Duane Shank was Associate Editor for Sojourners magazine and was on the staff from 1995 to 2014.
Duane has been active as an organizer and administrator in the peace and justice movement for 35 years, beginning as a draft resistance and antiwar organizer during the Vietnam war. He has worked as a community organizer in the rural south, in interfaith coalitions, and in the nuclear weapons freeze and Central America solidarity movements of the 1980s. His positions have included Associate for the National Inter-religious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors; National Coordinator for the Committee Against Registration and the Draft; Deputy Director and Acting Executive Director for SANE/Freeze; and Research Fellow for the Institute for Policy Studies.
Duane attended Eastern Mennonite University. He is a Anabaptist/Mennonite, and currently an active member and serves on the worship leadership team of the Community of Christ ecumenical congregation in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of Washington, D.C. His views on faith and politics have been shaped by (among others), John Howard Yoder, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Oscar Romero.
Duane is married to Ellen Kennel. They have a daughter, Celeste, a graduate of Goshen College, IN, the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago Divinity School.
In addition to family, church, and work; his passions are baseball (Washington Nationals), blues (Buddy Guy and Stevie Ray Vaughan) and bluegrass music (Ralph Stanley), and barbecue.
Posts By This Author
The latest news on GOP Budget Cuts, Economy, Health-Care Legislation, Retail Invasion of Canada, World Food Crisis, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran Nuclear Talks, Korean Talks, Haiti, Lebanon, and Select Op-Eds.
Gabrielle Giffords. Fresh from a sunny outing that brought a smile, Gabrielle Giffords is moving to a Houston rehab center where her husband hopes the "fighter" continues on the path to a full recovery.
U.S. China Summit. For the Obama administration, the meeting went smoothly and yielded some progress on difficult issues - but it also served as a reminder that the U.S.-China relationship will continue to be among Washington's most nettlesome.
Blair and Iraq. Tony Blair told one of his closest advisers a year before the invasion of Iraq that his government should be "gung-ho on Saddam" and had to "reorder our story and message" to convince public opinion of the need to get rid of him.
Quote of the Day."In the entire First World, fatal crashes are at the brink of extinction." Arnold Barnett, a professor who specializes in accident statistics at MIT, on news that there were no passenger fatalities on any airline based in developed nations, including the U.S., in 2010. (USA Today)
Examples of Civility, Then and Now
The latest news on Gabrielle Giffords, Crackdown on Illegal Workers, Increase in Army Guard Suicides, Guantanamo, Afghanistan, Tunisia, Iran, Tony-Blair Iraq, Southern Sudan, South Korea-North Korea, and Select Op-Eds.
House Passes Health Repeal. In the first major act of the new Congress, the Republican-led House voted Wednesday to repeal the Democrats' health-care overhaul, fulfilling a pledge that GOP candidates made during the fall midterm campaigns. Three Democrats sided with a unified GOP in the 245 to 189 vote.
China's President Admits Human Rights Failings. President Obama used his summit Wednesday with Chinese President Hu Jintao to place the issue of human rights front and center in the U.S. relationship with the world's preeminent ascending power. And Hu, in a rare concession, acknowledged that China needs to make more progress.
Guantánamo. The Obama administration is preparing to increase the use of military commissions to prosecute Guantánamo detainees, an acknowledgment that the prison in Cuba remains open for business after Congress imposed steep new impediments to closing the facility.
Quote of the Day. “So let us begin anew -- remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate. Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.” John F. Kennedy Inaugural address, January 20, 1961. President Kennedy was referring to U.S.-Soviet relations, but the same admonition applies to political disagreements today. (American Rhetoric)
The latest news on Chinese President's U.S. State Visit, Afghanistan, Palestine, Tunisia, and Select Op-Eds.
Health-Care Repeal Debate. A health care repeal vote expected today will send a highly symbolic political message -- the icing on the midterm elections that gave Republicans control of the House -- but the GOP's effort to undermine the rollout of the contentious measure and put its own imprint on health care will probably hinge on smaller attempts to change the law.
Florida Farmworkers Win Increase in Pay. After fighting for more than a decade for better wages, a group of Florida farmworkers has hashed out the final piece of an extraordinary agreement with local tomato growers and several big-name buyers, including the fast-food giants McDonald’s and Burger King, that will pay the pickers roughly a penny more for every pound of fruit they harvest.
Sudan. The UN Security Council has welcomed the mostly peaceful and orderly referendum in Southern Sudan that is widely expected to result in secession.
Quote of the Day. "In my lifetime, America has never had a stronger warrior for peace and against poverty than Sargent Shriver." Former President Bill Clinton. Shriver, first director of the Peace Corps and the Office of Economic Opportunity, passed away yesterday at age 95. (Washington Post)
The latest news on Polls Show Low Regard for Political Dialogue, Gun Laws, Gabrielle Giffords, Health-Care Law, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran Nuclear Program, Palestine, Ex-President Duvalier Returns to Haiti, and Select Op-Eds.
Chinese President's U.S. State Visit. President Hu Jintao of China is coming to town Tuesday, and American officials say President Obama will be taking a far more assertive stance as he greets his biggest global economic rival.
Tunisia. Passions unleashed by the revolution in Tunisia resonated throughout the region on Monday as an Egyptian and a Mauritanian became the latest of six North Africans to set themselves on fire in an imitation of the self-immolation that set off the uprising here a month ago.
Sudan. South Sudan's independence referendum was 'credible and well organised,' European observers said in their first official judgment on the poll, with results appearing likely to favour secession.
Quote of the Day. “It’s a labor of love, and people eat. Helping feed the hungry in this country is my way of thanking the United States for taking my parents in.’’ Syd Mandelbaum, whose parents survived the Holocaust, founded an antipoverty think tank, Rock and Wrap It Up!, that works with 160 music bands, major hotel chains, and dozens of colleges, universities, and sports franchises to donate leftover concession food after events to local programs feeding the hungry. (Boston Globe)
The latest news on Political Rhetoric, Victims Who Died, Arizona Gun Laws, Banks Slow Pace on Foreclosures, Military Budget Cuts, Aghanistan, Iran, Ivory Coast, Israel, and Select Op-Eds.
Shooting in Arizona. Piece by piece, details of the weekend rampage in Tucson are beginning to emerge: the heartbreaking tales of people slain on a sun-splashed morning, the courage of those who overpowered the gunman, and the state of mind of the suspect himself.
Congresswoman in Critical Condition. Friends and colleagues of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords are not surprised that the Arizona lawmaker known for her strength and determination continues to fight for survival in a Tucson hospital.
South Sudan Referendum. Voters in Southern Sudan return to polling stations for a second day of a referendum, as it is reported that more than 20 people have been killed in border clashes.
Quote of the Day. "On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support. … Many of you have offered help. There is little that we can do but pray for those who are struggling.” Mark Kelly, husband of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. (Rep. Giffords’ House website)
The latest news on G.O.P. Controls the House, State Finances, Health-Care Spending, Oil Spill, Iraq, Pakistan, U.N. Peacekeepers, and Israel.
Poverty in America. The number of poor people in the United States in 2009 was millions higher than previously known, with 1 in 6 Americans -- many of them 65 and older -- struggling in poverty due to rising medical care and other costs, according to preliminary census figures released yesterday.
Citizenship. In a move certain to escalate the legal tug of war over illegal immigration, state lawmakers from across the country announced Wednesday that they are launching an effort to deny automatic citizenship to the U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants.
Afghanistan. The United States plans to send 1,400 additional Marines to Afghanistan to boost its combat forces ahead of the spring fighting season.
Quote of the Day. "Absent data that show liens make a meaningful contribution to revenue collection and especially in this economy, I find it unacceptable that the IRS continues to torment financially struggling taxpayers in this way," Nina E. Olson, the National Taxpayer Advocate, an independent ombudsman within the IRS, in an annual report to Congress critical of the agency filing tax files liens against people who have no money and no assets. (Washington Post)
Top 10 Religious Stories of 2010
The latest news on Environmental Strategy, Spying on Americans, More Low-Wage Families, State and City Debt Crisis, Death Penalty Down, Health Plan Won't Cover Brain Damage, Pakistan, Iraq Cabinet, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Russia-India Pact, and Select Op-Eds
START. The Senate moved closer on Monday to approving a new arms control treaty with Russia over the opposition of Republican leaders as lawmakers worked on a side deal to assure skeptics that the arms pact would not inhibit American plans to build missile defense systems.
Net Neutrality. Federal regulators are poised to enact controversial new rules affecting Internet access, marking the government's strongest move yet to ensure that Facebook updates, Google searches and Skype calls reach consumers' homes unimpeded.
North Korea. North Korea has told a visiting American politician that it would allow international inspectors to visit a newly unveiled uranium-enrichment facility and announced Monday that it would not "retaliate" against South Korea for conducting military exercises.
Quote of the Day. "I can tell you, whoever votes against 9/11 responders a couple of days before Christmas is truly un-American." John Feal, a former demolition supervisor who lost a foot when a steel beam fell on it during recovery efforts at the World Trade Center, on Members of Congress who are opposing a bill that would provide medical care for Sept. 11 attack responders and survivors. (Los Angeles Times)
The latest news on Don't Ask, Don't Tell Passes Senate, Obama's Base, Budget Battle Next Year, Pell Grants, South Korea Military Drills, Afghanistan Attacks, Iraq Government, Iran, Ivory Coast, Mideast, and Select Op-Eds.
START. The top two Senate Republicans declared Sunday that they would vote against President Obama’s nuclear treaty with Russia as the bipartisan spirit of last week’s tax-cut deal devolved into a sharp battle over national security in the waning days of the session.
DREAM Act Blocked.The vote by the Senate on Saturday to block a bill to grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrant students was a painful setback to an emerging movement of immigrants and also appeared to leave the immigration policy of the Obama administration, which has supported the bill and the movement, in disarray.
Darfur Fighting. As many as 12,000 people have fled following fresh fighting between army and Darfur rebels in Sudan, according to the United Nations.
Quote of the Day. "Because it is an overtly religious place, it's not strange or weird to care about your religion here, to pray and make God a priority. They have the same values we do." Reef Al-Shabnan, a Saudi Arabian student at Catholic University, explaining why Muslim students are increasingly enrolling at Catholic schools. (Washington Post)
Afghanistan: Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Church or State?
The latest news on Tax Deal, Social Security, Reid's Political Gamble, Homelessness and Food Insecurity, Arizona Immigration Law, 16 Tycoons to Give Away Fortunes, WikiLeaks, Haiti, Israel, Afghanistan, Canada-U.S. Perimeter Security Deal, UN Climate Talk
DREAM Act. Senate Democrats voted Thursday to postpone consideration of the DREAM Act, giving themselves a chance to take up a House-passed version of the bill after this week.
Students Demonstrate in UK. Student demonstrators are clashing with police in Westminster as MPs debate plans to raise tuition fees in England to £9,000 [about $14,000] a year.
Afghan Women. Millions of Afghan women continue to suffer from violence and harmful practices despite a new law aimed at curbing such abuse, the UN says.
Quote of the Day. "It's part of my life. It's a community — a whole community of friends and acquaintances. They know me." Leonardo Neher, 88, a retired foreign service diplomat, on why he volunteers with Martha’s Table, a non-profit group that helps the homeless in Washington, D.C. A new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll found that 89 percent of Americans say it's important to be involved in their community. (USA Today)
The latest news on Obama Tax Deal, Congressional Spending Bills, States' Budgets Slowly on the Mend, Food Stamps, DREAM, WikiLeaks and Julian Assange, Afghanistan, Iran, Ireland, Rain Forest Conservation, Climate Talks in Cancun, North Korea, and Select O
ELIZABETH A. EDWARDS, 1949-2010. Elizabeth A. Edwards, who captured the nation's sympathy and admiration for her forthright grace in coping with her struggle with breast cancer and the infidelity of her husband, presidential candidate John Edwards, died Dec. 7 at her home in Chapel Hill, N.C., after a six-year battle with cancer.
DREAM. With both houses of Congress set to vote this week on a bill that would give legal status to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrant students, one of those students will wait for news of the outcome at an immigration detention center in Arizona.
Palestinian-Israeli Talks Floudner. The White House has abandoned its attempts to pressure Israel to halt Jewish settlement construction as a means to kickstart peace talks after three weeks of failed negotiations.
Quote of the Day. "I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces -- my family, my friends and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times, and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that." Elizabeth Edwards, in her final Facebook post on Monday. (Politico)
The latest news on Congress, START, DREAM, Unemployment Benefits End, Tax Cuts, Food Safety, California Prisons Overcrowding, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, WikiLeaks, Pakistan, Korea, Iran Sanctions, Afghanistan.
Deficit Commission. The leaders of President Obama's fiscal commission released a final report Wednesday that is full of political dynamite, including sharp cuts in military spending, a higher retirement age and tax reforms that would cost the average taxpayer an extra $1,700 a year.
AIDS Activists. Roughly a quarter-century after gay men rose up to demand better access to H.I.V. medicines, a new breed of AIDS advocate is growing up on college campuses. Unlike the first generation of patient-activists, this latest crop is composed of budding public health scholars.
DREAM.The immigration bill is headed toward a vote. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he would file a motion Tuesday so the Senate could take up the DREAM Act, setting up a showdown over the immigration bill that would provide some young, undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship.
Quote of the Day. “Now, I’ve heard the impact of these releases on our foreign policy described as a meltdown, as a game-changer, and so on. I think those descriptions are fairly significantly overwrought. The fact is, governments deal with the United States because it’s in their interest, not because they like us, not because they trust us, and not because they believe we can keep secrets.” Secretary of Defense William Gates on the Wikileaks release of diplomatic cables. (New York Times)
WikiLeaks: Historian's Dream, Diplomat's Nightmare
Churches Call to End the War in Afghanistan
The latest news on START, Budget Deficit, Immigration Reform, Food Safety Bill, Free Storage for the Homeless, Fewer Children Raised by Married Parents, Afghanistan, Global Poverty Measurement, Food Aid to North Korea, Israel, Iran, and Select Op-Eds.
Pelosi Elected as Minority Leader. House Democrats elected Rep. Nancy Pelosi as minority leader Wednesday, turning to the once-powerful speaker to oversee a shrunken and demoralized caucus.
Food Safety Bill. The Senate moved forward Wednesday on long-awaited legislation that would overhaul the nation's food safety system, grant new powers to the Food and Drug Administration and make farmers and processors responsible for preventing food-borne illness.
Global Poverty Measurement. In November, 300 million more people around the world were suddenly poor – on paper, at least. The latest numbers on poverty from the United Nations, released Nov. 4, include a new measurement for poverty and reveal some surprises.
Quote of the Day. "First it's passengers' shoes, then liquids, then laptops, then whole-body scans and now thorough pat-downs." Travelers are saying: 'What's next?' What's the vision, and when does it get better?'" Geoff Freeman, executive vice president of the U.S. Travel Association, on the growing opposition to TSA screening methods for air travel. (USA Today)