Contact: Paul Rondeau, Executive Director, prondeau@all.org; Mike Sedlak, Event Coordinator, msedlak@all.org; both with American Life League, 540-659-4171WASHINGTON, May 31, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- With the recent government mandate that religious organizations must fund contraceptives, morning-after abortion drugs, and sterilization in direct violation of their faith and religious liberty, American Life League will host a panel of nationally renowned experts on the medical, cultural, Source: American Life League

Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, 540-538-4741CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 31, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The groups will announce their plans at a news conference on Friday, June 1, at 11:00 A.M.The location will be at the plaza at the Time Warner Arena, the site of the DNC, at 333 East Trade Street in Charlotte, N.C.The organizations plan to publicly highlight the radical pro-abortion policies of President Obama along with his hostility toward religious freedom.Abortion and relig Source: Christian Defense Coalition

Two CAFOD partners have been detained by police whilst investigating human rights abuses near Anglo-Swiss mining company Xstrata’s new Tintaya site in PeruTwo partners of the aid agency CAFOD have been detained by police whilst investigating human rights abuses near Anglo-Swiss mining company Xstrata’s new Tintaya site in Peru. Their arrest on unsubstantiated charges comes following complaints of intimidation by local security forces.Jaime César Borda and Romualdo Tito Pinto, who work for CAFOD’s partner the Vicariate of Solidarity of Sicuani, were first held illegally within the Xstrata mine site for two days with 20 other prisoners before being transferred to an official state institution in the city of Cusco. They are still being held along with six others.Sergio Huamani, a representative of the United Front for the Defense of the Interests of Espinar, was also beaten at the scene of the arrests. Last month, Sergio was brought to London by CAFOD to meet with representatives from Xstrata, who promised to look into the group’s concerns.CAFOD is demanding the immediate release of Jaime and Romualdo without charge, and an investigation into the alleged assault on Sergio.In a statement the Catholic aid agency said:“The local authorities in Espinar must release the staff of the Vicariate immediately and without charge. We will not tolerate the abuse and intimidation of our partners. The Vicariate of Sicuani has worked for many years on behalf of the rights of communities in this area of Peru and is a trusted and long-standing CAFOD partner. We stand in solidarity with the Vicariate and will do all we can to ensure the safety and release of Jaime and Romualdo.”Last week protesters in Espinar began a series of demonstrations calling for more dialogue between Xstrata and local communities with a protest camp outside the company’s Tintaya mine site. Police were sent in to protect the mine site and control the demonstrations. Clashes resulted in police opening fire on protestors with two people being killed. The protests at the Xstrata mine led the Peruvian government to declare a 30-day state of emergency from Tuesday (29 May).The Catholic Church, through the Vicariate of Sicuani, has been playing a mediation role in the conflict, appealing for the respect for human rights to be observed. Vicariate lawyers, who visited the detainees in the mine site, report that they have had their shoes removed and been beaten on their heels.Monsignor Miguel La Fay Bardi, Bishop of the Prelature of Sicuani, said: “We are outraged at the arrest of human rights defenders working for the Vicariate of Solidarity of the Prelature of Sicuani, Jaime César Borda and Romualdo Tito Pinto.“We are saddened at the news of the death and the injuries produced as a result of the confrontation between the National Police and the civilian population. At the same time, we are worried about the situation of those people who have been detained, their security and physical safety, given the beatings they have suffered during their detention.”On Monday during the visit by the Vicariate lawyers to those detained in the mine, Jaime César Borda, the environmental coordinator and Romualdo Tito Pinto, the organisation’s driver, were arrested by Peruvian police while waiting for their colleagues to return. Sergio Huamani, who was with them, was beaten. The keys to the Vicariate’s vehicle were confiscated and, following an un-witnessed search of the vehicle, police alleged they found firearms. The police then tried to force Jaime and Romualdo to sign a police statement, which they have refused to do.CAFOD believes that the allegations and charges regarding the presence of firearms in the Vicariate’s vehicle are part of a wider campaign of intimidation to discredit the work of the Vicariate of Sicuani and label their workers as extremists.As well as the release of Jaime and Romualdo, and an investigation into the alleged assault on Sergio, CAFOD is making four additional demands:The Peruvian authorities must guarantee the physical welfare of all detainees, their transfer to a medical centre or place of legal detention, and the public security forces who have committed acts of violence must be duly investigated;Xstrata must not allow its mine site to be used for the illegal detention of civilians, and must make clear that it condemns the acts of violence, harassment and intimidation against those individuals legitimately protesting against the mine;Xstrata must urgently re-engage in an open, honest and constructive dialogue with the Espinar community leaders, following their meeting with them in London on 26 April. A peaceful resolution to the conflict is sought with the opening of a meaningful dialogue, facilitated through external and independent mediation; andThe delegation of the European Union and the European embassies in Peru should investigate the harassment and unlawful detention of the Vicariate staff and community leaders of Espinar who are seeking to defend people’s human rights, in accordance with the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders.The UK is the second largest investor in Peru with a capital stock of £4.4 billion in 2010. Much of this is concentrated in the country’s extractive sector. Such investment has made a significant contribution to the high rates of economic growth enjoyed by the country in recent years.The Church of England is amongst thosewho have invested in Xstrata.[Ekk/2]

Global poverty campaigners have called on the public to remember the original meaning of Jubilee during this weekend as they launch a ‘Jubilee for Justice’Global poverty campaigners have called on the public to remember the original meaning of Jubilee during this weekend’s diamond jubilee celebrations, as they launch a new paper chain petition to the Prime Minister calling for a ‘Jubilee for Justice’.Jubilee Debt Campaign’s call reflects the origins of the term ‘jubilee’, acknowledged ina speech by the Queen in February. A Jubilee Year was a timewhen debts in society were cancelledand the damaging impact of those debts undone by releasing slaves, redistributing land and leaving land to rest.Campaigners first applied the idea of Jubilee to the Third World Debt Crisis from the 1980s onwards, when dozens of impoverished countries were trapped in debts that held back development for at least 20 years.The Jubilee 2000 movement saw millions of people around the world taking action, and £80 billion of debt being cancelled for developing countries in the 2000s, leading to spending on schools, healthcare and social development in impoverished countries.Today, as a new cycle of debt and austerity causes suffering in Europe, Jubilee Debt Campaign has renewed its call for a Jubilee for countries afflicted by debt.The group’sState of Debt report, released last week, shows the detrimental impact of debt and austerity in Europe and across the world. It says that a Jubilee for Justice is urgently needed, involving not just cancelling unjust debts but also ensuring countries are able to escape the trap of debt permanently – a major failing of government responses to the Jubilee 2000 and Make Poverty History campaigns.Nick Dearden of Jubilee Debt Campaign said: “On jubilee weekend, it’s vital that we remember the original meaning of Jubilee - a call for economic and social justice.“Around the world debt is causing immense suffering again. A self-serving financial system has brought the global economy to its knees and we are now seeing the poorest people in our own society and around the world paying the price for this excess.“But the debt crisis is not new. The cycle of debt and austerity has caused devastation to people and planet for 30 years. Lenders are never held to account for unjust debts. This caused two lost decades of development in the ’80s and ’90s, from which many dozens of countries have still not recovered. Yet the same failed policies are being pursued by global bodies like the International Monetary Fund today.“We need a radical change in economic thinking and policy-making to build a society based on justice, mutual support and community. Finance must be put back in its place. The jubilee we need is not about charity towards the impoverished but a call for justice.“The campaign has today launched a paper chain petition to the Prime Minister which its members will be getting signed at Jubilee events and Sunday services up and down the country.The ‘Jubilee for Justice’ petition incorporates far-reaching policies including:• Cancelling the unjust debts of the most indebted nations• Promoting just and progressive taxation rather than excessive borrowing• Stopping harmful lending which forces countries into debtThe campaign has also launched an open letter for faith leaders to sign calling for a renewed jubilee.[Ekk/2]

Human rights campaigners in Northern Ireland have welcomed the announcement of details of the visit of Aung San Suu Kyi to Ireland next month.Human rights campaigners in Northern Ireland have welcomed the announcement of details of the visit by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi to Ireland next month.Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Programme Director of Amnesty International, said:"Over many decades Amnesty's members have campaigned for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and for thousands of other prisoners of conscience in Myanmar / Burma."We are delighted to welcome her to Ireland for an event that will celebrate our shared values of freedom and human rights and to honour her commitment to justice at home and abroad. We know that many of our members in Northern Ireland will be planning to travel to Dublin to honour her and hear her message of hope."Amnesty International members in Northern Ireland have campaigned successfully for the release of prisoners of conscience over the last twenty-five years and continue to campaign against human rights abuses.Irish and international artists from the worlds of music, drama, cinema and dance, will perform and give readings at the Electric Burma concert for Nobel Peace Prize winner and leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi. The concert will take place at 4.45pm on Monday 18th June, in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre (formerly the Grand Canal Theatre), Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2.The centrepiece of'Electric Burma'will be the presentation by Bono to Aung San Suu Kyi of Amnesty International’s prestigious'Ambassador of Conscience'Award that he announced live on-stage in Croke Park during U2's 360 tour in July 2009.'Electric Burma'will be a celebration of music, dance, and spoken work, and will include contributions from Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Vanessa Redgrave, Bob Geldof, Riverdance, Jack Gleeson and others. Artistic direction and set design has been created by celebrated Catalan designer and director Lluís Danés.[Ekk/4]

Contact: Aileen Blachowski, Spokesperson, 949-292-5580, mediainfo@u4rf.orgSANTA ANA, Calif., May 30, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Friday, June 8, as the United States Supreme Court prepares to issue its ruling on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), concerned citizens of Orange County will take to the public square to voice opposition to the Administration's Health and Human Services Mandate. The HHS Mandate forces all employers -- including religious schools an Source: United for Religious Freedom

Montana memorial on Forest Service land includes statue of Jesus Contact: Andrew Walther, Knights of Columbus, 203-824-5412, andrew.walther@kofc.orgNEW HAVEN, Conn., May 30, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- It's a war memorial that has commemorated the valor and sacrifice of the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division for more than 50 years. And yesterday, one day after Americans solemnly observed Memorial Day, the Knights of Columbus -- represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Source: Knights of Columbus

British republicans of many faiths and none are preparing for a historic protest against the monarchy at the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday.Republicans from across Britain are preparing for a historic protest against the monarchy, organised by campaign group Republic, at the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday (3 June).Protesters will assemble near City Hall for what Republic has described as the “biggest republican protest in living memory”. Speakers, who include human rights campaign Peter Tatchell, columnist Joan Smith, historian Ted Vallance and writer Owen Jones, will address the crowd from 1:30pm.The “loud, bold and provocative” demonstration will be in full view of the royal barge as the Queen and other royals disembark to watch the pageant pass through Tower Bridge.The pressure group has been in ongoing talks with the Metropolitan Police, who have pledged to facilitate the protest as part of their operations for the day. Campaigners are hoping that the police will keep to their promises.Republic’s chief executive Graham Smith described the protest as “a major step forward for the republican movement and an opportunity to kickstart a real debate about the future of the monarchy”.He added, “The royals spend most of their lives shielded from criticism – this protest will give them a rare glimpse of the strength of republican sentiment in Britain today.”The demonstration is expected to include people of many faiths and of none. Christianity Uncut, a network of anti-capitalist Christians, will be among the groups joining the protest.Protest organisers have been buoyed by a recent ICM poll which found the number of people believing Britain would be worse off without the royal family has dropped sharply from 63 per cent to 51 per cent in jubilee year. This weakening of the monarchy’s popularity has coincided with a surge of support for Republic, which has seen its supporter base grow by more than 100 per cent in the last eighteen months, to over 21,000.Earlier this month Republic published a new pamphlet,Sixty Inglorgious Years, which argues that the current monarch's reign has been characterised by “personal enrichment, feeble leadership and an obstinate refusal to allow real scrutiny of her role”.Smith said, “The hereditary system is offensive to all the democratic values this country has fought for in the past. The jubilee represents a celebration of everything we, as republicans, oppose – it is our right and duty to challenge it and promote the alternative.”He argued, “The heightened Palace PR campaign of the last eighteen months” has already backfired. People are sick and tired of being told they must celebrate sixty years of one very privileged, very remote and very uninspiring head of state. The idea that the monarchy’s future is any safer as a result of the jubilee is completely laughable.”[Ekk/1]

As the jubilee weekend approaches, the Scottish Green Party have said that they would rather “break out bunting and cake” for low-paid workers than for monarchy.As the royal jubilee weekend approaches, the Scottish Green Party have said that they would rather “break out bunting and cake” for low-paid workers than for monarchy.The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament refused to allow a Green amendment to a government motion marking the jubilee. The Greens'amendment would have expressed “gratitude to Mrs Windsor for her sixty years of service” while also affirming respect for “all other public sector workers”.It also called for debate about the head of state in an independent Scotland. While the Scottish National Party (SNP) want to keep the British monarch as Scotland's head of state, the Scottish Greens are in favour of a republic.The Greens said they were disappointed but not surprised that Parliament had not been allowed to consider the amendment.Green MSP Patrick Harvie said, “Our intention wasn't to rain on her majesty's parade but rather to spark debate about the sort of head of state Scotland should have in the future. Sticking to the hereditary principle in the twenty-first century is bound to seem bizarre to many Scots and it's a shame that won't be reflected.”The motion praising the monarchy has been proposed by the SNP government with the support of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties."The other parties can doff their caps to royalty if they want,” said Harvie. “Greens are much more likely to break out bunting and cake for the low-paid public sector workers and local activists who bring our communities together”.[Ekk/1]

Earth and economics were two critical issues Quakers brought to their Yearly Meeting in London this week where around 1000 people gathered.Earth and economics were two critical issues Quakers brought to their Yearly Meeting in London this week, where about one thousand people gathered, including 150 children and young people who contributed to main sessions and had a parallel programme.Some of those gathered had just returned from the world conference of Quakers in Kabarak, Kenya, bringing with them accounts from Quakers in the Arctic, Asia, Pacific and Africa regions of climate chaos, wars, job loss, inequality and violence. “All of these are driven by our dominant economic systems. We are called to be patterns and examples in a twenty first century campaign for peace and ecojustice, as difficult and decisive as the nineteenth century drive to abolish slavery,” they said.Those two themes of peace and ecojustice ran through the Yearly Meeting with major sessions and workshops exploring the effects of what urban economist and Quaker David Cadman called the catastrophic collapse of the old economy and search for the ‘good economy’ that reflects Quaker principles and values of simplicity, truth and equality.“If the economy is to be good it can only be just"said Cadman."An economy that is not just is not sustainable, since it is false. In truth, sustainability, goodness and justice are one.” He spoke from 25 years’ experience of forecasting markets.Yearly Meeting said: “We need both our passion and a clearer understanding of economics. Let us dream, but let us also hear the pain, hunger and despair of those who have no choice. Let us stand in the Light, pray for the emergence of a ‘good economy’, and practise our opposition to the current system: in our lives and in the deeply spiritual process of putting our money in better places.”These sessions carried forward the decision made by Quakers in Britain last year to become a low-carbon sustainable community. Speakers reported progress, for instance one Quaker meeting had been able to show a reduction in energy usage from nearly 53,000 units of electricity in 2004 to 3,500 in 2011, a saving of 93 per cent in seven years.Recording Clerk Paul Parker said: “Underpinning all this was our worship in stillness and careful listening to other’s experience. We particularly valued learning from each other what it means to be a Quaker, for instance Geoffrey Durham speaking about the Quaker stillness that can engender radical change.”Quakers were urged to respond to the government’s consultation in England and Wales on equal marriage. “The liberal voice is being drowned out by those who want to keep the status quo. Fifty years’ careful consideration has led Quakers to say we value all loving relationships equally. We consider that any legislation for equal marriage should include the liberty of Quakers to conduct marriages in our meeting houses,” the Recording Clerk told Yearly Meeting.The Quakers were gathered in the historic large meeting house in Friends House, scene of many peace rallies over the years addressed by significant visitors, including Gandhi. Trustees have recently applied for planning permission for the major refurbishment costing £4.25 million agreed last year. The Clerk of trustees, Jonathan Fox told Yearly Meeting that after long and difficult discernment, the trustees decided it was not right to accept the offer to incorporate a feature called a Skyspace, by the distinguished Quaker artist, James Turrell. Some questioned how this decision was taken, others spoke of the end of a dream, others of relief that a further £1.4 million would not be spent on the Skyspace.The annual Swarthmore Lecture, established in 1907, and under the care of Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre trustees, was given on Saturday. In'Snakes and Ladders', Quaker human rights lawyer, Rachel Brett, of the Quaker United Nations Office, spoke on Quaker work on human rights at the United Nation. She said QUNO’s role is to try to understand what brings about change, where the potential points of change are and how to use and reinforce them.She described both the high-profile and quiet processes which have put such issues as child soldiers, internally displaced persons and children of prisoners on the international agenda, and gained the recognition of conscientious objection to military service as inherent in the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.New work on the children of prisoners focuses on the impact on children of having a parent executed or under sentence of death.Reflecting on how QUNO works Rachel Brett said: “For me, one of the profound insights of Quakerism is the value of each human being because of the divine spark in each – whatever their age, or status, or whatever they may have done – with its corollary that no-one should be dehumanised, stigmatised or labelled. From this basis, recognising that each individual’s dignity and rights should be protected, it seems to me self-evident that Quakers should engage in human rights work.”[Ekk/4]

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches has condemned the violence in Syria, expressed solidarity with the victims, and invoked prayers for peace in the country.The World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary, the Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has condemned the violence occurring in Syria, expressed solidarity with the victims, and invoked prayers for peace in the country.“I express my deep pain over the massacre of innocent people and especially children that took place last Sunday in Taldou village, in the area of Houla, near Homs, in Syria,” said Tveit in the statement.“We, as churches, cannot but condemn this inhumane act and manifest our feelings of solidarity with the families of the victims, mourning their beloved ones,” he added.In the statement, Tveit expressed grave concern over the cycle of violence which has been continuing for more than a year. In this situation, he stated that “the government of Syria, as all governments, has an obligation to protect its own citizens, and to protect their fundamental human rights and freedoms.”On behalf of the WCC, Tveit also called on the “international community to fully support the United Nations efforts to bring peace and to put an end to the cycle of violence.” In his message, he also expressed his hope that “peace with justice will prevail soon in the country.”[Ekk/4]

Contact: Stephen M. Gelé, American Public Policy Alliance, 800-968-4211TOPEKA, Kan., May 29, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Monday May 21, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed into law American Laws for American Courts legislation (SB79) to protect the fundamental constitutional rights of Kansans. The legislation was approved earlier this month by an overwhelmingly bipartisan 33-3 vote in the Kansas Senate following unanimous 120-0 passage in the Kansas House of Representatives.The Kan Source: American Public Policy Alliance

Tribes from four continents have urged Britain to ratify a law that will ‘guarantee’ their survival.Tribes from four continents have urged Britain to ratify a law that will ‘guarantee’ their survival.It is the first time a group of tribal representatives have made such a direct appeal, reflecting the urgent need for the law’s global endorsement, says Survival International, the NGO which campaigns for the rights of tribal people.Currently 22 nations have signed the law, known as ILO Convention 169, which is the only legally binding international law designed to protect tribal peoples’ rights.It gives tribal peoples the right to own the land they live on, make decisions about projects that affect them, and ensures their freedom and equality.Prominent Africans, West Papuans, Brazilians, Russians, as well as UK-based networks, have written the letter to British Foreign Minister William Hague.Ratifying the law was official policy of the Liberal Democrat party, now part of the governing coalition.The signatories urge the UK to set a precedent by backing a law that will not only save the lives of tribal peoples, but preserve precious eco-systems.The letter reminds the UK that whilst it does not have tribal or indigenous peoples, ‘British companies operate on indigenous land, (and) British aid money funds projects on tribal territories.’Liberal Democrat MP Martin Horwood, who is also Chairman of the UK’s All Party Group for Tribal Peoples agrees with the urgent need to sign ILO 169, saying,"British ratification of the convention now would send a powerful signal around the world ahead of the forthcoming Rio+20 Earth Summit. The message is that Britain understands that sustainable development has to respect the human rights of the most vulnerable peoples of the world. This call by tribal representatives could not have come at a more important time."Survival International’s Director, Stephen Corry said today (29 May),"For centuries, tribes have been brutalised, forced off their land, murdered, marginalised, and sold into slavery. The British have historically played a key role in these abominations, which led to the extinction of countless peoples. Today, Britain can choose to ratify the only law that will prevent similar genocides. It’s high time that it does so."[Ekk/4]

Quakers in Britain, Unitarians and Liberal Jews have urged the Prime Minister to stand firm on his commitment to change marriage laws to enable same-sex couples to marry.Quakers in Britain, Unitarians and Liberal Judaism have urged the Prime Minister to stand firm on his commitment to change marriage laws to enable same-sex couples to marry.Quaker Recording Clerk, Paul Parker said: “Fifty years’ careful thinking led Quakers in 2009 to work for a change in the law to allow equal marriage and so we welcome the prime minister’s personal commitment to allow this. However, we are concerned the tone of the debate is changing, even before the Consultation is complete.” There has been talk of Tories having a free vote on the plan to allow same-sex couples in England and Wales to marry and one cabinet minister has said he will not vote for it.The joint letter reads as follows:We welcome your commitment to change marriage laws to enable same-sex partners to marry and offer you our prayerful support at this time. We know that you are hearing strong views about this from all around you.Quakers in Britain, Unitarians and Liberal Judaism are all committed to equality of marriage and ask that any legislation will mean we are free to conduct same-sex marriages in our places of worship.This is about religious liberty for us, so we don't expect parliament to force others, who may disagree with us, to marry same-sex couples if they do not wish.We urge you to stand firm and show moral leadership on this issue, which affects the lives of many real people in this country. If, as you have said, same-sex marriage is the right thing to do, then it's right to do it properly, and it's right to do it now.We would welcome your assurance that this issue remains a priority of the coalition government.The letter was signed by Derek McAuley, Chief Officer of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches; Paul Parker, Recording Clerk for Quakers in Britain; and Danny Rich, Chief Executive for Liberal Judaism.[Ekk/4]