Greetings WAC Community,
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:17-18
Help us, as people of faith in Wyoming, be heard that we stand with the refugees who have gone through hardships, long waits and extensive screening to come to America from around the world to escape religious persecution.
WAC is working with members of the Cheyenne Interfaith Council and others for full page ads in the Casper Star Tribune and Cheyenne Tribune Eagle.
The ad will reflect Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, American Baptist, Disciples of Christ, Episcopalian, Evangelical Lutherans of America, Friends (Quakers), Presbyterians (USA), United Church of Christ, United Methodist and other peoples of faith positions to express our unity supporting refugees of ALL faiths . We have raised 90% of the funds needed. Help us raise the balance with a donation of $10, $20 or whatever you can contribute at this time. Please donate by Tuesday by 9 a.m. (On the donation page, you can checkmark “I would like to designate this donation to a specific fund” and select “Stand with Refugees” fund.)
A message from Dr. Mohamed Salih in follow-up to the service last Friday at noon at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne with about 300 attending:
Brothers and Sisters:
On behalf of the Muslims in Cheyenne, I want to sincerely thank you for helping to putting together the service supporting Muslins. It was heartwarming to receive your solidarity with Muslims who are saddened, hurt and some in fear of what is to befall them . . . Your love and compassion help sustain us. May God bless all of you, your congregations and your families.
Jazakum Allah Kharian (may God shower his blessing on you),
Mo
Good news from the Capitol:
All efforts to transfer federal public lands to the state this legislative session in Wyoming are dead!
The two proposals supported by the tribes and the Wind River Native Advocacy Center have passed the House and are now in the Senate for consideration:
HJ 8 – A resolution for federal responsibility for American Indian health care passed with 58 ayes, one no and one excused.
HB 76 – American Indian education program to include Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho history, contributions and culture in the curriculum in our public schools passed with 49 ayes and 11 noes.
Not so good:
HB 240 to repeal Wyoming’s death penalty was not heard by the deadline.
SF 153 on employment nondiscrimination, while it passed the Senate Minerals Committee 4 to 1, failed on the floor 13 to 17 with some senators who voted for a stronger bill two years ago that later failed in the House, opposed this one, which came as a surprise to the bill’s sponsors. May their hearts be softened to hear and understand the pain caused by discrimination!
The proposed budget from the Joint Appropriation Committee goes to the floor of the House and Senate this coming week with severe cuts. Especially hard hit are prevention programs.
Four weeks down and four to go in Cheyenne!
Fear not. Be bold. Do justice.
Blessings,
Chesie
P.S. The Wyoming Association of Churches appreciates your many financial gifts for our justice work in Wyoming for the oppressed. Click here. Or mail your contribution to WAC, PO Box 1473, Laramie, WY 82073.
Dates to Remember:
Crow Pipe Ceremony, June 16, Heart Mountain, near Cody
Ecumenical Advocacy Days in DC, April 21-24
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