Viral Video Nears One Million Views as Faith Community Urges Senators to Back Arms Treaty

June 6, 2013 By 1 Comment

When people come together around a common cause, it gets noticed. Last Friday, the American Values Network (AVN), an organization seeking to encourage community and family values in America, launched a video of two children explaining why U.S. Senators should support the international Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). In under a week, the video has already racked up nearly 1 million views. And the press is taking notice, including stories from The Christian Post and Ecumenical News. Also see the … [Read More...]

Kids Ask Senators Not to Join the Bad Guys Team – The Story of the Arms Trade Treaty

June 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

It's a tried and true adage that we are known by the company we keep.  The same is true for our leaders.  Over Easter, the U.S. brought the world together to adopt the first ever international Arms Trade Treaty.  The only opposition to this historic treaty came from the dictatorships of Iran, Syria, and North Korea - definitely not the kind of company the U.S. wants to be keeping.  On Monday, June 3rd the treaty becomes open for signatures by world leaders and will go into effect once 50 … [Read More...]

What If It’s Not the Prisoner Who Needs Forgiveness? (VIDEO)

April 29, 2013 By 2 Comments

Co-authored by Bill Mefford, director of civil and human rights at the United Methodist Church's General Board of Church & Society; and Sala Nolan Gonzales, minister for criminal justice and human rights at the United Church of Christ's Justice & Witness Ministries. As Christians should … [Read More...]

A Pittance

March 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Core message: 750,000 jobs lost is not "a pittance." How powerful leaders treat ordinary people says a lot about their values and priorities. Sure, the sequester's no big deal if you're a politician who only cares about donors who write the next campaign check -- instead of your constituents … [Read More...]

An Evening with David P. Gushee

February 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Last week, Evangelical scholar and Christian ethicist David Gushee visited The University of Virginia to give two lectures. I attended the first – “Sacredness of Life,” which received its title from his latest book.  If I recall, the poster advertising his visit said something along these … [Read More...]

The World’s Eyes on NRA Lobbyists

February 12, 2013 By 1 Comment

While efforts to reduce gun violence in the U.S. move forward, the international community is watching closely to see if NRA lobbyists once again seek to derail the Arms Trade Treaty when the U.N. negotiations resume next month. Here's how to talk about the Treaty and hold its opponents … [Read More...]

What’s in Your Portfolio?

January 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Late Saturday morning, I was sitting in my favorite Charlottesville coffee shop with my dad and uncle.  They were in town for a basketball game but we had a few hours to spare so I decided to show them one of my favorite places to work. Just before it was time to head to the arena, I noticed a … [Read More...]

Climate Change, Here and Now

January 23, 2013 By 2 Comments

President Obama vowed action on climate change in his historic inaugural speech warning that "the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations." Here's how to make the case for why and how we can tackle one the most pressing challenges facing humanity.   Lead with … [Read More...]

Gun Violence: Prep Guide

January 16, 2013 By 8 Comments

Core Message: Congress chose to legalize the gun that killed the Newtown children. It’s time to make it right.    Commonly Asked Questions: Q: Would closing the private sales loophole prevent private citizens from selling firearms? A: Yes, gun show loophole legislation allows … [Read More...]

NRA Lobbyists vs. Gun Owners

January 15, 2013 By 2 Comments

Core Message: It has been just over one month since the Newtown elementary school massacre and the NRA continues to use this tragedy as a fundraising tool. Instead of representing law abiding gun owners, the Washington gun lobby is using the Newtown massacre to raise money so they can keep doing … [Read More...]