When the Trump administration took office, a 90-day review of programs and projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was issued, immediately halting critical global work and providing a window for the administration to dismantle the agency completely. With the review period coming to an end, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that 83% of USAID programs have been eliminated.The dismantling of USAID and cutting of other foreign aid and peacebuilding programs run by other agencies, like the United States Institute of Peace, is theologically and morally reprehensible and irresponsible. It goes against our values to deprive people of life-saving HIV medications, prevent research that would cure diseases, and feed those who don’t have enough food. These are just a handful of examples of the kind of aid that is provided by USAID around the world. Join us in urging Congress to fund fully operational international development and peacebuilding institutions! While both USAID and USIP have experienced Presidential overreach, only one of these is a government agency. The U.S. Institute of Peace is an independent 501(c)3 that’s only tie to the federal government is that it receives congressional funding in recognition of the importance of peacebuilding efforts globally and U.S. responsibility to being a leader of peacebuilding both at home and abroad. No President has the authority to make decisions about or within USIP.
As a global leader, we are called to use our privilege and resources to help those in need. The United Church of Christ has been receiving updates from partners over the last 90-days whose communities have been impacted by first the freeze and now the cuts. The most immediate impact is being felt in the healthcare sphere with lack of access to various vaccines and HIV/AIDS medications. Agencies such as USAID and the United States Institute of Peace serve an important role not just in peacebuilding but global security. Through this work, our taxes help keep individuals and communities abroad safe, healthy, and secure—in turn making the world a safer place for all of us. The United Church of Christ’s call to build a just world for all requires us to advocate for programs that provide basic humanitarian support for all, including those run by USAID and USIP. Tell the President and Congress that we need fully operational international development and peacebuilding institutions today!
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Begin forwarded message:
From: FADP Staff <info@fadp.org>
Subject: One Week to Save James Ford
Date: February 6, 2025 at 2:00:25 PM EST
Reply-To: info@fadp.org
Dear Rev. Kim, In one week from today, the State of Florida is set to conduct its 107th state-sanctioned murder and execute James “Jimbo” Ford. As we count down to the scheduled execution day, we and our collaborators from across the world are planning several opportunities for you to advocate on behalf of sparing James’ life and against the barbaric practice of execution. See updates and opportunities below! Florida Supreme Court Denies Stay of ExecutionThis week, the Florida Supreme Court issued an order denying James’ request for a stay of execution. Let the Governor Know What You ThinkGovernor DeSantis is the single executive official who can stop this execution. That’s why we need you to send a message to him today urging him to stay this execution. Click here to send a message.Faith Leaders: Use Your VoicesIf you are a faith leader in Florida, you have a line to the governor’s office through his Faith and Community Initiative. You can voice your opposition to the upcoming execution of James Ford by calling the program office at 850-717-9494. Conservatives Speak Out Against Florida’s Death PenaltyDemetrius Minor, National Manager of Conservatives Concerned and a member of Governor DeSantis’ Faith and Community Initiative, has written to the governor urging clemency for James Ford. In his letter, Minor emphasizes that true justice is not found in executions but in accountability that prioritizes fairness and redemption. He calls on the governor to lead with justice and compassion by halting this execution.Attend a Planned Vigil for James FordThis week, Tampa’s abolitionist community gathered to protest the upcoming execution of James Ford. If his execution proceeds next Thursday, advocates across the state are preparing to hold vigils and protests. Join them in person or virtually to recognize James’ humanity. Find information on our website.
Sign and Share Our PetitionOn Thursday, we will be sending your signatures to Governor DeSantis, the Florida Board of Executive Clemency, and other administrative officials. Please continue to sign and share our petition and make your voices heard. Help us reach 4,000 signatures. Every signature, every voice, will be seen and heard, reinforcing our collective call for justice.Thank You for Taking ActionFinally, we would like to thank leading organizations and communities, including Catholic Mobilizing Network, Conservatives Concerned, Death Penalty Focus, Death Penalty Action, members of Allendale United Methodist Church, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, and many others that have been relentless in their advocacy for life and against dehumanization—and we would like to thank many of you for taking action with us!
New opportunity to oppose James D. Ford’s execution
New opportunity to oppose James D. Ford’s execution and to meet FADP Executive Director Maria DeLiberato
Friends,
On Tuesday, February 4, the week before the scheduled execution of James D. Ford, we will gather to urge people to contact Governor DeSantis to stay the execution. We will gather at our usual site at the northwest corner of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street North in mid-Pinellas County from 5:00-6:00 PM.
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FADP Executive Director Maria DeLiberato will join us at the demonstration and afterwards for dinner. When we gather during executions, she is at the Florida State Prison, and she wants to meet the local death penalty abolitionist activist community.
We will have special signs for our demonstration, but feel free to make your own. We will also hold our Thursday, February 13 vigil. Details on that are below.
February 4 is the birthday of Rosa Parks, most famous for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. Before that, she spent the previous decade courageously supporting Black female victims of white sexual violence. Honor her work and legacy by joining us on her birthday.
For more information: sjstew@gte.net or (727) 492-1590, and go to the Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty website for death penalty information, updates on the James Ford execution and other news.
John Stewart
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Here are ways to oppose James Ford’s execution:
• Sign the petitionurging Governor DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency to stay the election of James Ford.
• Contact Governor Ron DeSantis at (850) 488-7146 or by email. Prepare for your call or email with Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP)’s excellent Florida Death Penalty Fact Sheet.
• Join FADP, Allendale United Methodist Church, and other death penalty opponents for a Tampa Bay area vigil from 5:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, February 13 on the northwest corner of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street North in mid-Pinellas County. This is the site of previous vigils, and it is where death penalty opponents have gathered for years. It is at the intersection of two main roads and is near the court and jail complex. Park in the vacant lot behind Checkers. We will provide signs, or you can bring your own. If the execution is stayed, the vigil will be cancelled. For more information: sjstew@gte.net or (727) 492-1590.
• Please include this information in emails, on Facebook, in newsletters and church bulletins, etc. A summary of the information for copying and pasting is at the end of this email.
Check the FADP website for information and updates. We will send email updates as the execution approaches.
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SUMMARY OF INFORMATION:
Oppose the execution of James Ford on Thursday, February 13 by contacting Governor Ron DeSantisat (850) 488-7146 or by email at flgov.com/eog/contact. For more information and a petition, go to the Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty website (fadp.org). Join FADP and other death penalty opponents at a vigil from 5:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, February 13 on the northwest corner of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street North in mid-Pinellas County. FADP will provide signs. If the execution is stayed, the vigil will be cancelled. For more information: sjstew@gte.net or (727) 492-1590.
One City Chorus: The Music of the Beatles
One City Chorus presents Imagine: the Music of The Beatles
Sunday, February 16 at 4:00 PMThe Palladium Theater253 Fifth Avenue North,
St. PetersburgTickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door
https://palatspc.na.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/18156St. Petersburg’s famed community chorus, One City Chorus, will present their annual concert at The Palladium Theater on February 16th at 4 PM. Known for singing songs with universal themes of social justice, peace, and equality, the 90-voice chorus will present a full-length program featuring songs like “Revolution”, “Gimme Some Truth”, “Give Peace a Chance”, Blackbird” and “Imagine” – as well as two classical pieces written by Paul McCartney after the breakup of The Beatles. The audience will also be invited to join in the fun, singing a couple of medleys with the chorus.The popular chorus was started in 2016 by conductor Jon Arterton and his husband, the chorus’ administrator James Mack. It began with the belief that singing in a group builds community and leads to better understanding among people – that in the process of singing together, people form friendships with people of differing races, cultures and creeds that they might not otherwise come to know, and that these friendships change the world. Their performances have been described as “joyous, uplifting and beautifully sung” by Creative Loafing. Their audiences agree – their concerts are marked by standing ovations! www.OneCityChorus.org A Change is Gonna Come. This season will be the last for the chorus’ co-founders, Jon Arterton and James Mack. They will be moving to western North Carolina in early May. They will be greatly missed. The chorus will soon be announcing new leadership to carry the group forward into the future.
UCC GMP calls for peace after assassination attempt on former President Trump
A Pastoral Letter The United Church of Christ strongly condemns the violence directed against former President Donald Trump. Political violence has never been a solution to differing political beliefs and ideologies. As more details emerge regarding the shooting at the political rally for President Trump, we are horrified at the events which unfolded before us. With the former president injured and two dead including the gunman, we mourn this moment where violence is on display in the public square within our political arena. Today, I join with other voices calling for peace in our political process. This violence is a threat to the democracy we value in this country. As people of faith, we have the opportunity to be a part of civil discourse as we move through this time leading to another presidential election. A commitment to peace must be a priority in the days to come. More information will emerge and regardless of that information, peace is possible. We can commit to ensuring peace and civility among us. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27 God, in your mercy, hear our prayer. O God, we are shocked and appalled at the attempted shooting of former President Trump. We pray for his recovery and pray for the families of those who died as a result of this act of violence. May those who lost loved ones know the comfort of your embrace. Send your healing spirit upon those whose lives are affected by violence globally. Let there be peace among your people, O God, a deep and abiding peace which brings an end to the glorification of violence and ushers in a just world as you intend for all. Amen. Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia ThompsonGeneral Minister & President/CEOUnited Church of Christ
Lakewood United Church of Christ 