On behalf of the Southwest Conference, Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons is one of 253 faith and Indigenous leaders who signed sent this letter to Secretary Deb Haaland in support of increased protections for the Greater Chaco Landscape, including the Biden Administration’s proposed withdrawal of federal lands within 10 miles of Chaco Culture National Historical park from future oil and gas drilling for 20 years. The letter thanks the Secretary for the proposed withdrawal, and urges its final approval. Several other SWC clergy also signed the letter.
Read MoreFrom Rev. Jennifer Hawks, Associate General Counsel for BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty):
The final letter, as sent to all House and Senate offices, is attached for your records. We had a total of 112 organizations which almost doubles the support we had on the letter's first release last summer!
Read MoreThe Welcome Center operates 7 days a week, requiring a community of volunteers to assist guests in the various areas of the facility operated by the International Rescue Committee. Over 3,500 refugees have been served at the Center halfway through the month of April. Volunteers help distribute clean clothing, are attendants outside the shower area, serve meals, stock food service areas, and clean, clean, clean! It is bustling, 24/7. Life at the center is ever-evolving, with guests arriving and leaving, sometimes on the same day. The work is rewarding, thank-yous are abundant, and hope permeates the air.
Read MoreThe time has come to pass the Environmental Justice for All Act. You can help make this happen. Contact your members of congress to see that this Act is finally passed. Together, we can ensure that all God’s people have access to a healthy environment where life can flourish and thrive.
Read MoreAs we approach Earth Day on April 22nd, our churches will be engaged in education and action through a variety of means that evoke the prophetic tradition of our faith.
Read MoreYou know when your church is on the right track when the usual donated Palm Sunday flowers are replaced by a large assortment of bags and packages of donated food for the hungry.
Read MoreAs followers of the One who proclaimed freedom and release to the prisoner, it is incumbent upon us to work to build a justice system that honors human dignity and allows for the possibility of redemption of all people. Call on your senators and representatives today to urge them to pass the sentencing reform package to build a more equitable and just world for all.
Read MoreHope House of Sedona is open after 3 1/2 years of planning and work! A ribbon cutting was held at the new house on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. This is what happens when a local church catches a vision, partners with city and other religious neighbors, and connects with a builder whose immigrant history guides his life to give more than he receives.
Read MoreThe United Church of Christ welcomes the Biden administration’s decision to end the inhumane Title 42 policy which has been used to deny the rights of asylum seekers. This decision needs to be the first step toward ending other discriminatory US policies, such as the Migrant Protection Protocols, that intentionally marginalize immigrants. The United Church of Christ is committed to welcoming the stranger with dignity and empowering both migrants and the communities they seek to integrate into. A just transformation of the refugee and asylum system is needed to elevate the wholeness of all persons, extending hospitality and protection to those who are among the most vulnerable.
What does this mean practically? What can I do to help?
Read MoreThe United Church of Christ is one of the over 40 sponsors of the annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice. This year, Ecumenical Advocacy Days will be held virtually April 25-27! The conference theme “Fierce Urgency: Advancing Civil and Human Rights” will inspire us to work to protect and expand voting rights in the U.S. and human rights around the world.
Read MoreThe Justice Leadership Program is wrapping up its first online 6-month Jubilee program (with five participants, four from UCC) and now is the time to apply for the autumn program. Jubilee is an online program for adults of any age who want to integrate faith and justice work in their lives in a meaningful and transformational way. Program associates meet monthly to deepen their faith within a community of their peers while learning skills for systemic change-making.
Join the fall program to be informed, equipped, and empowered to act for justice!
Read MoreRead the April newsletter of the Justice and Peace Action Network, UCC’s grassroots advocacy network composed of individual members and local UCC congregations across the country.
Read MoreThe Equality Act would provide federal nondiscrimination protection across key areas of daily life, including employment, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally-funded programs, and jury service. It is a much-needed fix for the current uneven patchwork of state nondiscrimination protections.
Right now the Equality Act has passed in the House of Representatives but is still pending in the Senate. Please take action and urge your senators to support the Equality Act.
Read More"...the shower trailer has been successful because of the vision and generosity of our patrons, a faithful and hard working cadre of volunteers and support from our partner churches and cities."
Read about how the shower ministry has grown since the first shower in February 2021 at the Salvation Army Church in Surprise.
Read MoreTuesday, March 29, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Arizona time
Rose Garden, Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix
The Southwest Conference is a co-sponsor for this event.
Join us to gather together to build relationships, connect, pray, and call for collective action to heal our world.
Read MoreRincon Congregational UCC's Ukraine Emergency Relief Benefit Concert last Saturday was a HUGE success, raising over $27,000 for Ukraine relief!
Their church accompanist, Dr. Alex Tentser, who was born and raised in Kyiv, pulled together this concert with members of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. The audience numbered in excess of 350 people, PLUS those watching (and donating) online.
Read MoreThe Biden administration intends to admit 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. Rev. Irene W. Hassan, Minister for Refugee and Migration Ministries Global H.O.P.E., breaks down what that means for our ministries in the church and how we can gather to support and affirm this decision.
Read MoreIf vertical and centralized powers can threaten to destroy, people’s power can protect, resist, rebuild, and nurture life. Let us hope that this would also be a moment for our generation to reject the fascination with power and violence, kleptocracy, and ideologies of superiority based on skewed anthropological theories and the glorification of narcissistic leaders.
Read MorePlease join us in urging Congress to take immediate action to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act. Our country is failing to protect mothers and pregnant people because of a failure to adequately address racial and health disparities across the board. It is an abject moral atrocity and can be turned around with the right investments and political will. Your voice is needed as a person of faith to help reverse the course on maternal mortality.
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