The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe » Denominational Connections
Social Justice Committee News: Anti-Torture Campaign
As you may have noticed, the Social Justice Committee, on behalf of the congregation, has had a banner placed at the corner of Barcelona and Don Gaspar. Our banner, along with those of 300 congregations in all 50 states and D.C., including Temple Beth Shalom in Santa Fe, provides a powerful public witness against torture. (Thanks to Pete Vogel for placing the banner in this great location.)
With the help and resources of Trish Steindler, chair of the Publicity Committee, we are now moving towards sponsoring an event to give greater publicity in Santa Fe to our position against torture. At this time, it looks as though we will be able to bring together a panel of experts for a presentation/discussion on the issue of U.S. torture policies. I believe this is an exciting opportunity to bring a local focus to this issue that has raised outrage across the world.
The anti-torture event will take place in late July if we can get all the suggested participants lined up. We’ll keep you posted on time, date, and place.
Finally, the committee has a couple of members out of action for a while due to health problems. The committee would welcome anyone who would like to fill these vacancies on a permanent or temporary basis. Interested? Give me a call.
Peace,
Dennis Bianchi
Chair, Social Justice Committee
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Community Outreach
Denominational Connections
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News from the Social Justice Committee
Celebrate Peace on Mother’s Day
Remember that the UUCSF Social Justice Committee is one of many co-sponsors of the Peace Rally on Sunday, May 11, from 1:00-4:30 p.m. on the Plaza. There will be music, poetry, flowers, and inspirational oratory. Mayor David Coss will proclaim Mother’s Day to be “Peace Day” in Santa Fe and there will be a beautiful, diverse group of people with whom to celebrate. Please spend at least part of your afternoon with us on the Plaza.
NRCAT
At its April meeting, the Social Justice Committee agreed that the committee would become co-sponsors of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT). This is in keeping with the Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) passed at the UUA 2007 General Assembly which reads in part:
Therefore, be it resolved that the 2007 General Assembly reject torture by anyone for any purpose under any circumstances without exception. Be it resolved that the 2007 General Assembly stand in opposition to all U.S. sponsored torture, secret prisons, and rendition for torture…
The committee will be bringing more information about this issue to the congregation in the coming months and the stopping of torture is an important focus of the Mother’s Day Peace Rally.
We are looking for volunteers to help staff a table at the May 11 rally. To volunteer or to comment on the UUCSF-SJC co-sponsorship of NRCAT, please send us an email.
More information about the National Religious Campaign Against Torture can be found at the NRCAT website.
Stay current with your UUCSF Social Justice Committee online at our blog.
Fran Martone
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Still Time to Sign Up!
We currently have three of the six delegates we can send to General Assembly in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, June 25-29. Congregational delegates are eligible for some financial support from the congregation, and this is a wonderful opportunity to mix with UUs from around the continent and world! Information and registration are available at the UUA’s General Assembly website. Please contact me if you are interested in attending, either as a delegate or individually.
We are also hoping to send someone to Russell Lockwood Leadership School in Alta, Utah, in July. This is UU-specific leadership training, by one of the best leadership schools in the country. There will be financial assistance available, both from our congregation and from the Mountain Desert District. Registration is due in early May. Please get in touch with me for more information.
Marcia Bowman
Chair, Denominational Awareness Committee
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Community Outreach
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Green Sunday Thanks
The UUCSF Environmental Task Force and Mother Earth extend their thanks to all those who assisted with our Earth Week April 20 Green Sunday event: Co-team-captains Barbara Stein and Trish Judd; PR Action-promoters June “Scooter” Jameson; Frank/Emma/Samuel “The Bikers” Thompson; Del and “Packhorse” Schubert; and survey team captain Ann Morgan. Given that our civilization is facing its biggest challenge in its 10,000-year history, every bit of help is important and appreciated.
Doug Stewart
Chair, Environmental Task Force
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