Default Template

This is the default template for your organization. Please replace me.
People of Faith CT

Prophetic Activism, Progressive Politics



Dear Supporter,

Please forward to your lists and congregations.
People of Faith CT e-newsletter
View on the web at http://www.faithCT.org


Women's Rights Queer Rights  Immigrants' Rights
Compassionate Care for Rape Victims

"Archbishop Henry Mansell and Bishop William Lori believe Catholic hospitals should refuse emergency contraception to rape victims who are ovulating because this could abort a fertilized egg. Denying contraception means the bishops would prefer these rape victims to conceive and bear the child of the rapist.

Let's not call this Christian ethics. This is male privilege further assaulting the dignity of women who have just been horribly violated. The state of Connecticut is acting justly in legislating uniform, compassionate care for rape victims."

-- Frank O'Gorman, Hartford Courant

Support Compassionate Care for Rape Victims

*****

Sexual Assault Workshops at Central CT State University

All events are open to the public.

Info: Jennifer Lepke, 860-212-0900

Art for Healing Survivors Workshops
A place to share poetic and artistic expression of the heart, not only of the pain, but of the struggles and victories in overcoming sexual assault.
Workshop #1 A day of visual creativity
Thursday, April 26, 4-5 p.m.
Women's Center Lounge, Student Center
Workshop #2 A day of reading, hearing, and writing poetry
Tuesday, May 1, 4-5 p.m.
Women's Center Lounge, Student Center  
Workshop #3 We will explore meditation, deep breathing, and yoga
Thursday, May 3, 4-5p.m.
Phillbrick Room, Student Center
 
90 Students Against 90 Days March
Join us in a rally and march to President Miller's office to drop off the signed Petitions to end the 90 day statute of limitations on reporting a violent crime on campus
Tuesday, April 24, @ 3:45 p.m.
Student Center Circle
 
Informational Session on Victim's Rights on Campus
Speaker James Papillo; State of Connecticut's Victims' Rights Advocate will join us in the viewing of "Voices Under the Rug" a short documentary featuring the stories of sexual assault, domestic violence, and physical assault survivors. The short film addresses the issues concerning the reporting of crime, lack of support, and difficulty for survivors to heal on campus. The viewing of the film will be followed by a panel discussion of the survivors featured in the film.
Wednesday, April 25, @ 4:30 p.m.
Marcus White Living Room.

Economic Justice

Stand Up for Health Care Rally

Saturday, May 5
11 AM -- 1 PM
Bushnell Park, Hartford

Health Care
--for everyone
--affordable
--that stays with us from job to job
--comprehensive

Show Up!
Be Counted!
It Matters!

Download Flier .PDF:
Espanol

Sponsored by:
Universal Health Care Foundation

*****

Foodshare's 24th Annual Walk Against Hunger

Sunday, May 6
Rain or Shine
1:00 PM Check-in
1:45 PM Opening Ceremonies
2-4 PM Walk

Join thousands from across the region for fitness, fun, and the fight against hunger.

The Walk Against Hunger is a 3-mile walk which begins at the office park of The Hartford Financial Services Group in Hartford's historic west end. The start/finish point features music and festivities. The three-mile walk features stops where walkers can rest and enjoy refreshments.

Walk Against Hunger

Jesus And Economic Justice

"Poverty" is the work America hates to hear. To test this out, just mention the words, "poverty" or "the poor," to anyone anywhere - especially at a party. Little you say after that will matter! People's attention disengages as soon as the word "poverty" is spoken. It's a word that puts people on the offensive. It is, shall we say, "indelicate." It is a political liability. But in the richest and most powerful country in the world, it is also a reality."

-- Sermon (.pdf) Preached by The Reverend Dr. Gary A. Wilburn, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, New Canaan, CT

CT Independent Media

Undercurrents Blog

A project of Hartford Independent Media Center: constantly updated enclave for alternative news and views from the 
Hartford area.

More

*****

RadioActive

A project of the Hartford Independent Media Center:
Wednesdays @ noon on 91.3FM WWUH
Re-airs:
Tuesdays @ 1:00PM on 88.1 FM WESU

More

*****

The Devil's Advocate

Political, social, cultural and economic news and radical commentary from CCSU's Progressive Student Alliance.

More

*****

Incite Magazine

A collaboration among students at Wesleyan University who believe that progressive ends must be realized through free exchanges of ideas, opinions, and critiques that are then applied to action.

More

*****

Between The Lines Radio Newsmagazine

A half-hour syndicated radio news magazine that each week features a summary of under-reported news stories and interviews with activists and journalists who offer progressive perspectives on international, national and regional political, economic and social issues.

More

*****

The Struggle Video Network

Documentaries and interviews on justice and peace issues with a special interest in the Palestinian struggle for human rights.

More

*****

The Corner Report

Justice and peace news -- local, national and international.

More

Indigenous Politics: From Native New England and Beyond

Interviews addressing politics from an Indigenous People's perspective. Mondays, 5:10 - 6:00 PM, WESU 88.1 FM.

More

Urge Hartford City Council to Support State Trans Anti-Discrimination Legislation
The City of Hartford is considering passage of Councilperson's Pedro Segarra's resolution which supports the Trans Anti-Discrimin- ation Legislation SB-1044, An Act Concerning Discrimination.

Please Click Here to ACT NOW in sending your vital e-mail to the full Council of the City of Hartford.  

Your voice and your emails make a difference and will help improve the lives and empowerment of so many Trans and Gender Non-Conforming individuals in not only Hartford, but Connecticut at large.

SB 1044 clarifies and updates Connecticut's non-discrimination laws to ensure that they clearly and uniformly protect all people regardless of their gender identity or expression by simply adding the phrase "gender identity and expression", as defined in Connecticut's "Hate Crime law", to all statutes that address discrimination.

Sponsored by:
CT TransAdvocacy Coalition

*****

Politics

International Workers Day

Tuesday, May 1
12 Noon - 7 PM
New Haven Green

Speakers, musicians, performers, artists, information tables, interactive activities and solidarity.

Sponsored by:
The May Day Celebration Committee

Howard Zinn
The Use and Abuse of History

Tuesday, May 1
6.30PM
Center Church on the Green
New Haven

Admission: $3

Event details, ticket info, directions at:

Labyrinth Books

*****

"American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America."

Saturday May 12,
2 - 4 PM
Center Church on the Green
250 Temple Street, New Haven

Pulitzer Prize winning former New York Times reporter Chris Hedges will discuss his best-selling book. The talk will be followed by audience Q&A, a book signing and reception with the author.

Suggested contribution for public forum: $10 - advance tickets recommended. Reception tickets: $35 per person, includes admission to public forum and requires advance reservations.

Sponsored by:
Squeaky Wheel Productions, nonprofit distributors of
Between The Lines Radio Newsmagazine.

Info: 203-268-8446

Human Rights

International Conscientious Objectors Day

Tuesday, May 15

Center on Conscience and War

*****

Ghosts of Abu Ghraib: Free DVD on US Torture for Congregations

In a nation-wide project called "Spotlight on Torture," the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) has arranged for DVD copies of "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib" to be available to 1,000 congregations, on a first come, first served basis - 50 during the week of June 10-17 and 950 during the week of October 21-28. Within those two weeks, congregations can choose the date and time they wish to schedule a screening and discussion.

Spotlight on Torture

Hartford Seminary Summer Courses

Jesus for the Non Religious: Seeking the Divine in the Heart of the Human, taught by John Shelby Spong

Becoming Effective Leaders: Models and Inspiration from History and Today

Changing Our Perception of God: Environmentalism and Justice, taught by Ivone Gebara

Building Abrahamic Partnerships

Institute for Pastors and Pastoral Workers on Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations

Theology and Ethics: A Case Method Approach

Understanding Congregations

Max Weber: Understanding Religion and the World

The Gospel of John and Johannine Literature

The Qur'an and Its Place in Muslim Life and Society

Improving the Worship Experience: Theology and Music

Rituals and Responsibilities of Muslim Leaders in America

These courses are open to members of the public on a space-available basis. They carry three graduate level credits or may be audited.

Info: Karen Rollins, Registrar
860-509-9511

Hartford Seminary

*****

May Day March for Immigrant Rights

Tuesday, May 1
New Haven Green

One year ago, millions of Hispanic immigrants took to the streets demanding human dignity and justice. This year white and black allies must stand in solidarity with our Latino brothers and sisters.

12 PM: May Day Celebrations Begin
4 PM: Activities in Spanish Begin
5:30 PM March for Immigrants' Rights

Stop The Raids & Deportations!
No To  Guest Worker Programs!
No Militarized Border!
Amnesty Now!

A Day Of No Work, No Shopping, No School, No Economic Activity.

Info:
203-641-5995
203-606-3484

View Flyers:
English
Espanol
Portuguese

Proudly endorsed by:
People of Faith CT

*****

Protecting Yourself from Immigration Raids .pdf pamphlet

*****

"Detaining families and conducting mass raids cannot be the path for a nation that prides itself on democratic and family values and respect for individual rights. We call upon our government immediately to halt these abhorrent and ungodly practices. In good conscience, we cannot treat people we know and love as an underclass, huddled in the shadows, barely surviving in fear."

-- Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, April 20, 2007

Interfaith Understanding
The Faith Club: A Presentation by a Muslim, a Christian, and a Jew

Sunday, May 6
5 PM
Congregation Beth Israel
701 Farmington Avenue
West Hartford

Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner - will share their thoughtful perspectives on three compelling, contemporary topics: Transcending religious barriers; Overcoming stereotypes and misunderstandings; and Deepening religious commitments and beliefs.

The event and discussion will be moderated by Beth Israel's Senior Rabbi, Stephen Fuchs.
The larger community is invited to this event.

A light kosher supper will be served at 5:00 p.m. just before the presentation.

Registration is required and a donation of $5.00 is requested. Info: Beth Israel at 233-8215, ext. 230.

*****

The Alliance for Middle East Peace is a coalition of NGO's in Israel/Palestine working cooperatively to bring the peoples of Israel and Palestine together.

Peace

"After supporting the first Gulf War, having supported years of brutal sanctions responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi children, and after sanctioning the Bush administration's drive to war by voting for each and every Pentagon budget and war funding bill, the Democratic Party wants to appear to be changing course now. . . .But it is still Republican-lite."

-- Larry Hales, Workers World

The Ground Truth: The Human Cost of War

Tuesday, May 1
St. James Episcopal Church
1028 Farmington Avenue
West Hartford

Light Refreshments will be provided.

6 p.m.: Doors Open to Meet, Greet & Eat

6:45:  Opening Remarks by members of Veterans for Peace, local and national chapters

7:15:  Film (78 minutes)

Discussion, Q & A after film!

Free Admission
Tax deductible donations will be accepted.

Proceeds benefit West Hartford Citizens for Peace & Justice and local Veterans For Peace chapter.

Info: 232-8993 or 985-0998

*****

Women of Faith as Advocates for Peace

Wednesday, May 2
6:30 - 9:00PM
Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry
St. Patrick/St. Anthony Church
285 Church Street, Hartford

Speakers: Dr. Mary Lee Morrison, Director of Pax Educare, and Ingrid Mattson, professor at Hartford Seminary and head of the Islamic Society of North America. Light snacks will be served.
Free will offering.

Info: 860-756-4034

Pax Educare

*****

South Africa: A Model of Reconciliation for the World

Thursday, May 3
7 PM
Hartford Seminary
77 Sherman Street, Hartford

South Africa's ongoing transition from apartheid to reconciliation created a model that has inspired the world.

Americans also face challenges of white privilege, adequate health care, the suffering of the poor, and economic development which seriously affect our relationships and lives as people of faith.

Dr. Robert A. Evans, Executive Director of Plowshares Institute, will speak and chair a panel discussion.

Margaret Steinegger-Keyser, a South African citizen and Executive Director of the Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice, will speak to the lessons South Africa offers a world much in need of reconciliation.

Free Event.
Light refreshments will be served.

Sponsored by:
Plowshares Institute
Hartford Seminary
CT  World Affairs Council

*****

Protest Commissioning of USS Hawaii Fast Attack Submarine

Saturday, May 5
10 AM - 11:30 AM
Naval Submarine Base
Corner of Crystal Lake Road and Rte. 12
Groton, CT

Coming north on I-95, cross the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. Take left exit on the Groton side of the bridge (Exit 86), stay right on the ramp to reach CT 12 North marked "To US Sub Base Gales Ferry." About 1 mile up Rte 12 N, turn left onto Pleasant Valley Road. Pleasant Valley Elementary School is 0.3 mile up the road on the right. Park there. Coming south on I-95, take exit 86, bear right to Rte 12 N, then directions as above.

Walk north on Pleasant Valley Road to Route 12 intersection, then north on Route 12 to intersection of Crystal Lake Road, vigil in front of sub base sign.

Bring signs and banners.

Info: 203-777-3849

"Every gun that is fired, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed."

-- President Dwight Eisenhower

*****

A Retreat with Daniel Berrigan:
Peacemaking in a Nation at  War

Saturday, May 5
9:30 -- 3 PM
First Congregational Church
122 Broad Street, Guilford

Our resource will be the prophet Isaiah. The morning focus is on Chapter 2, providing the Vision, God's hope for humankind; "swords into plowshares."

The afternoon focus is Chapter 19, describing our Reality; the idolatries, greed, and violence that result in wars, including the Iraq disaster.  We will seek God's gift of a new heart, new communities of reconciliation, and the renewal of hope that we may be faithful to our calling to be peacemakers.

Come for a time of Biblical presentation, reflection, and dialogue.

Cost: Nothing for those with limited resources or who work with the poor; $15 for all others, payable at registration.  Lunch will be provided.

Call Penelope Rebuzzini, 203-453-5249, to register.

First Church Guilford

*****

Protest President Bush's Regime
US Out of Iraq Now!

Wednesday, May 23
9 AM
Williams St. & Mohegan Ave
New London, CT

Pres. Bush will be speaking at the commencement ceremony of the Coast Guard Academy.

Join students, soldiers, veterans, impeachment, religious, antiwar activists and others to protest Bush's visit:

U.S. Out of Iraq Now!
From Iraq to New Orleans,
Fund People's Needs, Not the War Machine
End Colonial Occupation: Iraq, Palestine, Haiti & everywhere
Shut Down Guantanamo!

The power to end the war is in the people but we must step up the pressure from every direction.

Download Flyer .pdf

Info: 203-404-9965

Sponsored by:
A.N.S.W.E.R. CT

*****

The World Says NO to Israeli Occupation

Mobilization in Washington DC
June 10 and 11

Sponsored by:
US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation

In Congress
Submit an Op-Ed/Sermon

Use the Contact Us Form to submit your idea.