Fear not, seek peace, end gun violence

In the wake of the tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado we pray for healing and the presence of the Holy Spirit with victims, families and all communities that are affected by gun violence. Traumatic events such as this remind us of the violent and often unpredictable world in which we live.

Violence in our communities, particularly gun violence, is the current focus of the Fear not: Seek peace campaign sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Drawing on Isaiah 41:10a, "Do not fear, for I am with you," the campaign seeks to stand with those affected by gun violence and to promote common-sense gun laws. Learn more about the Fear not campaign.

Action alerts

• Update: House votes to freeze Pentagon spending
• President Obama--Eastern DR Congo needs your attention!
• End housing injustice in Haiti

Policy updates

Military spending: The House approved an amendment to the defense appropriations bill, freezing Pentagon spending at last year’s level. The vote shows a willingness by Members of Congress to consider cuts to the military. Unfortunately, several other amendments which would have made even more significant cuts, were voted down. Read more.

HIV/AIDS: On July 24 Secretary Hillary Clinton announced at the International AIDS Conference in Washington that the U.S. government will develop an AIDS-Free Generation Blueprint by World AIDS Day 2012 (December 1). The MCC Washington Office has advocated for such a strategy, and will continue to work with policymakers to ensure that HIV/AIDS investments are community-led and focused on human rights. Read more.

Farm bill: The House Committee on Agriculture has passed the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act. The FARRM bill makes $16 billion in cuts to SNAP (formerly food stamps). The bill will now need to be voted on by the full House before it can be reconcilled with the Senate version.

Articles

Mexican Mennonite churches call for peace - by Adrienne Wiebe

"The Mennonite churches support the call of the Peace Movement for a new strategy to combat drug trafficking and crime; a different approach that would work to eliminate corruption and impunity, and that would address the social issues at the root of the conflict."

• Human rights, justice, and peace in Colombia
• A global arms trade treaty
• A vision for justice in Haiti

Resources

Participate in the Fear not: Seek peace campaign by learning more about gun violence and how to become an advocate for peace, using this helpful packet produced by the Washington Office. The resource can be used for individual education or in the context of a small group or Sunday school class.

Staff updates

Sonia Hsiung has completed her internship at the MCC Washington Office and will shortly be heading to Indonesia for a year of Serving and Learning Together (SALT).