It's Been a Busy Year
Revised and corrected "
click here" link for donations.
This year, YOUR Council gathered for Ecumenical worship and prayer. The gatherings of the SC Christian Action Council, and only these gatherings, reflect the broadness and depth of the Body of Christ in our state The Council encouraged all to see the image of God in every human and to celebrate the unique beams of Light found in all expressions of faith. This year, your Council encouraged dialogue between denominations and in the Inter-religious world. It's been a busy year.
This year the SCCAC advocated for regulation of the Payday Lending Industry, against Nuclear Weapons Proliferation, for Equity in Public School Funding, for ethical and moral Immigration Reform, and on many other issues. Additionally, we have worked for Racial Healing, pled for Peace-making, and rallied for the end of Genocide in Darfur and around the world. It's been a busy year.
Our advocacy efforts, as always, have a two-fold target: 1) educating to build awareness of issues and 2) influencing for common good those who have positional power to make the changes needed so that all within our state may hold a his or her own franchise of freedom and opportunity.
Because our advocacy efforts are focused on systems change not on direct ministry, specific names are not available. Yet it is easy to imagine the lives touched by the Council's presence and active ministry.
The Council's presence makes a difference to those suffering the worst of humankind's inhumanity. To these it makes a difference that the Council is a part of the Darfur Action Group of SC. Not just because the Council is doing something, but because together thousands of South Carolinians with no reward-other than justice on the other side of the world-stood and shouted: "Enough." "Stop the killing." "Stop the maiming." "Stop the raping." And, efforts to further this message continue. It makes a difference that the voice heard in that shout was the blended voices of the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the black and the white, the Jew, the Christian, the Muslim. South Carolinians standing shoulder to shoulder shouting so that the Sudanese government and our own politicians would hear: "Enough. Enough in Darfur. Enough in the World. Stop the Genocide."
The Council's presence makes a difference to those living in the middle of war. It makes a difference that the Council advocates "Making Peace in a Time of War." It makes a difference when the Council holds discussions on the theme of peace-making and simultaneously advocates support for those serving our country in harm's way. The tension between these seeming extremes demands a careful and deliberate walk. The Council is first and foremost a servant to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. It makes a difference when the Council walks that walk with perils on all sides which takes it to the heart of the Gospel: "Love One Another."
The Council's presence makes a difference within our state on the issue of racial healing. As I was challenged some years ago, "How can that which was never 'conciled,' be reconciled?" The Council's presence is a statement that healing continues. With out-stretched hands and open hearts, the Council joins with all who envision a future in which all are judged by their character and where every child can dream a future full of hope.
On the Legislative front, the Council's presence makes a difference. In 2007, working with other non-profits, denominational staff, and passionate volunteers, the Council addressed multiple legislative issues. The Council voiced a cry for moral and ethical Immigration Reform. The Council's voice-often over-whelmed by the angry, the suspicious, the misinformed-informed, those looking for a scapegoat-reminded those listening that the most repeated commandment in Christian scripture is to "care for the stranger" among us. We will continue this advocacy in 2008.
Over the years, the Council's presence has made a difference in the lives of our state's students in under-funded and inequitable schools. This effort will continue next year.
On the issue of Nuclear Weapons Proliferation, the Council's presence provided an alternative reading to the Administration's Proposed Complex 2030. While not funded to the level first proposed, Complex 2030 announces the reality of the administration's goal to enhance USA nuclear weapons capability while crying foul as other nations do the same. With the presence of terrorism in the world, it is even more critical to make these weapons of mass destruction relics of the past rather than phantoms of the future.
The Council called for the regulation of the Payday Lending Industry. This industry regularly entices the unsuspecting and economically illiterate into the down-ward spiral of unpayable debt. With a few hundred more offices around the state than the fast-food chain McDonalds, this Biblically-barred practice of usury allows a few citizens to break the backs of those whom they say they serve. The Council will continue this advocacy into the 2008 Legislative Session.
Since its founding in 1933, the Council's presence has again and again made a difference. Sometimes we've been visibly busy and at others time we are working behind the scenes building trust and relationships. To keep Your Council's presence viable, won't you make a donation today?
Your contribution will make a difference. You may keep the lights on for one hour or one month or one year. You may support staff research on a social justice issue or ensure Council presence in a legislative committee session. Whatever you can do, do it. Be a part of keeping the Council's presence strong for the causes of social justice, racial healing, and peace-making. CLICK HERE to contribute today.
As you prayerfully consider what you could give, know that the Officers, Board, and Staff of YOUR Council are thankful for YOUR support--both prayer and financial.
Yes, it's been a busy year and with 2008 already knocking on the door, we promise to keep busy promoting Christian unity and Inter-religious dialogue, advocating for justice and peace, building new relationships and strengthening on-going ones.
In fact, it looks as though we'll be blessedly busy in 2008, too! Why not CLICK HERE right now and do YOUR part to keep the Council going in 2008?
Thanks, gotta' run...you know we're busy around here.
