NT-NL Giving Public Witness to Peace and Justice: Exploring the `Courage to Think Differently'

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Exploring the `Courage to Think Differently'

Pastor George Johnson's new book COURAGE TO THINK DIFFERENTLY is a good read in these autumn weeks. Johnson writes, "If you are ready to come out of your comfort zone I suggest you read the sermon by Harry Emerson Fosdick (included in the book). The chapter is called "The Peril of Worshipping Jesus." But hold on. It can be a rough ride.

Reviewer Lily Wu of Lutheran Peace Fellowship wrote, "Imagine more than 30 notable prophetic voices sharing their insights on a wide range of issues that matter for our quality of life and the world's survival. That's the theme of Courage to Think Differently, by author and editor George S. Johnson, former director of the American Lutheran Church's hunger program. He brings together a diverse spectrum of writers including Larry Rasmussen, Frances Moore Lappe, Bill Moyers, Vandana Shiva, Elie Wiesel, Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, and David Korten. In the process, Johnson offers us a book so creative, so spiritually compelling that it practically glows in your hands."

Lutheran Peace Fellowship's review is found at this link.

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ELCA and immigration reform in support of families

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) continues to advocate for comprehensive federal immigration reform as the Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings on legislation that calls for reform. A bipartisan group of senators introduced a reform bill April 17.

[Read the full story at this link]

In anticipation of the Senate’s bill, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service sponsored a leadership summit April 14-16 that brought together 40 Lutheran leaders from across the country to Capitol Hill to support the new legislation.

“I’m proud that Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service could convene so many skilled and respected leaders at such a critical time at this year’s Lutheran Immigration Leadership Summit, as the Senate rolls out history-making immigration legislation. There’s never been a more important time for us, as Lutherans and Americans, to make our voices heard,” said Linda Hartke, president and CEO of the service.

Listen: Drug Laws That Changed How We Punish

Sharing this link in preparation for NT-NL's upcoming workshop, The New Jim Crow in Texas. Listen to NPR's news report on how US drug laws changed the way we imprison citizens.

"The United States puts more people behind bars than any other country, five times as many per capita compared with Britain or Spain.It wasn't always like this. Half a century ago, relatively few people were locked up, and those inmates generally served short sentences. But 40 years ago, New York passed strict sentencing guidelines known as the "Rockefeller drug laws" — after their champion, Gov. Nelson Rockefeller — that put even low-level criminals behind bars for decades.Those tough-on-crime policies became the new normal across the country. But a new debate is under way over the effectiveness of tough sentencing laws."