Religious leaders speak out against US-Colombia FTA

A recent letter to members of Congress, signed by more than 400 religious leaders, begins:

“We, the undersigned, are U.S. and Colombian people of faith, convinced that God calls us to be on the side of the weak, the victims and the poor.  For this reason, as representatives o numerous faith communities and churches, we come to you because we understand that soon you will consider two piece of legislation that would have a significant impact on Colombia—U.S. military and social assistance through Plan Colombia and the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.  We write in the hope that your decisions may build the foundation for dignified life for all and promote the justice and peace that we so desire.”

The letter calls for an end to U.S. military aid and aerial fumigation, for stronger protection of human rights, and for rejection of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement.

You can read the letter at:  http://www.afsc.org/colombia/documents/faithlettertoCongressFINALwithsignatures.pdf

NH Maquiladora Delegation Returns from Mexico

A delegation organized by the NH - American Friends Service Committee has just returned from a 3-day visit with maquiladora workers in northern Mexico, where job creation has been affected by NAFTA and other trade agreements.  The 10-member group, which included Lamarre-Vincent of the New Hampshire Council of Churches, three NH-AFSC staff, labor leaders and students met with employees of U.S.-based multi-nationals, who described the long hours, low pay, and dangerous working conditions they face every day.  Yet they also described impressive organizing for change against great odds.

This delegation was part of Lamarre-Vincent’s sabbatical. He returns from sabbatical in September.

To read his blog and view pictures and videos go to www.David-NHchurches-Bibles.com. 

To find out more and invite Lamarre-Vincent to speak with your organization, contact: David Lamarre-Vincent, David@NHchurches.org.