Read the May issue of Global H.O.P.E. newsletter! This month: Volunteer work team opportunities, responding in Ukraine and to multiple refugee crises, migration news with Title 42, securing women's futures in Sierra Leone, and more.
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JPANet: Answer the Call to Love Your Neighbor
Please join with us in urging Congress to reject the Public Health and Border Security Act, and any other anti-asylum legislation. Congress must instead commit to restoring and revitalizing our asylum system to ensure that each person is greeted with dignity and humanity. Please also ask your member of congress to urge the Biden administration to uphold its commitment to ending Title 42 by May 23 and work closely with groups and communities who stand ready to welcome them.
Read MoreHow to be an antiracist in a global workplace: Webinar with Ibram X. Kendi
Breaking systems of oppression and bias through antiracism
Tuesday, May 24, 9:00am AZ / 10:00am NM-EP
Join the conversation with Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist, to unpack what antiracism means and how it can be used as a tool to address all forms of oppression and bias experienced by underrepresented and marginalized groups within a global workforce.
Read MoreUCC leader speaks out on leaked court draft that would strike down Roe v. Wade
While there has been no confirmation on the authenticity of the draft — the Supreme Court has no comment — reaction from a United Church of Christ leader came swiftly in this short message to the wider church:
Read MoreSolidarity with Transgender and Nonbinary Youth
The UCC’s National Setting and the Open and Affirming Coalition are working together to oppose these laws. With more than 1,700 Open and Affirming congregations in 50 states, our churches can play a decisive role in interfaith coalitions opposed to laws and policies that attack families. But even more critical is the need for churches to send a clear message to LGBTQ+ youth that their lives matter, that their God-given gender identity or sexual orientation is a blessing, not a curse, that there are churches and faith communities where they are valued as children of God. In the weeks to come, the Coalition will join with the UCC’s National Ministries to provide the resources congregations need to join in statewide campaigns to safeguard the lives and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth.
Read MoreGetting to the Root - May 2022
Read the May newsletter of the UCC Justice and Peace Action Network.
Read MoreOral Hygiene Products Needed for the IRC Welcome Center - DONATIONS MATCHED AT 100% - SPECIAL CAMPAIGN!
We are asking for your support to obtain a 6-month supply of oral hygiene products (toothbrushes and toothpaste) for the IRC Welcome Center. To make this possible, our goal is to raise $7200. We have a donor (Refugee Aid), who will match the first $3600 in individual donations dollar for dollar, to a total of $7200.
Read MoreProtect International Human Rights and Domestic Voting Rights with Fierce Urgency
EAD 2022: Protect International Human Rights and Domestic Voting Rights with Fierce Urgency
All people have the God-given right to live with dignity, safe from war, abuse, and oppression, as well as the right to exercise self-determination. These sacred rights belong to every human being regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. However, they are threatened in many nations abroad, including the Philippines, Colombia, Israel, and Saudi Arabia to which the United States government provides military equipment and training that are used both directly and indirectly in exacerbating armed conflict and violating human rights. Also alarming at home, are the efforts in many states to make voting much more difficult and our elections less representative of the will of the people. We can protect against these threats to human and civil rights by urging Congress to support the Safeguarding Human Rights in Arms Exports Act of 2021 (SAFEGUARD Act; S. 1473/H.R.5629) and the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act (H.R. 5746).
Read MoreAct now for missing and murdered Indigenous women
Several leaders in the Indigenous justice space are calling upon us to honor missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls all week, culminating in a National Day of Action on May 5.
There will be many avenues for you to participate in this week-long effort. Today, please start by telling the Senate to authorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (FVPSIA) and encouraging the Department of Justice to follow through with full implementation of Savanna’s Act.
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UCC Webinar—Climate Migration: Responding with Faith, Care, and Equity
According to a recent UN climate report, 20 million people have been displaced each year since 2008 due to extreme weather that is often exacerbated by the climate crisis. There is much we can do as people of faith in responding with deeply held values to this critical situation.
Read MoreHundreds of Faith and Tribal Leaders Fight to Protect Chaco Canyon
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.
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Benefit concert for Haiti at Rincon Congregational UCC
Re-release of Oak Flat letter to Congress
From 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 MorePhoenix IRC Welcome Center News & Needs
The 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 MoreJPANet: Honor Earth Day and Fight Environmental Injustice
The 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.
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From Holy Week to Earth Week
As 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.
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Cans of food in lieu of flowers at Beatitudes
You 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 MoreJPANet: Fight Mass Incarceration
As 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 OPENS
Hope 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.
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Title 42 ending: What can the church do to help?
The 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?
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