Roundup: Occupy, drones, slavery, climate change, Russia

Occupy the Church

Let’s occupy the Church! Let’s lovingly raise these important issues of justice within our congregations. Jesus was no stranger to controversy! Let’s join hands with other people of faith and conscience and fearlessly demonstrate how faithfulness includes social action and boldly proclaim hope for God’s intended, compassionate future.

Australian minister urged to end modern slavery in Thailand

The Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania said in a statement that trafficked and forced labour continue to be major problems in the seafood, fruit and vegetable and garment industries in Thailand.

Drones are corroding our nation’s soul

The drone operators sit at consoles on military bases around the US. They track their targets and when the moment is right, they send the command to fire. And then people die.

Churches join call for tough action on climate change

“We can’t keep burning gas and coal as if climate change doesn’t exist,” said Steve Hucklesby, Public Issues Policy Adviser for the Methodist Church.

Russia steps up attacks on free speech after Pussy Riot protest

A year after the punk band Pussy Riot performed a protest song in Moscow’s main Orthodox cathedral, the situation for freedom of expression is worsening in Russia.