Urgent: Water Protectors at Standing Rock getting evicted Dec. 5 from Brandon Mauai via Groundswell of Auburn Theological Seminary in New York, New York, United States for Tuesday, 29 November 2016On Dec. 5, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to evict the Water Protectors at the Oceti Sakowin Camp after months of peaceful resistance and escalated police violence.
Over 8,500 clergy, people of faith, and people of conscience have signed our petition asking President Obama to intervene. Will you help us reach 10,000 before we deliver to the White House next week? Add your name and share with your networks.
We'll be in touch soon with details on the delivery, and how you can participate from your hometown.
Faithfully & Prayerfully,
The Rev. Deacon Brandon Mauai
Tell Pres. Obama To Protect The People of Standing Rock.
Add your name to our petition.
As you gather with your families this weekend, don't forget the historical significance of Thanksgiving, and the displaced indigenous peoples, my people, who continue to fight at Standing Rock for your future - it is the moral obligation of communities of faith and conscience to stand with us.
Hau, Mitakuyapi. The Rev. Deacon Brandon Mauai Emačiyapi. Hello, my name is Brandon L. Mauai, a deacon with the Standing Rock Episcopal Community in North Dakota, and an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
In the last few months there have been thousands who have traveled here from around the world to faithfully and prayerfully resist the Dakota Access Pipeline - including over 500 clergy1 - the very pipeline which threatens the health of our communities and the future of the Earth. These gatherings have been peaceful, prayerful, and in solidarity with my people of Standing Rock Nation.
On Sunday night, our peaceful protest was met with an escalation of police violence: Water cannons were used to blast Water Protectors in 25-degree temperatures, and we were sprayed with rubber bullets, stinger grenades, and tear gas. Hundreds were injured Sunday night, and this continues on. Contrary to the local sheriff's statement, that the police are using "less than lethal" forms of weapons, they are life threatening.2
We need relief right now. I'm calling on all people of faith and conscience to pressure President Obama to intervene on our behalf.
President Obama broke his silence on what is happening at Standing Rock only to say he would let it "play out for several weeks"3 - but winter is here in North Dakota, and we cannot afford to wait. In 2014, President Obama visited Standing Rock and made a commitment to do everything he can to support the children and youth on the reservation.4 We're asking President Obama to follow through on his commitment by putting pressure on the Army Corps to deny the pipeline permit, and asking the Dept. of Justice to start an investigation into the excessive use of force against peaceful protectors.
Please add your name to our petition. We'll send you updates on next steps to support our ongoing efforts.
This is about our water and our human rights. It's also about our climate and the future of our global community. I was at the Paris Climate talks last year and know firsthand how important it is to reduce the use of fossil fuels, work towards significant carbon reduction, and increase the use of renewable energy.
As you gather with your families this weekend, don't forget the historical significance of Thanksgiving, and the displaced indigenous peoples, my people, who continue to fight at Standing Rock for your future - it is the moral obligation of communities of faith and conscience to stand with us.
Faithfully & Prayerfully,
The Rev. Deacon Brandon Mauai
1. "At Standing Rock, Over 500 Clergy Answer The Call To Reconcile and Stand Witness." Auburn Voices, Nov. 3, 2016.
2. "Police deploy water hoses, tear gas against Standing Rock protesters." pbs.org, Nov. 21, 2016.
3. "Obama Says Alternative Routes Are Being Reviewed for Dakota Pipeline." New York Times, Nov. 2, 2016.
4. "President Obama Visits Standing Rock Reservation, North Dakota." WhiteHouse.gov, June 16, 2014.
Auburn Theological Seminary
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