Current Issues
Midterm Election
Please compare the issues and principles in the attached voter guide which comes from Catholic Social Justice Teachings when you examine the policy statements of candidates who are looking for your vote in the midterm election. Also keep in mind the direction statements of the Sisters of St. Joseph which reflect our commitments to a way of life that will bring about love, unity and reconciliation. These provide a reliable guide for putting your discipleship into practice in the voting booth.
The US Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Objects to the Supreme Court Decision Upholding the Administration’s Travel Ban
The U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph is extremely disappointed with the June 26, 2018, United States Supreme Court Decision in Trump vs. Hawaii, commonly referred to as the travel ban. The ban restricts travel from seven countries: Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. We believe that this travel ban intentionally targets Muslims and that the Court’s decision adds to the climate of fear of Muslims and fuels the flames to anti-Muslim sentiment in the country. The travel ban, aimed primarily at Muslims, contradicts the values and principles of the United States
. As Catholic sisters, our mission is one of unity. We are grounded in a loving relationship with God and neighbor. We live the Gospel values and view each person, regardless of their race, religion, or nation of origin as our dear neighbor, whom we love without distinction. We join with the Leadership Conference of Woman Religious (LCWR) and other women religious in the belief that all people are created in God’s image, all are worthy of respect, and all are entitled to the protection of their human rights and religious liberty
We strongly object to President Trump’s continued attempts to use his authority to create policy by fiat, particularly when that policy is used to deny access to our Muslim sisters and brothers because of their religion. Such discrimination violates our deeply held faith beliefs and is inimical to the principles upon which this nation was founded.
LCWR joined other faith-based groups in filing amicus briefs in this case challenging the governmentimposed anti-Muslim discrimination. When religiousbased discrimination is permitted, especially when sanctioned by those at the highest levels of government, the free-exercise of religion by members of all faiths is threatened.
We will stand with the Muslim community and all who are subjected to the deeply troubling discriminatory policies of this administration. We call on Congress to exercise its power to challenge the President’s offensive and dangerous policy and ensure that the rights guaranteed by the Constitution are upheld
US Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph
In response to the Trump Administration’s Travel Ban we ask that everyone take action to let those in charge know we will not stand for the discrimination of our Muslim ‘dear neighbors.’ In addition to sharing our statement, we have some suggestions from Church World Service that you can post on your own social media pages. The U.S. Federation will also be actively posting these on social media, so please feel free to re-tweet or share.
Stop deportations. Stop tearing families apart. Stop attacking immigrants. #NoMuslimBanEver #FamiliesBelongTogether
The June 26, 2018, U.S. Supreme Court ruling is another shameful mark on our history. We cannot accept living in a country that willingly separates families and calls it justice. #NoMuslimBanEver #FamiliesBelongTogetherStop deportations. Stop tearing families apart. Stop attacking immigrants. #NoMuslimBanEver #FamiliesBelongTogethe
Families and loved ones are being ripped away from one another. This isn’t justice, it’s shameful. #NoMuslimBanEver #FamiliesBelongTogether June 26, 2018, Supreme Court decision is another shameful mark on our history. We cannot accept living in a country that willingly separates families and calls it justice. #NoMuslimBanEver #FamiliesBelongTogether
Families shouldn’t be separated. Love ones shouldn’t be banned. No one should live in fear. #NoMuslimBanEver #FamiliesBelongTogether
As the midterm elections approach, these principles may be helpful as you decide for whom you will vote.
Election Principles