The Year in Review
As this year comes to a close, GCORR takes a look at some of the news stories that have given us cause to continue our advocacy for racial equity.
Merry Christmas from GCORR
Merry Christmas from GCORR
A DREAM [Act] Deferred
Last night the House of Representatives made history, voting 216 to 198 to pass the DREAM Act, a bill to give certain undocumented immigrant youth, brought to the United States as children, the chance to earn legal status after completing two years of college or military service. This morning, the Senate voted to table its own version of the DREAM Act, which paves the way for a vote on the House version next week.
Church Lacks Racial Diversity, Officials Say
The United Methodist Church, since its formation in 1968, has aspired to promote racial inclusion and end centuries of segregation that divided black and white churchgoers.
The denomination as a whole has made some strides. In recent decades, church members have elected a greater diversity of bishops, seminaries have enrolled more multiracial student bodies, and general agencies have hired more racial and ethnic minorities. Yet the church still has precious few children who are red, yellow or black. The faces in United Methodist pews remain overwhelmingly white.
Support the DREAM Act--Call Your Senators Today!
The DREAM Act passed the House 216-189 last night. The Senate is expected to vote on the act today. If passed, the DREAM Act would allow undocumented immigrant students to obtain legal status by going to college or joining the armed forces.
Please urge your local clergy and laity to call in NOW to voice your support for this pivotal legislation. It's easy, just call 202-224-3121 and ask to speak to both of your senators.
Rep. Cleaver Named Chair of Congressional Black Caucus
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II was recently elected chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Congressman Cleaver is a United Methodist pastor who served the St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Mo. from 1973 through 2009. Cleaver will serve as the 22nd chair of the influential body during the 40th anniversary year of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Pastor Jailed for Backing Young Immigrants
The Rev. Lorenza Andrade Smith, pastor of Westlawn United Methodist Church, joined a group of students from the University of Texas at San Antonio as they staged a sit-in at the office of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, R.-Texas. Their goal was to get the senator to talk to them about why she has decided not to support the legislation that would allow illegal immigrants who entered the U.S. as children to apply for conditional legal status after attending college or serving in the military for two years.
Stop Using Words that Harm
The General Commission on Religion and Race announced its endorsement of Drop the I-Word, a national public education campaign designed to "stop feeding the hate machine."
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