Loosing the bonds of injustice: Hope, justice and dignity in Haiti
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, the international community mobilized to support Haiti’s long-term recovery and development. Nearly three years later, it is worth examining how efforts are progressing.
Our vision for a just and prosperous Haiti must be guided by biblical principles that hold the dignity and worth of every Haitian as central to any rebuilding effort. MCC’s relief and development work in Haiti, as well as our advocacy work in Washington, are informed by the prophet Micah’s vision of a day when nations will abolish war and injustice, and every person will live a life of dignity without fear (Micah 4:1–5).
Read the Fall/Winter Washington Memo. Take action now.
Upcoming events
- October 16: World Food Day. Worship resources available online.
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November 15-16: The Friends Committee on National Legislation invites others to join in their Public Policy Institute and Lobby Day. The focus will be on the federal budget, including cutting Pentagon spending. If you plan to attend, please let us know at mccwash@mcc.org.
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January 25, 2013: Deadline for submissions to the MCC Washington Office high school essay contest.
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April 5-8, 2013: Register now for Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2013. The theme for this annual gathering of people of faith is "At God's table: Food justice for a healthy world."
Policy updates
Funding levels extended: Congress has passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government at current levels until March 2013. The CR will allow government programs to continue until after the election and the start of the next Congress.
Farm bill: The current farm bill expired September 30, and Congress left Washington last month without passing a new one. Many key programs will not be affected, as some are funded based on crop years and others are funded indefinitely, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps). Other programs--including some food aid and conservation programs--remain without a mandate until a full farm bill can be passed, likely during the lame duck session.
Syrian refugees: The U.S. announced it is increasing humanitarian assistance for people displaced by the conflict in Syria. U.S. assistance thus far totals $130 million. An estimated 1.5 million Syrians have sought refuge in other parts of Syria, while as many as 500,000 have fled to neighboring countries. Read more about MCC's Middle East Crisis Response.
Recent articles
Thoughts on the election
A new beginning in the mineral trade
U.S. military footprint in Africa
A tale of two taxis (Middle East)
Pentagon cuts far from Armageddon
Resources
- Read the Fall/Winter Washington Memo on Haiti online.
- Learn more about preventing gun violence in a new 6-minute video produced by MCC U.S. Includes perspectives from a family member affected by gun violence, a gun violence prevention advocate and a hunting enthusiast.
- Resources for World Food Day, October 16, are now available.
- Election resources: The MCC Washington Office has collected some resources to assist Christians in thinking about the upcoming elections.
Staff updates
A warm welcome to Heather McGregor and David Jost, who began internships in the MCC Washington Office in September. Heather is from Brampton, Ontario and David is from Harrisonburg, Virginia.
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