What if Jesus’s main goal had been to raise awareness? Imagine Jesus as a non-stop marketing-machine with a single-minded focus on telling people to love their neighbor. In some respects, it’s an alluring idea. If everyone in the world had “love thy neighbor” firmly imprinted and ingrained in their consciousness, wouldn’t the world be a
On Saturday, Aug. 26, a white man shot and killed three Black people in Jacksonville, Fla., in a racist attack. The Officers of the United Church of Christ grieve for the loved ones and communities of those who lost their lives, and they call once again for responsible gun legislation and an end to the
The United Church of Christ’s 34th General Synod, held June 30-July 4 in Indianapolis, included historic moments, joyous reunions, communal prayer and faithful witness. Many of these have been captured in a newly released highlights video, showcasing the impact and significance of this year’s gathering. Watch the 17-minute condensed version below. For even more Synod
“Multiplicity is a theme in my life.” That’s how the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, newly elected General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, spoke about her spiritual journey and call to ministry. But it also highlights some of her vision for the future of the Church. In the July 27 episode of
The Rev. John Dorhauer received a surprise on his last day in the United Church of Christ Cleveland offices last month — from the national staff. Dorhauer, who has served as UCC General Minister and President for the past eight years, will finish his term at the end of July. He didn’t return to Cleveland
Delegates, visitors and other attendees of the 34th General Synod of the United Church of Christ gave more than $4,000 in the final worship offering, which will help build a new opportunity for disabled theologians of color through the Fannie Lou Hamer Scholarship Fund. The idea for the scholarship came from the UCC Disabilities Ministries board, especially board member
In a near-unanimous vote the evening of July 3, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ declared that “the globally widening digital divide and lack of digital inclusion” is a “justice issue,” and called on all settings of the denomination to press for “increased affordability, accessibility, training and support.” Starting in 1973, four
Colorful quilted panels lined a large wall of the auditorium that hosted the 34th General Synod worship and plenary sessions. They offered a visual memorial to many who lost their lives to AIDS. The AIDS Memorial Quilt, part of the National AIDS Memorial, was introduced to the assembly during a Speak Out session by the
The United Church of Christ’s 34th General Synod had it all. A new leader and a historic vote. A change from biennial to triennial. And giving witness to some of the most urgent issues — trans dignity, reproductive rights, racial justice, creation care and much more — through resolutions, special speakers, prayer and action. Indianapolis
General Synod-goers received an update Monday, July 3 on the progress of the United Churh of Christ’s Racial Equity Task Force — an initiative that was launched after the last Synod. In 2021, Synod approved a resolution that declared that racism was a “public health crisis,” based on the racial disparities that came to light during
