Photo by Alan M. Dumoff
Sister Diane Guerin, justice coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic community of the Sisters of Mercy, speaks about effective social justice lobbying at Christ Our Light Church, Cherry Hill, on July 27.
CHERRY HILL — At Christ Our Light Church here on Wednesday evening, July 27, an audience of 60 individuals came together in their desire to bring peace and justice to all, and heard a presentation on how they could best communicate their voices to decision-making legislators.
Sister Diane Guerin, justice coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic community of the Sisters of Mercy, led a Powerpoint presentation aimed at how Christians can lobby legislators to press for social change, such as calling for a reform of immigration or abortion policies.
“Lobbying gives us an opportunity to draw on the resources of our faith as we use the opportunities of our democracy to shape a society more respectful of the life, dignity and rights of the human person, especially those who are poor and vulnerable,” Sister Diane told the audience.
Through letter-writing, phone calls, or lobby visits to legislators, she said, voices can be heard.
An effective lobby visit includes a thorough knowledge of the issue being lobbied, a willingness to develop a friendly relationship with the legislator, and a personalized presentation, with others sharing their stories of being affected by current legislation.
The evening was the latest step designed by a cohort of 17 individuals, who earlier this year participated in an eight-session journey called “Crossing Borders,” sponsored by JustFaith Ministries, which explored how Catholics should respond to the plight of their undocumented brothers and sisters in the call for comprehensive immigration reform.
The group is presently working on gathering legal resources for the undocumented, and making them available to parishes. As well, they are currently looking to form a new JustFaith “Crossing Borders” community.
“Our starting point should always be the message and mission of Jesus, as well as our Catholic teaching, particularly our belief in the God-given dignity of every person, from conception to natural death,” said Larry DiPaul, a group member and director of Life and Justice for the Camden Diocese.
“Our starting point, as disciples of Jesus Christ, is never politics, self-interest, or economics, but always what is God’s intent.”
If you or your parish would like to form a “Crossing Borders” community, contact Bob Hurley, Robert.Hurley@wolterskluwer.com; Amy Garcia, amy@garcias.org; or Larry DiPaul, ldipaul@camdendiocese.org
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