JPANet June 2019 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 Rev. Loey Powell, retired UCC national staff member, pastor, and advocate for gender justice, looks at women’s health and reproductive justice.

Women’s Health and Reproductive Justice
Sarah was a sophomore in college when she found out that she was pregnant. This was before Roe v. Wade, during a time when women had few options. She was referred for counseling to a member of the Clergy Consultation Network Service, an underground organization of ministers and rabbis who were able to direct women to safe providers of abortion if they wanted to terminate. (Read more)

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Justice Events

June is Torture Awareness Month!
Join faith and human rights organizations in marking Torture Awareness Month throughout June under the theme: “No Torture, No Human Cages”.  Check out this page for more information on films and other resources for how to mark the month.  Each year, we commemorate June 26, 1987 as the date the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) entered into force.  Join the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) and others in remembering this date and working for a world without torture.

Poor People’s Campaign Moral Action Congress – June 17-19
Last year, the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival led by Rev. Liz Theoharis and Rev William Barber, launched a six-week series of rallies, policy advocacy and nonviolent direct moral action in over 30 states around the country as well as in Washington, DC. The six-week organizing effort culminated with a week-long presence on the National Mall marking the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s Poor People’s Campaign and a national rally that featured the voices of those most impacted by our nation’s public policies around health care, jobs, immigration, the environment, care for veterans and more. UCC members from around the country participated in the campaign. This year the Poor People’s Campaign will gather once again in Washington, DC for the Poor People’s Campaign Moral Action Congress June 17-19, 2019. For more information go to www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/congress.

Our Whole Lives Facilitator Training Pre-Synod!
An Our Whole Lives/Sexuality and Our Faith Facilitator Training for implementing OWL for grades 7-9 and 10-12 will be held Pre-Synod, June 17-19, in Milwaukee. Our Whole Lives is a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, inclusive sexuality education program, used with Sexuality and Our Faith to provide transformative experiences and education in the UCC. Interested? Go here. Questions about timing, registration, etc? Contact Amy at owl@ucc.org.

World Refugee Day – June 20
World Refugee Day is a day to lift up refugees displaced by war, civil unrest and persecution, all of which tear away at the fabric of human community. This World Refugee Day explore the many ways your congregation or community can reach out to welcome the stranger. Get resources from Global Ministries and UCC Refugee Ministries

Persistent Hope: 35 Years of CMEP – June 23-25
In 2019, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) celebrates its 35th anniversary of encouraging US policies that actively promote a Just Peace in the Middle East. Join us June 23-25, 2019 in Washington, D.C., as we honor our past and look to the future.

Princeton Conference on Drone Warfare – Sept 27-29
Just Peace Advocates!  If you are interested in working on the issue of armed drones, you are encouraged to attend a Conference on Drone Warfare at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ this September 27-29, 2019. Travel, lodging, and registration for this event will be subsidized. Contact Michael Neuroth for more information or visit their website.

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Justice in Action

Justice Buttons: Donate, Trade, and Collect at General Synod
Justice-themed buttons have been a special part of General Synod culture in the UCC. Now, one will be able to donate, trade, and collect used buttons. Those attending General Synod are encouraged to bring “vintage” justice buttons that they no longer want, so that they can be donated to “The Next R Button Shop: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle…Rebel.” Learn more about this special addition to General Synod.

Webinar: Resolutions for a Just World – June 6
Join a webinar on five environmentally-related General Synod resolutions. The webinar is for anyone in the UCC regardless of whether or not one is attending Synod. The resolutions pertain to the Green New Deal, forced migration, carbon dividend legislation, nuclear war prevention, and Styrofoam use. The webinar will be held today at 2 pm ET, but a recording will be sent out to all who register. Register now!

Webinar on Standing Rock and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance
This month’s Creation Justice Webinar features Nick Estes who recently published an acclaimed book on Standing Rock and indigenous resistance. Estes will provide a important perspective for people of faith seeking environmental justice. The webinar will be held on June 13 at 1 pm ET. Sign-up even if you can’t make it. All who register will be sent a webinar recording. Register now!

Paris to Pittsburgh: Screen a Climate Documentary at Church and Take Action
Interfaith Power & Light has made it possible for faith communities to host a free screening of Paris to Pittsburgh. The documentary focuses on how people across the country are developing real solutions in the face of climate change. One can make the most of the occasion by inviting attendees to take the Creation Care Voter Pledge, a commitment to vote one’s values.

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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.

Featured topics:

Are You Really Pro-Life? | 2 B R 0 2 B? | Fair Trade and Economic Justice | Are transgender seekers safe in every Open and Affirming congregation? Not yet!