[Yhjusticenet] United Action for Justice: December 2007

[The United Church of Canada]

UNITED ACTION FOR JUSTICE NEWSLETTER - THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
Volume 4, Number 4 - December 2007
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Dear friends,

With the coming of the Advent season, we enter a time of waiting and listening. Whose voices do we need to listen to most? What births and rebirths can we nurture in ourselves, our communities, and our world? What can we do to work toward the world of righteousness and justice that God calls us to? Here are some ideas for reflection, engagement, and action.

  
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No Deal: Proposed Canada-Colombia Free Trade
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The Canadian government is proposing a free trade agreement with Colombia despite the appalling human rights record of the Colombian government. United Church partner Lilia Solano, Director of Project Justice and Life, challenged Prime Minister Harper with the words "Blood is running, but business goes first!" during his recent trade visit to Colombia. The deadline to speak out about this, calling for open debate, a full human rights assessment, and a responsible approach to trade, is imminent! 

! Take Action !

To learn more and contact Prime Minister Harper with your opinion visit www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/takeaction/071115


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Rally Around the Earth on December 8 
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Climate change is a moral and ethical issue as well as an environmental, economic, and humanitarian one. According to the World Health Organization, climate change is already directly killing 150,000 people every year, and that could double to 300,000 every year by 2030. The scientific community is warning us that the pattern of weather-related disasters is accelerating rapidly. Whole ecosystems face upheaval and millions of people face displacement. The climate is in crisis, but we can avoid climate catastrophe if we take action now. 

Pan-Canadian actions on December 8 are being organized, through local, city, and rural-based coalitions, for communities including Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Sackville, St. John's, Halifax, and Lethbridge. 

Related Links:
	 Climate Chaos: www.climatechaos.ca
	 Climate Action Network: www.climateactionnetwork.ca
	

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Get Involved in United for Peace 
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The United for Peace campaign to learn, act, and give for peace was launched in November, with liturgical resources, an action for a Federal Department of Peace, and fundraising to support peace initiatives globally and in Canada. Watch for a new study resource coming in January! 

Related Links:
	United for Peace Campaign: www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/unitedforpeace
	Take Action: Call for a Federal Department of Peace: www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/takeaction/071012
	Spirit Connection Bethlehem Episode: www.united-church.ca/tvmm/spirit/20


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Challenging Empire: Justice Seeking in Your Faith Community
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This five-piece kit is now available—use it to explore empire with groups of all ages and sizes. Learn what empire is, and how understanding the impact of empire on Jesus' world can help us live more faithfully today. Find materials for workshops, study groups, Sunday school, vacation Bible school, and worship.

Stay tuned for a new DVD resource in January, which will focus on how partners in Colombia and youth leaders in Canada are resisting empire, and will include a study guide. 

Related Links:
	Order the kit from UCRD: catalogue.united-church.ca
	Empire Mission Theme: www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/missiontheme
	Globalization: www.united-church.ca/economic/globalization

 
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Mission Trip Leaders' Training 
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Thinking about leading a group on an education and exposure visit to a global partner? Then the Mission Trip Leaders training is just the thing for you! The next training will be held March 8–9, 2008, in Winnipeg. The cost for this training is covered by the United Church, but you need to provide your own transportation. Leadership is provided by the Canadian Churches Forum for Global ministries. This is the fifth training, and previous trip leaders have found it invaluable. Contact Rivkah Unland at runland at united-church.ca for more information.

Related Links:
	Register online for the training: www.ccforum.ca
	
	
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Opportunities to Serve Overseas 
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A range of exciting opportunities to serve with global partners is available, including work in education, community development, medicine, and communication. Opportunities are long- and short-term, and are paid and volunteer. Visit our website regularly, as these listings change.

Check out opportunities currently available at www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/global/overseas/requests


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Afro Probe: A New Education Resource 
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A new set of free downloadable education resources is now available for teachers and other educators, aimed at junior, intermediate, and senior students. Afro Probe presents images and information about African people and cultures that are not usually conveyed through mainstream media. 

Too often, mainstream print and broadcast media portray Africa and its people as victims of poverty, disease, and conflict, while neglecting to tell stories of the extraordinary resilience of Africans and the many contributions they have made and continue to make to global civilization.

Afro Probe is a joint project of the United Church's Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit, The United Church of Canada Foundation, and AfricaFiles, a volunteer-supported website that promotes African perspectives and alternative analyses for human rights and economic justice in Africa.

Related Links:
	Afro Probe: www.africafiles.org/education.asp



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For more information on our work,see: www.united-church.ca/justice.
For suggestions on improving United Action for Justice, contact the editor at uaj at united-church.ca.

This newsletter is developed by:
	Justice, Global & Ecumenical Relations Unit
	The United Church of Canada
	3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
	Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M8X 2Y4

	Tel: 1.800.268.3781 or 416.231.5931
	Voice Mail: 416.231.7680
	Fax: 416.231.3103
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United Action for Justice and the work of the General Council's Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit is made possible by your generous gifts to the United Church's Mission and Service Fund.

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