Oregon Fellowship of Reconciliation

Date:May 1,2013

Time:7:00PM At: First Unitarian Church/Channing Room

1011 SW 12th Ave. Portland, Or 97205

Contact: Terri Shofner 503-816-4826

Jailed for opposing war, HenryThoreau was asked by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Henry,why are you in there?” To which Thoreau replied, “Waldo,why are you out there?” For generations individuals and groups have been speaking out against war and advocating peace. In two books,Crossing the Line and Doing Time for Peace, Riegle introduces those who have sacrificed personal comfort and even freedom to take a stand against violence and killing. She will talk and answer questions about the books.

The Portland-based Immigration Travel Study Tour delegates arrived in San Ysidro on February 7th beginning an intensive five-day immersion program at Centro Romero Borders Ministries Center.  The group, led by Rev. Daniel Romero and Dr. Carlos Correa, traveled into Mexico on two of these days to observe and meet with local border groups who provide invaluable services to those in need.

They plan to report as a group during the months of March and April to present their observations on current immigration conditions and discuss problems concerning border control, deportation, Maquiladora factories/worker conditions, health and hunger issues, and human trafficking.  Read a report of their travel here.  Please contact Joanie McClellan, for booking schedules, joanmcclel@gmail.com.

Following the tour on Sunday, April 14th in Corvallis at the Corvallis Chapter of OFOR, OliviaPonce' and Sebastian Strickler, the OSU student activists who participated in the FOR delegation, reported on what they learned about the epidemic of gun violence in Mexico and what we might be  able to do about it. You can read Sebastian's full report on the trip here.

By Sebastian Strickler

We were a diverse group of pastors, teachers, students, artists and activists. We came together from different parts of this country, and although we came from different backgrounds we shared a purpose. As we introduced ourselves throughout our time in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez we announced our desire to come to a better understanding of all things related to the border, such as drugs, guns, violence, immigration, asylum, etc., and in what ways we could potentially be involved with an effort toward essential change

While in El Paso we spent our time familiarizing ourselves with border life through tours, presentations, meetings and discussions. We were hosted and cared for by the guests and volunteers at Casa Vides and Annunciation House and received an important perspective from them and from their experiences. While in El Paso we had the opportunity to meet with various individuals in order to gain a more clear understanding of the various issues and varying perspectives that were alive on the border.

We had the opportunity to meet with Susie Byrd, who is a member of the El Paso city council and who has had a strong involvement in many aspects related to the war on drugs as well as the current gun debate throughout our country. Through a meeting and presentation given by an active border patrol agent we received a perspective that confirmed the views we had only really read about before arriving at the border. However, our most intimate moments came through our interactions with the guests at Casa Vides and Annunciation House, and we had the opportunity on a couple of occasions to hear very personal stories filled with struggle, relief and hope.