The online editorial staff comprises Betsy Shirley, Jenna Barnett, Josiah R. Daniels, Mitchell Atencio, Heather Brady, Kierra Bennning, and Zachary Lee.
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Voice of the Day: Howard Zinn
"Truth has a power of its own... A poem can inspire a movement. A pamphlet can spark a revolution. Civil disobedience can arouse people and provoke us to think." - Howard Zinn
Prayer of the Day: A Few Minutes of Silence
Today, spend a few minutes resting in silence with God. Turn the volume down, the electronics off, or find a space where you can be free of distractions to rest, wait, listen.
Transcript: Romney's Liberty University Speech
Mitt Romney on Saturday delivered the commencement speech at Liberty University. The Los Angeles Times has video and the full transcript of the speech.
Read full transcript HERE.
Voice of the Day: Linford Detweiler
Slowly the land reveals itself
To us.
We learn to recognize
The difference between
Killing time
And resting.
- Linford Detweiler
Prayer of the Day: Microfinance
God, we pray for the global systems of microfinance: strengthen these institutions so that people will be able to realize their dreams and put their talents to use. Give wisdom to both those giving and receiving loans so that they may bless each other with their work and resources, alleviating poverty and establishing dignity. Amen.
Verse of the Day: Rich and Poor
"The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord is the maker of them all." - Proverbs 22:2
Sojourners' Statement on President Obama's Endorsement of Same-Sex Marriage
Editor's Note: Yesterday, President Obama announced his personal support for same-sex marriage. Within the Christian community and the nation at large, there are a diversity of opinions regarding human sexuality. While often a divisive issue, Sojourners has released the following statement encouraging respect for equal rights, religious liberty, and civil discourse.
"Sojourners supports equal protection under the law and full legal rights for all people regardless of sexual orientation. We affirm the right of faith communities, congregations, and religious organizations to define marriage in accordance with their own traditions and interpretation of Scripture....
Verse of the Day: Open Your Hands
"If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbor. You should rather open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be." - Deuteronomy 15:7-8
Voice of the Day: Marian Wright Edelman
"Only when enough adults practice and teach children love and respect at home, in schools, religious congregations, and in our political and civic life will racial, gender, and religious intolerance and hate crimes subside in America and the world." - Marian Wright Edelman from Lanterns
Prayer of the Day: Air
Lord God, we pray for the air and the atmosphere around us. We confess that we have not protected it as we ought. Protect your creation from our acid rain, our smog, and our pollution. Give us the determination to clean this air so that all of us -- whether creatures, birds, or people -- may breathe deeply and know that the air we breathe is indeed good. Amen.
TRANSCRIPT: President Obama's ABC News Interview on Same-Sex Marriage
TRANSCRIPT OF PRESIDENT OBAMA'S INTERVIEW WITH ABC NEWS ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, MOTHER'S DAY, ET AL
ROBIN ROBERTS: Mr. President. Thank you for this opportunity to talk to you about-- various issues. And it's been quite a week and it's only Wednesday. (LAUGH)
PRESIDENT OBAMA: That's typical of my week.
ROBIN ROBERTS: I'm sure it is. One of the hot button issues because of things that have been said by members of your administration, same-sex marriage. In fact, your press secretary yesterday said he would leave it to you to discuss your personal views on that. So Mr. President, are you still opposed to same-sex marriage?
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well — you know, I have to tell you, as I've said, I've — I've been going through an evolution on this issue. I've always been adamant that — gay and lesbian-- Americans should be treated fairly and equally. And that's why in addition to everything we've done in this administration, rolling back Don't Ask, Don't Tell — so that — you know, outstanding Americans can serve our country. Whether it's no longer defending the Defense Against Marriage Act, which — tried to federalize — what is historically been state law.
I've stood on the side of broader equality for — the L.G.B.T. community. And I had hesitated on gay marriage — in part, because I thought civil unions would be sufficient. That that was something that would give people hospital visitation rights and — other — elements that we take for granted. And — I was sensitive to the fact that — for a lot of people, you know, the — the word marriage was something that evokes very powerful traditions, religious beliefs, and so f-orth.
In Celebration of Women
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. Here at Sojourners, we’re taking the entire week to celebrate not only mothers, but all women who have made an impact on our lives. For their strength, heroism, charity and wisdom, we honor them.
As a Nation of Immigrants, What Do We Value?
Our friends at the National Immigration Forum started a new campaign today to advocate for Citizenship and Integration grant funding. Last year, Congress cut all funding forthese important programs that help welcome new Americans to our country. The Department of Homeland Security budget does not reflect the biblical commandment to welcome the stranger. We must once again remind congress, budgets are moral documents.
Check out their website to learn more.
Thank-A-Nun Day is Today!
Thank you to everyone who has responded by writing a Thank-You Note. (It's not too late! You can still participate HERE.)
Here is a roundup of some of your kind words so far.
"Thank you for your dedication to the core teachings of Jesus. Your work with "the least among us", often at great personal sacrifice to yourselves, is an inspiration to me and represents the very best of the Catholic Church."
Verse of the Day: 'Everything Has Become New'
"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Voice of the Day: Toni Morrison
"As you enter positions of trust and power, dream a little before you think." - Toni Morrison
Prayer of the Day: Pain and Healing
God of healing, we pray for those who are in pain -- physical or emotional, real or imagined. Lord, only you know the depths of their suffering. You alone know the path to healing and recovery. In your mercy, wipe away their aches and pains, their headaches and heartaches. Amen.
QUIRK: Campaign Ads for Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis
If you thought current political ads are a bit goofy, inaccurate, and accusatory, take a look at the campaign ads for Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis. The Huffington Post reports that the two are set to star in The Campaign, and upcoming film where the two compete head-to-head for a spot in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Verse of the Day: 'The Kingdom of God is Among You'
"Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.'" - Luke 17:20-21
Voice of the Day: John Wesley
“When I have money, I get rid of it quickly, least it find a way into my heart.” - John Wesley