In March 2005, Archbishop Hughes
decided to close St. Augustine’s, despite the vibrant church life
and its vital importance in the wake of Katrina’s wreckage.
The parishioners and service providers working out of the parish
protested, members of CTA’s Anti-Racism team stood in solidarity
with the church members, and soon the Archbishop entered into negotiations
with the parish. It was agreed that the parish would continue to
build up its programs and would be “re-evaluated” as to its status
in two-years time. Today, St. Augustine’s not only remains open,
but, so importantly, it continues to serve the people of God.
July 2007: The time of St. Augustine’s evaluation is quickly approaching. One of the benchmarks on which the church will be evaluated in order to remain open is that of membership growth. St. Augustine’s is accepting "Associate Members" who may not live within the parish boundaries but who will support the church with prayers, encouragement and, if one desires, a financial contribution. It does not mean you need to switch from your home parish, but rather be a supporter of St. Augustine’s in addition to your own church. Please help us keep this vibrant, historic parish open and alive to continue its ministry of "breaking the shackles of sin and oppression."
Become an “Associate Member” of St. Augustine’s Today! Click here.
December 2006: Bishop Hughes of the New Orleans diocese has recently admitted his
missteps in trying to close St. Augustine's in his recent pastoral
letter, "Made in the Image and Likeness of God: A Pastoral Letter
on Racial Harmony." Call To Action/USA applauds this action and
has written him a letter of appreciation, which you can read by clicking
here.
If you would also like to write Bishop Hughes a letter of appreciation,
send letters to the following address and mention that you are a Call
To Action member:
Archbishop Alfred Hughes
Archdiocese of New Orleans
7887 Walmsley Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70125
To send a letter of support to St. Augustine for their on-going work
or to join their parish by mail, contact:
St. Augustine’s
c/o Sandra Gordon
1210 Govnichollf
New Orleans, LA 70116
504-250-2781 (c)
sjgmaj@yahoo.com
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Brownsville
Diocese:
Church Workers and Laity Have Rights
February 2007: Call To Action/Rio Grande Valley in Texas is making
headlines for their courageous work to share the truth about clergy
sexual abuse survivors. In January, the local PBS television station,
owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, censored a Frontline
film about a survivor of clergy sexual abuse. The documentary, titled
"Hand of God," aired in every other PBS station in the
country except one. CTA members made headlines when they challenged
the station’s decision to not air the film. When they inquired about
the censorship, they were told that the station’s manager, Monsignor
Briseño, wanted to watch the film first to see if it was appropriate
for local viewers. The news was picked up by the AP wire and was
carried in newspapers across the country.
CTA members believed the truth must be told and responded with gospel
nonviolent action. They secured a local theater and invited the
film’s director and his brother, the featured abuse survivor, to
share the documentary with Catholics in southern Texas. Now, after
increasing pressure, Monsignor Briseño, stated at a recent PBS board
meeting that the station will try to find a time to air the documentary
film in March.
This is a wonderful success for lay Catholics seeking to reveal
the facts about clergy sexual abuse and to ensure that clergy are
no longer allowed to hide the truth.
For a flyer about the free film screening, click here.
Prior to February 2007:
Since 2003, members of Call To Action/Rio Grande Valley have been
engaged in a struggle to support four parish staff and their own
rights as laity at Holy Spirit Parish. The four staff members had
been part of more than 50 employees in the diocese who unionized
under United Farm Workers (UFW) and signed contracts with their
pastors. Not only are unions supported by Catholic social justice
teaching, but even Vatican workers are part of a union.
When a new pastor was assigned to the parish, he fired these four
women workers on his first day of work. 600 parishioners united
for an outdoor mass that Sunday, boycotting the regularly scheduled
mass. Call To Action/Rio Grande Valley, many of whom were members
of Holy Spirit, helped organize the protests, civil suits were filed
and the parish workers were reinstated. CTA/Rio Grande Valley members
continue their struggle to be followers of Christ, active in their
church, active for justice in the world.
Currently, the CTA/Rio Grande Valley invites you to help them in
asking Bishop Peña to send a mediator to their church. Their present
pastor will not allow parishioners to serve in the church unless
they are personally approved by him. Many parishioners are now banned
from participating in the life of the church as eucharistic ministers
or lectionary readers. He has also abolished scores of lay ministries
that provided vital services to the surrounding neighborhood. This
pastor's actions have not only hurt the parish community, but also
has deep ramifications for the well-being of many who looked to
the church for help.
To
support CTA/Rio Grande Valley in their current postcard campaign,
print this
letter and mail it to Bishop Peña (address included in letter).
On Friday, January 19th, CTA/Rio Grande Valley questioned why the
local PBS station, owned by the Brownsville Diocese, did not air
the nationwide Frontline documentary "Hand of God." The
film follows the story of a family whose son was sexually abused
by a priest. Every other station in the country, except one, aired the documentary. CTA/Rio Grande Valley responded with gospel nonviolent resistance by inviting the film's director to show the documentary to people in the Brownsville diocese at a local theater. Then, at a board of directors meeting, the station manager conceeded to air the documentary in March of 2007. This is a wonderful success for Catholics seeking to reveal the facts about clergy sexual abuse and to ensure that clergy are no longer allowed to hide the truth.
To join CTA/Rio Grande Valley or send a letter of support to them
directly, contact Gerald Brazier, CTA/RGV President, at gbrazier@rgv.rr.com,
or visit the website at www.ctargv.org.
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Syracuse
Diocese:
Catholics Support Their Gay Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Fr. Fred Daley, a
parish priest, was informed by Catholic Relief Services that he will
not be allowed to minister with them because of his public identity
as a gay priest. This notice came just weeks before he was to leave
for Lesotho in Africa to assist with Catholic HIV/AIDS ministry. Fr.
Fred notes that Archbishop Mohlalisi of Maseru, Lesotho told Catholic
Relief Services that Daley’s sexual orientation was not a problem
for the diocese. The decision by Catholic Relief Services not only discriminates against
the gay community, but also against the people of Lesotho who are
now deprived of the valuable ministry Fr. Fred would have offered.
Write a letter to Catholic Relief Services and ask them to issue a
statement that they will not discriminate against anyone who applies
for or serves on their programs who has publicly acknowledged their
sexual orientation. Letters should be addressed to:
Bishop Robert Lynch, Chairman
Catholic Relief Services Board
c/o Diocese of St. Petersburg
PO Box 40200
St. Petersburg, FL 33743
Mr. Kenneth Hackett, CEO
Catholic Relief Services
209 W. Fayette St.
Baltimore, MD 21201-3443
To send a note of support or to join the local efforts, contact
Jim FitzGerald of Call To Action - Utica, at 315-768-2481, or JfitzG2038@yahoo.com
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Lincoln
Diocese:
Following their Conscience; Following Christ
November 2007:
As a result of two press conferences with CTA/Lincoln members and SNAP, the Survivors Network of Those abused by Priests, there was widespread public pressure on Bishop Bruskewitz of the Lincoln Diocese to comply with the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the protection of children from sexual abuse.
As a result of the public pressure, the diocese published an article in its diocesan paper revealing what it was—or WAS NOT—doing to protect children. Bishop Bruskewitz admitted that he was not following the bishops’ Charter for the protection of children including not mandating diocese-wide background checks and not implementing “safe environment” programs. The article was the first self-audit he has done and his admission of non-compliance is a step forward in Lincoln’s JustChurch campaign!
Now CTA/Lincoln members need your help to keep the pressure on!
Five years ago your bishop and every other U.S. bishop promised to “fraternally correct” their peers who did not fulfill the measures set forth to protect children. But your bishop has not kept his promise; no bishop has challenged Bishop Bruskewitz.
Call your bishop today and ask him to hold Bishop Bruskewitz accountable to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Click here for your bishop’s office phone number.
On November 12th, Call To Action will attend the U.S. bishops’ meeting to take your message in-person to the bishops. Please call your bishop today to let him know the Catholics of his diocese support him in challenging Bishop Bruskewitz at the bishops’ November meeting.
Five years after the massive revelations of sexual abuse, there is no excuse for a bishop to be allowed to put children at risk. Please call your bishops right now and tell him to hold Bishop Bruskewitz accountable to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
June 2007
In 1996, the bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska attempted to excommunicate
the members of CTA in his diocese simply because they had decided
to begin a CTA chapter and organize for justice. The bishop of Lincoln
is the only one in the United States who refuses to allow girls
to be altar servers and the only one who refuses to comply with
the USCCB’s request to turn over files of pedophile priests. Now,
11 years later, the members have received word from the Vatican
regarding their appeal. Contrary to what Bishop Bruskewitz has been
claiming, it turns out that the Vatican has not endorsed
the attempted excommunication.
Although the Vatican does not endorse the unjust actions of Bishop
Bruskewitz, there is still work to be done. Our members in Lincoln
remain steadfast in their faith and their work for justice in their
diocese. CTA members continue to pray and organize to protect the
children of their diocese, to promote equality for women and men,
and to pursue a more just religious community—following the model
of Christ.
In
June, CTA Nebraska members were scheduled to present more than 1,000
letters from Catholics across the country demanding that Bishop
Bruskewitz comply with a national audit for the protection of children
from sexual abuse. The diocese threatened to arrest the CTA members.
In response, members held a peaceful press conference to notify
the public that Bishop Bruskewitz was still refusing to be audited.
When refused access to the diocesan chancery, CTA members said they
would mail the petition letters instead. Click
here to watch the courageous press conference:
To send a note of support or to join their local efforts, contact
Rachel Pokora at 402-465-8662, or PokoraRachel@yahoo.com.
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St.
Louis Archdiocese:
Catholics Respond to Gospel Call for Justice
February 2008
The Catholics in St. Louis take seriously the gospel message of justice, whether it is reaching out to women or building relationships with people of other faiths.
Unfortunately, Archbishop Burke of St. Louis doesn’t agree. Fr. Marek Bozek attended the ordination of two women in November and is now being called before Burke for a disciplinary hearing. Fr. Peter Phan, an internationally-known scholar on interfaith dialogue, had his talk at Aquinas Institute of Theology cancelled.
The Catholic Action Network in St. Louis and the Fellowship of Southern Illinois Laity, two CTA-affiliates, are supporting these priests of courage and you can, too. Fr. Bozek has invited his supporters to pray for the Archbishop and himself during the hearing on Tuesday, February 5th at 8:50 am at the Archdiocesan Court at the Catholic Center located at 4445 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis. Catholics across the country are invited to pray with them at that time.
Fr. Peter Phan’s talk has been re-scheduled so that Catholics and others in St. Louis may still engage with the topic of interfaith dialogue. If you live in the St. Louis area you are invited to join him at St. Louis Community College—Forest Park in the Highlander Lounge of the Student Center, located at 5600 Oakland, St. Louis.
For more information, check out the Catholic Action Network website.
2006:
Polish Parish Community Asserts its Right to Exist
At St. Stanislaus Kostka Polish parish, Archbishop Raymond Burke has
tried for two years to take control of parish property which a 19th
century archbishop deeded to a parish-run corporation with a lay board
of trustees. During 2005 Burke forbade priests from serving the parish,
and banned the six trustees form the sacraments. But by Christmas
the parishioners had hired their own priest—Polish-born Mark Bozek,31—who
left his Springfield-Cape Girardeau, MO, diocese without permission
because he felt called: “This is why I came to the U.S. in the first
place, to help people with no priest.”
Burke promptly excommunicated both Bozek and the parish board, threatening
the people with mortal sin if they went to Bozek’s “valid but illicit”
first Mass on Christmas eve. Nearly 2,000 people showed up anyway,
some from the East and West Coasts, many wearing large red buttons
reading “Save St. Stanislaus.” Overflow crowds attended the Mass on
closed circuit TV in the parish center.
Since Bozek arrived, parishioners are busy being a Catholic parish
with increases in attendance, religious education and social justice
action. The parish has appealed to the Vatican to get the excommunications
and the suppression of the parish reversed. Meanwhile, many expect
Burke to file a civil lawsuit to gain control of the parish and its
$9.5 million assets. Additionally, after so many bishops have come
forward supporting immigrants, Archbishop Burke is trying to have
Fr. Bozek deported.
For more information check out www.stanislauskostka.com.
To send a note of support or to join this vibrant parish, contact
Lena Woltering at 618-830-0243, or fosilize@aol.com.
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Washington,
DC
March 2008
The election guide from the bishops this year
reminds us that in “Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship
is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation”
(Faithful Citizenship, 9). We are called to form our consciences
and to act with prudence when making election choices. However,
some bishops have begun to urge Catholics to vote simply based on
a candidate’s position on only one issue. This contrasts with Catholic
teaching and practice of concern for human life in all its stages.
The bishops’ election document reminds us that “Racism and other
unjust discrimination, the use of the death penalty, resorting to
unjust war, the use of torture, war crimes, the failure to respond
to those who are suffering from hunger or a lack of health care,
or an unjust immigration policy are all serious moral issues that
challenge our consciences and require us to act. These are not optional
concerns which can be dismissed.” (Faithful Citizenship, 13).
Speak out for the social injustices that matter
to you and your local community! Here are some suggestions:
What you or your chapter can do:
1. Speak with your friends, family, church members
and local community about the issues that are important to you,
your faith and the common good.
2. Write a letter to the editor about why your faith impels you
to vote for the common good. Here is a sample letter to the editor.
(link to sample letter to the editor).
3. If your bishop tells Catholics to vote for a candidate on the
basis of only one issue, you could write letters to the editor,
invite a speaker to your group or parish to talk about Catholicism
and its concern for a variety of social injustices, distribute a
press release with a statement from your chapter, or call the CTA
office to discuss other possible responses.
Catholic Election Guides
“Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:
A Call to Political Responsibility” USCCB Electi Guide
(link: http://www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship/)
“Loving our Neighbors in a Shrinking World” Maryknoll Election Guide
(link: http://www.maryknollogc.org/2008elections/index.htm)
“Elections 2008: Voting the Common Good” Center of Concern Voting
Guide
(link :
http://www.coc.org/election2008/files/framework.pdf)
Catholic Convention for the Common Good. Summer 2008
(link:
http://www.networklobby.org/ConventionMainPage.htm)
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