Protest 2-c.jpg Activist Chris Nelson holds a sign near Beale Air Force Base during a Jan. 29-30 vigil in protest of drones. (Courtesy of Toby Blomé)

Editor's note: Welcome to NCR's Justice Action Bulletin, where every Tuesday we bring you the latest news on active nonviolence in the service of peace and justice. Do you have news you would like to share? Contact Maria Benevento at mbenevento@ncronline.org. WASHINGTON — Parishes, dioceses, and other faith-based groups will have the opportunity to gain advice on how they might launch or strengthen anti-trafficking ministries during a webinar sponsored by U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops/Migration and Refugee Services Feb. 8.

Lisa Lundgren, the event moderator, told NCR in an email that the webinar will focus on "practical tips and guidance" from four parishes or dioceses who will share "the steps they took to move from awareness of trafficking to concrete action." Presenters will include: Deacon Fred Moline, coordinator of Diocese of Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force

Gary Burton and Margie Petrizza, members of the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Triangle, Virginia

Mary Anne Silvestri, leader of the ESTHER Ministry to End Slavery at St. Joseph Parish of Long Beach, California

Karen Prochnow, president of the Human Trafficking Ministry at St. Anne's Parish of Seal Beach, California Presenters will discuss specific activities that had an impact on the four P's of anti-trafficking work — "prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships" — and the moderators will provide resources to attendees, Lundgren said. SANTA ANA, Calif. — In an attempt to stop local governments from shutting down a two-mile-long homeless encampment which houses 800-1,200 people, Orange County Catholic Worker and seven homeless people filed a lawsuit against the governments of Orange County, Anaheim, Costa Mesa and Orange, Newsday reported Jan. 29. The lawsuit alleges that local governments forced people into the area of the encampment, a bike trail along the Santa Ana River, and are now trying to force them out with no alternative housing plan. It seeks to prevent officials from closing the trail, issuing citations for trespassing, and enforcing municipal camping and loitering ordinances.

Advertisement Advertisement