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House Resolution 822
SUPPORT CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING PEACEMAKERS IN COLOMBIA
The U.S. House of Representatives introduced a resolution this week to recognizing
the work of peacemakers in Colombia. While these Peace Sanctuary Churches and
other Colombian local peace initiatives have achieved astonishing successes
in building peace, little is known about their experiences outside the local
areas where they take place. Through partnership with communities of faith in
the United States and Colombia, local groups are actively engaging public opinion
in an attempt to recognize and further support the achievements of these local
peace initiatives. Through their encouragement of peace and development oriented
programs and initiatives, they are sharing the good news that peace is truly
possible in Colombia.
Interpreting U.S. citizens' interest and support for Colombia local peace-building initiatives, Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN) has taken a principled stand with those whose faith calls them to be peacemakers in the midst of horrible conflict. She introduced a Sense of the House Resolution (H.RES.822) promoting local peace building efforts in Colombia and recognizing the courageous efforts of Colombian civil society and churches to establish peace communities, advance non-violent conflict resolution, and advocate for human dignity. By passing the McCollum Resolution on Colombia, the U.S. Congress will send a clear message to the Colombian government that we support the work and safety of local peace churches and civil society organizations.
There are currently 13 cosigners: 1) Rep. James Oberstar; 2) Rep. Martin Olav Sabo; 3) Rep. James McGovern; 4) Rep. Donald Payne; 5) Rep. James Moran; 6) Rep. Barbara Lee; 7) Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee; 8) Rep. Cynthia McKinney; 9) Rep. Neil Abercrombie; 10) Rep. Rond Kind; 11) Rep. Gregory Meeks; 12) Rep. Sherrod Brown;13) Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. We need 10 more co-sponsors to get the resolution considered in the agenda by the Western Hemisphere Sub-Committee in the House.
Please,
urge members of the House of Representatives to join with citizens across the
nation in solidarity with Colombian local peace-building efforts by co-sponsoring
the Sense of the House Resolution H. RES 822.
Carta
de la Vigilia en Bogotá: Letter to the U.S. Congress from Colombian
communities of faith
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