Over the past four years, Harvard’s Environmental and Energy Law Program has been tracking all of the federal environmental rules and protections that are being rolled back. This list of rollbacks is now over 100. It includes weakened limits on CO2 emissions, the removal of protections for more than half the nation's wetlands, and the undoing of restrictions on mercury pollution from power plants. The EPA's stated mission is to protect human health and the environment. What needs to happen in 2021 to repair and advance this mission? What do faith communities need to know to hold the EPA morally accountable? Caitlin McCoy from Harvard’s Environmental and Energy Law Program will join us for this discussion along with Vernice Miller-Travis who was a contributing author to the UCC’s historic Toxic Wastes and Race report. Even if you can't make the webinar’s scheduled time on Wednesday, December 9th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording of it. Sign up now to join the webinar!

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.

Tuesday, December 15, 7:00 p.m.
Free Online Event

Join Arizona interfaith and community members as we gather together to pray and hold space for one another during the transition of power. Organized and hosted by Corazon Faith in Action, Neighborhood Ministries, African American Christian Clergy, Arizona Interfaith Movement, and the Arizona Faith Network.

REGISTRATION

Read The Pollinator’s December newsletter for important updates and to see how you can make a difference.

In the U.S., the number of people facing food insecurity has been compounded by COVID-19 and could rise in the coming months to more than 50 million, including 17 million children. Likewise, the number of people facing starvation globally could double by year’s end, reaching over 250 million, according to the UN World Food Programme. As 1 John 3:17 (NRSV) reminds us, “How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?” As a nation of plenty we can and must do more to ensure that all are provided basic nutrition and dignity.

Call on Congress today to pass a robust COVID-19 relief package that includes nutrition assistance for families struggling with hunger in the U.S.

As we continue this work, we can also step back to realize an important lesson this moment is teaching us: In this pandemic era that compels physical separation, actions taken by and through community matter as much as ever. We do more and achieve more when we act together. These are the seeds we need to continue to water. We now need faith-rooted online advocacy communities to play a meaningful role in facing the greatest legislative challenge of our time which is moving congress to take effective action in addressing the inseparable issues of climate and inequality.

“Record turnout amidst a global pandemic, the engagement from voters across the country, and the continued hard work of certified election officials to count every vote speaks to the dedication of so many of you who committed yourselves to the Our Faith Our Vote Campaign! This months Getting to the Root is our message to all of you.” -JPAN

UCC Conference Ministers address racism, white supremacy and privilege in a letter to the church.

Dear Pastor Rock,

It is with a joyous heart that we have received your Church’s donation of $4253.14. This as well as many other donations will help our asylum-seeking brothers and sisters from around the world, as they patiently await their opportunity for a credible threat interview here in Nogales as well as at other Ports of Entry here along the Arizona border.

When people of faith see injustice, we are compelled to speak out – and this means speaking out against the appointment of Judge Barrett. People are in the middle of voting for their lawmakers, and this decision, which will have generational repercussions, should be made after the inauguration. Much is at stake: a woman’s right to choose, access to healthcare for millions, LGBTQ civil rights, and voting rights. Join with us in asking your Senator to oppose Judge Barrett’s nomination; and to spend this time now to pass COVID relief.

TAKE ACTION