July 17, 2016

Contacts:
Heather Cabral
Shannon Craig Straw 
Ashley Wilson

Nuns on the Bus at the Republican Convention - July 17-19

In a Divisive Season, Catholic Sisters Call for a New Politics of Inclusion

In an election year when fear, intolerance, and bigotry have become common political conversation, the Nuns on the Bus are coming to the Republican National Convention to remind Americans that we are stronger together and it is long past time to mend the gaps between us that weaken the very fabric of our society.

“Pope Francis challenges all people to come together to work for the common good,” said Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, executive director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, which launched the first Nuns on the Bus tour during the 2012 presidential campaign. “On our journey as Nuns on the Bus we will talk to those Pope Francis voters and, hopefully, inspire them to make mending the gaps the defining issue of the 2016 election.”

Over all, Campbell and nearly 20 Catholic sisters from around the country will visit 13 states on a tour that began July 11. For a full schedule, go towww.nunsonthebus.org.

Sister Simone is available for interview during the convention. In addition, the sisters are participating in and hosting events including;

 

When: Sunday, July 17th – 7:00 p.m.

What: Caucus to Mend the Gaps at which the nuns will listen to and lift up stories of Cleveland residents who are struggling the most, and will discuss NETWORK’s proactive policy strategy to close economic and social divides in the country.

Where: Saint Leo the Great Elementary School, 4900 Broadview Road, Cleveland

 

When: Monday July 18th – 9:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

What: the Nuns on the Bus will be walking the streets of Cleveland with "Bus wagons" (small wagons decorated to look like buses) serving lemonade and entering into conversations with the delegates they come across. They will be asking them about their fears about the election and their hopes for our country. The sisters want to listen to what motivates the delegates.

Where: Walkers will leave from United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland

How: If you are interested in taking a walk with one of the sisters please call and we will connect you!

 

When: Tuesday, July 19, 8:15 a.m.

What: Prayer breakfast and inter-faith service will be an opportunity to pray for our country as we choose our next leader and our direction for the next four-years.  

Where: United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue E, Cleveland, OH 44115

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NETWORK, advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters, educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a more than 40-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good.