There is ample evidence to show that broad sanctions against a country mostly affects the people who are already disadvantaged in that country: the poor and marginalized. United States sanctions policies have exemptions for humanitarian purposes, but in practice it is extremely difficult to get a humanitarian license. And even if a group receives a license, getting banks who are naturally risk-averse to allow any transactions, even for food and medicine, takes time and a lot of effort.
Our partner, the Middle East Council of Churches, has called for “the immediate lifting of sanctions on Syria and allowing access to all materials, so sanctions may not turn into a crime against humanity.” We join our partners in this call and therefore urge the Biden Administration to lift sanctions against Syria.
Read MoreIt has been 7,349 days since I last used illicit opioids. Truthfully, at this point in my journey, I rarely count days anymore. A ritual that once held immense importance for me has given way to different ways of measuring the trajectory of healing in my life. However, this January 3rd, the annual marker of freedom from the hold of my problematic relationship with drugs felt quite different.
Read MoreThe news continues to unfold about the devastating earthquake on the border of Turkey and Syria. The death toll continues to rise. This is shattering news and adds to the challenges of the war in this area for over a decade. At this time, we are issuing an appeal to help recovery efforts in Turkey and Syria. It is hard to tell what other areas are affected or the extent of the damage from this seismic event. See how to help.
Read MoreWe can call on our elected leaders in Congress to reintroduce the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (H.R. 1280) to begin the work of national comprehensive police reform. Key reforms included are:
Restriction of “no-knock” warrants, chokeholds, and carotid holds,
Creation of a National Police Misconduct Registry to compile data on complaints and records of police misconduct,
Requiring law enforcement officers to complete training on racial profiling, implicit bias, and the duty to intervene when another officer uses excessive force.
Christ taught us that true peace is not achieved through the use of violence. It is up to us as people of faith to be the voice for change so that we may all live in communities free of violence—including at the hands of those sworn to protect us. Please call on your Representatives today!
Read MoreEach month we ask UCC advocates to help us unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. This month, as we prepare to hear the President’s State of the Union address, International Policy Advocate, Rev. Michael Neuroth (with some input from the D.C. team) has offered a helpful list of what to listen for on February 7.
Read MoreAs a justice-seeking people, we must remain committed to preserving and protecting access to the full range of reproductive health care for all – including legal abortion – as an imperative rooted in our deeply-held faith beliefs in social justice, moral agency, and religious liberty for all. Please contact your member of Congress to ask them to introduce and support legislation protecting an individual’s right to access abortion and the full range of reproductive healthcare access.
Read MoreTuesday, February 7, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
1700 W. Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
In the morning, we will be meeting in small groups to meet with legislators, and then at noon will meet as a larger group in Wesley Bolin Plaza and hear from speakers, including some legislators. We will also have tables with information on various groups and actions. RSVP using the link below.
Read MoreLast week, the United Church of Christ and other faith and human rights groups sent a letter to President Biden calling on him to fulfill his campaign promise and close the prison at Guantánamo. After 21 years, it is past time for the U.S. to close this symbol of illegal detention and state sponsored torture. Call on President Biden today to close Guantánamo and reaffirm our nation’s commitment to international law and human rights.
Read MoreThe Land Back Movement has been succinctly described as the generations long struggle to put “Indigenous lands back into Indigenous hands.” In this webinar, organizers and practitioners within the movement will place the struggle within the context of dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery and the ongoing work of reparatory justice.
Speakers will include Katerina Gea from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, Angie Comeaux from Hummingbird Springs Farm, and Sarah Augustine who authored “The Land Is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery.”
Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on February 8th at 1 pm ET, still sign up, and we will send a link to the recording. Register now!
Read MoreSunday, February 5, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Franciscan Renewal Center
5802 E Lincoln Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
(this is a hybrid event, so a Zoom option is available)
Across the spectrum of faiths and non-faiths, simplicity has been interpreted, prayed about, and meditated on for generations. As we approach the Lenten season, join the Arizona Faith Network and Faith In Action Ministries at the Franciscan Renewal Center in discussing how our brothers and sisters of different faiths and belief systems have seen simplicity play out in their own faith lives, and how you might apply simple living in your own faith life.
This event has been organized by Arizona Faith Network's Interfaith Youth and Young Adult team and is AFN's contribution for World Interfaith Harmony Week. Limited opportunities for exhibit tables will be available and light snacks and beverages will be provided. If you have questions or are interested in reserving an exhibit table, contact Vasu Bandhu, AFN Faith Community Cooridinator, using the link on the AFN Staff page.
Read More“Each month we ask UCC advocates to help us unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. January started off with much drama here on Capitol Hill as we watched the historic vote (or should we say votes) for Speaker of the House. The best voice to help talk about this new Congress, and what we might expect this year, is UCC Domestic Policy Advocate, Katie Adams.”
Read this article and more in the January JPANet newsletter.
Read MoreImages courtesy of Brian Kelly and Rev. Susan Valiquette at First Church Phoenix.
Read MoreOur present economic system is a train barreling toward increasing environmental disaster, but what would a sustainable economy look like? To answer this question from a place of faith and values entails prioritizing matters of equity, justice, and the common good. To help us cast an alternative vision for our economy, this webinar will feature Edith Rasell who recently authored the book, “The Way of Abundance: Economic Justice in Scripture and Society.”
The webinar will be on Wednesday, January 11th at 1 pm ET/12 pm CT/11 am MT/10 am PT/8 am HT. Register for this webinar to learn more!
Read MorePlease join this critical discussion as we learn how electric vehicles can help us save money, protect public health, and safeguard our Sacred Earth. Hear from leading EV consumer advocate Rosa Mitsumasu Scotti as well as IPL staff members about the countless benefits of EVs!
Read MoreRev. Randy Mayer finds parallels between the Christmas story and the reality facing migrants at U.S. border, in this commentary published on the UCC national website.
Read MoreThe possibility that we will face violence for our stances on social justice issues, our embrace of LGBTQIA+ individuals as beloved ones of the Holy One, and our antiracism and decolonial work feels real and present. It is perhaps not surprising, then, that as we face these realities and come to terms with a culture of violence and fear, we turn toward the institutions and structures that our culture forms us to associate with safety. In the midst of our very real fears, we find ourselves turning to police to keep us safe.
The reality is, however, that the very people we are seeking to protect when we turn to police to keep us safe from white nationalist violence are actually further endangered by the presence of policing…So where do we turn when the rise of white Christian nationalism and hate-based violence are on the rise?
Read MoreThe Tempe Human Relations Commission will honor Holly Herman (former SWC office staffer and writer of our weekly Jottings!) at the MLK Diversity Awards breakfast at 7:30 am on Monday, January 9 at The Buttes.
Read MoreRead Global H.O.P.E.'s December newsletter. Highlights include a reflection from Refugee Ministries, updates from Disaster Ministries, mission sites currently recruiting volunteers, a celebration of 2022 volunteer leaders, and links to support neighbors in Ukraine, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Florida, and more.
Read MoreSFB-CRC welcomed nearly 300 people on a beautiful chilly November day to view our 14,300 square feet of new space. They were greeted by our volunteers who provided information on our programs. All visitors took self-guided tours and were able to watch video highlights of SFB-CRC services in action.
Community members, children, partners, and donors who generously gave—from a $25 offering to an $802,000 check—were among those who enjoyed the activities, music, fun and food at the informal event on the 18th. Some remarked that it was like attending a local fair.
Read MoreCall on Congress to finish its end of the year budget negotiations, and put a value on peace and justice. Urge your Congressional representatives to align U.S. spending priorities with the values of a child born to become the Prince of Peace, one who was forcibly displaced from his homeland.
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