Links for April 28, 2024

Your Social Justice Collective wants to support a challenge from our Moderator and the KAIROS organization to demonstrate our support for peace in Palestine. It can be overwhelming to contemplate the situation in the Middle East and difficult to find ways to show our support from here. There are multiple suggestions on the United Church of Canada website. One that we can certainly do here at St James is “Witness”. On Sunday, May 5th, we’re inviting the entire congregation to wear white, or at least a white top. After sharing a prayer, we’ll take a photo of everyone, hopefully outside. This will be shared with KAIROS, and they in turn will share it with various print media, websites, and social media. Let’s make a strong show of our support!

Your Social Justice Collective asks you to note that today is Canada’s National Day of Mourning for Workers – commemorating workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to workplace related hazards and occupational exposures. Almost five work related deaths occur daily in Canada. May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day – this year#39;s theme is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis” and focuses on the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the global environmental crisis.

People in Gaza are experiencing utter destruction, loss of lives, and inhumane conditions without access to basic necessities for life. Famine is imminent. Children have not been spared. We must act to ensure an end to the conflict. In April, The United Church of Canada is focusing its advocacy on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian Child, together with Mission and Service partner, Defence for Children International – Palestine. In May, the focus will be on participation in the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage. Please join us in action: advocate, pray, and donate.