WASHINGTON — The Franciscan Action Network reports having many opportunities this year to make a significant impact in transforming the world in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare.
Last month, Congress passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R.2425), more commonly called the climate change bill, an effort strongly advocated for by FAN. In April, FAN launched its Franciscan Campaign on Climate Change (FCCC) with Webinars to raise awareness for the bill with Province ministries.
Advocating for Immigrants
Now, FAN is advocating against the DeMint Amendment 1399, a Homeland Security bill proposed by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) to complete a 700-mile stretch of fence on the U.S. border with Mexico.
In a recent e-letter, FAN suggested members write to their Congressional representatives, thanking them for voting “no” and expressing disappointment on a “yes” vote.
According to FAN, senators who voted “yea” to the DeMint Amendment were Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Senators voting “nay” on the DeMint Amendment were Susan Collins (R-ME), Carl Levin (D-MI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Robert Casey (D-PA).
Enforcement-only initiatives will not solve the problem of illegal immigration, according to the FAN e-letter. It read: “Encourage your senator to work for the passage of comprehensive immigration reform during the 111th Congress. This legislation would include a path to citizenship for undocumented residents and reform to our family-based and employment-based immigration systems.”
Free Webinar Offered
To help keep members apprised of its past efforts and plans for next year, the FAN Action Center in Washington offered a program and policy update via a free Webinar this week.
Topics discussed during the July 27 and July 29 programs included:
· Healthcare reform
· Climate change legislation
· Immigration reform
· Peacemaking in the Holy Land
· Franciscan Campaign for Life
· Education/formation opportunities
· Prayer opportunities
Details about the discussions are available on FAN’s Web site.
Earlier this month, the Franciscan Action Network announced that the 44th and 45th institutional members joined the year-old organization. They are the School Sisters of St. Francis, based in Pittsburgh, Pa., and the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, based in Denver.