We continue praying for Ukraine, for Ukrainians, for peace, and for the many displaced people now on the move. We give thanks for the host countries in Europe providing refuge and for the humanitarian aid being made available.
The UCC is collaborating with close partners in the Reformed Church of Hungary (RCH) to channel aid to Ukrainians. See how you can help.
Take action with us again: call on congress to pass H.R. 2590 which calls of accountability for Israel’s violations of Palestinian rights.
Because of the commitment of supporters like you, tens of thousands of messages have been sent to members of Congress lifting up these concerns and asking for changes in US policy. And we have seen positive impacts.
The introduction of legislation calling attention to Palestinian human rights concerns, like H.R. 2590, are demonstrative of a growing coalition within Congress that recognizes that violations of Palestinian’s rights cannot be ignored. Your actions are making a difference.
At the same time, the situation on the ground in Israel and Palestine has not improved.
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Douglas Tallamy’s books have awakened thousands to the problem of wildlife decline and the solution that resides in habitat restoration. This is a solution of which you and your faith community can be a part. The solution can be as close as your backyard or the property surrounding your place of worship.
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Before the President gives the State of the Union Address, hear from United Church of Christ advocates in Washington D.C. on what we are listening for on key issues like the climate crisis, conflict in Ukraine, addressing child poverty and voting rights protections. Please join us on Monday, February 28 at 7 PM ET.
Read MoreSouthwest Conference Minister William Lyons visited Ukraine three times between 2001 and 2003 with S.A.R.A. – Sharing America’s Resources Abroad – a mission of the then Ohio and now Heartland Conference United Church of Christ. He remembers his experiences today as Russia attacks Ukraine.
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In transforming thread into whole cloth, the weaver transforms her circumstances. Beauty and Hope return.
“In just two months since Cecilia’s been able to weave again, she’s visibly changed. When we first met, she was quiet and rarely met anyone’s eyes. Now, she smiles easily, and moves with confidence and agency, enthusiastically teaching others, pointing out shapes and symbols that represent the lush flowers and animals of her beloved mountains. In the precious work of her hands preserving her cultural and familial arts, Cecilia feels at home at last. Grace abides in each mending stitch and every pass of the shuttle through warp and weave in the la Casa de las Misericordia trauma-informed arts and activities program.”
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This webinar will provide an overview of environmental justice concerns pertaining to the U.S. military while also centering the voices of those engaged in the struggle to stop the pollution caused by the Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on the island of Oahu. Faith communities will not only learn about the issues, but also how they can take action for justice.
Read MoreThere is a new task force at Church of the Palms: Othering and Belonging (O&B). It has formed out of the continued investment in education events around the social justice issues of anti-racism, oppression, marginalized people, criminal justice, etc.
O&B will be exploring further education opportunities, additional social justice ministries opportunities and collaboration with other social justice like organizations/ institutions for those we sadly call “the other” in our society.
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If the State Legislature does not act by March 1, the constitutional spending limit for school districts requires schools to halt spending on April 1. We are learning that a path forward is possible.
Your calls and emails to legislators will make a difference at this critical time. The Legislature can avert a crisis for school districts - call today!
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There's an urgent need for volunteers on Saturdays at the Welcome Center operated by the International Rescue Committee of Phoenix.
Read MoreThe Arizona legislature is putting public education at risk again. Please attend this Civic Academy to learn about two critical issues happening now.
Read MoreThe Women’s Health Protection Act is a critically needed bill that will enact protections on the federal level to safeguard access to high-quality care and to secure constitutional rights by protecting patients and providers from political or religious interference. It would bar state and federal legislation that imposes medically unnecessary regulations on access to abortion services including medication, mandatory waiting periods, or out and out abortion bans.
As a justice-seeking people, we must remain committed to preserving and protecting access to the full range of reproductive health care for all – including safe, legal abortion – is 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 support passage of the Women’s Health Protection Act.
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Resettlement Resources: Global H.O.P.E. team offers grants, check-ins and other tools to churches resettling refugees.
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Tell your Senators to work to make sure that community-based violence intervention strategies remain included and fully funded in the Build Back Better plan and to support swift passage of the bill.
Read MoreAn update on HB 132, the Faith Letter you all added your names to, and where we are headed at this point, from Kurt A. Rager. Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM:
“Through our online signup option, and over two Sundays, just over 400 people have added their names as well. I'm continuing to send out the message that additional names will be accepted through the weekend, likely ending on Monday. Those 400 names come from 31 congregations across NM, of which only 13 were ELCA congregations. This is truly an ecumenical effort.”
Read MoreWe are working with our Lutheran Advocacy Ministry partners in New Mexico to pass NM HB-132. The SWC has signed the faith leaders advocacy letter and will continue to support the bill as it comes to the floor for debate. HB 132 is one of our top priority bills as it would greatly reduce predatory lending in New Mexico.
Read MoreThe Southwest Conference Executive Board endorsed the Predatory Debt Collection Protection Act on behalf of the Conference. We are partnering with Healthcare Rising Arizona - the organization responsible for the Predatory Debt Collection Protection Act - to move this ballot measure forward.
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Read this month’s newsletter from the UCC’s Justice and Peace Action Network.
Read MoreThe Religious Services as Essential Services bill that we saw last year is back in a new form this year. The SWC has opposed this bill previously and has registered our opposition this time around too.
I am inviting you to consider opposing the bill based on the talking points included with this message. The bill legalizes discrimination of every kind and exempts religious organizations and leaders from almost all laws if they claim religious freedom.
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From Pima County Interfaith:
The Arizona legislature is putting public education at risk again. Please attend a new civic academy that will inform you about two critical issues happening NOW.
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