As the election approaches, many United Church of Christ congregations have been asking where, exactly, churches should draw the lines around political engagement. The webinar, “Be Prophetic, Not Partisan: Navigating Election DO’s and Don’ts for Churches,” which took place last week, has answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Find the full recorded webinar here! 

The seriousness of the choices awaiting us this election season and the impacts they will have for the future are overwhelming for many of us, especially those of us committed to using our voices and votes to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). And purposefully divisive messaging fills our devices with the language of fear and hate.

If you are looking for ways to stay centered and connect to the divine image that dwells in each of us, Join the Movement toward Racial Justice has curated a collection of practices, prayers, and art to for such a time as this. Our Election Season Spiritual Care Package offers everything from rituals for when you’re feeling unwanted, to gender affirming chants and centering meditations. We hope that these resources will offer you a tender place of care as we wade in the God-troubled waters of this election season, seeking a more just world for all.

Learn more.

For the Apache and other Indigenous peoples, Oak Flat is a sacred site akin to Mount Sinai. It is currently under threat of being mined for copper by Resolution Copper, a subsidiary of the multinational mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP. A legal effort to block the transfer of public land for the project was denied by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The case is now being appealed to the Supreme Court.

The speakers will be Dr. Wendsler Nosie, leader of Apache Stronghold, Sarah Augustine, Executive Director of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, and Rev. Carol Rose, co-pastor of Shalom Mennonite Fellowship in Tucson, AZ. Apache Stronghold's legal case, seeking to prevent the transfer of sacred land at Oak Flat from the Tonto National Forest to Resolution Copper Company (a subsidiary of multinational mining corporations Rio Tinto and BHP), is being appealed to the United States Supreme Court. Resolution Copper is planning to dig a copper mine that would destroy Oak Flat forever, violating Apache religious freedom. The mine would also require 250 billion gallons of water in drought-stricken Arizona, and create 1.4 billion tons of toxic mine tailings.

Join us to hear from those who have been engaged in the struggle to defend Oak Flat as it enters this crucial stage. Even if you cannot make it at its scheduled time on Wednesday, August 14th at Wednesday, August 14 at 10:00am Arizona/Pacific Time, 11am Mountain Time, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Register now!

We need more than overdose prevention. People who use drugs deserve access to care and justice long before an overdose event. There are loads of resources linked in this article.