JPANet February 2025 Newsletter

New Immigration Justice Resources Available Now

Interested in learning how your church can support immigrant and refugee communities? Check out the latest UCC resources on our Immigration Justice page. Resources include a “Sensitive Locations” FAQ for Houses of Worship and an article written by UCC General Counsel Heather Kimmel on “Immigration Enforcement Action: What Churches Need to Know.”

Love is Louder: The Book of Love

Let’s create a tapestry of our voices in an offering we’re calling, “Love is Louder: The Book of Love.”Our hope is to fill this Book of Love with liturgy, poetry, and devotional offerings. We’re seeking submissions up to 600 words. Submissions will close April 1. Get engaged in these offerings today!

The Launching of UCC Climate Hope Affiliates

The UCC is currently launching its first chapters of the UCC Climate Hope Affiliates program in Allentown (PA), Hanover (NH), Framingham (MA), and Freemont (CA). The goal is to create the political will to address the twin, intertwined crises of climate change and societal injustice. Chapters will take monthly actions to develop long-term relationships with their members of congress and local media. Let us know if you are interested in starting a chapter where you live.

Take Action: Urge Congress to Oppose the Foreign Aid Freeze and End of Asylum and Refugee Resettlement Programs 

In addition to ending access to asylum and refugee resettlement programs, President Trump has frozen U.S. foreign aid for 90 days, forcing aid workers to make impossible decisions on whether to obey the order or keep providing life-saving, critical services to people in need. Urge Congress to oppose this decision to turn our backs on the most vulnerable of God’s children.

‘Reminded of our calling’: National interfaith leaders gathered on MLK Day to herald a hopeful path forward 

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, prominent religious leaders from across the country filled a sanctuary Memphis, TN with music and united visions of hope. More than twenty interfaith leaders spoke at the event which was developed from the vision of United Church of Christ General Minister and President Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson. Watch the full recording of the service and join the movement to take action. 

Statement on Congressional Response to Bishop Budde’s sermon

“Bishop Budde’s words and actions are consistent with many faith leaders over the centuries and today who have provided voice in the call for justice. The voice of faith leaders must be heard in the public square calling truth to power in all times.”

The full statement can be read here. 

February 9th: Racial Justice Sunday: Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?

The United Church of Christ recognizes the second Sunday in February as Racial Justice Sunday. Racial Justice Ministries and the Join the Movement team invite you to prepare for the commemoration and celebrate everyone who made a way for racial justice policies and just practices to become a reality. Prepare worship by honoring people within your local churches who advocate for, stand with, and organize movements towards racial justice and Justice for All. Invite congregants to read Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? Remember together we are called to be strong and courageous!

February 18th: Gender & Sexuality + Our Faith

Scripture reminds us how love never fails and always hopes. Love is Louder is about “US” and how we as Church love each other and our world well. God seeks love OUT LOUD in our tending to ourselves and one another! Join Gender & Sexuality Justice Ministries to learn, grow and embrace Gender & Sexuality + Our Faith in action. Register today!

March 14th: The 2025 Climate Hope Art Contest for Children and Youth 

The theme for the 2025 Climate Hope Art Contest is “Planting Seeds of Hope.” UCC children and youth will be invited to draw, paint, or color works of art that bring this theme to life. We are accepting art submissions from now until March 14th. Register your church to participate.

February 12th: Elon Musk, Oligarchy, and Climate Justice

Today, the ultra-rich hold enormous political power in the United States, and the implications are many, especially when it comes to the pursuit of climate justice. In this webinar, we will explore the ethical implications of this situation with a commitment to action. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on February 12th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register today!

February 26th: Africa 140 Years After the Berlin Conference

Did you know that on February 26, 1885, European powers reached an agreement to divide Africa in an event known as the “Scramble for Africa”? By 1900, these powers had claimed nearly 90 percent of the continent’s territory. This webinar will explore the conference itself, the impacts of colonialism and its mindset, and the ongoing consequences that persist today. Register now!

March 28th: Sacred Reckonings: White Settler-Colonizer Churches Doing the Work of Reparations

The FaithINFO team invites you to register for an upcoming practical training series on Reparations with out Beloved partner, Sacred Reckonings in March 2025. The Sacred Reckonings training is a guided exploration of the Sacred Reckonings: White Settler-Colonizer Churches Doing the Work of Reparations workbook. In their 5-session training series, you will practice key tools and exercises with real-time feedback and will be a part of a supportive network of other churchgoers who are entering the Sacred Reckonings process. Learn more about Sacred Reckonings and register today!

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 take action with our previous action alerts here.

Justice & Peace Action Network Archives

Want to dive deeper into the expertise of the UCC on a variety of policy issues? Check out the previous Getting to the Root articles and our newsletter archive.

Witness for Justice

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

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.