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Week 1: Introduction to Practical Peacemaking
As members of MWEG, we recognize that peace can feel like an abstract concept. And it’s not merely the absence of violence. Instead, peace is a state of harmony, tranquility, and understanding that requires not only justice and ethics, but also balance, love, and connection. Peace has everything to do with how we feel about each other and how we act in our personal and collective lives. Defining terms We differentiate between conflict and contention because conflict is a normal, ongoing part of our mortality; there is no way to avoid it! Conflict implies that we perceive or actually experience differences that matter to one or more parties. It is…
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What Is the Filibuster?
Prior to a bill being passed into law by the Senate, it is brought up for debate. During the debate, the U.S. Senate rules allow a senator (or a series of senators) to speak for as long as they wish, and on whatever they wish, and the bill cannot be voted on until debate has ended. A senator or senators can, then, speak for an extended period of time with the sole purpose of preventing a vote on the bill and/or refuse to vote to end the debate. This obstructive tactic, known as the filibuster, isn’t part of the Constitution but an inadvertent result of an 1806 rule change. The…
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The U.S. Rejoins the Paris Climate Agreement
On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, in one of his first acts as president, President Biden signed a letter to the United Nations recommitting the U.S. to the Paris climate agreement. The U.S. officially left the Paris agreement in November 2020. The onboarding will take 30 days, with the U.S. officially back in the pact on February 19, 2021. The U.S. remains the only country to have left the Paris agreement. The Paris agreement began in 2015 when 195 nations agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to combat climate change. Climate change is responsible for not only higher air temperatures, but also stronger storms, rising sea levels, drought,…
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Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s Immigration Priorities Statement
A new year and a new presidential administration bring hope for ethical changes to immigration. The last four years both highlighted long-time issues and brought about many new challenges. We are hopeful that the work of MWEG members and many other organizations will lead the way to positive immigration reform. MWEG’s evolution since its inception in 2017 has prepared Shoulder to Shoulder, MWEG’s immigration initiative, to make a tangible difference in the coming year and thereafter. Our priorities for immigration reform are as follows: Change the tone. Reverse the current anti-immigration tone to demonstrate respect, compassion, and dignity for every human being. Support refugees. Increase the presidential determination on refugee…
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Mormon Women for Ethical Government to Speak at 59th Inaugural National Prayer Service
Executive Director for Mormon Women for Ethical Government, Emma Petty Addams, Joins Leaders of Faith-Based Organizations at the First Virtual National Prayer Service WASHINGTON — Mormon Women for Ethical Government is honored to announce that Executive Director Emma Petty Addams will participate in the offering of a liturgical prayer at the 59th annual Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service on Thursday, January 21, at 10 a.m. ET, hosted by the Washington National Cathedral and livestreamed at https://cathedral.org and https://bideninaugural.org/watch. The virtual event will include readings, prayers, and performances from a diverse group of religious and spiritual leaders, musical guests, and leaders of faith-based organizations, like Addams. “One of the missions of MWEG…
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Official Statement from Mormon Women for Ethical Government on Unity and the Second Impeachment of President Trump
Americans are not bound together by race, religion, culture, or even birthright citizenship. Instead, we are unified both under a representative government constrained by rule of law and around a dedication to the preservation of individual rights and freedoms. These principles find their fullest expression in communities of trust built by citizens who understand and observe the responsibilities that accompany those rights. Without this common cause and faith in one another, we descend into moral ambiguity, chaos, and uncertainty. We fear our neighbor and have no common bond. Maintaining the integrity of our unifying ideas should be the highest priority of any principled leader. Events in recent weeks demonstrate the…
