Sometimes it takes an outsider to help you say what you want to say. For years, those of us involved in our emergency response work have struggled with “the message” of what we do in the United States. It’s been a struggle because it isn’t sexy work; it’s long and drawn out, and the fruit it bears can take years. …
My two cents on President’s Obama’s State of the Union address
Maurice Bloem | February 14, 2013
I was disappointed that the president seemed to have forgotten what he said at the 2012 G-8 Summit: “We can unleash the change that reduces hunger and malnutrition. . . . I pledge to you today that this will remain a priority as long as I am the United States president.” We commended him for this commitment in a letter …
Improve the world from our kitchen table
Maurice Bloem |
People who know me have heard me say at more than one occasion that ending hunger and malnutrition is possible in our lifetime. I know that there are still skeptics but we really do know what is required to make this a reality. For one we need to ensure that we give a child the proper start by ensuring that …
The Truth About Haiti
Aaron Tate | February 13, 2013
Three months after the devastating January 2010 Haiti earthquake, the often-insightful and hilarious satirical newspaper The Onion published the article “Area Man Visits Haiti to Check Up on $10 Donation.” Not surprisingly, the “area man,” Brad Halder, was quite disappointed, saying “to tell you the truth, I was expecting to see more new houses by now.” Bad news articles about …
Witness to What Is Possible
Rev. John L. McCullough | February 11, 2013
The Rev. Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, described Pope Benedict XVI’s unexpected announcement today of his impending resignation as one of “great dignity, great concentration and great understanding of the significance of the moment.” The historical importance of this decision is indeed great and should not be lost to us. In six hundred years no one has resigned the papacy. …
Family Unity, Immigration Reform and the House of Representatives
Jen Smyers | February 7, 2013
On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives held a hearing on immigration. Congressional hearings are usually pretty dull, but since immigration has been a topic of interest recently – especially with President Obama’s speech in Las Vegas last week and the Senate’s introduction of bi-partisan principles – this one was packed. The line to enter wrapped around the hallway – …
People of Faith Called to Press for Immigration Reform
Rev. John L. McCullough | February 6, 2013
As originally published by Huffington Post, 02/03/2013 2:39 a.m. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-mccullough/people-of-faith-called-to-press-for-immigration-reform_b_2529427.html Watching the president deliver his second inaugural address, amid our commemoration and celebration of Dr. King’s legacy, I was reminded of my personal responsibility, as a pastor in particular, to advocate for justice. For many people of faith, this call is not just one of conscience, but also of commandment. …
A Pastoral Reflection on President Obama’s Immigration Speech
Rev. Patricia de Jong |
As originally published by Huffington Post, 01/31/2013, 11:53 a.m. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-patricia-de-jong/pastoral-reflection-on-president-obamas-immigration-speech_b_2590993.html This week, I sat in a high school auditorium and watched our president address an issue of urgent moral significance: immigration reform. Thousands gathered from across the country, including DREAMers wearing their graduation caps and many people displaying their heritages from across the globe – from Africa, South and Central America, …
Remembering Haiti
Rev. John L. McCullough | February 5, 2013
Today, during a congressional prayer service in Washington, D.C., we remembered those who died three years ago, the results of the most devastating earthquake in Haiti’s recorded history. Even more, we now remember those who are trying to forge a new and more hopeful future despite overwhelming challenges. The Apostle Paul asked, “Why is it thought incredible by any of …
Fundraising Safari: Young People Get Creative to Respond to Sandy
Nick Kiger | February 4, 2013
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work as a CWS field staff person? You know, the people who help you organize your CROP Hunger Walks, you Blankets+ Sundays and your CWS Kits collections? Well, thanks to the new CWS Blog and yours truly, you will now have an inside look. The best part of working as CWS field …