Darfur, Sudan
Crisis in Darfur, Sudan
More Information at www.savedarfur.org
Many think that since they have heard little about Darfur recently that surely things have improved there. Unfortunately, that is untrue, and unless the Sudanese government accepts UN peacekeeping troops things will get even worse!
This is an especially critical time for the people of Darfur, where three million remain at risk while as many as 500,000 have died since 2003 in what has been called the 21st century’s first genocide. Currently, aid workers are being killed; the Sudanese government has massed military forces in Darfur while asking neutral African forces to leave. UN peacekeeping forces are now approved, but blocked by Sudan, so deaths will surely skyrocket.
First: Include the Sudanese people in your daily prayer. Resources for daily prayer are available at:
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/admin/SAWP/darfur/index.htm
Second: Learn all that you can about the situation. Get updated information from www.savedarfur.org
Third: Write, Fax, or call your elected representatives to express the need for the United States’ strong and persistent pressure to end the violence. Be sure that your elected officials know that you are aware of a situation that is under-reported, but not unnoticed. Contact your Representative and Senators is by calling the capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and asking for them by name or by your zip code. You can also find them by clicking here and looking them up online.
Fourth: Discuss with your family members the responsibilities of Christ’s followers to work for justice and peace.
Do not let it be said, in the years to come, that we once again turned our backs on people in need. Our children and their children will want to know how we responded.
Every St. John's parishioner can be a part of the peace effort.
More Information at www.savedarfur.org
Many think that since they have heard little about Darfur recently that surely things have improved there. Unfortunately, that is untrue, and unless the Sudanese government accepts UN peacekeeping troops things will get even worse!
This is an especially critical time for the people of Darfur, where three million remain at risk while as many as 500,000 have died since 2003 in what has been called the 21st century’s first genocide. Currently, aid workers are being killed; the Sudanese government has massed military forces in Darfur while asking neutral African forces to leave. UN peacekeeping forces are now approved, but blocked by Sudan, so deaths will surely skyrocket.
First: Include the Sudanese people in your daily prayer. Resources for daily prayer are available at:
http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/admin/SAWP/darfur/index.htm
Second: Learn all that you can about the situation. Get updated information from www.savedarfur.org
Third: Write, Fax, or call your elected representatives to express the need for the United States’ strong and persistent pressure to end the violence. Be sure that your elected officials know that you are aware of a situation that is under-reported, but not unnoticed. Contact your Representative and Senators is by calling the capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and asking for them by name or by your zip code. You can also find them by clicking here and looking them up online.
Fourth: Discuss with your family members the responsibilities of Christ’s followers to work for justice and peace.
Do not let it be said, in the years to come, that we once again turned our backs on people in need. Our children and their children will want to know how we responded.
Every St. John's parishioner can be a part of the peace effort.