Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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Indigenous Roots of U.S. Democracy
June 19, 2026
You are invited to join Land Justice Futures on Tuesday, July 7, as the apply a critical, historical lens to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, learn about the Indigenous roots of American democracy, and discuss the unfinished work of truth-telling, repair, and right relationship for the next 250 years.
We will be in conversation with Condoled Mohawk Clanmother “Mommabear” Louise Herne, How We Citizen host Baratunde Thurston, and Reverend Sara Jolena Wolcott, a theologian and descendent of one of the signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
In this webinar we will…
- Learn about how the Founding Fathers and the unrealized ideals of the United States – liberty, justice, equality of all – were inspired by Haudenosaunee democratic tradition spanning over 1000 years.
- Hear about the fundamental Indigenous principles and civic structures that were ignored or misunderstood in the formation of the Republic, and the foundational political philosophy that is still on offer from Haudenosaunee elders.
- Reflect on the current state of our democracy and what's needed in this change of era.
- Ground in what it might look like to de-center “Independence” and move towards becoming a society that honors our Interdependence.
In advance of this event, you are invited to consider these reflection questions and read this essay from LJF’s Sarah Bradley. While not required to participate, the hope is these resources offer you important context and insights to think about in the weeks ahead.
Posted in
Equity & Human Dignity
Until Everyone is Safe
June 16, 2026
World Refugee Day 2026 is June 20. It comes at a time when the promise of safety is being tested in every region of the world. Seventy-five years after the adoption of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, that promise remains one of the clearest undertakings of the international community: that people forced to flee should not be returned to danger, and should be able to live in dignity while displaced. Born from the ruins of war, it was never meant for one region, one generation or one people, but for humanity as a whole.
That safeguard is urgently needed today. More than 117 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide, including families uprooted by war in the Sudan, violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and prolonged crises in Ukraine, Afghanistan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Myanmar and beyond. When people fleeing danger are denied protection, insecurity deepens: families are driven on to perilous routes, children lose years of learning, women and girls face greater risks, and host communities are left without the support they need. Protecting refugees is therefore not only an act of compassion; it is a condition of stability and peace.
“Until Everyone Is Safe” is a call to keep that promise alive. It calls on governments to uphold fair and accessible asylum systems, donors to sustain life-saving support, communities to welcome those forced to flee and each of us to defend the principle that safety must never depend on nationality, wealth, race, religion, gender, political opinion or migration status. Protection is fulfilled only when people forced to flee can live without fear, rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities and, when conditions allow, return home voluntarily, safely and with dignity.
Read more at https://www.un.org/en/observances/refugee-day
Posted in
Trafficking & Migration
World Rainforest Day
June 16, 2026
World Rainforest Day is an annual global observation held on June 22. Launched in 2017 by the Rainforest Partnership, the movement highlights the critical role tropical forests play in stabilizing the climate, preserving biodiversity, and supporting local communities.
Recent successes include:
- Empowering over 100 women across five indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon by supporting sustainable livelihood projects that build economic resilience.
- Protecting 149,500 acres in the Ecuadorian Amazon by supporting indigenous communities’ stewardship of the rainforest and resistance to deforestation.
- Discovering 5 new species in 2024, 10 potential new species, and published manuscripts for an additional 4 new species.
Learn more at http://rainforestpartnership.org/
Posted in
Peace & Nonviolence
Upcoming Medicaid Work Requirements
June 12, 2026
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has received federal guidance about the new federal Medicaid work requirement states must implement and is actively conducting a comprehensive review. The requirement was signed into law on July 4, 2025, in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). OBBBA required the federal government to issue guidance by June 1, 2026.
The federal Medicaid work requirement for states will go into effect early next year. Because of the new federal requirements, some adults enrolled in BadgerCare Plus will need to show that they work, go to school, or volunteer, to keep their coverage.
DHS will provide an update about the Medicaid work requirement at our upcoming webinar. This webinar will take place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Posted in
Poor & Vulnerable
Two-Spirit Pow Wow
June 12, 2026
Wisconsin’s first Two-Spirit Pow Wow is being held at Woodland Bowl in Keshena, WI on Saturday, June 13, 2026. It is a safe, welcoming celebration for Two Spirits, Indigiqueers, and allies. All nations and allies are welcome. Learn more at https://witwospirit.com/#getinvolved
With June being Pride Month as well as Indigenous History Month, it is imperative to discuss and bring attention to the history of Two-Spirit (2S) folks. Many individuals are unaware of the term Two-Spirit, where the term originated and the power it carries.
The concept of Two-Spirit folks existed well before the arrival of European settlers on Turtle Island. Indigenous individuals who identified as Two-Spirit folks were seen as gifted and honored in their community because they carried two spirits with them, both male and female. 2S folks were often the healers, medicine people, and visionaries within their given community, and they were foundational members of their culture. Much of this can be attributed to the “double vision” 2S people are gifted with, being able to see both through the masculine and feminine lens.
Learn more at https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/the-history-of-two-spirit-folks
Posted in
Equity & Human Dignity
Plastic Free July
June 12, 2026
Join millions around the world in choosing to avoid single-use plastics during the month of July. Continue all summer, throughout the rest of the year, and then forever!
Plastic Free July shares resources and ideas to help individuals, workplaces, schools, and communities reduce single-use plastic waste every dat at home, work, school, and even at your local cafe. Learn more at https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
Posted in
Cosmology & Creation
Intentional Environmental Conversations
June 12, 2026
Faith in Place’s 2026 Annual Environment & Spirituality Summit will be taking place on September 28-29. Environmental leaders, change makers and founders will come together for two days of intentional conversation. Bill McKibben will be providing the keynote presentation. Bill is an author, educator, and environmentalist who helped found 350.org, the first global grassroots climate campaign, and who has recently helped found Third Act, to build a progressive organizing movement for people over the age of 60.
See the full AES summit agenda
As the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes (CSA) continue to live out their Laudato Si’ goals of Eco-Spirituality, they invite you to join them on September 29. The CSA Motherhouse will be a watch party site for Bill McKibben’s keynote. When you register, indicate you’d like to join a Watch Party, and you will be emailed information at a later date.
Posted in
Cosmology & Creation
Immigrants & Agriculture
June 09, 2026
The newly formed grassroots group, People for People Fond du Lac, will be sponsoring an engaging and timely presentation on the past, present, and future role of immigrants in U.S. agriculture on Thursday, June 11 at 6 pm in the McLane Room of the Fond du Lac Public Library.
Presenter, Anthony Pahnke, is the Vice President of the Wisconsin-based Family Farm Defenders and an Associate Professor of International Relations at San Francisco State University. He has written on the politics of agriculture and immigration in many places, including his books “Mobilizing Hope, Fighting Change: Food Sovereignty Movements and Alliance Making in the United States (2025)” and “Agrarian Crisis in the United States: Pathways for Reform (2023).”
This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.
Follow People4PeopleFDL on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1723749312344496 Want to get involved? Let us know with this form.
ALSO - SAVE THE DATE!
WISDOM Wisconsin is holding its first annual Wisconsin Immigration Summit: Stronger Together, on July 31-August 1 at Marian University, Fond du Lac, WI.
The gathering will bring together activists, faith leaders, immigrants and allies from across the state to build a coordinated forward-looking strategy for systemic change.
While details and registration are still being worked on, we do know that Wisconsin Attorney General, Josh Kaul, has committed to speak at the July 31 dinner. Stay tuned for more details.
CSA is a proud sponsor of this event.
Posted in
Trafficking & Migration
Celebrating Pride Month
June 09, 2026
On June 4, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers delivered his weekly radio address celebrating LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites and kicking off Pride Month throughout the state of Wisconsin.
In part it reads, “Gov. Evers has long been a fierce advocate for and defender of the LGBTQ community during his time as governor, including banning discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity in state government as one of his first acts in office, fighting to end the discredited practice of conversion therapy, and vetoing handfuls of bills targeting transgender and gender non-conforming kids. Earlier this year, Gov. Evers declared 2026 the Year of the Neighbor, underscoring the importance of community, togetherness, and celebrating all the neighbors across the state that make Wisconsin the wonderful place it is to call home, including Wisconsin’s vibrant LGBTQ community.
Originally a tribute to the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, Pride Month has become an annual, month-long celebration in Wisconsin and throughout the United States to recognize LGBTQ history and the LGBTQ community. In 2019, Gov. Evers ordered the Rainbow Pride Flag to fly over the East Wing of the Wisconsin State Capitol for the very first time in state history. In the years since, the state has moved to raising the Progress Pride Flag, which was created to symbolize the inclusion of marginalized communities within the LGBTQ community. The Progress Pride Flag includes additional stripes forming a chevron pattern that represent LGBTQ individuals of color and the transgender community, as well as those who are living with and who have been lost to HIV/AIDS. Gov. Evers has once again ordered the Progress Pride Flag to fly over the East Wing of the Wisconsin State Capitol this year.
The Progress Pride Flag will fly over the East Wing of the State Capitol building until sunset on Tues., June 30, 2026. Additionally, Executive Order #297 authorizes state buildings and any jurisdiction of the state of Wisconsin to fly the Progress Pride Flag during the month of June.”
Read the full online version at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/41a1056
Attend a Pride event near you! Here in Fond du Lac, the Annual Pride Picnic is Sunday, June 28, 11 am - 4 pm at Prairie Theater and Event Center. Learn more and follow Fond du Lac Pride Picnic year round on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pridepicnicFDL
CSA is a proud sponsor of this year’s Pride Picnic in Fond du Lac.
Posted in
Equity & Human Dignity
Calls to Cut Military Spending
June 09, 2026
Congressional deliberation and debate on the military budget, otherwise known as National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2027 has begun. The first step in this process is deliberation in the House Armed Services Committee (HASC).
The Administration has proposed a half-trillion dollar increase in the Military Budget for 2027, bringing it to 1.5 trillion Dollars ($1,500,000,000,000)!!
Even before the $59 billion dollar increase in the US Military Budget in 2026, it accounted for well over 50% of the nation’s discretionary funds and was equal to the next six largest national military budgets combined. (See photo above). If the proposed 1.5 trillion dollar Military Budget proposed by the Trump administration is adopted by Congress, it will be 68% of the entire discretionary budget of the nation.
Spending such a high proportion of the nation’s funds for military purposes ensures that little or no money will be available to address issues that are negatively affecting the daily lives of all people in the country. These issues relate to inadequacies and dysfunctions in the economic, educational, health care and other systems of society and to ecological deterioration that threatens the health of all.
Lawmakers know that the administration’s $1.5 trillion military budget is a nonstarter and key HASC members are already working to change it. Rep. Seth Moulton has introduced an amendment that would CUT the Pentagon topline before the NDAA even reaches the House floor.
Now, at the very beginning of debate on the 2027 National Defense Authorization, is the time for people of faith and conscience who believe they are called to love their neighbors, even their enemies, and to be peacemakers to let congress people know how they feel about this matter. The HASC has already rejected Rep. Moulton’s amendment, but it is likely to be introduced again when the NDAA comes to the House floor.
If you are concerned about this matter, please write or call your US Senators and your district representative and let them know you support Rep. Moulton’s amendment.
Contact your US Senators
Posted in
Peace & Nonviolence