FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 2, 2008

CONTACT:
STEPHANIE NIEDRINGHAUS, 202-347-9797 x224, sniedringhaus@networklobby.org

NETWORK Outreach to Both Political Parties

NETWORK Invited to Democratic Convention; Also Reaching Out to Republican Party

Washington , DC: NETWORK's Simone Campbell, SSS, and Catherine Pinkerton, CSJ, spoke at last week’s Democratic National Convention, where they also distributed copies of the Platform for the Common Good. Sister Catherine Pinkerton (photo above) delivered the closing benediction on Wednesday night. (A video of the prayer can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKsCRlWo114 and the text of her prayer appears at the end of this release.) Sister Simone Campbell delivered a closing reflection at the unity prayer breakfast commemorating the 45th anniversary of the March on Washington, and she also took part in the faith caucus.

NETWORK continues to actively reach out to the Republican Party and hopes for an invitation to their national convention.

As part of our outreach to both parties, NETWORK has hand-delivered copies of the Platform for the Common Good to legislators, party platform writing committees and party delegates. The platform, which is based on Catholic Social Teaching and the ideals of our nation’s founding, provides guidelines for government policies and corporate and individual actions that promote justice. A copy can be viewed at http://www.networklobby.org/PlatformfortheCommonGood.pdf

NETWORK will continue to press both political parties to do more than pay lip service to the common good. There is an urgent need for our elected officials to move beyond partisan squabbles and to address the critical problems of our day. The common good must be at the heart of all decisions, and we call on our leaders to support systems that respect life, honor the dignity and worth of all persons, and are sustainable and ecologically responsible.

Text of CLOSING BENEDICTION, Democratic National Convention
Sr. Catherine Pinkerton, CSJ
Wednesday, August 27, 2008

O God of Wisdom, Truth and Love, let us tonight acknowledge first that we are already a nation abundantly blest.

We are the beneficiaries of Founders, people of wisdom and vision, who fashioned this government on the principles and unquestionable truths drawn from our faith traditions:

• That all people are created equal—irrespective of race, color, creed, status and national origin

• That each and all of us are endowed by the Creator with certain inalienable rights—the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

These incomparable blessings of freedom and equality have drawn people from countless nations across the globe seeking the blessings of liberty and justice.

Tonight, Gracious God, inspire us to call forth and affirm as leaders of this nation persons of vision, courage and solid values, clearly focused not only on what is, but rather open to the challenge of discerning and welcoming what is yet to be. These gifts we ask, God of Wisdom, Love and Peace. Amen.

NETWORK—a Catholic leader in the global movement for justice and peace—educates, organizes and lobbies for economic and social transformation. Founded in 1971 by 47 Catholic sisters, NETWORK is supported by thousands of groups and individuals committed to working for social and economic justice. For more information, see www.networklobby.org .

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