Peace and Justice

Meet the Refreshing Evangelical Who’s Leading a Revival—of “the Common Good”
by Sarah van Gelder
May 30, 2013
Pastor Jim Wallis has been arrested for protesting the Keystone XL pipeline, builds bridges between polarized politicians, and pushes Christians to worry less about gay marriage and more about justice. And even better—there’s a whole new generation following his lead.
A Roadmap to a World Without Drone Proliferation?
by Ken Butigan
May 30, 2013
It’s not too late to forge a drone-free future. International treaties have already helped ban landmines and nuclear weapons testing—and could mitigate drone warfare’s worst atrocities.
Meet the Rainforest-Dwelling Malaysian Farmers Fighting to Keep their Land above Water
by James Trimarco
May 24, 2013
The dams would cost $105 billion, flood an area twice the size of LA, and force the relocation of tens of thousands of indigenous people. Against all the odds, the local forest-dwelling people are coming together and organizing in a way that’s unheard of in this part of the world.
For a Future that Won’t Destroy Life on Earth, Look to the Global Indigenous Uprising
by Kristin Moe
May 23, 2013
Idle No More is the latest incarnation of an age-old movement for life that doesn't depend on infinite extraction and growth. Now, armed with Twitter and Facebook, once-isolated groups from Canada to South America are exchanging resources and support like never before.
How a Radical Group of American Nuns Shook Up the Vatican to Better the World
by Valerie Schloredt
May 21, 2013
“Band of Sisters” shows why a humble group of women fell under Vatican investigation for seeing the causes—not just the symptoms—of injustice.
Marriage Equality for Minnesota? You Betcha!
by Christopher Zumski Finke
May 16, 2013
In just six months, the “Land of Lakes” went from debating a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, to legalizing it this week. One proud resident on celebrating change in one of our more politically quirky states.
Nerds, Jocks & Conscientious Objectors: The Hidden World of Israel’s High School War Resisters
by Sarah Lazare
May 16, 2013
High school's tough enough without having to face prison time for refusing to serve an occupation you know is wrong.
Housing Crisis on the Rez: Why Haul a Run-Down Shack from the Plains to DC?
by Mark Andrew Boyer
May 09, 2013
Tribal leaders trucked the battered old home to Washington to show the nation’s leaders what the housing crisis on reservations looks like in person.
Boston Aftermath Shows a Nation Less—Not More—Afraid of Muslims
by Pramila Jayapal
May 01, 2013
Despite the horrific attacks and media slurs that followed the Boston bombing, the behavior of ordinary people and elected representatives shows improved tolerance of muslims and other immigrants.
Argentina Takes on Vulture Funds in "Debt Trial of the Century"
by Eric LeCompte
Apr 22, 2013
For years, "vulture funds" have preyed on struggling nations by purchasing their debt for a pittance. Could an upcoming U.S. court decision put an end to the extortion of poor countries?
Houston’s Most Polluted Neighborhood Draws the Line at Alberta Tar Sands
by Kristin Moe
Apr 22, 2013
If the Keystone XL pipeline is approved, 90 percent of the tar sands crude that flows through it will be processed near an embattled Houston neighborhood called Manchester. Residents are joining up to demand a healthier future.
Could Our Deepest Fears Hold the Key to Ending Violence?
by Frances Moore Lappe
Apr 18, 2013
Feelings of fear and powerlessness are driving the cycle of violence that surrounds us. To change that, we need to recognize that we need each other to thrive as individuals.
Labor Dept. Deputy: It’s Time to Raise the Minimum Wage
by Amy B. Dean
Apr 11, 2013
Before joining the Department of Labor, Mary Beth Maxwell was a top organizer for the workers’ rights organization Jobs With Justice. Here, she speaks with Amy Dean about the lives of workers who make minimum wage and why the time has come to raise it.
Why Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu Leaders Have High Hopes for Pope Francis
by Chris Francis
Apr 09, 2013
Leaders from many faiths are expecting better relations with the Vatican under Pope Francis. Here YES! speaks to some of them about why that is.
Me Too: A Letter to Steubenville’s Jane Doe
by Kim Simon
Apr 01, 2013
After her essay on raising boys to respect women went viral, an incredible outpouring of support gave author Kim Simon the courage to tell the story she really wanted to share: how her own healing from rape came from knowing she wasn’t alone.