Over the last four years, U.S. policy has moved in directions that have alienated the U.S. from many of its international partners and supported the deepening of Israel’s occupation while undermining long term efforts to realize a just and lasting peace. If the U.S. remains committed to furthering peace with justice in Israel and Palestine, there is a need for an immediate change in policy and approach when the new administration enters office.

From Church World Service (CWS):

Right now, Congress is considering a COVID relief package to accompany federal funding for the remainder of this fiscal year. As congressional leaders plan to include another round of stimulus checks in the package to provide relief to Americans during this crisis, it is vital that ALL of our community members are able to access this critical relief. The last round of stimulus checks largely excluded millions of Americans from accessing stimulus checks including mothers, fathers, children and immigrants serving on the frontlines of this pandemic as essential workers. The exclusion of mixed-status families and individual ITIN filers from relief legislation is both deeply unfair and has disproportionately harmed the families hardest hit by the pandemic.

Over the past few decades, the United States and the world has made great strides in combatting gender-based violence and advancing the rights of women. However, there is still work that needs to be done before we have a society where gender does not limit access to safety, work, health care, education, politics, housing, and other basic rights in our society.

On a chilly day last week, Fr. Mike and Sandy Olsen sat at their dining room table and stuffed envelopes with good news. By the weekend, 621 households that owed between $1,000 and $8,000 each in medical debt to Holy Cross Hospital were opening letters that told them their debt was forgiven, entirely. Rev. Pamela Shepherd of Taos United Community Church signed the letters on behalf of a diverse group of 11 faith communities and eight individuals who, together, purchased and forgave $1.3 million in debt. They did this by assembling gifts totaling nearly $39,000.

How does this magic work?

Casas Adobes Congregational has seen the need and is collecting for a local organization to help prevent homelessness in Tucson (especially because of COVID).

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.