CRS/USCCB and Sudan

 Catholic Relief Services and United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
                                         Action Item: Peace in Sudan

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9

October 25, 2010
Dear CRS Partners:
Since the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, the leadership of CRS and the USCCB has been asking itself hard questions about the Church in the United States’ role in building peace and promoting justice as we go about organizing needed relief and development activities around the world.   Our faith still calls us to respond generously with food, shelter and medical care when our global neighbors face natural disasters such as the Haiti earthquake and Pakistan floods. But we are also called to raise up our voices for those facing violence and injustice.  As we listen to modern day prophets from the developing world, we are empowered by their example of faith-filled prayer and action. They prove to us that we do not need to watch helplessly as yet another Rwanda filters across our TV sets.
In the weeks remaining before the January 9, 2011 referendum in southern Sudan, we are facing once again a direct challenge to our commitment to be God’s peacemakers on earth.   What will we do this time?
CRS and the USCCB are asking you to mobilize your constituents to support the prophetic voice of the Catholic Church of Sudan as they call for peace in the face of a possible return to civil war in southern Sudan.   Starting on September 21 (the International Day of Peace) and ending on January 1, 2011 (the Church’s World Day of Peace), CRS and the USCCB have organized an urgent initiative  for “Peace in Sudan” (peaceinsudan.org). 
Our goal is to help you mobilize your constituents to do the following: Pray with the people of Sudan; Learn about the referendum and underlying issues; Advocate by sending quick emails to the Administration and Congress; and Give to support CRS’ peacebuilding programs in Sudan.  Please take action today by doing the following three things:

• Go to peaceinsudan.org and watch the 4.5 minute video called “What Would You Do?”
• Scan the “Special Report: Peace in Sudan” and please forward to your constituents.
• Call your CRS regional office to discuss your ideas. If you need information or materials, please call the CRS Call Center: 1-866-608-5978.

On behalf of CRS and the USCCB, we are thankful for all you are doing to support the Haiti and Pakistan emergency response, the upcoming CCHD collection, ongoing Catholics Confront Global Poverty advocacy efforts, and the Peace in Sudan initiative.   We know how much you are doing and are deeply grateful for your hard work.
May God continue to bless you and your ministry,
Joan Rosenhauer,                                              Stephen Colecchi, Director
Executive Vice President, US Operations                Office of International Justice & Peace
Catholic Relief Services                                       U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

P.S.  We have also included ordering information for free Sudan DVDs (same videos as on the website), free Prayer for Peace in Sudan prayer cards, and our new fair trade “What Would You Do?” tee shirt ($20 + shipping and handling).