Key to Farm Bill Reform -- Who is a Farmer?
02/08/2008 09:08 PM Filed in: Rural Life
Internationally Known Speaker Wesley Smith Coming to North Dakota
02/08/2008 09:50 AM Filed in: Assisted
Suicide |Embryonic
stem cell research
Wesley Smith has worked
closely with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
for some years. An attorney who began his career
working with Ralph Nader, Smith has developed an
expertise and exposing the weaknesses in arguments
for assisted suicide and embryonic stem cell
research.
Here is the announcement on his visit:
The Hankinson Chapter Right for Life is sponsoring a Gift of Life conference on Sunday, March 2, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the St. Francis Convent Gym in Hankinson. The conference features guest speaker, Wesley J. Smith.
Smith is an international lecturer and public speaker, appearing frequently at political, university, medical, legal, disability rights, bioethics, religious, and community gatherings across the United States, Europe, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.
The conference is free to the general public. Three contact hours are available for nurses and social workers at a cost of $10 per contact hour. Pre-registration by February 15 is helpful, walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to register, contact HCRL at dvc2008@rrt.net or (701) 242-7196.
Here is the announcement on his visit:
The Hankinson Chapter Right for Life is sponsoring a Gift of Life conference on Sunday, March 2, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the St. Francis Convent Gym in Hankinson. The conference features guest speaker, Wesley J. Smith.
Smith is an international lecturer and public speaker, appearing frequently at political, university, medical, legal, disability rights, bioethics, religious, and community gatherings across the United States, Europe, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.
The conference is free to the general public. Three contact hours are available for nurses and social workers at a cost of $10 per contact hour. Pre-registration by February 15 is helpful, walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to register, contact HCRL at dvc2008@rrt.net or (701) 242-7196.
U.S. Bishops Urge Priority For Poor Families In National Response To Economic Stress
01/24/2008 03:39 PM Filed in: Economic
Justice
WASHINGTON---U.S.
Catholic bishops urged Congress and the Bush
Administration to work together quickly to shape and
pass effective economic measures to help our nation
and our people respond to growing economic stress.
The bishops also expressed our strong conviction that
poor families and their children as well as low wage
workers receive priority consideration in developing
these plans and carrying them out.
In a letter dated January 23, Bishop William Murphy, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, called on government leaders to find effective ways to protect the poorest families and low wage workers from financial hardship during this economic downturn.
The letter also expressed support for strengthening existing programs such as unemployment compensation, food stamp benefits, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as effective means to assist families and help the economy.
In a time in which a growing number of Americans are facing increasing financial hardship due to a slowing economy, rising unemployment and an inability to meet mortgage obligations and consumer bills, the bishops reminded leaders of the moral obligations we all share to care for the neediest among us.
A good society, Bishop Murphy wrote, is measured by the extent to which those with responsibility attend to the needs of the weaker members, especially those most in need. Economic polices that help lower-income working families live in decency and with dignity should be a clear and common priority.
He concluded by reminding the nations leaders that the poor working people and their families will be disproportionately hurt by this declining economy.
In a letter dated January 23, Bishop William Murphy, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, called on government leaders to find effective ways to protect the poorest families and low wage workers from financial hardship during this economic downturn.
The letter also expressed support for strengthening existing programs such as unemployment compensation, food stamp benefits, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as effective means to assist families and help the economy.
In a time in which a growing number of Americans are facing increasing financial hardship due to a slowing economy, rising unemployment and an inability to meet mortgage obligations and consumer bills, the bishops reminded leaders of the moral obligations we all share to care for the neediest among us.
A good society, Bishop Murphy wrote, is measured by the extent to which those with responsibility attend to the needs of the weaker members, especially those most in need. Economic polices that help lower-income working families live in decency and with dignity should be a clear and common priority.
He concluded by reminding the nations leaders that the poor working people and their families will be disproportionately hurt by this declining economy.
Urgent Action Alert
01/18/2008 11:03 AM Filed in: Abortion
|Action Alert
Urge
Senators to Support Vitter Amendment to Restrict
Indian Health Service Funding for Abortion
On Tuesday, January 22, the U.S. Senate is expected to take up a reauthorization bill for the Indian Health Service. Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) is prepared to offer the Hyde Amendment language as an amendment to this bill. The amendment would, as is the case of all other federal programs, prohibit the use of Indian Health Service funds to pay for abortions except to save the life of the mother, and in cases of rape or incest.
It is especially important to reach Senator Byron Dorgan. Senator Dorgan has supported the Hyde Amendment in the past. However, as sponsor of the Indian Health Service reauthorization bill and chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, he may resist any floor amendments to the bill. Urge Senator Dorgan to not resist the Vitter Amendment and to support the amendment when it comes to a vote.
Message: Please support the Vitter Amendment to the Indian Health Services bill, to limit taxpayer funding for abortion.
When: Now! The Senate will vote on this as early as Tuesday. Note: Monday is a federal holiday.
Who: Senator Byron Dorgan and Senator Kent Conrad
Where:
Senator Byron L. Dorgan
Washington: (202) 224-2551
Bismarck: (701) 250-4618
Toll Free: 1-800-666-4482
Fargo: (701) 239-5389
Grand Forks: (701) 746-8972
Minot: (701) 852-0703
senator@dorgan.senate.gov
Senator Kent Conrad
Washington: (202) 224-2043
Bismarck: (701) 258-4648
Toll Free: 1-800-223-4457
Fargo: Telephone: (701) 232-8030
Grand Forks: Telephone: (701) 775-9601
Minot: Telephone: (701) 852-0703
senator@conrad.senate.gov
Click here for more information on the Vitter Amendment.
On Tuesday, January 22, the U.S. Senate is expected to take up a reauthorization bill for the Indian Health Service. Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) is prepared to offer the Hyde Amendment language as an amendment to this bill. The amendment would, as is the case of all other federal programs, prohibit the use of Indian Health Service funds to pay for abortions except to save the life of the mother, and in cases of rape or incest.
It is especially important to reach Senator Byron Dorgan. Senator Dorgan has supported the Hyde Amendment in the past. However, as sponsor of the Indian Health Service reauthorization bill and chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, he may resist any floor amendments to the bill. Urge Senator Dorgan to not resist the Vitter Amendment and to support the amendment when it comes to a vote.
Message: Please support the Vitter Amendment to the Indian Health Services bill, to limit taxpayer funding for abortion.
When: Now! The Senate will vote on this as early as Tuesday. Note: Monday is a federal holiday.
Who: Senator Byron Dorgan and Senator Kent Conrad
Where:
Senator Byron L. Dorgan
Washington: (202) 224-2551
Bismarck: (701) 250-4618
Toll Free: 1-800-666-4482
Fargo: (701) 239-5389
Grand Forks: (701) 746-8972
Minot: (701) 852-0703
senator@dorgan.senate.gov
Senator Kent Conrad
Washington: (202) 224-2043
Bismarck: (701) 258-4648
Toll Free: 1-800-223-4457
Fargo: Telephone: (701) 232-8030
Grand Forks: Telephone: (701) 775-9601
Minot: Telephone: (701) 852-0703
senator@conrad.senate.gov
Click here for more information on the Vitter Amendment.
North Dakota and Culture of Life: Maps Tell a Story
01/15/2008 01:04 PM Filed in: Embryonic
stem cell research |Death
Penalty
The first is from a story at Stateline.org on how states approach embryonic stem cell research. The second is from the Forum.
National Migration Week
01/04/2008 09:50 AM Filed in: Migration
FROM MANY, ONE FAMILY OF GOD,’ HERALDS NATIONAL
MIGRATION WEEK, JANUARY 6-12
WASHINGTON – ‘From Many, One Family of God’ is the theme for this year’s National Migration Week, sponsored by Migration and Refugee Services of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB/MRS), and to be observed January 6-12. These words are accompanied by an image from the Gospel of Mark of Jesus feeding the crowds with multiplied loaves and the fishes. The message is one of assurance of the providence of God as well as a reminder that His abundance is meant to be shared with all people. This year’s celebration marks the 27th annual National Migration Week observance.
Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, new chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, said that this year’s theme “reminds us that though we come from many cultures and places, we are all part of one human family and members of the one Body of Christ. Sadly, rather than embracing newcomers to our land whose circumstances have compelled them to seek new lives among us, we too often respond in fear and harbor attitudes of resentment and suspicion.”
“The miracle of the loaves and fishes is God's promise not only to the disciples but to us as well. If we fail to minister to the needs of these newcomers, we fail our Lord himself,” Bishop Wester said. “National Migration Week 2008 is a celebration of the diversity and richness of the family of God…When we set aside our concerns and share our resources, God’s blessings extend to all of us.”
After failure by the U.S. Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform last summer, the Catholic Bishops have vowed to continue raising their “prophetic voice calling the faithful and all people of goodwill to reach out in love and understanding to our migrant brothers and sisters. We must learn of the realities that cause them to leave all that is precious behind for an uncertain future, learn the truth about the many contributions they make and gifts they bring to our society, and work to reform our immigration laws that cause family disintegration and strife within communities,” the bishops say.
The Migration and Refugee Services of the USCCB has made several materials available to facilitate the observance of National Migration Week 2008. These materials include a prayer for migrants and refugees, bulletin inserts explaining the meaning and purpose of the celebration, a bilingual poster and a calendar for reflection for each day during the week of observance. Each day is devoted to one particular topic and contains a Scripture passage and suggestions for action.
Information and materials for National Migration Week 2008 can be found at www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw.shtml.
WASHINGTON – ‘From Many, One Family of God’ is the theme for this year’s National Migration Week, sponsored by Migration and Refugee Services of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB/MRS), and to be observed January 6-12. These words are accompanied by an image from the Gospel of Mark of Jesus feeding the crowds with multiplied loaves and the fishes. The message is one of assurance of the providence of God as well as a reminder that His abundance is meant to be shared with all people. This year’s celebration marks the 27th annual National Migration Week observance.
Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, new chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, said that this year’s theme “reminds us that though we come from many cultures and places, we are all part of one human family and members of the one Body of Christ. Sadly, rather than embracing newcomers to our land whose circumstances have compelled them to seek new lives among us, we too often respond in fear and harbor attitudes of resentment and suspicion.”
“The miracle of the loaves and fishes is God's promise not only to the disciples but to us as well. If we fail to minister to the needs of these newcomers, we fail our Lord himself,” Bishop Wester said. “National Migration Week 2008 is a celebration of the diversity and richness of the family of God…When we set aside our concerns and share our resources, God’s blessings extend to all of us.”
After failure by the U.S. Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform last summer, the Catholic Bishops have vowed to continue raising their “prophetic voice calling the faithful and all people of goodwill to reach out in love and understanding to our migrant brothers and sisters. We must learn of the realities that cause them to leave all that is precious behind for an uncertain future, learn the truth about the many contributions they make and gifts they bring to our society, and work to reform our immigration laws that cause family disintegration and strife within communities,” the bishops say.
The Migration and Refugee Services of the USCCB has made several materials available to facilitate the observance of National Migration Week 2008. These materials include a prayer for migrants and refugees, bulletin inserts explaining the meaning and purpose of the celebration, a bilingual poster and a calendar for reflection for each day during the week of observance. Each day is devoted to one particular topic and contains a Scripture passage and suggestions for action.
Information and materials for National Migration Week 2008 can be found at www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw.shtml.