The Social Justice Ministry’s mission is to raise awareness and facilitate activities supporting social justice at the community, local, and national levels, both inside and outside the parish. The ministry’s goal is to work with the Beaverton Vicariate (Holy Trinity, St. Juan Diego, St. Pius X, St. Cecilia, and St. John Fisher) to arrange for speakers and support other community efforts towards peace, justice, and reconciliation.
In response to the May 2022 mass shootings in Buffalo, NY, and Laguna Woods, CA, the USCCB issued a statement offering “prayers for the support and healing of the families, friends, and communities of those impacted by these violent incidents.” They continued with a call to action:
“The bishops again call for an honest dialogue rooted in Christ in addressing the persistent evil of racism in our country. The Catholic Church has been a consistent voice for rational yet effective forms of regulation of dangerous weapons, and the USCCB continues to advocate for an end to violence, and for the respect and dignity of all lives.”
We echo their statement and invite you to join us in writing a letter to your legislators, urging them to pass common sense gun regulations and policies. Then, ask a friend or family member, especially those living in another state, to write to their legislators.
We know this can be a daunting task, so we have a sample letter and template you can copy or use for inspiration available below. You’ll also find past USCCB publications explaining the Church’s teaching and position on gun policies, as well as material on combatting racism. We are all children of God. If we stand together for change, we can make a difference!
DATE
Dear Senator / Representative Name:
As a constituent and a Catholic, I am deeply concerned about the continued mass shootings and gun violence in America, and the lack of Federal government response through legislation. As Christians, we are called to care for our brothers and sisters. All people of good will must work together to confront the pervasive culture of violence, and this must include the reasonable regulation of firearms.
One priority should be to strengthen the mental health system in the US, providing easy access for all. We need legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them by strengthening the background check system for everyone. Furthermore, I strongly urge you to close the Charleston loophole that allows sales to go forward even if a background check is not complete and stop the sale of illegal ghost guns on the internet.
Gun violence has infected our private and public spaces in ways that have caused long-lasting trauma in American society. It is past time to reinstate a total ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, frequently used in mass shootings. Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed and over 200 are injured by guns. Too many children live in households with unlocked guns, resulting in injury and death. Requiring gun manufacturers to provide safety locks for all guns sold will reduce the number of “accidental” shootings.
Senator / Representative Name, the violence must stop. Even in the midst of deep political divisions, we have opportunities to promote thoughtful, common-sense legislation at both the state and federal level that will make a difference in people's lives. These are only a handful of legislative measures that would uphold the safety and wellbeing of Americans. Please do all that you can to introduce and pass such measures, for the sake of your constituents and Americans across the country.
Sincerely,
Your name
Your address
"Racism is not a thing of the past or simply a throwaway political issue to be bandied about when convenient. It is a real and present danger that must be met head on. As members of the Church, we must stand for the more difficult right and just actions instead of the easy wrongs of indifference. We cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities and yet still try to profess to respect every human life. . . People of good conscience must never turn a blind eye when citizens are being deprived of their human dignity and even their lives. Indifference is not an option. As bishops, we unequivocally state that racism is a life issue."
The following is a partial list of Catholic websites to learn about and practice advocacy. Take a few moments to investigate and perhaps involve yourself in the very important mission of advocacy.
USCCB – Americans share many blessings and strengths, including a tradition of religious freedom and political participation. However, as a people, we face serious challenges that are clearly political and also profoundly moral in nature. As Catholics, we are part of a community with a rich heritage that helps us consider the challenges in public life and contribute to greater justice and peace for all people.
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns – We inform advocacy and action for social, economic and environmental justice, domestic and international.
Catholic Climate Covenant – We lift a united Catholic voice to support sensible, faith-informed climate public policies.
Laudato Si' Movement – Formerly the Global Catholic Climate Movement, we work within the Catholic Church to better care for our common home. Our founding document is Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change and ecology, Laudato Si’.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – CRS complements the humanitarian and development work overseas with policy analysis and advocacy at home. The focus this year is the Global Thrive Act.
NETWORK – Founded by Catholic Sisters in the progressive spirit of Vatican II, NETWORK works to create a society that promotes justice and the dignity of all in the shared abundance of God’s creation.
Salt and Light – To find out more about the social justice mission of the Catholic Church, visit this website from the USCCB.
Who is my State Senator & Representative?
Click on the link above and enter your address to determine your legislators' contact information.
Representative Suzanne Bonamici — District 1 12725 SW Millikan Way Suite 220 Beaverton, OR 97005 Phone: (503) 469-6010 |
Representative Earl Blumenauer — District 3 911 NE 11th Ave Suite 200 Portland, OR 97232 Phone: 503-231-2300 |
Senator Jeff Merkley 121 SW Salmon St Suite 1400 Portland, OR 97204 Phone: (503) 326-3386 |
Senator Ron Wyden 911 NE 11th Ave Suite 630 Portland, OR 97232 Phone: (503) 326-7525 |
President Joe Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 Phone: 202-456-1111 |
"Among our tasks as witnesses to the love of Christ is that of giving a voice to the cry of the poor."
Pope Francis
"The individual who is animated by true charity labors skilfully to discover the causes of misery, to find the means to combat it, to overcome it resolutely."
Blessed Paul VI
“We are all equal – all of us – but this truth is not recognized, this equality is not recognized, and for this reason some people are, we can say, happier than others. But this is not a right! We all have the same rights. When we do not see this, society is unjust. It does not follow the rule of justice, and where there is no justice, there cannot be peace. I would like to repeat this with you: where there is no justice, there is no peace!”