Action Alerts

Action Alerts are brief statements from the Justice, Peace and Human Development Office of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and other select official Catholic organizations asking you to act on important, timely policy and advocacy issues of justice and peace, both international and domestic, under consideration at the federal level. They describe the basic issue in question, relevant Catholic principles, and what you can do to shape decision-making.

Urge Secretary of State Clinton to Reject Actions that Undermine Peace in the Holy Land

Take Action Now!

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"Lord God, we turn to you in these trying hours when

conflict is a daily reality for our sisters and brothers

in Israel and Palestine. We promise you to work to our

utmost for peace and reconciliation in the region. But we know we cannot do it alone. We very much need the strength of your presence in our midst if we are to overcome the obstacles before us. So our prayer at this moment is that you add your support to our efforts, that you show yourself as a tower of strength in those moments when the barriers seem impassable. Together we can become beacons of hope

for just and peaceful societies in the land so very dear to the peoples of your covenant. Amen."

-From "Voices for Peace in the Holy Land," A Parish Guide, by USCCB & CRS; written by Rev. John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL

July 24, 2012

Urge Secretary of State Clinton to Reject Actions that Undermine Peace in the Holy Land

Take Action Now! Urge Secretary of State Clinton to reinforce the unequivocal opposition of the United States to actions that undermine a two-state solution to the Holy Land conflict, make Israel less secure, and create more obstacles to a viable and independent Palestinian state.

Background: The Israeli government is currently reviewing recommendations in a report it commissioned that would include the legalization of all settlement outposts. The report known as the "Levy Commission Report" is named for its chairman, former Israeli Supreme Court Justice Edmond Levy. The report rejects the internationally recognized "occupation" of the West Bank, and proposes that Israelis be allowed to settle most anywhere in the West Bank. The Commission declared that all Jewish settlements are legal, even those ruled illegal by the Israeli Supreme Court. If the report is adopted, it could undermine a two-state solution to the Holy Land conflict and preclude the establishment of a viable Palestinian state living in peace alongside a recognized and secure Israel.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and believe that any actions that undermine a negotiated peace between the two parties, such as the Levy Report, must be challenged. Therefore, USCCB and CRS agree with Secretary Clinton when she recently stated after meetings with Israeli officials that "it is only through negotiation, and not through international venues or unilateral acts, that peace can be and will be secured." Read a recent letterfrom Bishop Richard E. Pates to Secretary of State Clinton for more information. See also a recent letter from 40 prominent U.S. Jewish leaders.

Take Action Now!

Stand with the Israeli and Palestinian people for peace. Support consistent and persistent U.S. leadership to challenge and restrain both parties to the conflict and to hold them accountable for mutual steps needed for a just peace. Palestinians must improve security by halting attacks on civilians, blocking illegal arms shipments, disarming militias, and improving governance and transparency to build capacity for a future state.Israel needs to freeze expansion of settlements, withdraw "illegal outposts," ease restrictions on the movement of Palestinians, and refrain from disproportionate military responses.

Join our Action Network, and we'll send you updates on how you can speak out on important issues that impact human life and dignity.

Dept. of Justice, Peace and Human Development | US Conference of Catholic Bishops

3211 4th St. NE, Washington, DC 20017-1194

(202) 541-3191 | JPHDmail@usccb.org | www.usccb.org/jphd

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Stop the Tax Hike on Immigrant Families!

January 31, 2012

Don't Balance the Budget on the Backs of Working Immigrant Families

Call Senator Carl Levin and Tell Him to Save the Child Tax Credit for Immigrant Families -- 202.224.6221

Friends,

Right now, Congress is debating how to balance the budget. There are lots of ways to do it-- cutting back on unnecessary programs, are asking those who have done very well to pay their fair share.

Instead, Congress is thinking about raising taxes on low-income immigrant families. That's right-- Congress is trying to eliminate the child tax credit for anyone who pays their taxes with a Taxpayer ID Number, rather than a social security number. That means working immigrant families who are doing the right thing are going to be punished with a higher tax bill.

Congress shouldn't balance the budget on the backs of working immigrant families.

Call Senator Carl Levin and tell him to make sure that immigrant families remain eligible for the child tax credit: 202.224.6221

Our Senator Carl Levin is a member of the negotiating team. He needs to hear from his constituents right away.

Please take a moment TODAY to call Congress. It's incredibly important.

Thanks for all you do--

Ryan Bates, AIR (Alliance for Immigrants Rights & Reform Michigan