March 2022 Newsletter
Issue #61
War
The world spent $1,981 billion on the military last year -- an increase of 2.6%

This represents about 2% of the world Gross Domestic Product, or $242 for every person on earth.

The 5 biggest military spenders are the United States, China, India, Russia and the United Kingdom -- accounting for 62% of global expenditure. Military spending by China grew for the 26th consecutive year.

There are estimated to be nearly 13,000 nuclear warheads in the world. Russia has 6,257 & the U.S. possesses 5,550, accounting for over 90%. Other countries include:
  • China=350
  • France=290
  • The United Kingdom=225
  • Pakistan=165
  • India=156
  • Israel=90
  • North Korea=40-50

The U.S military expenditure reached an estimated $778 billion, representing an increase of 4.4%. As the world’s largest military spender, the USA accounted for 39% of total military expenditure. This was the 3rd consecutive year of growth in US military spending.



The entire U.S. budget in 2019 was $4.4 trillion.


The cost of the U.S. war in Afghanistan (2001-2019) was $2.15 trillion:
$1.5 trillion -- War effort
$10 billion -- Counter narcotics operation
$87 billion -- Training Afghan police & military
$24 billion -- Afghanistan economic development
$30 billion -- Reconstruction program
$500 billion -- Interest on federal borrowing
                

In addition, the U.S. spent an estimated $5.9 trillion on the "war on terror" through 2019.


It is estimated that the world spends nearly $3 trillion a year on arms, and the U.S. drives the bulk of the globe’s weapons trade — about 79%.


For the past 70 years the United States has been the top supplier of weapons to the world. The U.S. exports more arms than than the next 9 countries combined.


The top arms manufacturers in the world, along with their estimated sales figures are:
  • Lockheed Martin — $47 billion
  • Boeing — $29 billion
  • Northrop Grumman — $26 billion
  • Raytheon — $23 billion
  • General Dynamics — $22 billion
 
It is estimated that the combined arms sales of the top 100 largest arms producing companies amounted to an estimated $315 billion.


Researchers estimate that between 480,000 and 507,000 people were killed in the post-9/11 U.S. wars -- in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. This toll does not include the more than 500,000 deaths from the war in Syria, going on since 2011.


50% of war casualties are civilians caught in the crossfire.

200 million children worldwide live in high-intensity conflict zones.

In 2020, nearly 168 million people needed humanitarian assistance and protection around the world. This represents 1 in about 45 people -- the highest figure in decades. 


86% of humanitarian needs occur in situations of conflict and violence.


Funding for peace building across the world is $6.3 billion or less than .3% of military expenditures.


In 2019, international humanitarian spending was $29.6 billion -- $1.6 billion less than in 2018, as funding from public donors decreased.


84 countries have mandatory military service.
                                      World Population Review


15 nations do not have military forces. Factors include:
  • Size: 7 of the 10 smallest countries of the world
  • Achieved independence in a peaceful manner
  • Agreements with other countries for help
  • Too costly to maintain. Use funds for other purposes
  • Fear of a military coup
  • Possess a strong police force, militarized coast guard or an air defense system
  • Symbol of peace = source of pride


For more on War, click here.
Resources
When We All Vote
A leading national, nonpartisan initiative on a mission to change the culture around voting and to increase participation in each and every election by helping to close the race and age gap. Brings together individuals, institutions, brands, and organizations to register new voters across the country and advance civic education for families and voters of every age to build an informed and engaged electorate for today and generations to come. Empowers supporters and volunteers to take action through voting, advocating for their rights, and holding their elected officials accountable. Learn more.
For more on Voting Rights, click here.
The 100 Thing Challenge:
How I Got Rid of Almost Everything,
Remade My Life, and Regained My Soul
By Dave Bruno. A response to the culture of materialism in America, with the constant and unsatisfactory desire for "more." Offers compelling anecdotes and practical advice to help readers live more meaningfully, simply by casting off the unnecessary "stuff" that clutters their lives. Provides an opportunity to experience the positive changes that occur as one defiantly hops off the treadmill of consumerism. Read more. 
For more Simple Living resources, click here.
Welcoming the Stranger:
Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate
By Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang. Moves beyond the rhetoric to offer a Christian response to immigration by putting a human face on the issue and telling stories of immigrants' experiences in and out of the system. With careful historical understanding and thoughtful policy analysis, debunks myths and misconceptions about immigration and show the limitations of the current immigration system. Ultimately points toward immigration reform that is compassionate, sensible and just, as offers concrete ways to welcome and minister to immigrant neighbors. This edition includes material on refugees and updates in light of changes in political realities. Learn more.
For more on Immigration, click here.
The Line Becomes a River:
Dispatches from the Border
By Francisco Cantú. A memoir by the author -- a Mexican American and grandson of a Mexican immigrant -- that details his experiences working with the Border Patrol in hopes of forming a firsthand understanding of the U.S./Mexico border. A discussion guide is also available. Read more.
For more on Immigration, click here.
What Really Happens to Recycled Glass
A short video that shows exactly how glass can be recycled into other products such as insulation. Watch now.
For more on the Environment, click here.
Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition
 A central hub for all Catholic jail, prison, and detention ministry efforts in the United States. Promotes ministry to all people affected by incarceration. Recruits, trains, supports and empowers those called to this ministry. Strives to create a more just and merciful criminal justice system that upholds the dignity of every human person and advances restorative justice.
For more on the Criminal Justice System,
Paths of Renewed Encounter
A resource from the Catholic Mobilizing Network, that explore the foundational concepts and practical considerations for restorative justice engagement in ministries and communities. Invites participants to embrace healing approaches to crime, harm, and injustice while reflecting on the unique ways that Catholic ministries and teachings can shepherd processes that transform relationships, communities, and systems. Draws on the experience of a wide array of contributors, including Pope Francis’ encyclical, "Fratelli Tutti," and the well-known pastoral cycle for social action. A downloadable .pdf file or a 60-page, coil-bound printed workbook are available at no cost. Learn more.
For more Justice resources, click here.
Voices of the Civil Rights Movement
A resource that honors the legacy and impact of the men and women who championed racial equity in the United States. The project launched in 2013 as “His Dream, Our Stories” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech became a rallying cry for the movement. Since then, Voices of the Civil Rights Movement has grown to more than 18 hours of firsthand accounts, historical moments and stories submitted by the public. It is free to the general public & available across a variety of platforms. Learn more.
For more Public Witness resources, click here.
Foundation for Financial Planning
Helps people in need improve their financial lives by expanding access to pro bono financial planning. Provides financial support, technical assistance, training, and resources to enable nonprofits around the country to develop and sustain pro bono financial planning programs for the people they serve. Working with partners like the Financial Planning Association (FPA), the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board), and others, helps engage and train volunteer advisors on how to participate in these programs, which serve some of the most financially vulnerable members of society, including wounded veterans, domestic violence survivors, struggling single parents, people with cancer, and many more. FFP also packages and shares pro bono program models and free resources to help planners and consumers make the most of their pro bono engagements. Learn more.
For more on Economic Justice, click here.
World Fair Trade Organization
A global community and verifier of 1,000 social enterprises and 1,500 shops that fully practice Fair Trade. Spread across 76 countries, WFTO members exist to serve marginalized communities and must demonstrate putting people and planet first in everything they do. WFTO focuses on both social enterprise and fair trade. Its "Guarantee System" is the only international verification model focused on social enterprises that put the interests of workers, farmers and artisans first. Through peer-reviews and independent audits, WFTO verifies members are mission-led enterprises fully practicing the 10 Principles of Fair Trade across their business and supply chains. Learn more. 
For more Fair Trade resources, click here.
Investor Advocates for Social Justice
Envisions an equitable economy where investors leverage their collective voice and resources to advance social, economic and environmental justice. Advocates on behalf of a community of investors whose faith-based values promote human rights, climate justice, racial equity and the common good. Guided by a commitment to:
  • Activate social justice through investment.
  • Seek collaboration and build relationships.
  • Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Demonstrate respect and accountability.
  • Lead with integrity.
For more Socially Responsible Investing resources, click here.
Reveille for a New Generation:
Organizers and Leaders Reflect on Power
By Greg Pierce. A collection of over 50 stories, essays, letters, poems, sermons, eulogies, and other writings by leaders and organizers. Shows how people in America—from the beginning—figured out how to “fight back” against those who would ignore, abuse, or oppress them and “fight for” their families, their institutions, and their communities. Consists of three main sections: Roots of Organizing, Foundations of Organizing and Future of Organizing. Each entry is accompanied by background information on that writer and three questions for personal reflection or group discussion. Read more.
For more Community Organizing resources,
Congressional Management Foundation
Works with members of Congress and staff to enhance their operations and interactions with constituents. CMF works directly with citizen groups to educate them on how Congress works, giving constituents a stronger voice in policy outcomes. The results are a Congress more accountable, transparent, and effective; and an informed citizenry with greater trust in their democratic institutions. Learn more.
For more Legislative Advocacy resources,
Community Tool Box
A public service of the Center for Community Health and Development at the University of Kansas, the Tool Box is a free, online resource for those working to build healthier communities and bring about social change. It offers thousands of pages of tips and tools for taking action in communities. Includes assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, advocacy, and other aspects of community practice in over 300 educational modules and other tools. Under continuous development since 1994, the Tool Box is widely used in teaching, training, and technical support. Currently available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Farsi. Learn more.
For more Community Organizing resources,
Development Initiatives
A global organization harnessing the power of data and evidence to end poverty, reduce inequality and increase resilience. Currently working on: measuring the progress of the poorest people, counting people and inclusive data, humanitarian assistance and crisis finance, development finance and domestic resources. Learn more.
For more on Poverty, click here.
Prayers
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion
to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
Amen

Archbishop Justin Welby
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
 
Important Dates This Month

Individuals Honored This Month
Exact Date of Death Unknown
No one has ever become poor by giving.
March 2nd
We who say we dwell in Christ, should walk just as he walked.
March 3rd
I believe much trouble would be saved
if we opened our hearts more.
March 5th
The number one cause of atheism is Christians. Those who proclaim Him with their mouths and deny Him with their actions is what an unbelieving world finds unbelievable.
March 13th
Many powerful people don’t want peace because they live off of war.
March 14th
The world is not dangerous because of those who do harm but because of those who look at it without doing anything.
March 24th
A church that doesn’t provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, a word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed – what gospel is that?
March 31st
History will judge societies and governments and their institutions not by how big they are or how well they serve the rich and powerful but how effectively they respond to the needs of the poor and the helpless.
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To learn more, click here.
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