Why the Exception Clause to the 13th Amendment should be abolished.

 

Harriet Tubman: Abolitionist, Art in the Christian Tradition Used by permission. 

image Art in the Christian Tradition: Copyright © 2024 Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries, Vanderbilt University

used Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial use

If you were to learn that slavery has not been completely abolished legally in the United States, would you be surprised?  The exception clause embedded into the Thirteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States, called the “Punishment Clause” allows forms modern day slavery to continue to this day.  The thirteenth amendment abolished slavery with this exception: 

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction” 

This Punishment Clause came after the Civil War and in the context of Southern states creating new criminal laws that targeted those newly freed from slavery.  Examples of these laws that targeted people of color include vagrancy laws, the black codes in Alabama, and practices that allowed for leasing and renting of the incarcerated for work by various industries.  Professor Whitney Benns, explains the infamous Angola Prison system in Louisiana this way, “Angola’s farm operations and other similar prison industries have ancestral roots in the black cattle slavery of the South. Specifically the proliferation of prison labor camps grew during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, a time when southern states established large prisons throughout the region that they quickly filled, primarily with black men.”(2). 

The Punishment Clause continues exploiting and justifying forms of forced labor particularly targeting African Americans and other marginalized groups to this present day.  This system of legal slavery has exploited people working under harsh conditions for little or no pay continuing the legacy of human rights abuses, and oppression.  The Associated Press conducted a two year investigation that found that prison farms have supplied million of dollars worth of crops to massive global companies like Tyson Food, Louis Dreyfus, Consolidated Grain and Barge and Riceland Foods.  These goods end up in supply chains with popular foods we consume like Cereal companies and Soda and other food products.(2). In September the AP reported that a class actions lawsuit was filed by prisoners who were forced to work in the extremely hot weather picking crop by hand on a former slave plantation at Louisiana State Penitentiary.  Racial disporportionality continues to be evident in the problem of the mass incarceration of people of color.  It should also be recognized that all prisoners deserve to be treated with the dignity and respect of their value as human beings.  Even if incarcerated, all prisoners still retain the human rights fundamental to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  

The “Punishment Clause” continues to benefits state and federal government and corporations through the preservation of slavery through this loop hole.  Black and Latinx people continue to be incarcerated at disproportional levels and continues to exploit through this system which reaps profits.  During the height of the covid pandemic, incarcerated people have sewed Covid-19 masks or made hand sanitizer for little or no pay, have put out dangerous wildfires for less than two dollars a day, or provide cheap labor for fortune 500 companies.(3) This is why the Presbyterian Church (USA) in our 2024 General Assembly has issued a call to bring attention to this important issue.  Joint resolutions have been introduced in the United States Senate (SJR33) and the United States House of Representatives (HJR 72) which if passed would amend our constitution to abolish the Punishment Clause.  In the words of the Overture presented at the General Assembly, “as followers of Jesus Christ, with a desire and intent to ensure that the scourge of modern slavery in all its forms is eradicated from the United States”…we encourage the abolish of this exception clause. The Punishment Clause continues to be a stain on our nation’s history and a barrier to justice and equity, this is just one way that we might begin to dismantle the systems in our country that perpetuate abuse and exploitation and work towards God’s kingdom of peace and justice. 

1.  https://apnews.com/article/prison-to-plate-inmate-labor-investigation-c6f0eb4747963283316e494eadf08c4e

2.  Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review p57

https://journals.law.harvard.edu/crcl/wp-content/uploads/sites/80/2022/09/ThirteenthAmendmentPunishmentClause.pdf

3.  Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review p112 

4 https://www.pc-biz.org/committee/3000110/business

Action Item on Support of UnHoused Persons

 Homelessness is at a historic high in the United States. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a 12 percent increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness. To make matters worse, the House Appropriations Committee has sizably cut funding to programs covered by the House Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (T-HUD) subcommittee. Maintained or decreased T-HUD funding rates are not sufficient to keep up with rising housing costs, driven by the housing market and inflation. Not only does homelessness represent an unfulfilled human need, it also could lead to criminalization, as policies like those in Grants Pass, Oregon demonstrate. And those who experience homelessness on average die thirty years earlier than their housed American counterparts. 

The coronavirus pandemic emphasized the vital connection between housing and health, as well as the disparities in access to essential resources. Yet much of the aid available during that time no longer exists. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), only one in four households eligible for rental assistance receives it. NLIHC also states that an estimated one in four renters spend more than half of their income on rent. While shelter is classified as a basic human need, it is not a practical reality for many in the U.S. today. Additionally, individuals in other historically marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by these housing disparities, such as those with disabilities and people of color. Housing is certainly not accessible to all. Members of Congress have the responsibility to advocate for their constituents' needs. Housing is a clear need, and Congress must respond to this crisis. 

The current FY25 budget is open for revisions. Funding T-HUD supports the work of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Homeless Assistance Grants (HAG) program, Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP), Eviction Protection Grant Program (EPGP), and various tribal housing programs. Congressional commitment to these efforts is essential in making housing more accessible to vulnerable individuals. 

Matthew 25 shares that Jesus identified as a stranger and unhoused person and reminds his followers that when we tend to the needs of those among us, we tend to the beloved of Christ. Our faith calls us to advocate for those suffering, and people experiencing homelessness need support from Congress now!  

Please urge your policymakers to maximize T-HUD funding in FY25!

La legislación de la Florida ha pasado la ley estatal más anti-inmigrante de los Estados Unidos

La legislación de la Florida ha pasado la ley estatal más anti-inmigrante de los Estados Unidos. 

Lea sobre cómo navegar la ley aquí.

Directrices Generales

Dada esta nueva ley estatal, es importante que los floridanos y otras personas que viajan a Florida comprendan los riesgos de los viajes interestatales con personas indocumentadas. Siga leyendo para conocer cómo esta ley afecta a las personas en circunstancias específicas y orientación para evitar la criminalización y mantener a las personas seguras.

Tenga en cuenta que esta guía no sirve como asesoramiento legal y persiste la incertidumbre sobre cómo se implementará esta ley en situaciones específicas. Según esta ley antiinmigrante, ¿qué significa ser indocumentado?

Esta nueva ley no define adecuadamente lo que significa ser indocumentado. Esta falta de claridad es uno de los mayores problemas con la ley. No define claramente a quién apunta la ley y, por lo tanto, abre la puerta a la aplicación excesiva y al perfil racial. Si tiene preguntas sobre si su estado califica como indocumentado de conformidad con esta ley, se recomienda que busque un abogado de inmigración.

¿Necesito compartir mi estatus migratorio con la policía o cualquier otra persona que me pregunte?

No. Tienes derecho a permanecer en silencio. Legalmente, no está obligado a responder preguntas sobre dónde nació, si es ciudadano estadounidense o cómo ingresó al país. Tenga en cuenta que aunque no está legalmente obligado a responder preguntas de la policía, esto no significa que un oficial no ejercerá su discreción para detenerlo o arrestarlo por no responder a sus preguntas; Solo significa que si lo arrestan, un abogado tendrá motivos para argumentar que el arresto fue ilegal.

¿Necesito compartir mi identidad con la policía de Florida o con cualquier otra persona que me pregunte?

Solo se espera que se identifique ante los agentes del orden público de Florida (oficiales de policía y ayudantes del Sheriff, no agentes de inmigración o del FBI) cuando lo detienen bajo sospecha de un delito estatal o una infracción de tránsito. Si no tiene documentos de identificación, puede optar por permanecer en silencio. Usted no está obligado a proporcionar su nombre o mostrar sus documentos; a un oficial de ICE por ningún motivo. 

Si soy ciudadano estadounidense y mi madre es indocumentada, ¿puedo llevarla por la ciudad u otra ciudad dentro de Florida?

Sí. Esta ley solo se aplica a viajar a través de las fronteras estatales a Florida con personas indocumentadas, no dentro de Florida.

Si soy ciudadano estadounidense y mi madre es indocumentada, ¿puedo llevarla a Georgia para un viaje y viceversa?

No. Esta ley puede penalizar a las personas que conducen a Florida con personas indocumentadas. No excluye explícitamente a familiares o amigos. Bajo este escenario, la ley no prohíbe conducir fuera del estado a Georgia con su madre, pero prohibiría el viaje de regreso a Florida.

Mi tía en Alabama es indocumentada. ¿Puedo llevarla de Alabama a mi casa en Florida para que se quede conmigo? ¿Puede su hija ciudadana estadounidense, que vive con ella en Alabama, llevarla a Florida para visitarme?

No. Esta ley puede penalizar a las personas que conducen a Florida con personas indocumentadas. No excluye explícitamente a familiares o amigos.

¿Puede mi primo que es indocumentado tomar un autobús a través de las fronteras estatales para visitarme en Florida?

Sí, siempre y cuando esa persona no esté conduciendo y el conductor del autobús no tenga ninguna razón para creer que es indocumentada. Si ese autobús se detiene y los agentes de inmigración están presentes, tienen derecho a permanecer en silencio.

¿Puede un familiar o amigo que es indocumentado y tiene una licencia de conducir de otro estado conducir legalmente conducir en Florida?

No. La ley invalida las licencias de fuera del estado que se emiten a inmigrantes indocumentados. Si viven en un estado donde no se solicita el estatus migratorio al emitir una licencia de conducir, esta licencia no es reconocida en Florida si son indocumentados.

¿Puede una persona indocumentada con una licencia legal de otro estado conducir a Disney para unas vacaciones?

No. La ley invalida las licencias de fuera del estado que se emiten a inmigrantes indocumentados. Si viven en un estado donde no se solicita el estatus migratorio al emitir una licencia de conducir, esta licencia no es reconocida en Florida.

¿Todavía puedo ir al consultorio del médico o al hospital y buscar atención médica?

Sí. Esta ley no prohíbe que las personas indocumentadas busquen atención médica en cualquier entorno.

Si voy a un hospital, ¿tengo que responder alguna pregunta relacionada con mi estatus migratorio en el papeleo?

No. Incluso si se presenta una pregunta sobre su estado migratorio en un formulario del hospital, no está obligado a responder. 

Si el personal médico me hace una pregunta verbalmente sobre mi estatus migratorio en el hospital o en el consultorio de un médico, ¿tengo que responderla?

No, no está obligado a responder ninguna pregunta sobre su estado migratorio en estos entornos.

¿Puede un hospital rechazar el servicio o tratarme de manera diferente si no respondo una pregunta sobre mi estatus migratorio?

No, no está obligado a responder ninguna pregunta sobre su estatus migratorio en el hospital. La ley no permite el rechazo del servicio debido a nada relacionado con el estatus migratorio real o percibido.

¿Puede una persona con una identificación comunitaria emitida por el condado en el que vive seguir usándolo?

Sí. Las identificaciones comunitarias son legales en los condados que han aprobado la legislación de identificación comunitaria y las han emitido a los miembros de su comunidad. Por ejemplo, si vive en el condado de Miami-Dade o Broward y ha adquirido previamente una identificación comunitaria a través de una organización sin fines de lucro que trabaja con la Ciudad, estas identificaciones son reconocidas en su condado y seguras de usar.

¿Puede un beneficiario de DACA ejercer la abogacía? ¿Qué pasa si actualmente están en la escuela de derecho?

Solo los beneficiarios de DACA o las personas indocumentadas que cumplan con los criterios de este estatuto de Florida pueden obtener una licencia para ejercer la abogacía en Florida antes del 1 de noviembre de 2028. Después de esta fecha, es posible que estas categorías de personas no puedan obtener licencias legales. 

Si desea reportar un incidente en el que cree que sus derechos han sido violados como resultado de esta ley, llame a la línea directa de la Coalición de Inmigrantes de Florida al 1-888-600-5762.

Lo invitamos a unirse a nuestro equipo de voluntarios de la Campaña de Justicia para Inmigrantes de Florida. Tenemos equipos activos que trabajan para mejorar nuestro estado para los inmigrantes.  Únase a nosotros completando nuestro formulario de voluntariado de campaña.

United We Dream

Office of GA on Immigration

Action Alert from the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness

The House of Representatives is scheduled to consider a Congressional Review Act on H.J. Res 165 today. H.J.Res.165 and the Senate’s equivalent S.J.Res. 96, seeks to overturn the U.S. Department of Education’s recently published rule clarifying and strengthening Title IX’s protections against sex discrimination in federally funded schools.

This rule is crucial for ensuring that every student has the right to a safe and welcoming learning environment, free from sex discrimination. The new Title IX rule reverses former Secretary Betsy DeVos’ harmful 2020 Title IX rule, restoring justice for student survivors of sexual harassment and assault by ensuring they are not denied educational opportunities. 

The rule also provides greater clarity on the rights of pregnant and parenting students, helping them to stay in school and achieve their academic goals.

The rule also clarifies that Title IX protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. With 83% of LGBTQI+ youth reporting in-school victimization, these updates are essential for fostering safer school environments.

Congress must reject the false narrative that equal educational opportunity for transgender and nonbinary students undermines protections for cisgender girls and women. Transgender women and girls deserve the full protection of federal civil rights law, and school policies that target transgender women and girls harm all women and girls by encouraging gender policing and threatening them with unwarranted, invasive, and harassing scrutiny of their bodies.

Every student deserves an education free from discrimination and harassment. As Presbyterians, we recognize that limiting Civil Rights for one category of people opens the door to do harm to all people reliant on Title IX’s protection against discrimination in federally funded schools.

“What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.” (Michia 6:8)

The prophet reminds people of faith that following God is an active stance of promoting justice, loving kindness, and working compassionately so that all may thrive. Historically, Title IX has promoted justice within the United States Public Education System for students of color and with disabilities who historically have faced discrimination in varying ways. The expanded Title IX protections passed in April 2024 include victims of sexual harassment and violence, LGBTQIA individuals, pregnant students, and expanded inclusion of persons with disabilities. It is vital to recognize that the Civil Rights provided in Title IX do not only extend to students enrolled in public education, but anyone who is a part of the educational community, including parents, volunteers, and schoolyard neighbors. 

Tell Congress Today that Civil Rights are a must for the US Education System and the Title IX expansion rule must remain to ensure that all students in protected categories remain safe at school and have access to equal education. 

To see the original news article click on the link below: 

Office of Public Witness PC(USA)

Office of Public Witness Home Page

Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert speaks to New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C

 

Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert speaks to New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C

 Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert, a nationally-recognized expert on African American preaching and the dean of Howard University School of Divinity, shared his thinking on “Prophetic Preaching in a Tone-Deaf Culture” Tuesday during an online presentation for New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Watch Gilbert’s talk, which was  followed by a question-and-answer session.  Listen to the entire lecture at the link above.

Link to Presbyterian Mission Agency Site

The 226th General Assembly of the PC(USA)

 

The 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA has concluded.  It was a meeting of worship, service, friendship, and church business.  Scores of important issues were taken up by the Assembly.  The church of Jesus Christ is a connectional church.  In Acts 15, the Council of Jerusalem convened in order to address a number of growing controversies.  As there was much debate, there were at least two sides represented.  Both clearly believed they were correct, but eventually, a decision has to be made in favor of one or the other.  Among the issues decided at the Jerusalem Council was the whether the requirement of circumcision should be mandated of non-Jewish people joining the congregations.  In the end, it was decided that circumcision would not be required.  A letter was then communicated to the rest of the church.  

Acts 15:22-23, 28-29, Everyone agreed: apostles, leaders, all the people. They picked Judas (nicknamed Barsabbas) and Silas—they both carried considerable weight in the church—and sent them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas with this letter:From the apostles and leaders, your friends, to our friends in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:"

28-29 It seemed to the Holy Spirit and to us that you should not be saddled with any crushing burden, but be responsible only for these bare necessities: Be careful not to get involved in activities connected with idols; avoid serving food offensive to Jewish Christians (blood, for instance); and stay away from immorality.

These guidelines are sufficient to keep relations congenial between us. And God be with you!

Acts 16:4-5 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions which had been reached by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem. [5] So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

Conversation and dialogue are necessary to discern the Spirit of God, and what are the decisions the church must take in order to reflect God's call in the world.  At this years General Assembly there were too many issues to mention, so I am just going to identify a few of the items.

• Polity 1 Part 1 and 2.  The "Olympia Overture" adds "Sexual orientation" and "Gender Identity" as categories for which the church cannot discriminate against.  Part 2 requires examination questions of ordained elders to their commitment to the historic principles of church order and the principles of representation.  This now goes to the presbyteries for ratification. 
• Jihyun Oh elected the first Korean American stated clerk
• Two South Carolina pastors, elected as moderators, CeCe Armstrong and Tony Larson. 
• Hurricane Beryl reaches category 5 strength while the assembly debated fossil fuel divestments
• Reimagining of Hispanic and Latinx ministries in the church. 
• Development of Christian formation resources for small congregations.
• Committee to review preparation for ministry process
• Supporting an amendment to abolish the exception clause to the 13th amendment. 
• A call to action to prevent gun deaths among children. 
• A report on the progress in the "1001 new worshipping communities" to establish new church developments. 
• Trans Day of Visibility added to the Presbyterian Planning Calendar to lift up our LGBGQ+ siblings. 

There is still much work to do.  I believe that one of the themes that emerged this year was the inclusivity of the church.  The church has always been called to be an inclusive body, where equality, inclusion, and diversity are defining elements of what makes the church of Jesus Christ the Church.  Yet these values are currently under attack by many in the United States and even by Christians themselves.  The requirement for the church to reorient itself as followers of Jesus, the same Jesus that broke down barriers between Gentile and Jew, Greek and Roman, slave and free, is the same Jesus that welcome gay and straight alike.  It is my prayer that the PC(USA) will continue to influence the church at large and our society, with a strong dedication to inclusion, diversity, and equality; all hallmarks of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15.  

Other news items from the General Assembly below: 

13th Amendment

Pol 1 Part 1 and 2

moderators elected PC(USA)

Stated Clerk elected

PCUSA news GA "One for the Ages"

General Assembly home page

ACQ+E responds to debate on Pol-1

Photo by Jiroe (Matia Rengel) via Unsplash

by Shani E. McIlwain | Presbyterian News Service

As the PC(USA)’s 226th General Assembly approaches next month, a change.org petition ignited much social media chatter this week as 26 teaching elders began a dissent to challenge Part B of POL-01, commonly known as the “Olympia Overture” as it’s sponsored by Olympia Presbytery. Nearly four dozen more pastors have since signed the petition.

The petition writers state, “The overture’s proposed changes to G-2.0104b appear to introduce an ordination question that is deeply at odds with our core Reformed tenet of freedom of conscience.”

The PC(USA)’s LGBTQIA+ Equity Advocacy Committee, also known as ACQ+E, believes that this position is not accurate, and the committee embraces freedom of conscience.  ACQ+E’s recommendations were posted on PC-Biz Wednesday.

The functions of the LGBTQIA+ Equity Advocacy  Committee are explained here. The General Assembly has recognized the need for those who have been silenced or ignored by the power structure to be given direct access to decision-making tables through committees specifically called to focus on justice and equity for particular marginalized constituencies. Like other advocacy committees, the committee does not speak for the PC(USA).

In the letter that challenges the overture, the writers say the amendment “would immediately disqualify and exclude many faithful and dedicated ruling elders, teaching elders, and deacons from serving.”

However, ACQ+E Committee Chair Tim Haworth disagrees, saying, “It saddens me that these individuals who are dissenting are using misinformation and fear to achieve their goal. There is nothing in this overture that calls for the disqualification of anyone. Passage of this overture in its entirety does not take away the authority of the local ordaining body to call whomever they feel is qualified.  I would encourage fellow Presbyterians to read the overture, the rationale, the advice and comments of the various committees and the concurring opinions before making a decision.”

The Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt, another ACQ+E committee member, says, “This isn’t about stopping ‘freedom of conscience.’ It’s about asking, ‘Can you serve alongside people of different races, genders, abilities, sexual orientations, even, yes, theological conviction, without discriminating against them or treating them un-Christlike?’ This isn’t about belief; you can believe what you want. This is about behavior and putting into the ordination process the values that the PC(USA) General Assembly has been affirming for nearly a decade in the case of sexual orientation and gender identity and much longer in the cases of race, ability, and more. This is about saying you can work amicably with people of all kinds, including those with whom you have theological differences. This does nothing to change freedom of conscience, which is in the very next section.”

Openly gay pastor the Rev. Billy Kluttz, who signed the petition, says that during his own ordination process, the final vote was not a unanimous decision. One person throughout the process had a very clear difference of opinion about human sexuality. Kluttz said that he recalls the person saying, “I can’t vote for you, but our denomination has made it clear that they’re going to allow LGBTQ folks to be ordained, and so I’m not going to vote against you.” After the vote passed with one abstention, the body held hands, prayed together and sang the Doxology.

Kluttz added, “That experience illustrates who I believe the church is called to be and how we are called to bear witness to Jesus’ ongoing work in the world. I was able to share openly about my calling, my identity, and my Christian faith; this man was able to do the same; and, together, we sought to worship God and serve our neighbors as best we could.”

Historically, when marriage equality and ordination were being challenged there was a mutual agreement that people would be able to discern how they would come to their own understanding. For Kluttz, part B of the overture creates a boundary that does not allow for community, conversation and collaboration.

As commissioners come together in Salt Lake City for the upcoming assembly, committee members say  that a thoughtful and necessary integration of the rationale, along with the recommendations of three other committees, should be taken into consideration. ACQ+E members said that the assessment does not require uniformity of thought or conviction — only a commitment not to disrupt or block other individuals from living into their callings based on the identity markers.

Committee member Selina Brett says that “POL-01 is a single, unified commitment to equality. I’m willing to compromise on the color of the damn carpet, but not on core Christian values of human equality.”

Original link at Presbyterian Mission Agency News