news from the 
Maine Episcopal Network for Justice

"But let justice roll down like waters 
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." 
Amos 5:34

in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine


Call to Action: Upcoming U.S. Senate vote to Close Loopholes in Background Checks
From the Director
John Hennessy

In the days since the horrific massacre in Orlando and as the direct result of Connecticut Senator Christopher Murphy's impassioned 15-hour filibuster, an agreement to get gun violence prevention legislation onto the floor of the U.S. Senate has been reached.

The vote - as it currently stands - is scheduled for Tuesday of next week. The United States has the best opportunity since the defeat of the Manchin-Toomey background check bill to move gun violence prevention legislation forward. 

Bishop Stephen T. Lane, joining with dozens of Episcopal Bishops from Bishops United Against Gun Violence and the Maine Episcopal Network for Justice call on Maine Episcopalians to contact Maine's two senators, Susan Collins and Angus King.

Both senators supported the Manchin-Toomey background bill in 2013 so they are on record as supporting common sense legislation.

It's vitally important that each senator hears from Mainers in the next 72 hours. Each phone call or email makes a huge impact. Please urge them to support measures that will ensure the following provisions: 
  • Make it illegal for people convicted of violent hate crimes to buy or possess guns
  • Make it illegal for suspected terrorists to legally buy guns
  • Require a background check for every gun sale, no matter where you buy a gun or who you buy it from
Please state your name, where you live, and which church you attend. It's critical that our senators know that people of faith are deeply concerned about preventing gun violence.

To call Senator Susan Collins, below are the numbers for her offices in Maine as well as Washington, D.C.

Augusta: (207) 622-8414
Bangor: (207) 945-0417
Biddeford: (207) 283-1101
Caribou: (207) 493-7873
Lewiston: (207) 784-6969
Portland: (207) 780-3575
Washington, D.C. (202) 224-2523

To email Senator Collins, use this link: https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact 


To call Senator King, below are the numbers for his offices in Maine as well as Washington, D.C.

Augusta: (207) 622-8292
Presque Isle: (207) 764-5124
Scarborough: (207) 883-1588
or to reach his Maine offices toll-free
(800) 432-1599
Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5344

To email Senator King, use this link:

Thank you for taking the time to be in touch with our senators on this important and timely issue.

Faithfully,





Contact your elected officials!

Find your Maine Senator

Rep. Chellie Pingree (Dist. #1)   Rep. Bruce Poliquin (Dist. #2)

 

 
MENJ ON THE ROAD

 
MENJ Director John Hennessy has been on the road to talk with lots of people from Maine congregations.

Invite him to your congregation!
John will talk about the efforts of MENJ with your Vestry or Bishop's Committee or at an education forum, during announcements, or informally at coffee hour.)

Be in touch with John to set a date at