Faith in the Public Square

Catholic Charities has released its food distribution schedule for the month of April which can be  downloaded here  or found below. Please note the varying start times for all April dates.    Volunteers are needed  to assist in the packaging and distribution of food. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 8:15 am for morning distributions. These food distributions, or “drive-thru pantries,” are a part of Catholic Charities’ mobile outreach initiative, CC MOVE, an effort to provide supplemental food in areas with limited access to services at time when many are struggling. Food items provided by the Regional Food Bank will be pre-packaged by volunteers from partnering organizations. Distributions are open to the public and no pre-registration is required. There will be two distribution lines: a drive-through line and a walk-in line. Due to traffic concerns, guests are asked to not to arrive prior to the start time. April 1  Italian Community Center ,   1450 5th Avenue, Troy Start time:  9:3

Some issues are more exciting than others; they strike our  imagination and call us to action. Other issues are more esoteric and challenging. Special Drawing  Rights are in that latter category, but they are nonetheless important. This story begins with  Jubilee USA , a coalition of religious, development and advocacy groups that has won more than $130 billion in debt relief for the world’s poorest economies. Because of those global agreements, the group reports, that $130 billion is invested in schools, hospitals and other social infrastructure. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, 54 million kids have gone to‎ school who never would have seen the inside of a classroom. Earlier this month, the group organized a meeting of high-ranking religious and labor leaders with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to discuss the global COVID response, climate, Puerto Rico, inequality, development aid, debt relief, emergency reserve funds (Special Drawing Rights or SDRs) and tax, transparency and bankruptc

People of faith have not been silent in the face of our nation’s gun violence. They have supported reasonable gun laws for many years and now, in the light of recent shootings, their words continue to guide us. The National Council of Churches issued a statement this week that read, in part: The unchecked gun violence in this nation must end. In 1967, the NCC adopted a statement calling for Firearms Control while proclaiming at the time that it represented “a long overdue measure which might have prevented much tragic loss of life.”   Over 50 years later, these basic common-sense changes to our gun laws still have not been enacted and they are far beyond overdue.                . . . “I stand firmly with the vast majority of Americans who are demanding an end to gun violence and the passage of legislation that requires greater screening, longer waiting periods for background checks, and the elimination of rapid fire guns,” stated Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, General Minister and President

The Capital Area Council of Churches and the League of Women Voters are looking to reduce polarization in our nation by hosting a virtual documentary screening of “Braver Angels: Reuniting America” on March 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The film follows the actual workshop of a group of “reds” and “blues” who were able to come together to find common ground and to even forge friendships despite initial tensions, apprehensions, and differing views. Following the 50-minute film, there will be breakout rooms "to facilitate discussions on the issue and potential ways to implement the principles of constructive communication in order to forge positive actions both politically and socially." To register, go here .

There will be a global day of action to protect the planet on Thursday, March 11, with at least two events available for local residents. The aim of the events is to show that faith communities are united in calling for climate justice. The theme is "Sacred People, Sacred Earth." An   interfaith walk scheduled for 11 a.m. at the state Capitol. Participants are asked to wear masks and social distance.  Sponsors are   Greenfaith ,   NY Renews , and the   Capital Region Interfaith Cre ation Care Coalition .  At 5:30 p.m., people will join Schenectady Clergy Against Hate at Riverside Park to pray for climate justice. "The event will include local faith leaders and activists as well as young people who will be disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. Social distancing and masks will be required and there will be a virtual component for those who do not feel comfortable gathering in-person."  Participants  are asked to bring signs. First Reformed Church of Schen