Getting to the Root of It

We’ve asked UCC advocates to help us unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. This month Rebekah Choate, Associate for Global Advocacy and Education of Global Ministries, highlights the nexus of human trafficking and migration.

Modern Slavery and Migration
When you picture people who have been trafficked and are now what we call “modern slaves”, who do you picture? The most common picture is of a poor woman or child in forced prostitution or sex slavery. However, this accounted for only 20% of all modern slaves in 2016 (4.8 million people). The remaining 80% of modern slaves (20.1 million people) are in some other type of forced labor; the industries that had the most modern slaves in 2016 include domestic servitude (24%), construction (18%), manufacturing (15%), and agriculture and fishing (11%). (Read more)

Justice Events

Register Now! Ecumenical Advocacy Days is April 5-8, 2019
The 2019 EAD theme is “Troubling the Waters for the Healing of the World.” This event will draw on the wisdom and inspiration from the Civil Rights Era and young leaders to empower and encourage one another to “Trouble the Waters” to bring healing to our nation and world. On Friday April 5th, there will be a UCC pre-event to help weave together our many justice movements. Join us in Washington D.C. in April as we seek to stir up #GoodTrouble for all God’s children.

Human Rights Day - December 10
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December – the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year, Human Rights Day marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Webinar: From Climate Reports to Moral Imperatives - January 9
Recently, a couple of major climate reports have been released that highlight the impact of climate change on our world and the urgent need to act. As part of the monthly Creation Justice Webinar Series, the UCC’s Jim Antal will join with Harvard University’s Naomi Oreskes to explore the insights of these reports and the moral imperatives that arise from them. Sign-up now to join this webinar.

Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Mark your calendars! January 11 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day, a day to bring awareness to the world-wide crisis also known as modern day slavery. The 29th General Synod officially recognized the date and called on UCC congregations to be part of the education and advocacy efforts associated with Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Download this toolkit and stay tuned for more information.

The UCC at Creating Change
January 23-27, 2019; Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan; www.creatingchange.org; Contact: Mike Schuenemeyer, schuenem@ucc.org
The United Church of Christ is a sponsor for this national LGBTQ justice and equality event and will host a faith networking reception on Wednesday, January 23 at 8:00pm at the conference venue in Detroit. Amy Johnson, Elizabeth Dilley and Kentina Leaphart-Washington will offer a workshop entitled, "Power, Privilege, and Preparation--Tools to Thrive as LGBTQ Christian Clergy and Comrades". We will also exhibit at the conference.

Justice in Action

UCC Book of the Month - January
Racial Justice means equipping the Christian Church with resources that will enable congregants and communities to take serious the Gospel as messages of resistance, hope, restoration, and a commitment to equity among all God’s people. The UCC Book of the Month begins a new series January 2019, Preaching as Resistance: Voices of Hope, Justice & Solidarityedited by Phil Snider. Phil Snider has assembled outstanding preachers as contributors. Their voices challenge, liberate, lift, and bring a sound theological and biblical basis for preaching prophetic and pastoral sermons. Purchase Preaching as Resistance today! More information regarding the book discussion will be available January 4, 2019.

Climate Justice Affinity Groups Launch
The UCC Council for Climate Justice has launched eight affinity groups. These groups are focused on particular issues or tasks that help advance action in caring for God’s creation. The groups are focused on racial justice, indigenous issues, food justice, eco-theology, civil disobedience, creation care voting, Creation Justice Churches, and the rights of nature. New members are still welcome. Email Brooks Berndt to express interest.

Justice Resources

Witness for Justice
Looking for up-to-date social justice commentary? Check out Witness for Justice, a weekly editorial opinion column written by the staff of Justice and Witness Ministries.