published on Apr 3, 2024 Each month we unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. This month, Global Ministries and UCC DC Office staff offer perspectives on the many ongoing crises around the globe. A Cry for Peace In recent months, we have seen international news coverage focus on what is happening in Gaza and
i find myself nervous to write for this publication—like every time i step up to preach, i don’t take this invitation lightly. Over the past several years, we’ve witnessed narratives being weaponized and we focus so much on the “unlearning” of something (as if learning isn’t a continuum) that we leave little room for transformation.
More and more people from more and more countries are risking the perilous journey across the U.S-Mexico desert to find safe haven and sanctuary for themselves and their families. And yet, already limited government funding for a humanitarian response to these asylum seekers is under threat while militarization of the U.S. border increases. That’s what
“Ceasefire now!” has been a consistent cry for months among people responding to the unrelenting Israeli assault on the Palestinian people of Gaza. At the time of writing, more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, more than 70,000 injured, and three-quarters of the 2.3 million people in Gaza have been displaced. Virtually the whole population
A Nurture the Soul series featuring the founders of the Justice Leadership program begins on March 14. The two-part series explores why there is a need for justice leaders in congregations, and how in reality, all are leaders. The webinar series will delve into themes of the pervasiveness of the worldview of domination and how
Expanding Our Advocacy for Womxn Rights One of the items that continues to be very popular at UCC General Synods are buttons. In the UCC, we have tons of buttons that come with justice messages that say a lot in very few words. Buttons provide clear opinions on a variety of subjects. I have always
While heated policy debates and threats to programs for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers continue in the United States, similar conversations are being held across the ocean. Global Ministries, the common witness of the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), recently co-sponsored a conference in Rome called “People on the Move”
From March 3 to 9, the United Church of Christ is commemorating UCC Women’s Week this year. That includes a special webinar, “Embodying Women and Gender Justice Year-Round,” that will be held Wednesday, March 6 at 3:30 p.m. ET. March also marks Women’s History Month, and Friday, March 8 is International Women’s Day. The UCC’s
Last week, a coalition of interfaith groups and justice organizations — including Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu partners — completed an eight-day “Pilgrimage for Peace,” urging a ceasefire in Gaza. The pilgrims left Philadelphia on Feb. 14 and arrived at the White House a week later. Many United Church of Christ members were among the
What is spiritual joy in times of crisis? How can we find joy in our hearts when we live in a world filled with sorrows? In the shadows of the cross, where is our glad hosanna? An ancient instrument with mystical powers, the drum connects us to our spiritual core. As part of my sabbatical
