Late last week, evangelicals and political progressives took a significant step towards ending the polarizing “culture wars.”  Without setting aside their principles, these leaders found common ground on tough political questions: from immigration reform to gay rights to abortion.

This collaboration between unlikely allies demonstrates a model for finding a way forward on difficult political questions.  We as citizens can learn a lot from this ethos of bridge-building; it’s certainly a productive way to engage with the political process.  The agenda this coalition has rallied around—and which they’ve already started lobbying for—will have significant political implications.

Say yes to working together and realizing our shared values.  Sign on as a supporter of a common ground approach to abortion by joining the Real Abortion Solutions Facebook group.  This approach calls for increased access to adoption, the prevention of unintended pregnancies, support for women and families, and better pre- and post-natal healthcare.  Also, become a Facebook fan of the common values governing agenda at “Come Let us Reason Together.”

Last week a group of interfaith and political leaders called on President Obama and the new Congress to make comprehensive, humane immigration reform a top priority.  With the country abuzz about the economy, stimulus, and bailout money, it seems too easy to forget about the families that are being split up and the lives dismantled due to our flawed immigration policies.

People of faith are stepping up to remind us that we shouldn’t forget these families, and that we need to make sure we fix this broken system.  Hundreds of immigration prayer vigils are taking place and a new initiative, supported by over 500 congregations, was launched.  While religious and Congressional leaders spoke out about the importance of acting now on immigration, they also announced this new initiative, the “Prayer, Renewal and Action on Immigration” campaign.

The campaign is designed to engage and educate congregations and people of faith on the immigration reform debate and will include as its first set of actions over one hundred prayer vigils across the country.  It’s an unprecedented effort at the grassroots level on this issue.

Rep. Gutierrez (D-IL) summed it up well: “It is time for this Congress to heed the cries of millions of citizens—people from all faiths and backgrounds—who cannot wait any longer for fair and just immigration reform."

Check out this piece on the benefits of being a big sister that was on the Huffington Post.

I am a big sister to five siblings so I get to enjoy the benefits and joys everyday! I love you guys. Now, I know Amadeus and B4 can't get on the computer yet, but this will be a test to the rest of my brood to see how often they check in at Citizen Hunter!