Much of the current world food crisis and skyrocketing grocery bills have their roots in the deregulation of US commodity markets over the past 15 years. Without these controls, speculators in the stock market can cause artificial food price spikes and shortages while they try to turn a profit. New financial reform laws such as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act seek to end such volotile speculation, but are at risk of being watered down before their implementation. Write a comment to the CFTC today to support reform and stop Wall Street from gambling on hunger.
You can also check with the financial managers of your pensions/401ks, organizational endowments, etc. to make sure that your money is not invested in commodity derivatives. It has become en vouge to do so, so there is a decent chance that your money may be contributing to the problem.
Mar 28, 2011
Mar 22, 2011
ELCA World Hunger Video Series
One in six people in the world go to bed hungry every night. The ELCA World Hunger Program impacts the lives of millions of people around the world through a comprehensive and sustainable program that uses multiple strategies—relief, development, education, and advocacy—to address the root causes of hunger and poverty. ELCA World Hunger responds to neighbors around the corner and around the world. To meet some of the people helped by this vital program, check out this video series.
Mar 16, 2011
Responding to the Earthquake in Japan
On March 11, an earthquake off the Pacific coast of Japan struck with a magnitude of 8.9 -- the fifth largest quake in recorded history. I triggered a tsunami which devastated Japan´s coastal areas with 30-foot waves and seriously damaged nuclear plants which are now threatening to melt down and spread radiation.
Check out the ELCA website for information on how to respond to this disaster and ways to donate and stand in solidarity with the People of Japan.
Check out the ELCA website for information on how to respond to this disaster and ways to donate and stand in solidarity with the People of Japan.
Feb 3, 2011
An Urgent Appeal for Egypt
from the ELCA:
Pray for a peaceful solution that benefits all in Egypt
Take Action
During these tumultuous times in Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East, Christians are called, as always, to offer prayers and action for justice and peace, to speak for those whose voices are muted, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The uprising in Egypt draws our attention, not only because the scenes are mesmerizing, which they are, and not only because events there affect us here, which they do, but because our neighbors, God's children, are suffering and we are called to be the hands, feet and voice of Christ, reaching out with hope and help.
Read more and Take Action
from Sojourners:
Pray for a peaceful solution that benefits all in Egypt
Take Action
During these tumultuous times in Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East, Christians are called, as always, to offer prayers and action for justice and peace, to speak for those whose voices are muted, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The uprising in Egypt draws our attention, not only because the scenes are mesmerizing, which they are, and not only because events there affect us here, which they do, but because our neighbors, God's children, are suffering and we are called to be the hands, feet and voice of Christ, reaching out with hope and help.
Read more and Take Action
from Sojourners:
In the past few days, we have all watched the nonviolent protest in Egypt with prayer and anticipation. We have seen the hope of a young generation trying to bring democratic change to their country. But now, the streets have turned violent, with armed thugs attacking peaceful protesters.
The faith community in the United States needs to support our brothers and sisters standing up for their rights and their freedoms in Egypt.
Tell President Obama: Now is the time for you to call for the immediate resignation of President Mubarak, and to support all efforts to keep the protesters safe.
Thoughts While Fasting
by Bonnie Block
I went hungry today,
So I remembered of the men at Guantanamo
who’ve been on hunger strikes protesting their unjust imprisonment.
I went hungry today,
So I thought of the people of Gaza and Haiti
who are hungry every day.
I drank only liquids today,
So I was reminded of all the women
who carry their family’s water for miles day after day.
I drank only liquids today,
So I prayed for all the children
who get sick and may die from drinking polluted water.
I had no food today,
So I mourned for the tens of thousands of people in our world
who die from hunger year after year.
I had no food today,
So I considered the families here in Wisconsin
Who have to rely on food pantries that may be empty.
I’ve fasted for twelve days – voluntarily and temporarily
So I know how immensely privileged I am.
Tomorrow thankfully, I’ll eat again
But please oh God,
Keep me hungry for justice,
Make me thirsty for peace.
I wrote this on Jan 21, 2011, the night before the end of a 12 day liquids only Fast for Justice called by Witness Against Torture to get Guantanamo closed, to insure transparency so we know if this monstrous practice continues, and to demand accountability for all those complicit in torture. (www.witnesstorture.org)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer´s Birthday - February 4
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) is known for his leadership role in the Confessing Church, efforts on behalf of peace and justice, opposition to antisemitism, and writings on theology and ethics that have been influential far beyond his German Lutheran context. He was was hanged by the Nazis on April 6, 1945 in the Flossenburg concentration camp.
In addition to the videos below, you can check out our set of quotes by this Lutheran Hero at:
In addition to the videos below, you can check out our set of quotes by this Lutheran Hero at:
Jan 20, 2011
Peacemaking at School
No Name-Calling Week
No Name-Calling Week, January 24-28, 2011, is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities.
Visit the No Name-Calling Week website for more information, to join the network and receive anti-bullying resources throughout the year, and to access resources.
National Peace Essay Contest 2011
High school students can win college scholarships up to $10,000.
The United States Institute of Peace is holding its annual NATIONAL PEACE ESSAY CONTEST. This scholarship contest is for high school students who are interested in international issues, conflict resolution, peace studies, justice, and human rights. The 2010-2011 contest's topic is "GOVERNANCE, CORRUPTION, AND CONFLICT." The topic changes every year. The DEADLINE for the 2010-2011 contest is February 1, 2011. Entries must be received by this date.
For more information, visit the United States Institute of Peace website.
LPF Peace Art Contest
We are doing a makeover of the main homepage of the LPF website and want to include pictures of people involved in a variety of peacemaking activities and other images and artwork to illustrate the work of LPF.
Please send us action shots of you and other peacemakers in action and images or artwork of what peacemaking means to you. The best entries will be featured on the LPF website.
Ideas include:
- Take action photos of peace related events/activities in your congregation or community.
- Sunday school art projects: draw a picture of what peace means to you.
- Pick out your favorite peace related bible verse to illustrate.
- Download LPF´s Peace Deck and create original artwork based on your favorite quote.
- Illustrate the concepts of active nonviolence and conflict resolution in photos or drawings.
- Take pictures at your local foodbank or feeding program of people helping people in need.
Please submit entries by email to lutheranpeace@gmail.com (5 mb max per email) along with the author´s name so we can give them credit.
Jan 4, 2011
Jan. 17, birth of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King quotes reflecting some of the breadth of Dr. King's thought.
Useful as a bulletin insert.
It boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Trumpet of Conscience
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