JPANet April 2021 Newsletter

Getting to the Root of It

Each month, the Justice and Peace Action Network Editorial Board meets to discuss possible topics for the next Getting to the Root. This month, as we prepare for Earth Day and an environmental justice themed Ecumenical Advocacy Days, we thought it fitting to hear from Environmental Justice Minister, Rev. Brooks Berndt. 

The Weight of History

In 1991, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton stood before an audience gathered at the First National People of Color Leadership Summit. The Summit had sought to redefine environmentalism from the perspective and lived experience of those typically not represented in largely white environmental organizations. It sought to bring together those most affected by environmental exploitation and destruction while also seeking to further the kind of grassroots action necessary to fundamentally transform society. Norton saw the prophetic insight and power of what was unfolding. Read more. 

Justice Events

Racial Justice Requires Our Presence 

The United Church of Christ stands with our sisters and brothers experiencing racism, gun violence, verbal assaults and physical attacks. We value all human lives and our Asian American and Pacific Islander siblings need our presence, support, and prayers.  

#Stop the Hate – Pacific Islander/Asian American Ministries (PAAM) of the United Church of Christ invites you to Thursdays for the Soul Special Edition webinar, April 15, 2021 at 3:00 pm EST. We stand in solidarity and show up for our sisters and brothers. Register for “Prayers, Reflections and Song for Lament, Repentance, and Healing” led by the members of PAAM. 

Racial justice means celebrating humanity’s rich cultures and diverse ethnic backgrounds, traditions, and expressions of faith. Racial justice demands Christians actively, boldly, and without reservation participate in dismantling racism within systems and structures that oppress people, limit equal access, and denies children, women, and men their civil and human rights.

Register Now for Ecumenical Advocacy Days April 18-21!

UCC Advocates! Register now for the virtual 2021 Ecumenical Advocacy Days, “Imagine: God’s Earth and People Restored!” The “early bird” registration of $25 has been extended until April 7th! This powerful conference will include speakers such as Bishop Michael Curry (Episcopal Church USA), Jacqui Patterson (NAACP) and other powerful voices over four days of worship, workshops, advocacy training, and a lobby day on climate justice. All online! Register now and spread the word!

Earth Day – April 22

Earth Day is an occasion to affirm our relationship with God’s creation, and our responsibility to care for the earth and its natural resources. Many congregations designate the Sunday closest to Earth Day as Earth Day Sunday. You can use this date as an occasion for special worship, education, and advocacy focused on the environment.

More Earth Sunday Resources

The United Church of Christ has partnered with Creation Justice Ministries to produce thematic worship resources and educational materials for Earth Sunday. This year’s theme is “A New Heaven and a New Earth: Health, Environmental Racism, and Eco-Justice.“

UCC Webinar—What’s Fair?: The U.S. and Responsibility for the Climate Crisis

Historically, the United States has released more global warming pollution than any other country, and it remains the world’s second highest emitter. What are the moral obligations of the U.S. in confronting the climate crisis? What’s fair? Three leaders in the effort to address this question will present in this webinar on Wednesday, April 14th, at 1 pm ET.  Sign-up for the webinar!

Justice in Action

Trained for Climate Advocacy

Interfaith Power & Light has launched a new program to equip persons throughout the country to be faith advocates for climate legislation. It is called Faithful Advocacy Captains, and the program is ideal for church leaders or green team members who want to learn about current legislation and take action. Sign-up to join the program online.

Paid Leave For All

The United Church of Christ, National Setting joined more than 400 organizations in a full-page ad in the Washington Post to call on Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McCarthy, and Leader McConnell to work with the Administration to pass #PaidLeaveForAll. We need it now and we need it permanently. In order to build back better, families cannot be left behind. The ad can be found at The Washington Post or page A21 of the Tuesday, March 30, 2021 print edition.

Justice Resources

DC Action Center

Each week, the D.C. Office creates an action alert based on what is happening at that time in Congress, and offers you the opportunity to contact your legislators with just one click! You can find all the alerts here.

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

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.

Featured Topics:

What We Say Matters | Farming for Food or Greed | Telling Trauma’s Story | Remaining Vigilant