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Three Priorities for Darfur

by John Prendergast 03-24-2009 | 12:30pm
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I have a confession to make. In the ninth year of the 21st century, and on my own 46th birthday, I may be the last activist left in America that has never penned a blog. So here it is, my maiden voyage. And I am only writing this because Jim Wallis asked me to, after we did a press conference together in the Capitol Building this past week. Ever since I met Jim 20 years ago in a northeast D.C. gym, I would follow him anywhere, even into the world of blogging.

Today I'm writing to implore you to stand up in support of the people of Darfur. Now, more than ever, with the expulsion of 13 aid agencies, they need our voices. President Obama is overwhelmed by a multitude of crises, so he and the new Congress need to hear from us that Sudan is a priority too. President Obama appointed a Special Envoy this past week, which is a great first step. Now his administration needs to turn its attention to three policy priorities: feeding the hungry, demanding justice, and supporting peace.

Ultimately, America can play a huge role in ending the violence in Sudan by quarterbacking a peace deal for Darfur and ensuring the implementation of an existing peace agreement for Southern Sudan. At the same time, we must work with other nations to ensure that all Darfuri citizens have unfettered access to aid. Quietly, the U.S. should work in support of the end of the bloody 20-year-reign of President Omer al-Bashir, who is now the subject of an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.

These objectives can be reached if Christians all over this country assume our responsibility of being our brothers' and sisters' keepers and raise our voices for our brothers and sisters in Sudan. We need to let President Obama and the new Congress know that as voters, this issue matters to us, and we don't want to see more words without real action. Genocide is a unique crime against humanity. It demands our urgent attention and action. Write to President Obama and your senators and tell them to do all they can to end the genocide in Sudan now. Be the upstander that our faith urges us to be.

John Prendergast is co-founder of the Enough Project and co-author with Don Cheadle of the book Not on Our Watch. See the Christian Companion to Not on Our Watch at www.enoughproject.org.

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by: Snug

08-13-2011 @ 2:43pm

Both...

[

by: swing sets

09-16-2009 @ 5:21am

I am a regular reader of your blog and no wonder this one also made me aware of the current affairs or, specifically, made me conscious. The three priorities you mentioned, I am thinking on those. We need to think, I realized recently. Why following without thinking?

by: Snug

08-13-2011 @ 2:43pm

Both...

[

by: portal development

09-28-2009 @ 11:23am

I have a confession to make. In the ninth year of the 21st century, and on my own 46th birthday, I may be the last activist left in America that has never penned a blog. So here it is, my maiden voyage. And I am only writing this because Jim Wallis asked me to, after we did a press conference together in the Capitol Building this past week. Ever since I met Jim 20 years ago in a northeast D.C. gym, I would follow him anywhere, even into the world of blogging.

by: portal development

09-28-2009 @ 1:23pm

I have a confession to make. In the ninth year of the 21st century, and on my own 46th birthday, I may be the last activist left in America that has never penned a blog. So here it is, my maiden voyage. And I am only writing this because Jim Wallis asked me to, after we did a press conference together in the Capitol Building this past week. Ever since I met Jim 20 years ago in a northeast D.C. gym, I would follow him anywhere, even into the world of blogging.

by: portal development

09-28-2009 @ 11:23am

I have a confession to make. In the ninth year of the 21st century, and on my own 46th birthday, I may be the last activist left in America that has never penned a blog. So here it is, my maiden voyage. And I am only writing this because Jim Wallis asked me to, after we did a press conference together in the Capitol Building this past week. Ever since I met Jim 20 years ago in a northeast D.C. gym, I would follow him anywhere, even into the world of blogging.

by: Hide

08-02-2011 @ 6:04pm

Cure...

[

by: dangriffin

04-03-2009 @ 6:22pm

Thank you for highlighting this urgent crisis - a slow motion tragedy is now picking up speed.

John, Happy Birthday! and welcome to blogging. I can't wait for the twitter. For now, I'll be a decider to be an upstander.

I can't think of a more appropriate time or theme for Christians to reflect upon the crisis unfolding before us - Sudan's own Way of the Cross.

by: Witer

08-04-2011 @ 6:33pm

Rust...

[

by: Ran

07-31-2011 @ 10:49pm

Ally...

[

by: dangriffin

04-03-2009 @ 6:22pm

Thank you for highlighting this urgent crisis - a slow motion tragedy is now picking up speed.

John, Happy Birthday! and welcome to blogging. I can't wait for the twitter. For now, I'll be a decider to be an upstander.

I can't think of a more appropriate time or theme for Christians to reflect upon the crisis unfolding before us - Sudan's own Way of the Cross.

by: portal development

09-28-2009 @ 1:23pm

I have a confession to make. In the ninth year of the 21st century, and on my own 46th birthday, I may be the last activist left in America that has never penned a blog. So here it is, my maiden voyage. And I am only writing this because Jim Wallis asked me to, after we did a press conference together in the Capitol Building this past week. Ever since I met Jim 20 years ago in a northeast D.C. gym, I would follow him anywhere, even into the world of blogging.

by: Ben

07-30-2011 @ 12:04am

Chin...

[

by: Elsa

03-25-2009 @ 12:47am

Here, here!

From the BBC: MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE IN DARFUR WILL GO WITHOUT FOOD RATIONS BY MAY unless new aid agencies are deployed, a joint Sudanese-UN assessment says.

It also says there could be MAJOR WATER SHORTAGES WITHIN TWO WEEKS.

How can we not help?

Happy Birthday, John!

by: Elsa

03-25-2009 @ 12:47am

Here, here!

From the BBC: MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE IN DARFUR WILL GO WITHOUT FOOD RATIONS BY MAY unless new aid agencies are deployed, a joint Sudanese-UN assessment says.

It also says there could be MAJOR WATER SHORTAGES WITHIN TWO WEEKS.

How can we not help?

Happy Birthday, John!

by: aprilstar

04-11-2009 @ 12:30am

Wow JP doing a blog! lol its about time you cant fly to every school or country & reach as many people easily... I know you must not like this stuff but you have many fans in cyberspace & one here in San Diego for sure!

Without your encouraging words last year I may not have had the courage to go to Uganda... I did & alone... People thought I was crazy & I would tell them I have faith I know this is the right thing & I was safe well cared for by Pastor Issac & his family... as a result there are over 2,000 kids that will get their water from a well on the orphanage grounds (currently they were hiking into the bush/very unsafe) I say this to anyone reading Im no one! Im just a mom an artist & because of my own faith know God wants me to act on behalf of these beautiful people... FYI I may have gotten them a well but its Pastor Issac & his family that may have given me my life back... There are NO greater Christians than the ones you meet in Africa!

Have faith & take action !

by: dmshalom

04-24-2009 @ 2:38pm

Happy birthday JP.

I always enjoy reading your articles, and I am encouraged.
feeding the hungry, demanding justice, and supporting peace- This is a calling that the American church has, or is taking seriously, and it is to be applauded.
It is humbling for Africans who are in the US, to see the work that activists like you are doing on behalf of our continent. I just hope that we, as Africans also heed the call, and fight for our people

by: swing sets

09-16-2009 @ 5:21am

I am a regular reader of your blog and no wonder this one also made me aware of the current affairs or, specifically, made me conscious. The three priorities you mentioned, I am thinking on those. We need to think, I realized recently. Why following without thinking?

by: nissan juke price

07-19-2011 @ 4:25am

nissan z350...

Awesome post, I've linked back to your blog here http://www.vwsuv.net/sites-we-like/ return the favor if you can, thanks!...

by: aprilstar

04-11-2009 @ 12:30am

Wow JP doing a blog! lol its about time you cant fly to every school or country & reach as many people easily... I know you must not like this stuff but you have many fans in cyberspace & one here in San Diego for sure!

Without your encouraging words last year I may not have had the courage to go to Uganda... I did & alone... People thought I was crazy & I would tell them I have faith I know this is the right thing & I was safe well cared for by Pastor Issac & his family... as a result there are over 2,000 kids that will get their water from a well on the orphanage grounds (currently they were hiking into the bush/very unsafe) I say this to anyone reading Im no one! Im just a mom an artist & because of my own faith know God wants me to act on behalf of these beautiful people... FYI I may have gotten them a well but its Pastor Issac & his family that may have given me my life back... There are NO greater Christians than the ones you meet in Africa!

Have faith & take action !

by: dmshalom

04-24-2009 @ 2:38pm

Happy birthday JP.

I always enjoy reading your articles, and I am encouraged.
feeding the hungry, demanding justice, and supporting peace- This is a calling that the American church has, or is taking seriously, and it is to be applauded.
It is humbling for Africans who are in the US, to see the work that activists like you are doing on behalf of our continent. I just hope that we, as Africans also heed the call, and fight for our people

Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: Elsa

03-25-2009 @ 12:47am

Here, here!

From the BBC: MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE IN DARFUR WILL GO WITHOUT FOOD RATIONS BY MAY unless new aid agencies are deployed, a joint Sudanese-UN assessment says.

It also says there could be MAJOR WATER SHORTAGES WITHIN TWO WEEKS.

How can we not help?

Happy Birthday, John!

by: Elsa

03-25-2009 @ 12:47am

Here, here!

From the BBC: MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE IN DARFUR WILL GO WITHOUT FOOD RATIONS BY MAY unless new aid agencies are deployed, a joint Sudanese-UN assessment says.

It also says there could be MAJOR WATER SHORTAGES WITHIN TWO WEEKS.

How can we not help?

Happy Birthday, John!

by: dangriffin

04-03-2009 @ 6:22pm

Thank you for highlighting this urgent crisis - a slow motion tragedy is now picking up speed.

John, Happy Birthday! and welcome to blogging. I can't wait for the twitter. For now, I'll be a decider to be an upstander.

I can't think of a more appropriate time or theme for Christians to reflect upon the crisis unfolding before us - Sudan's own Way of the Cross.

by: dangriffin

04-03-2009 @ 6:22pm

Thank you for highlighting this urgent crisis - a slow motion tragedy is now picking up speed.

John, Happy Birthday! and welcome to blogging. I can't wait for the twitter. For now, I'll be a decider to be an upstander.

I can't think of a more appropriate time or theme for Christians to reflect upon the crisis unfolding before us - Sudan's own Way of the Cross.

by: aprilstar

04-11-2009 @ 12:30am

Wow JP doing a blog! lol its about time you cant fly to every school or country & reach as many people easily... I know you must not like this stuff but you have many fans in cyberspace & one here in San Diego for sure!

Without your encouraging words last year I may not have had the courage to go to Uganda... I did & alone... People thought I was crazy & I would tell them I have faith I know this is the right thing & I was safe well cared for by Pastor Issac & his family... as a result there are over 2,000 kids that will get their water from a well on the orphanage grounds (currently they were hiking into the bush/very unsafe) I say this to anyone reading Im no one! Im just a mom an artist & because of my own faith know God wants me to act on behalf of these beautiful people... FYI I may have gotten them a well but its Pastor Issac & his family that may have given me my life back... There are NO greater Christians than the ones you meet in Africa!

Have faith & take action !

by: aprilstar

04-11-2009 @ 12:30am

Wow JP doing a blog! lol its about time you cant fly to every school or country & reach as many people easily... I know you must not like this stuff but you have many fans in cyberspace & one here in San Diego for sure!

Without your encouraging words last year I may not have had the courage to go to Uganda... I did & alone... People thought I was crazy & I would tell them I have faith I know this is the right thing & I was safe well cared for by Pastor Issac & his family... as a result there are over 2,000 kids that will get their water from a well on the orphanage grounds (currently they were hiking into the bush/very unsafe) I say this to anyone reading Im no one! Im just a mom an artist & because of my own faith know God wants me to act on behalf of these beautiful people... FYI I may have gotten them a well but its Pastor Issac & his family that may have given me my life back... There are NO greater Christians than the ones you meet in Africa!

Have faith & take action !

by: dmshalom

04-24-2009 @ 2:38pm

Happy birthday JP.

I always enjoy reading your articles, and I am encouraged.
feeding the hungry, demanding justice, and supporting peace- This is a calling that the American church has, or is taking seriously, and it is to be applauded.
It is humbling for Africans who are in the US, to see the work that activists like you are doing on behalf of our continent. I just hope that we, as Africans also heed the call, and fight for our people

by: dmshalom

04-24-2009 @ 2:38pm

Happy birthday JP.

I always enjoy reading your articles, and I am encouraged.
feeding the hungry, demanding justice, and supporting peace- This is a calling that the American church has, or is taking seriously, and it is to be applauded.
It is humbling for Africans who are in the US, to see the work that activists like you are doing on behalf of our continent. I just hope that we, as Africans also heed the call, and fight for our people

by: swing sets

09-16-2009 @ 5:21am

I am a regular reader of your blog and no wonder this one also made me aware of the current affairs or, specifically, made me conscious. The three priorities you mentioned, I am thinking on those. We need to think, I realized recently. Why following without thinking?

by: portal development

09-28-2009 @ 11:23am

I have a confession to make. In the ninth year of the 21st century, and on my own 46th birthday, I may be the last activist left in America that has never penned a blog. So here it is, my maiden voyage. And I am only writing this because Jim Wallis asked me to, after we did a press conference together in the Capitol Building this past week. Ever since I met Jim 20 years ago in a northeast D.C. gym, I would follow him anywhere, even into the world of blogging.

by: portal development

09-28-2009 @ 11:23am

I have a confession to make. In the ninth year of the 21st century, and on my own 46th birthday, I may be the last activist left in America that has never penned a blog. So here it is, my maiden voyage. And I am only writing this because Jim Wallis asked me to, after we did a press conference together in the Capitol Building this past week. Ever since I met Jim 20 years ago in a northeast D.C. gym, I would follow him anywhere, even into the world of blogging.

by: portal development

09-28-2009 @ 1:23pm

I have a confession to make. In the ninth year of the 21st century, and on my own 46th birthday, I may be the last activist left in America that has never penned a blog. So here it is, my maiden voyage. And I am only writing this because Jim Wallis asked me to, after we did a press conference together in the Capitol Building this past week. Ever since I met Jim 20 years ago in a northeast D.C. gym, I would follow him anywhere, even into the world of blogging.

by: portal development

09-28-2009 @ 1:23pm

I have a confession to make. In the ninth year of the 21st century, and on my own 46th birthday, I may be the last activist left in America that has never penned a blog. So here it is, my maiden voyage. And I am only writing this because Jim Wallis asked me to, after we did a press conference together in the Capitol Building this past week. Ever since I met Jim 20 years ago in a northeast D.C. gym, I would follow him anywhere, even into the world of blogging.

by: nissan juke price

07-19-2011 @ 4:25am

nissan z350...

Awesome post, I've linked back to your blog here http://www.vwsuv.net/sites-we-like/ return the favor if you can, thanks!...

by: Ben

07-30-2011 @ 12:04am

Chin...

[

by: Ran

07-31-2011 @ 10:49pm

Ally...

[

by: Hide

08-02-2011 @ 6:04pm

Cure...

[

by: Witer

08-04-2011 @ 6:33pm

Rust...

[

by: Snug

08-13-2011 @ 2:43pm

Both...

[

by: swing sets

09-16-2009 @ 5:21am

I am a regular reader of your blog and no wonder this one also made me aware of the current affairs or, specifically, made me conscious. The three priorities you mentioned, I am thinking on those. We need to think, I realized recently. Why following without thinking?

by: Snug

08-13-2011 @ 2:43pm

Both...

[