December Newsletter
Getting to the Root of It
Phew, not sure about you, but we are tired. It has been a long year in the pursuit of justice. As we rejoice in the Advent season, we also look to prepare ourselves for all to come. Washington D.C. Office Director, Sandy Sorensen, brings us this month's Getting to the Root with an idea of where to start.
Advent: A Season of Preparation: Faith-Based Organizing for Justice
What will the world look like when justice comes? And how do we prepare for its arrival?
“Advent is the season Christians are called to prepare for the coming of Jesus in the world, and where Jesus shows up, justice is the call and response.” -Rev. Dr. Velda Love
The United Church of Christ and the National Council of Churches have joined forces to offer faith-based organizing training to the wider church and beyond. During this Advent season of viral pandemics, racial injustice, economic uncertainty, physical isolation, and socio-political strife, how does one prepare for what is to come? Advent is the season Christians are called to prepare for the coming of Jesus in the world and, with Jesus, the in-breaking of justice. What distinguishes faith-based organizing from other trainings is our reason why. These trainings are built on a foundation of discipleship...(Read more).
Justice Events
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
This is an annual international campaign that kicks off on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. Join us this year! Keep an eye on our social media pages for ways to take action: United Church of Christ Facebook and UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (the UCC Public Policy and Advocacy Office).
Webinar: The EPA in 2021—Prioritizing Moral Accountability
The last four years have brought about the dismantlement of potentially 104 environmental rules. The EPA's stated mission is to protect human health and the environment. What needs to happen to repair and advance this mission? What do faith communities need to know to hold the EPA morally accountable? Register now for a webinar on December 9th at 1 pm ET to hear these questions answered.
2020 Advent Action calendar
Join Global Ministries Southern Asia Initiative in taking action every day from now until Christmas.
Justice in Action
Help Turn Out Voters in Georgia Who Care about the Environment
Over the past months, the Rev. Roberta Rominger organized volunteers across the country to form an online community dedicated to turning out voters who care about the environment. Rominger’s inspiring work in has been profiled online. This election cycle is not over and neither is the work. Sign-up to join to help text potential voters in the state of Georgia.
Global Ministries Alternative Christmas Gifts
A Global Ministries Alternative Gift is a meaningful and unique way to express your care for loved ones both near and far. To learn more about Global Ministries Alternative Christmas and to browse the Alternative Gifts Catalog, continue reading here.
Thursdays in Black
In every country, gender-based violence is a tragic reality. This violence is frequently hidden, and victims are often silent, fearing stigma, and further violence. We all have a responsibility to speak out against violence, to ensure that everyone is safe from rape and violence in all places in our societies. You can find more information, resources, and ways to act on our webpage.
Justice Resources
The Pollinator
The Pollinator is a digital platform of the UCC for the sharing of ideas and inspiration. Its focus is the building of a faith-filled and faith-rooted movement for the care of creation
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.
Featured topics:
Commentary: The Gender-Based Violence Pandemic | Tear Down the Wall | Watch it Spring Forth