• Georgia Clergy to Secretary Kemp: Confirm Our Votes and Recuse Yourself
    As people of faith and leaders of congregations, we can recount story after story of God acting in human history, often to counteract abuses by governing powers and always to reinforce the sacred voices of the poor, disabled, and disenfranchised. Today we are compelled by our faith and these holy stories to stand in righteous opposition to the systematic disenfranchisement of African-American voters, who represent no less than 70% of the 53,000 voter registrations you are currently holding hostage. These actions are the latest in a documented pattern of attempts by elected officials to suppress the voting power of people of color and economically poor communities. By suppressing these votes, you abuse the power that the voters of Georgia entrusted to you when you were elected and sworn in as secretary of state. Despite the Supreme Court’s recent weakening of the Voting Rights Act, the ability to vote is not only a constitutionally-protected right for citizens of this nation, it is also a sacred act, one that is essential to building and sustaining a righteous and just nation for all people. Any action that erects barriers to the ability of citizens of this nation to participate in our democratic processes is an injustice that offends the people of God. The ideals of democracy require that elections be fair and the process just, not riddled with obstacles reminiscent of the racist and sexist poll taxes and literacy tests of yesteryear. The supposed legality of your actions that does not make them fair or just. Scripture says: “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people” (Isaiah 10).
    90 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Loose The Chains & Faith in Action
  • Clergywomen and Allies Denounce Sexual Assault and Abuse; Oppose Kavenaugh Supreme Court Nomination
    There are times when silence is not only betrayal. It is obscene. We find ourselves in such a moment right now as we watch the unfolding narratives about U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and the deeply disturbing allegations against him. It goes without saying that the past few weeks have been emotionally, spiritually and even physically taxing for many of us in the faith community and in our nation. We have witnessed profiles in courage and profiles in cruelty. We have seen survivors of sexual assault and abuse come forward for the very first time and bravely share unimaginable experiences. Sadly, we have also seen those same survivors be ridiculed and demeaned in shameful ways – most notably by the President of the United States and some evangelical church leaders. We have had enough. We are painfully aware that sexual assault and abuse has not been limited to the larger, secular society. It has been, and continues to be, a problem within the Church, leaving a lasting stain on our souls and our witness. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior from anyone – least of all church leaders, elected officials or by someone nominated to be on the Supreme Court of The United States. We have had enough. While the allegations against Judge Kavanaugh have not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, his behavior and his lack of candor give us great pause. Several U.S. Senators, church leaders and even other women who support Judge Kavanaugh have also shown us how deeply entrenched our society is in misogyny, sexism and rape culture. We. Have. Had. ENOUGH. We are, therefore, calling on all people of faith and conscience to: - Stand up with Survivors of sexual assault and abuse - Contact your U.S. Senators on social media and email (https://www.senate.gov/senators/index.htm) and urge them to vote NO on the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh. - Contact your representatives (https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members) and tell them to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which expired on Sept. 30th . - Register and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6th. We will not just take it. We will not be silent. Our mouths are uncovered. We will make our voices heard and hold those who dismiss, ignore, deride or shame us accountable when we go to the polls. Because, we believe survivors and we have had enough.
    105 of 200 Signatures
    Created by Ebony Grisom
  • Grant Lupe and Abel Cancellation of Removal so they can remain in CO with their 5 citizen children
    Sigue en español My name is Guadalupe Lopez. I was born in Chiapas, Mexico. My parents are Guatemalan. They migrated to Chiapas because of the war in Guatemala. In 1998 I arrived in Colorado with the great American dream. My situation was difficult given that I had to leave my family in Guatemala. My decision to migrate to the US was to economically help my parents and my younger siblings. In my country there is not the luxury of eating well, sometimes we had a plate of food, sometimes not. My hope was to work three years and return to my family in my country. But something happened that impacted my life. Four months after arriving in Colorado my mother got sick and died of cancer. It was very hard and painful. I had to stay more time to help my father economically tu support with the expenses of my younger siblings. In 2000 I met my husband, Abel Bautista. He arrived in Colorado in 1997 from Oaxaca, Mexico. With Abel we have formed a lovely family. We have 5 beautiful children that are US citizens: Kolby 17, Abelito 15, Wendy 13, Kimberlin 12 y Amy 2. Abel has worked hard creating a life here where he supports our family with his own siding business where he employs 4 people. And I am involved in my community: I am on the board of CIRC and I help to coordinate the Not1More table in addition to volunteering in my kids’ schools. Everything was wonderful until September 4, 2012. The state patrol stopped us for going 8 miles over the speed limit. Abel was driving, and they asked for his driver’s license, he showed his consular ID and because he didn’t have a license they arrested him and mi and our friend who was in the car with us. At that time the state patrol was cross-deputized with ICE and they took us from the jail to the GEO detention center in Aurora. Our court hearing was postponed for many years and we are in process of collecting signatures and letter of support to ask our judge to grant us cancelation of deportation in our final hearing. Our goal as parents is to stay in Colorado to support our 5 children in completing high school y that they can fulfill their dreams of having a university degree. _____________ Mi nombre es Guadalupe Lopez. Nací en Chiapas, México. Mis padres son guatemaltecos. Ellos migraron a Chiapas por la guerra en Guatemala. En 1998 llegue a Colorado con el gran sueño americano. Mi situación fue muy difícil ya que tuve que dejar a mi familia en Guatemala. Mi decisión de migrar fue para poder ayudar a mis padres económicamente y a mis hermanos pequeños. En mi país no se puede dar el lujo de comer bien, a veces hay un plato de comida, avises no. Mi esperanza era trabajar tres años y poder regresar con mi familia en mi país. Pero sucedió algo que impacto mi vida. A los cuatro meses de haber llegado a Colorado mi madre se enfermó y murió de cáncer. Para mí fue muy difícil y doloroso. Tuve que quedarme más tiempo para ayudar a mi papa económicamente, para apoyar con los gastos de mis hermanitos. En 2000 conocí a mi esposo, Abel Bautista. El llego a Colorado en 1997 de Oaxaca, México. Con el hemos formado una hermosa familia. Tenemos 5 bellos hijos que son ciudadanos americanos: Kolby 17, Abelito 15, Wendy 13, Kimberlin 12 y Amy 2. Abel ha trabajado duro creando una vida aquí donde aporta a su familia con su propio negocio de siding que da emplea a 4 personas. Y yo me he involucrado en la comunidad. Estoy en la mesa directiva de CIRC y ayudo coordinar la mesa Ni1Mas además de ser voluntario en las escuelas de mis hijos. Todo era hermoso hasta el 4 de septiembre del 2012. Nos paró una patrulla estatal por ir 8 millas más de la velocidad. Abel estaba manejando y le pidieron su licencia. El enseño su matrícula consular y por no tener licencia le arrestaron a él y a mí y nuestro amigo quien estaba en el carro con nosotros. En ese tiempo la patrulla estaba funcionando como ICE, y nos llevaron de la cárcel al centro de detención de GEO en Aurora. Nuestro corte fue postergado por muchos años y estamos en proceso de colectar firmas y cartas de apoyo para pedir al juez que cancela nuestra deportación en nuestro corte final. La meta de nosotros como padres es poder quedar en Colorado para apoyar a nuestros 5 hijos terminar sus estudios y pueden cumplir sus sueños de tener sus títulos universitarios.
    361 of 400 Signatures
    Created by Jordan Garcia
  • Ban Assault Weapons In Oregon
    Lift Every Voice Oregon is organizing faith and student leaders who have joined together to ask the Oregon governor, House and Senate to prohibit the sale of assault weapons and large capacity magazines. No one in Oregon should have to fear gun violence in worship, school, at the mall, or attending a movie. Enough. Learn more at https://www.lifteveryvoiceoregon.com.
    62 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie Picture
  • It is just to investigate allegations against Brett Kavanaugh before final vote
    Without a proper investigation, the Senate Judiciary Commiteeman and the full Senate can not possibly render a just and informed opinion on the standing of Kavanaugh as a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land. Evidence could include witnesses accounts, medical records, and other sources that we can not possibly know of at this time. The Supreme Court renders decisions that impact every aspect of the day to day lives of all Americans. It is unfair to rush an appointment through without deference to collecting the facts that will allow a reasoned vote for or against a person being considered for such a position of power for decades to come. The American people deserve to know that any SCOTUS justice has the highest legal and moral integrity in serving the country in such an impactful way.
    8 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Laura Michaels
  • Tell ICE: Release Etty Tham from detention!
    Etty Tham arrived to New Hampshire in 2000, fleeing persecution in her native Indonesia because of her Christian faith and her Chinese ethnicity. She made every effort to seek asylum in the US but to date has been unable to secure a legal status. For nearly twenty years, she has lived and worked in the Seacoast of New Hampshire, raising her two daughters and serving as a daily caregiver for her two young grandchildren. Etty was detained in May 2018 in a Customs and Border Protection checkpoint in NH, and since that time she has served more than 100 days in immigration detention. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seeks to deport her immediately, but a federal court ruling on September 11 has given her a last-minute and temporary reprieve. Etty's terrible fear of return to Indonesia, the presence of her loved ones here in Dover and Portsmouth, her deteriorating health, and her pending legal petition are compelling reasons for her to be released immediately from immigrant detention and allowed to remain in safety in her New Hampshire home.
    520 of 600 Signatures
    Created by Maggie Fogarty
  • Tell PA's State Legislature and Governor: Let Pennsylvania Drive Forward!
    Driver's licenses help meet basic needs. The right to mobility, to move freely, is inscribed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Many other fundamental needs — to work, to education, and to human dignity — are only accessible via valid identification and adequate transportation. When surveyed, nearly 300 people said that due to lack of a driver's license they have: *Taken work with less pay or fewer hours *Had difficulty renting an apartment/house *Had to give up educational opportunities, a better school or a scholarship *Children are scared of losing parent from driving without a license Our Public Safety The roads and highways are safer when everyone behind the wheel has a license, insurance, and identification. For this reason, police officers and sheriffs around the country are in favor of this right being granted to all people. An unmarked license is necessary to encourage all drivers in Pennsylvania to obtain a license. A marked license would perpetuate the fear many immigrants have of deportation and family separation. Our Economy The ability to legally drive allows immigrants to fully contribute to the local economy. Access to transportation is necessary for the many immigrant workers, business owners, parents, and students in Pennsylvania. Undocumented Pennsylvanians contribute an estimated $139 million in taxes in PA annually. The first year of enacting proposed legislation could see between $2.76 million to $4.14 million in revenue from licensing fees alone, with a possible $2.36 to $3.54 million in subsequent years — a number that far outpaces the cost of implementation. ESPAÑOL Las licencias de conducir ayudan a cubrir necesidades básicas. El derecho a la movilidad, a moverse libremente, esta inscrito en la Declaración Universal de los Derechos Humanos. Muchas otras necesidades fundamentales - trabajar, educación, y la dignidad humana - sólo son accesibles a través de una identificación válida y transporte adecuado. Casi 300 personas al ser encuestadas dijeron que debido a la falta de una licencia de conducir han: *Tomado trabajos con menos paga o menos horas *Tenido dificultad para alquilar un apartamento o casa *Tenido que renunciar a oportunidades de educación, una escuela mejor o una beca *Los niños tienen miedo de ser separados de sus padres por conducir sin licencia Nuestra Seguridad Pública Las calles y autopistas son más seguras 
cuando la persona detrás del timón tiene una licencia, seguro e identificación. Por ésta razón, policías y sheriffs alrededor del país están a favor de que éste derecho le sea otorgado a todas las personas. Las licencias sin marcar son necesarias para animar a todos los que manejan a obtener una. Las licencias marcadas perpetuarían en los inmigrantes el temor a la deportación y la separación familiar. Nuestra Economía Poder conducir legalmente permite a los inmigrantes contribuir a la economía local. El acceso a transporte es necesario para muchos inmigrantes trabajadores, empresarios, padres y estudiantes en Pensilvania. Residentes indocumentados de Pensilvania contribuyen un estimado anual de $139 millones en impuestos estatales. Durante el primer año de la promulgación de la legislación propuesta, ésta podría generar entre $2,760,000 y $4.14 millones solamente en el costo de la licencia, con la posibilidad de $2.36 a $3,54 millones en los años siguientes, -una cifra que supera con creces el costo de la implementación.
    13 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Desi Burnette
  • Stop the Deportation of Oneita, Clive and Suyapa so They can Keep Their Families Together
    Both families are making the hard, but bold decision to enter Sanctuary to protest immoral and unjust immigration policies. They are only two examples of the millions of people who have been affected by the Trump Administration’s extremist anti-immigrant agenda. Separating children from their parents at the border, ending TPS for many countries, increasing enforcement and arrests, and changing asylum rules to exclude victims of domestic violence and gang violence are some of the policies that devastate immigrant communities here in Philadelphia and across the country. It also shows that the Trump Administration separating families does not just happen at the border, but everywhere in the country when people are detained or deported. This is a moral crisis. These two families from the Jamaican and Central American communities stand together to challenge these policies, showing that this is not just a Latinx issue, but one that affects all immigrant communities. In taking Sanctuary, they step into a tradition thousands of years old that confronts immoral and unjust laws. The First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG) was part of the Sanctuary Movement in the 1980s. In September 1984, FUMCOG provided Sanctuary to a Guatemalan couple fleeing persecution and organized to change U.S. policy. Thirty-four years later – almost to the day - they again answer this sacred call in an urgent time. Please support Oneita, Clive, Suyapa and their families by signing and sharing this petition. ¿Por qué es importante esta petición? Estas dos familias han hecho la decisión, a la vez difícil y valiente, de acogerse al Santuario para oponerse a las políticas migratorias inmorales e injustas que los ponen nuevamente en peligro. Como ellos hay millones de personas que han sido afectadas por la actitud extremista que el Presidente Trump ha mostrado en contra de los migrantes. Sus políticas han aterrorizado a las comunidades de emigrantes, tanto en Filadelfia como en el resto del país, entre ellas la separación de padres e hijos menores de edad en la frontera, la cancelación inesperada de los permisos especiales de permanecer en el país otorgados a víctimas de desastres naturales (TPS, o estatus legal temporal), los numerosos arrestos y detenciones que siembran miedo, y los repentinos cambios en la validez de la violencia doméstica o la continua amenaza de las maras (pandillas armadas) en el país de origen como base para reclamar asilo político. Es claro, además, que la separación de las familias no afecta solamente a los nuevos migrantes que llegan a la frontera sur, sino a los que residen en cualquier parte del país. Estamos viviendo una crisis moral. Estas dos familias, pertenecientes a la comunidad jamaiquina y la centroamericana, se han levantado para desafiar estas acciones, demostrando que no importa el país de origen de los migrantes, todos podrian ser rechazados con la misma arbitrariedad. Al acogerse en Santuario, estas familias recurren a una tradición milenaria que confronta leyes inmorales e injustas. La Primera Iglesia Metodista de Germantown (FUMCOG, por sus siglas en inglés), en Filadelfia, fue parte del Movimiento Santuario de la década de 1980. En 1984 le abrieron sus puertas a una familia de Guatemala. Treinta y cuatro años más tarde, casi exactamente en la misma fecha, vuelven a proclamarse Santuario para dos familias, respondiendo a un deber sagrado en un tiempo de enorme urgencia. Por favor apoyen con su firma a Oneita, Clive, Suyapa y sus familias, y compartan esta carta con sus amigos y comunidades.
    3,666 of 4,000 Signatures
    Created by New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia Picture
  • Tell Congress to Stop Violence Against Children and Families
    Dear Senate Leader McConnell, Speaker Ryan, Senate Minority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader Pelosi, We are religious and moral leaders of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. This summer, the Campaign launched the most expansive wave of nonviolent civil disobedience in the 21st century. In more than 40 states and Washington, D.C., thousands of people participated in this season of moral resistance, calling attention to the ongoing War on the Poor. This war, fueled by policies passed and endorsed from the state house to the congress to the White House, is especially violent towards our children. To address this pressing moral failure, we invite you to convene a hearing in September to focus on the policy violence against our children. We refuse to let our faith be used as a justification for policies that harm the most vulnerable in our society. We cannot tear families apart, nor can we jail them together. Children must be released to their families and families must be allowed to proceed through the asylum process outside of a jail cell. We must preserve foundational programs to children’s health and well-being such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). And all children deserve a quality public education free from fear of being pushed out and locked up. Anything less is a modern day form of violence and abuse against children. Our Campaign is made up of mothers in Flint whose children still cannot drink or bathe in clean water; fathers who fear police violence against their young boys; undocumented parents whose children have been taken away from them; indigenous communities whose next generations live and play in contaminated lands; youth who have lived in homes where their heat was turned off during the winter; low-wage workers who have skipped meals to feed their children; homeless teenagers abused by the juvenile justice system; veterans sent off to war that perpetuates violence against school children in countries halfway around the world, while their own families struggle to make ends meet; parents who have lost custody of their children because they could not afford to pay their water bills. These are not just isolated communities and individual stories, according to our research, there are 140 million poor and low-income individuals in this country; 43% of all American children live below the minimum income level necessary to meet basic family needs. There are nearly 14 million families who cannot afford water and at least 4 million families with children who are exposed to high levels of lead. LGBTQ youth represent up to 40% of the homeless youth population. At the US/Mexico border, there are 550 children who are still not reunited with their families. In states across the country, children are being starved and abandoned by pervasive policy decisions that cut vital programs. And around the world, women and children account for 68% of the rising civilian deaths from our wars. The Talmud reminds us “By the breath of children God sustains the world” (Talmud Bavli, Shabbat 119b). “Suffer the little children to come unto me,” Jesus said, warning elsewhere that “if anyone causes one of these little ones who trust me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Like the prophets before him, Jesus insisted that children matter because they bear the image of God. For far too long, cynical political operatives have exploited our faith communities’ concern for children by claiming to be “pro-life” while supporting policies that harm children. From the border to the dining room table, children are being harmed by policies that put them last, placing boulders in their path. The violence perpetrated against children in these times is a moral emergency. We implore Congress to convene a hearing about this violence against our children. Somebody has been hurting our children and it has gone on far too long and we won’t be silent anymore. Sincerely, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II Co-Chair, Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis Co-Chair, Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival Rev. Traci D Blackmon Executive Minister, Justice & Local Church Ministries The United Church of Christ Colin Christopher Director, Office for Interfaith & Community Alliances Islamic Society of North America Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray President, Unitarian Universalist Association Imam Khalid Griggs Imam, Community Mosque of Winston-Salem Vice President, ICNA Civic Engagement and Social Justice Islamic Circle of North America Rev. Jimmie Hawkins Director, Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Public Witness Rev. Teresa Hord Owens General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Bishop W. Darin Moore Chair of the National Council of Churches President of the Board of Bishops of the AME Zion Church Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Rabbi Elyse Wechterman Executive Director, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins National Council of Churches, Truth and Racial Justice Initiative Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove Red Letter Christians Rev. Dr. Anika T. Whitfield Arkansas, Tri-Chair Rev. Eddie Anderson Kait Ziegler California, Tri-Chairs Dr. Chanda Jackson-Short Delaware, Tri-Chair David Borger Germann Iowa, Tri-Chair Rabbi Alana Suskin Maryland, Tri-Chair Krystal Rose Michigan, Tri-Chair Borja Gutiérrez Rev. Ann Keeler Evans Nijmie Zakkiyyah Dzurinko Pennsylvania, Tri-Chairs Rev. Charles H. Rhodes Kerry Taylor South Carolina, Tri-Chairs Martin Hurley Tennessee, Tri-Chair Sherilyn Samuel Texas, Tri-Chair
    6,429 of 7,000 Signatures
    Created by Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival Picture
  • Tell Ford to stand by the Clean Car Standards
    In 2011, Ford Motor Company was part of a historic breakthrough in cooperation on climate solutions when the company supported the Clean Car Standards, which would raise fuel efficiency standards to an average of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. This represents a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to reductions in air pollution. With 24 million Americans—including more than six million children—suffering from asthma, these standards safeguard the health of vulnerable communities. Under the current Administration, Ford began lobbying for a review of the standards, asking for “additional flexibility” in meeting the standards. It is unconscionable for the company to renege on their commitment to cleaner cars now, after the American taxpayers loaned Ford billions of dollars to invest in advanced vehicle manufacturing in 2009. As people of faith, committed to environmental and climate justice, we call on Ford Motor Company to stand by the Clean Car Standards.
    9 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Interfaith Power & Light Picture
  • Keep Carlos Here - Mantenga a Carlos Aquí
    *Follows in English* Hola, mi Nombre es Carlos René Blanco Lovato. Originalmente, soy de San Salvador, El Salvador. Hoy en día, San Salvador es una de las ciudades más violentes en todo el mundo. Vine a los Estados Unidos en 2005. Desde llegar en Colorado, conocí mi esposa, tuvo un bebé y creé una vida. He trabajado en restaurantes por la mayoría de los 13 años pasados. Mi esposa y yo tenemos una visión de abrir nuestro propio restaurante un día. Ya hemos registrado el nombre del restaurante con el estado, pero no podemos seguir con estés planes cuando estoy en riesgo de ser deportado a un país muy violenta. En Enero de 2011, estaba nevando y cuando iba a girar, mi carro se resbaló. Un policía me vio y me parró. No tuvo licencia porque en estos días gente sin documentos, no pudo obtener licencias de manejar en Colorado. Como resulto de no tener licensia, me arrestó. De aqui, ICE escuchó de mi y me puso en procidimiento de deportación con el riesgo de ser deportado a un país en lo cual muchos de mis parientes han sido matados. Ahora, estoy aplicando por un perdón para arreglar mi estado migratorio y quedarme en esta país. No quiero regresar a El Salvador porque mi vida estará en riesgo. Desde 2011, las maras han matado tres de mis familiares, y un cuarto familiar, se suicidó cuando no tenía dinero para pagar "renta" a las pandillas. Tres de estos muertes han pasado en los últimos dos años. No quiero estar separado de mi familia, y si llevo a mi familia sería un riesgo total. Mi hijo, quiene es ciudadano de los EE.UU., tiene seis años y ya está en el primer grado. Le hemos criado en la iglesia Espíritu Santo y Fuego donde somos miembros activos. Más que nada, temo por mi hijo si nos mudamos por El Salvador como es el tercer país más peligroso del mundo. Como no nos conocerían en El Salvador, las maras asumerían que llevamos dinero o propiedades ya que veniríamos de los EE.UU. Seríamos objetivos de estas pandillas. Lo que quieren ellos, lo consiguen. No les importa matar a la gente, como han hecho a tres miembros de mi familia. Además, en El Salvador estaríamos empezando de cero en un país peligroso. Allá, no podemos lograr nuesto visión de abrir un restaurante porque las pandillas extorsionan, cobrando sus famosas "rentas". Mi familia y yo hemos creado una vida en los EE.UU., y queremos quedarnos en este país donde no están en riesgo nuestras vidas. Mientras seguimos peleando por alivia migratorio, necesitamos su ayuda. Por favor, firme esta petición para mostrar su solidaridad con nosotros y su apoyo por nuestro alivio. Le agredezco mucho por su apoyo y compasión. ¡Que Dios le bendiga! ***** Hi, my name is Carlos René Blanco Lovato. Originally, I'm from San Salvador, El Salvador. Today, San Salvador is one of the most violent cities in the whole world. I came to the United States in 2005. Since arriving in Colorado, I met my wife, had a baby and created a life. I have worked in restaurants for the majority of the last 13 years. My wife and I have a dream to open our own restaurant one day. We have even already registered the name of the restaurant with the state, but we can not continue with these plans when I am at risk of being deported to a very violent country. In January of 2011, it was snowing and when I was going to turn, my car slid. A policeman saw me and pulled me over. I did not have a license because in those days people without documents in Colorado could not get Driver's Licenses. As a result of not having a license, I was arrested. This arrest led ICE to find out about me and put me in deportation proceedings with the risk of being deported to a country in which many of my relatives have been killed. Now, I am applying for a pardon to fix my immigration status and stay in this country. I do not want to return to El Salvador because my life will be at risk. Since 2011, the gangs have killed three of my family members, and a fourth family member committed suicide when he did not have money to pay "rent" to the gangs. Three of these deaths have happened in the last two years. I do not want to be separated from my family, and if I take my family it would be a huge risk. My son, who is a citizen of the United States, is six years old and is already in the first grade. We have raised him in the Iglesia Espirítu Santo y Fuego (Holy Spirit and Fire Church) where we are active members. More than anything, I fear for my son if we move to El Salvador as it is the third most dangerous country in the world. Because they do not know us in El Salvador, the gangs would assume that we have money or property since we would be coming from the US. We would be targets of these gangs. What they want, they get it. They do not mind killing people, as they have done to three members of my family. In addition, in El Salvador we would be starting from scratch in a dangerous country. There, we cannot achieve our vision of opening a restaurant because gangs extort, charging their famous "rents". My family and I have created a life in the US, and we want to stay in this country where our lives are not at risk. While we continue fighting for my immigration relief, we need your help. Please sign this petition to show your solidarity with us and your support for our relief. Thank you very much for your support and compassion. God bless you!
    257 of 300 Signatures
    Created by Joshua Stallings
  • Pro-life Evangelicals Call for A Pause in Culture War
    Evangelicals, fueled by the political strategies of the Religious Right, have long eyed the Supreme Court as a battle site in the war to overturn Roe v. Wade. President Trump has chosen Judge Brett Kavanaugh from a list hand-picked by far right-wing organizations, rather than the non-partisan American Bar Association, which had vetted nominees for nearly every president since Dwight D. Eisenhower. Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination poses grave danger to the rights and protections of historically marginalized communities. If the Senate confirms his nomination, his confirmation would entrench a conservative majority, posing an existential threat to the civil rights and protections of people in the only growing segment of the evangelical church: evangelicals of color. Conservative majority rulings have already whittled away voting rights, undermined desegregation, and weakened protections against police brutality. As evangelicals, we say no! Abortion rates for American women are at an historic low but have increased among poor women because economic hardship is the primary driver of abortion. The way to reduce abortion is not by escalating culture wars but by reducing poverty. We now call on all evangelicals to Pledge to Pause the culture war by taking three actions: 1. FAST for God’s discernment after 35 years of a culture war mindset. We recognize that three things happen in war: * There are only allies and enemies, no human beings. * You cannot be wrong in war. You are always right. The other is always wrong. * There is always collateral damage in war. 2. LISTEN to the stories and testimonies of the people of color in the pew right next to us. 3. ACT on our prayerful, informed discernment by calling our Senators to demand they replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy with a moderate independent Justice. Senate switchboard: (202) 224-3121 Download the #PledgetoPause toolkit and start today: https://freedomroad.us/2018/07/pledgetopause/ --- Lisa Sharon Harper is the founder and president of Freedom Road, LLC, the author of several books, including the critically acclaimed, "The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right," and an Auburn Senior Fellow. [1] Supportive statements from evangelical women: https://freedomroad.us/2018/07/evangelical-women-culture-war/ [2] Supportive statements from evangelical men: https://freedomroad.us/2018/07/calltopause/
    332 of 400 Signatures
    Created by Lisa Sharon Harper, Freedom Road, LLC Picture