Report of the Commission on Witness Life

Coordinating Counsil, June 6, 2008

Just Peace

We are planning an annual meeting workshop to discuss the meaning of the 2007 vote to become a Just Peace Conference. The intent is to provide some history, nationally and in the Maine Conference; brainstorm with participants as to ideas and visions; and follow up by providing some direction and resources for congregations that want to begin study. Members of the Commission will be joined by one or more members of the Somesville Church as facilitators and presenters.
We would like to advocate to the Council for inclusion of the Somesville Church ’s table on Just Peace even though the application was received late. They have a good selection of materials prepared already and their table would back up our workshop and avoid duplication with what we might put together for our own table, and free up our space for the two issues following.

Torture Awareness Month

We agreed to work with the other five New England Conferences on a joint project centered on the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, which has a June focus. The immediate plan is to encourage individuals and churches to endorse the campaign, using petition forms. Planning is by conference call with Edie Rasell of the national office in Cleveland . We hope to call Maine attention to this issue with table materials and a Speak Out at the annual meeting; and use of ACE and an alert on the Maine JAPNet listing. The NRCAT goal is to have the presidential candidates pledge to end the use of U.S. sponsored torture immediately upon assuming office.

Maine Interfaith Power and Light

Our table will have a display about meipl with the intent of enlisting more individuals and churches to consider the purchase of water and wind electrical power through Bangor Hydro or Central Maine Power.

Request from Maine Council of Churches

The Commission has been asked to lend our resources in opposition to Real ID, joining opposition including the Cato Institute, NRA, ACLU, Common Cause and many churches. Without a June meeting we have not had an opportunity for discussion but the material from MCC has been e-mailed to Commission members for comment.

Seminary Scholarships: all six applicants were approved with equal amounts granted from the funds available in our budget.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanne Davis, Chair