This year’s elections will be a watershed moment for democracy. Recent elections around the world have reminded us of the turbulence and severity of the questions we face. One factor in that turbulence — the rise of white Christian nationalism — now tests the church and challenges faith communities in every part of the world.
Wildfires set Maui ablaze on Aug. 8, 2023, destroying thousands of acres and structures and claiming more than a hundred lives. Lahaina, a historic whaling village that was once the capital of Hawaii, experienced the worst damage. The cost to rebuild is steep, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimating the total to be
In a groundbreaking public statement, the Surgeon General has declared firearm violence in this country a public health crisis. Sharing numerous alarming statistics about firearm violence, Dr. Vivek Murthy outlined strategies for firearm and violence prevention, focusing on the health and well-being of children, youth, families and communities. You can read the full report here.
Hiking trails perfumed with pine needles. Lakes shimmering like diamonds. Mountaintop sunrises that awaken the soul, and valley sunsets that tug at the heart. It’s summertime in Vermont’s Green Mountains and, borrowing from George Gershwin’s opening aria in the 1935 production of “Porgy and Bess,” the “livin’ is easy.” Or is it? First Congregational Church
There’s a meme that spreads throughout social media in times of collective contention reminding people “in a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Kindness can make a difference in the world, with recent studies showing that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound positive impact on mental health. It can
The following is a report from the Reverend Randy J. Mayer, lead pastor at the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Sahuarita, Arizona. Rev. Mayer is also the co-founder of the Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans Humanitarian Group, and a member of the board of the American Waldensian Society. Rev. Randy Mayer visits with the children
When is the ringing of a church bell more than just a call to Sunday worship? When it rings on a Monday, or a Tuesday — or any other day besides the Sabbath — calling people with each clang to remember, to learn, and to love as Jesus loved. In the Connecticut town of Enfield,
Episode Transcript [Introductory music – clip from “Way Out of No Way,” performed by the Stop Cop City Choir] Welcome to Fill the Jar – a podcast where we carve out a bit of body and soul breath from the dehumanizing crush that capitalism tries to exert on our lives. Welcome to Fill the Jar
The United Church of Christ’s Erica Dollhopf, director of The Center for Analytics, Research & Development, and Data (CARDD), has been selected as the winner of the Outstanding Applied Research Award for 2024 from the Religious Research Association. The award is based on research Dollhopf conducted from the results of the Faith Communities Today survey
Global Relations Minister Peter Makari and I joined Global Ministries mission co-workers Rev. Nishan and Maria Bakalian for a lovely dinner and conversation. Beirut….I’ve arrived! I emerged from customs to the heavy heat and humidity of midday in Lebanon. Peter Makari, Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe of Global Ministries, welcomed me
