Social Justice Corner Newsletter September 5, 2024

• As we approach the anniversary of Israel's war on Gaza on Oct 7, here are some useful talking points put together by the Palestinian Anglicans and Clergy Allies (PACA): https://drive.google.com/file/d/19fvXfE5MQgmdXDHk4nsNx7LgsUWcEs2j/view

• Engaging in social justice and advocacy work can sometimes be daunting. The Talmud states, "Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” Here is an article that can help us put things in perspective: https://ourworldindata.org/much-better-awful-can-be-better

• Congress is back! You can still take action on dozens of action alerts by the Episcopal Public Policy Network—more than 50 of them (pick a few that you are passionate about)! As Congress returns to Washington, now is the perfect time to reach out to your Senators and Representative on issues that matter to you! You can customize those letters, perhaps including a personal story on how these issues impact you or your loved ones.

Here are some upcoming social justice learning opportunities:

1. Sep 18, 2024 10:00 AM Pacific Time. Join Presiding Bishop Michael Curry with guests from across the church exploring the meaning behind voting from a theological perspective that centers this civic action as one expression of caring for one another and God’s creation. Our panelists will offer framing for healthy, faith-based civic engagement from the theoretical to the tangible, including addressing why it is important for Episcopal churches to leverage our resources to help our broader communities vote. Here is the link to sign up: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xEe8BIyGTlueaMbbrKUDfg#/registration

Panelists include:

• Michael Curry - Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church; New York, New York
• Willie Bennett - Senior Congregational Engagement Officer, Episcopal Health Foundation; Houston, Texas
• Joyce Statz - Health and Justice Advocacy Network (HJAN), St. Matthew's Episcopal Church; Austin, Texas
• Amy Coultas - Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Kentucky; Louisville, Kentucky
• Alan Yarborough - Church Relations Officer, Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations; Washington, District of Columbia (moderator)

1. September 13, 2024, 10:00 AM Pacific Time. You are invited to A Closer Look: Community Gun Violence Intervention. A recent General Convention resolution referred to gun violence as a public health epidemic. The Episcopal Church has long advocated for an end to gun violence, and many Episcopalians, including many bishops through Bishops United Against Gun Violence, have taken steps to eliminate the violence that ends lives and shatters families and communities.

The faith community is uniquely positioned to make a difference, through community intervention and support, advocacy to all levels of government, raising awareness, and prayer.

Join the Office of Government Relations for a discussion with leaders in gun violence prevention. This conversation will focus on community violence intervention as a key tool in the fight against gun violence and offer resources and guidance about how you can engage on this issue. Here is the link to sign up: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIld-mpqDsiEtVWfWWJJj-GpvRjkHgobI3e#/registrationSpeakers:

• The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
• Pastor Thomas Dixon of Brady
• The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention