SojoAction Alert - Update: Congress Must Take Charge On Iran

View this email in your browser As Christians we must demand peace Update: As the war continues into yet another week of hostilities between Israel and Iran we continue to see the Trump Administration fail in bringing about an enduring peace through diplomacy. We must demand Congress step in. It has now been more than sixty days since President Trump launched air strikes on Iran in an act of war. It is important that Congress asserts its constitutional duty. While the current ceasefire is being tested in the Strait of Hormuz, Congress cannot let Trump and his Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, reset the clock on seeking approval by simply changing the name of their operation. This reckless course of action has endangered the lives of countless people across the Middle East as well as United States service members, and it can no longer continue. The decision to declare war lies with Congress, and the continued chaos caused by these military actions demonstrates the need for Congress to step in and do its constitutional duty to rein in or stop this illegal war and return to a diplomatic approach that promises peace for all. Contact Congress Now! As Christians, we believe that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9). With President Trump declaring the current ceasefire to be on “life support”, in this moment, we demand that our representatives in both the House and Senate act to create peace in accordance with our beliefs. Since President Trump ended the successfully negotiated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), we have seen him launch multiple strikes against Iran without any measurable progress towards peace. Congress must once again demand a diplomatic approach to preventing the growth of nuclear arms. This war against Iran has already set off a ruinous regional conflict, which has seen commerce disrupted, people permanently injured, and too many precious lives lost. As Christians, we know that each and every life is precious and every step must be taken to avoid any further bloodshed.  Instead of recklessly continuing a policy of escalation, we demand an end to violence and vigorous oversight from Congress in pursuit of peace. Act Now In faith, Adam Russell Taylor President, Sojourners Unsubscribe or update email preferences Copyright © 2026 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842

EarthBeat Weekly: Year after major cuts, CRS receives new federal disaster aid

Year after Trump's cuts, Catholic Relief Services receives $240M in disaster aid   EarthBeat Weekly Your weekly newsletter about faith and climate change June 12, 2026   Workers distribute shelter kits assembled by Catholic Relief Services at a camp for survivors of the 2010 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.  (OSV News/Bob Roller) One week ago, representatives of Catholic Relief Services and the U.S. State Department gathered in Rome to announce a new $240 million grant to the U.S. bishops' overseas humanitarian and disaster agency.  The funds were designated specifically for those two purposes, with an emphasis on organizations capable of deploying quickly to crisis areas around the globe, as soon as 24 hours.  CRS's decades-long track record for fast responses, along with its expansive network of partner organizations in countries around the globe, were determining factors in selecting it for this first grant in a new series, a senior State Department official told me this week in an article I reported for National Catholic Reporter.  "They're extremely effective in what they do. They have a broad reach globally to be able to reach a lot of [these crisis zones]," the official said. The new award, while welcome news for CRS, comes more than a year after the Trump administration gutted U.S. foreign assistance, including the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID. The cancellation or freezing of $60 billion in international aid in February 2025 had major ramifications for CRS, slashing hundreds of millions from its budget and with it a third of its staff and programs. CRS had been the leading recipient of USAID funds among nongovernment organizations. In 2024, it received $568 million from USAID and nearly $700 million overall in federal funding, per public spending records.  Portions of that funding over the years had gone toward CRS's various projects and initiatives in responding to the impacts of climate change. In recent years, CRS has amplified its climate work and launched a campaign to raise awareness and educate U.S. Catholics about the ways climate change is impacting people, particularly the most vulnerable, around the world right now. "I'm not exaggerating when I say that everywhere [in the 100+ countries] CRS works, when you talk to farmers they will tell you that the climate has changed out from under them," Bill O'Keefe, CRS executive vice president for mission, mobilization and advocacy, said in October 2022 at the launch of its climate action initiative.  Along with responding to weather-related disasters worsened by increasing global temperatures — fueled primarily from burning fossil fuels — CRS has developed with local partners programs to help vulnerable communities with limited resources adapt to changes in weather patterns, water access and land fertility.  A main focus has been on sustainable and regenerative farming, with CRS projects undertaken in parts of Africa, Bangladesh and Central America's Dry Corridor, the latter of which I saw up close during a reporting trip in the spring 2023. The new grant from the Trump administration omits development assistance for responding to climate change, which the president — who has removed the U.S. from international climate treaties — has falsely claimed is a hoax.  Speaking with me for the story, CRS president and CEO Sean Callahan said the new State Department funding was focused on immediate humanitarian relief rather than more proactive projects aimed at helping communities build resilience to a changing climate.  When I asked about the state of CRS's climate-related projects, Callahan said "we really need to continue to do what we call water-smart agriculture and climate-smart agriculture in various areas. … We have been doing this for years working with small-scale agriculture, and we just see it as crucial." He added its recent accreditation with the Green Climate Fund — the main financial mechanism for the 2015 Paris Agreement — will provide new funding for that work, which is only becoming more critical for the world's most vulnerable communities as climate impacts become more pronounced and life-threatening around the world. "As you know, we're in an El Niño phase coming in right now, where we see that that could have a very negative effect on agricultural production in many areas," Callahan said. "So we want to make sure we get out ahead of that and can start supporting some people so that they don't feel the drastic effects of it. It is using the appropriate seeds, using the appropriate techniques and water conservation mechanisms, so that we can make sure that our agriculture and the production that local farmers have is protected at this time." Read more: A year after slashing foreign aid, Trump admin awards $240M to Catholic Relief Services What else is new on EarthBeat:   Argentine Catholics join push to reverse Milei's changes to glacier protection law by Eduardo Campos Lima A reform to Argentina's 2010 glacier protection law has been met with popular opposition, with opponents arguing that the changes loosen government oversight of mining and oil projects, and put water sources at risk. Read more here »   Nuns in Cuba struggle to sustain ministries as fuel shortages deepen humanitarian crisis by Rhina Guidos "For a religious sister, living in Cuba today means navigating and taking on a series of structural and economic challenges that require an enormous capacity for adaptation and resilience," Sr. Noemy Ayala said. Read more here »   Vietnamese sisters help survivors of Formosa environmental disaster rebuild lives by Reporter in Vietnam Ten years after the environmental disaster that devastated Vietnam's central coast and affected thousands of fishing families, women religious focus on livelihoods, accompaniment and long-term healing. Read more here »   Indigenous, church leaders hold 'knowledge-sharing' meeting on 'Doctrine of Discovery' by Cindy Wooden, OSV News As the Indigenous people of Canada and the United States continue to fight for self-governance and for control of their traditional territories, many of them point to the Catholic Church and the "Doctrine of Discovery" as being a prime cause for loss of their full rights.  Read more here »   'Pressure' star Brendan Fraser on leadership, humility and playing Eisenhower by Zachary Lee Brendan Fraser talks about his role as General Eisenhower in the new movie "Pressure," which finds him tormented by the decision over whether to deploy troops on D-Day. Read more here »   Teilhard de Chardin points to what Pope Leo missed in 'Magnifica Humanitas' by Ilia Delio What does it mean to be human in the age of artificial intelligence? The answer Magnifica Humanitas gives — remain — is too small for the tradition it invokes and for the moment it addresses, says Sr. Ilia Delio. Read more here » What's happening in other climate news: 'Severe' stress on oceans as rate of sea level rise doubles in 10 years, UN warns —Karen McVeigh for the Guardian Judge tosses Trump bid to restrict renewable energy tax credits —Rachel Fazin for The Hill On the historic route from Selma to Montgomery, an AI cloud looms —Lee Hedgepeth for Inside Climate News Lawsuit challenges Trump administration's land swap with SpaceX in Texas —Valerie Gonzalez for the Associated Press Clergy across New Jersey urge lawmakers to pass Climate Superfund Act — Krystal Knapp for The Jersey Vindicator New Qcells plant doubles current US capacity to make solar cells —Julian Spector for Canary Media A flesh-eating cattle parasite spreads beyond Texas as new screwworm cases are found —Jeffrey Collins for the Associated Press There's something special about Kangaroo Island's koalas —Ana Norman Bermudez for the BBC Deepest and most extensive whale graveyard discovered in Indian Ocean —Nicola Davis for the Guardian Final Beat: You can keep up with the latest news and coverage at EarthBeat throughout the week on social media.  Give us a follow (@earthbeatncr) on Instagram and Facebook. And you can follow National Catholic Reporter (@ncronline) on most social platforms, too. As always, thanks for reading EarthBeat.   Brian Roewe Environment Correspondent National Catholic Reporter broewe@ncronline.org     Featured Advertisers   Looking to Hire? Offering Retreats? Selling Books? Place an Ad in NCR's Online Classified Section for Only $75 per Month!   Advertisement

Truth and Action Roundup 6.5.2026

View this email in your browser Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, your reliable weekly source for information, inspiration, and opportunities for action during the second Trump administration.  Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it. This week, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have been rehearsing the rhetoric we’re likely to hear again in this fall’s midterms. In response to the results of the Los Angeles mayoral primary, they have declared the election invalid without offering any plausible explanation for how that could be so. When House Speaker Mike Johnson was asked directly why he does not accept the results, he said the issues were “so far upstream it’s impossible to prove.” These claims are often framed as a belief in a conspiracy, but even conspiracies require an explanation of what has happened. When we look back at the origins of these claims of voter fraud in 2020, we can see a clear pattern that explains the present. After losing the election to President Joe Biden, Trump went out of his way to claim that votes were fraudulent in particular cities such as Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia and Phoenix. We even have audio of Trump asking Georgia’s secretary of state to “find 11,780” votes to overturn the results in Georgia. When we place the claims of a “rigged” vote within this context, it becomes clear that what is being expressed is not a sincere belief in a particular conspiracy. Instead, the pattern that emerges is a refusal to acknowledge cities with large populations of Black and brown people as a valid part of the body politic. This assumption is expressed through the language of conspiracy, but its implications are clear. We must be clear-eyed as we approach the elections this fall in order to push back on this belief. As Christians, if we are to adhere to the principle of Imago Dei, which teaches that we are all made in the image of God, we must demand equal and fair representation for everyone, no matter where they live, how they look, who they love, or how they worship. –Rev. Moya Harris and Chad Stanton, Sojourners P.S. We are continuing to build an intentional community of people looking to enact their faith in our Sojourners Faith and Practice Forum on Mighty Networks. Please consider joining us. In the News The Trump administration continued its mass deportation policies this week. Congress passed, and President Trump signed into law a nearly 70 billion dollar package that will keep agencies like ICE and CBP running for three years without any new restrictions or guardrails. Republicans passed the bill using budget reconciliation, which let them evade a Senate filibuster and pass the funding without any Democratic votes. White South Africans represent the only people being admitted under the Trump administration’s refugee program. Unfortunately for them, they are encountering state and federal laws designed to make life harder for refugees and other immigrants, including burdensome requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Ohio and recently tightened federal limits on cash assistance. Children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel visited the Delaney Hall immigration detention center to meet with families separated by detention. “Why are we traumatizing kids?” she asked. Meanwhile, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill was granted a “closely controlled and limited tour” of the facility on Monday after being denied access for weeks. Racial violence flared in the United States and around the world in several high-profile cases. After video of a Sudanese man stabbing a man on a Belfast street went viral, racist and xenophobic agitators like Elon Musk used the incident to inflame anti-immigrant sentiment and all but openly call for mob violence against racial minorities. A burning cross was discovered in Chicago’s Grant Park, prompting widespread condemnation from religious and political leaders leading one church to offer a 10,000 dollar reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible. Several local politicians are pushing for the incident to be investigated as a hate crime. In Georgia, a Lee County family was shot by a man armed with an AR-15-style rifle who appeared to be racially targeting their gathering. The shooter, Jeffery Tyler Kinzer, who is white, allegedly drove past the gathering while shouting racial slurs, then returned wearing what witnesses described as body armor and carrying a rifle. He has been charged with aggravated assault, and more charges are expected. International news was turbulent again this week. The United States and Iran exchanged fire after Iran downed a U.S. helicopter in the Gulf. The United States struck air defense systems, ground control stations and radar sites in retaliation, which in turn provoked Iran to strike at 21 targets at U.S. bases in the region. The U.S. strikes reportedly left more than 20,000 residents of southern Iran without access to water. Strikes against boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean are continuing, with the latest one killing two people earlier this month. To date, there have been 63 of these strikes, killing 207 people. The legality of the strikes has been questioned by a broad range of legal specialists on the use of lethal force. As the tide reportedly continues to turn against Russia in the Ukraine war, Ukraine has launched long-range strikes on military and energy sites inside Russia. However, peace between the two nations appears far off, even as the length of the war now exceeds the length of World War I. Take Action On June 18th we will host Context Unlocked with Trinity Williams, who will discuss the relationship between the United States and Cuba. As the Iran War enters as new phase of escalation this week, we are calling on Congress to act. What We’re Reading “Carrying the Body of Christ, Catholics Lead Procession for Immigrants” | “In Washington, D.C., a Corpus Christi festival emphasized “communion with those families who are experiencing hardship because of immigration enforcement.” (by Ezra Craker) “The Betting Economy Runs On Misplaced Faith” | “Idolatry and money-worship are telling us predictive markets should make moral decisions.” (by Joseph Barry) Deep Breaths The Violence is Not New History might not repeat itself, but it often rhymes. This current political climate is dangerous, especially for people of color. Whether it shows up in inhumane detention centers or ropeless lynching, Black and brown people in America are living on the edge. As Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five put it years ago, don’t push me ‘cause I’m close to the edge, I’m trying not to lose my head. This violence is not new. It reaches back further than the 250 years that will be celebrated next month. It reaches beyond U.S. borders. It has become so familiar that it rarely breaks through our news cycles. Whether physical, mental, spiritual, political, electoral, or social, the violence shifts and adapts to meet the moment. Yet the steadfast love of God has not ceased; it has kept my ancestors, my family and me. I stand in this love with clear eyes, naming violence for what it is and challenging it in the ways I can, even as I make space for self-preservation, self-care and beauty. I breathe deeply, even when what I see feels far from the will of God. The Psalmist says when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we should not fear evil. No matter how we attempt avoid it, we will encounter it. Now is a good time to determine how we will face what is before us. What are you willing to do to move through and not settle in the valley? What practices, rituals, readings, or music will sustain you in the days ahead, as we continue to witness so much on our screens and in our communities? We must celebrate the victories, both judicial and social. We must make room for joy and beauty. We must also prepare ourselves for what it means to endure and to move through. For some, the valley has been a long and familiar place. For others, it may feel newly shadowed. Either way, this is the time to build community, to seek God, to pray without ceasing, and to resist. Jesus knew this kind of violence as a poor, marginalized Jew living under occupation. He was arrested on false charges and tried in a single day. His punishment was the terror of the cross. Yet that is not the end of the story. God raised him from the dead, taking away the power of death. That power God used to raise Jesus is at work in us even now, strengthening us to resist what seeks to destroy. Remember this. –Rev. Moya Harris, Senior Program Director, Sojourners The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff: President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson Digital Content and Community Specialist: Kassandra Tapia Chief Program and Impact Officer: Bryan Epps Political Director: Chad V. Stanton Senior Program Director: Rev. Moya Harris Digital Education and Outreach Specialist: Cortnie Brooks Policy and Action Assistant: Trinity Williams Donate Subscribe Unsubscribe or update email preferences Copyright © 2026 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842

Presbyterian Peace Fellowship - Sat June 13 Zoom Briefing on General Assembly Issues

"...and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." Rev. 22:2 Hello, Peace Fellowship Friends, Our General Assembly witness starts this Sat. June 13. With violence in so many directions, PPF has planned a very active presence at GA for peacemaking. Please help in 2 ways: --- 1. Register for the Sat. June 13 Issues Briefing on Zoom to learn about peace and justice issues at GA, plus details on how to testify on overtures for the Open Hearings, and how to coordinate with other Overture Advocates. Register for June 13 HERE. --- 2. Become a sponsor for PPF's Peace Gathering at GA HERE. This covers PPF GA costs and will help keep ticket prices down to encourage GA commissioners to attend. Sponsorship starts at $50. To be listed in the June 26 program, please donate by Sat. June 13 at 3pm ET. We need help on this. Thank you. To stay connected on GA issues, sign up for PPF GA updates in real time by texting PRESBYPEACE to 855-516-2918 Many Thanks and hope to see you this Saturday on Zoom, Harry Eberts, Interim Executive Director, PPF Shaunel Steinnagel, Co-Moderator, PPF Progressive Partners Issues Briefing Sat. June 13, 11 am - 12:15 pm ET 10 am CT, 9 am MT, 8 am PT Register for June 13 HERE. Join on Zoom for this live opportunity to look at the peace and justice issues coming to the Assembly, from nuclear weapons to fossil fuel divestment to the Iran war and more. Learn details on how to testify in Open Hearings on Zoom on overtures or reports, and how to coordinate with other Overture Advocates. Anyone may testify on any overture or report. Open Hearing sign up deadline is June 20. 2025 Peaceseeker Award Recipient: Presbyterians for Earth Care for 30 years of earth care leadership, for nurturing the young adult network CANOPY, and for promoting fossil fuel divestment to reduce the war and violence that climate change will bring. 2026 Peaceseeker Award Recipient: Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis for standing up, singing out and taking risks to resist the violence of ICE, along with many other courageous congregations. The Peace Gathering at GA Fri. June 26, 6:30-8:30 pm Immanuel Presbyterian Church 1100 N. Astor St. Milwaukee Sandwich Buffet and Dessert Please Sponsor this event by June 13 HERE. If you can... Join us during GA for fellowship, food, and inspiration for the work ahead Learn More/Register for The Peace Gathering HERE  Keynote Speaker: "From Minneapolis to Gaza: Confronting America's Forever Wars" by Dr. Osamah Khalil Professor of History at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Presentation of PPF's Peaceseeker Award: 2025: Presbyterians for Earth Care 2026: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis  ...To be followed by Matthew Black in Concert! The "Everything is Terrible and No One is Okay Tour" June 26, 8:30-10 PM Immanuel Presbyterian Church Learn more HERE Community Day of Action at GA in Milwaukee Sat. June 27, 9-11:30 am Père Marquette Park near GA Site As part of the Presbyterian Decade to End Gun Violence, PPF will join in the GA Day of Action focused on gun violence prevention. Activities will include: Guns to Gardens forging demonstration by PPF & Friends Public art using parts dismantled from unwanted guns Resources and organizing tools for congregations A Walk to City Hall & Rally with speakers, including Rev. Margery Rossi, PPF's Minister for Gun Violence Prevention GA Town Square Sat. June 27, 2-5 pm Baird Center North Lobby Come visit with PPF and take home peacemaking education and action resources for your congregation See you at GA! Questions? Contact: info@presbypeacefellowship.org Presbyterian Peace Fellowship | 17 Cricketown Road | Stony Point, NY 10980 US