October Newsletter

Getting to the Root of It

We’ve asked UCC advocates to help us unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. This month Madison Mayhew, UCC Justice and Peace Policy Advocate, shares an open letter to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford in honor of one year since her brave testimony.

Dear Dr. Ford,

One year ago, we watched you bravely recount your experience of sexual assault by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanagh. We, the faith community, honor your story, and stand with you as we witness the anniversary of this significant moment. We recognize your life has been forever altered because of your remarkable courage, and we thank you. We have watched you suffer from hateful threats of violence against your life, and we are so sorry. (Read more).

Justice Events

Congo Week – October 12-19

Breaking the Silence: Congo Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating legacy of conflict in the Congo and mobilize support on behalf of the people of the Congo. Find worship, education, and advocacy resources here.

Jubilee Weekend – October 18-21

UCC congregations and communities of many faith traditions will dedicate services and offer prayers in partnership with Jubilee USA. Join us as we call on Congress to shine a light on the abuses of anonymous shell companies that impact the poor and vulnerable. You can find sample prayers, petitions and service resources in the Jubilee Weekend 2019 packet here. For more information click here.

UN Day – October 24

As people of faith, we must advocate for responsible United States policies toward the UN. To start, we all deserve to know much more about the United Nations! UN Day is an opportunity to organize educational and advocacy events about the UN. Learn more about our involvement here.

School of the Americas Watch Gathering – November 15-17

Bridging the Past and Present. Join thousands of activists in Ft. Benning, GA to stand against the School of the Americas/WHINSEC and mark the 30th anniversary of the Central American University (UCA) massacre. Together, we recommit ourselves to never forgetting the violence that our communities have been subjected to, not only in word, but in action. “BASTA – NO MAS! ENOUGH – NO MORE!” For more information, click here.

Save the Date for Ecumenical Advocacy Days – April 24-27, 2020

Around the world, the marginalized communities are experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis most profoundly. Women and children in these communities suffer the most along with all those who are disproportionately affected by hunger, poverty, and the structural history of colonialism and racism. EAD 2020 will focus on this intersection between climate change and economic injustice as together we gather to “Imagine, God’s Earth and People Restored!”  Join us at EAD 2020 and plan to join a UCC pre-event on Friday April 24th. 

Justice in Action

World Communion Sunday – October 6

World Communion Sunday offers congregations a distinctive opportunity to experience Holy Communion in the context of the global community of faith. Get worship resources from Global Ministries.

WISE Training with UCC Mental Health Justice – November 2
Join the movement for mental health justice as we live into our covenant voted at the 2015 General Synod to be WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged) for mental health. The WISE program helps our congregations become places where we end stigma and show support for people impacted by mental health challenges, brain disorders and addictions. The UCC Mental Health Network is hosting a WISE training for lay members and clergy on November 2 at Church of the Beatitudes UCC in Phoenix, AZ. There is a bonus day Nov. 1 for certification in Mental Health First Aid. Click the link to learn more and register.

A Church-Based Guide to Greta Thunberg’s Book

Greta is in the news. Is she being discussed in your church? To help spark and sustain focused conversations, the UCC has released a church-based discussion guide for Greta’s book No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference. At 68-pages, her book is short but exceptionally powerful and worthy of much conversation. Download a copy of the discussion guide today!

Webinar: Lessons from the Frontlines—Sisters in the Struggle for Justice

The next Creation Justice Webinar will feature four African American women who are leaders in the environmental justice movement: Leslie Fields from the Sierra Club, Adrienne Hollis from the Union of Concerned Scientists, Jacqueline Patterson from the NAACP, and Heather McTeer Toney from Moms Clean Air Force. We will focus on the moral center of the movement: frontline communities. Sign-up for the webinar now!

Faith for Forests: An Interfaith Campaign

The Faiths for Forests Declaration serves as a global call to action for ending the destruction of rainforests with an eye toward justice, especially for the indigenous peoples who are often the inhabitants and caretakers of forests. Check out Jane Goodall’s video about the campaign as well as a resource for faith communities that connects indigenous rights with forest protection and a resource on forest protection for protestant churches.  

Justice Resources

Witness for Justice
Looking for up-to-date social justice commentary? Check out Witness for Justice, a weekly editorial opinion column written by the staff of Justice and Witness Ministries.

The Pollinator

The Pollinator is a digital platform of the UCC for the sharing of ideas and inspiration. Its focus is the building of a faith-filled and faith-rooted movement for the care of creation

Featured topics:

How long, O God? | Supporting our Schools | The No Ban Act | Not a Place for Guns | Love is Justice Embodied