May Newsletter

Getting to the Root of It

JPANet (Justice and Peace Action Network) 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, looks at Sri Lanka after its civil war and the Easter bombings.

Sri Lanka: Hope Amid Destruction
On Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, bombs went off in multiple locations around Sri Lanka. 3 of the locations were churches where Easter was being celebrated. The official death toll as of April 26 is 253 people and more than 500 people were wounded. (Read more)

Justice Events

At noon on Friday May 3rd, the faith community in D.C. is hosting a rally across from the offices of General Atomics (GA), the company responsible for Predator and Reaper drones. Come learn more about why drone warfare is immoral, ineffective, and often illegal. Spread the word by sharing this Facebook Event and raise your voice to #EndDroneWarfare!

World Fair Trade Day - May 11
Join Global Ministries in recognizing World Fair Trade Day on May 11. Economic globalization profoundly impacts local communities, cultures and ways of life. While increased private investment and trade may grow markets, our global partners witness the challenges globalization often poses in their communities-- wider economic disparity and exploitation. Support your local fair trade shop and artisans around the world. Find products and stores near you.

Conference on Moral Injury and Pathways to Recovery – May 29-31
The University of Southern California is hosting a conference May 29-31 on the topic of “Moral Injury” and recovery strategies for military veterans and other populations. The event is open to all who are interested in the topic including veterans, families, congregational leaders, or those working in the fields of chaplaincy, mental health, and spiritual health. Some sessions will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. For more information, visit www.voa.org/register.

Poor People's Campaign Moral Action Congress - June 17-19
Last year, the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival led by Rev. Liz Theoharis and Rev William Barber, launched a six-week series of rallies, policy advocacy and nonviolent direct moral action in over 30 states around the country as well as in Washington, DC. The six-week organizing effort culminated with a week-long presence on the National Mall marking the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s Poor People’s Campaign and a national rally that featured the voices of those most impacted by our nation’s public policies around health care, jobs, immigration, the environment, care for veterans and more. UCC members from around the country participated in the campaign. This year the Poor People’s Campaign will gather once again in Washington, DC for the Poor People’s Campaign Moral Action Congress June 17-19, 2019. For more information go to www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/congress.

Our Whole Lives Facilitator Training Pre-Synod!
An Our Whole Lives/Sexuality and Our Faith Facilitator Training for implementing OWL for grades 7-9 and 10-12 will be held Pre-Synod, June 17-19, in Milwaukee. Our Whole Lives is a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, inclusive sexuality education program, used with Sexuality and Our Faith to provide transformative experiences and education in the UCC. Interested? Go here. Questions about timing, registration, etc? Contact Amy at owl@ucc.org.

Justice in Action

Racial Justice Ministries Quarterly Book Discussion - May 16
The United Church of Christ (UCC) Racial Justice Ministry will host a Book Discussion featuring Evicted: Poverty and Profit in The American City written by Matthew Desmond on Thursday, May 16, 2019, 12 noon – 1 pm EST via live webinar discussion.

Matthew Desmond will be the keynote speaker during the United Church of Christ General Synod in Milwaukee, WI, June 22, 2019. Desmond’s book will transform our understanding of eviction as a root cause of poverty. The Book Discussion provides participants an opportunity to read deeply and gain insights into some of the root causes of generational poverty due to housing policies that are not necessarily just for all American citizens.

Register on the Racial Justice Book Discussion webpage. Evictedcan be purchased at the UCC Bookstore. Webinar credentials will be one week prior to the discussion. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Velda Love, Lovev@ucc.org or Alegra Martin, martina@ucc.org.

Webinar with Climate Scientist Katharine Hayhoe - May 8
The next Creation Justice Webinar will feature Katharine Hayhoe, one of our nation’s leading climate scientists. Her regular media appearances have additionally proven her communication ability. As a self-described evangelical Christian, she co-authored a book on using climate science to make faith-based decisions. She has been named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. Register now to her speak on how people of faith can be effective climate messengers.

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.