When the state, in our names and with our taxes, ends a human life despite having non-lethal alternatives, it suggests that society can overcome violence with violence. The use of the death penalty ought to be abandoned not only for what it does to those who are executed, but for what it does to all of society.
-USCCB, A Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death Continue reading →
I haven’t gotten too much sleep these last few weeks, beginning with late nights watching the World Series to late nights watching news and election returns. With a disappointing end to the World Series (for me as a Cleveland fan) to an unexpected presidential election outcome, topped with shootings, discrimination, obvious effects of climate change, and an all too uncertain future for both those within our country and around the world, it would be easy to feel discouraged during this season of Thanksgiving. Continue reading →
I have a bracelet with a dove charm that I wear daily. I like to think it reminds me of my passion for peace and dedication to social justice. If I’m being honest, it usually just ends up being an accessory that I don’t pay much attention to. Last week, however, was different. On a day that I was feeling particularly discouraged and defeated, my bracelet kept getting caught in the threads of my sweater. Thinking of it as a nuisance, I made a mental note not to wear the bracelet when I wore this sweater again in the future. Yet after the 10th or 11th time of this little dove getting caught in my sweater, I realized perhaps this was a gentle reminder from God to return to peace in times of struggle and to keep peace at the forefront of my life and work. Continue reading →
Today is finally the day! Election Day has come, and to the relief of many, will soon be over. While this has been a divisive and emotional election season, we still have a ways to go, and now we must work to unite our country once again.
Recently, I attended a meeting with various faith and religious leaders from around central Ohio. This “Faithful Breakfast Club” meets monthly, and the meetings have evolved to address the concern of race in America. At our last meeting, representatives from the City of Columbus were present, including the Deputy Chief of Police, the Assistant Director of Public Safety, Director of the Department of Neighborhoods and staff from the Mayor’s Office. Continue reading →
Disarmament Week, which begins on the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (October 24th) is observed this week. One of the oldest goals of the UN is disarmament, yet countries worldwide continue to hoard weapons rather than disarm.
Nuclear weapons are a paradoxical contradiction. As it stands now, these weapons capable of tragic destruction are illegal to use, yet many countries believe the only way to prevent an attack against themselves is to build up their nuclear stockpile. Continue reading →
