|
Join our list
|
 |
|
|
Call for Increased Support for Syrian Refugees
| |
 From the Justice and Peace Action Network of the United Church of Christ
Over the past four years, the brutal civil war in Syria has resulted in over 4 million refugees and one of the worst humanitarian crises in history. Earlier this month, the photograph of a drowned 3-year-old asylum seeking boy pricked the consciousness of the world, highlighting the collective failure of the global community in addressing the crisis.
On September 20th, Secretary Kerry announced the U.S. will increase the number of global refugees it will accept annually from 70,000 to 100,000 by 2017. The U.S. has also donated $4.5 billion in urgently needed humanitarian aid. These are significant contributions, but the gravity and scale of the crisis demands doing much more - and doing it with greater urgency.
|
|
Subverting the Gospel of Guns: A 2-Day Summit
|
|
'...No more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it
an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth...' - Isaiah 65: 19-20
Like Isaiah, the organizers lament the death of too many too soon and long for a day when such suffering will cease. This gathering of alumni/ae and friends will focus on the response by people of faith to the current situation in our country and will provide action steps for working together to change the culture of guns and violence in our communities. The event will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, and worship.
Join this 2-day summit, Oct. 22-23 at Andover Newton Theological School.
|
| Racial Justice Training |
|
 On two consecutive Saturdays (Oct. 24 and 31), the Massachusetts Conference, UCC will offer an intensive workshop providing a common language around racism, the skills to begin to unmask racism in the personal, interpersonal, cultural and institutional realms in our lives and in the world, and the ability to move forward into action and next steps. Rev. Kelly Gallagher, Associate Conference Minister, will be the workshop leader.
Read more and register here.
|
|
Coming Out in Support of Transgender Rights
| |
 Associate Conference Minister Kelly Gallagher was one of the individuals and churches who signed on as endorsers of HB1577 and SB735, An Act Relative to Transgender Anti-Discrimination.
The content of her letter, sent to legislators, is here. Learn more about the pending legislation here.
|
| Support Comprehensive Sentencing Reform | |
 From the UCC Justice Peace and Action Network
We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in public policy advocacy for criminal justice reform. In the last several years, there has been growing public dialogue about the need to reform harsh federal sentencing laws, which are a central factor in the explosion of the federal prison population. A strong bipartisan, diverse coalition of organizations has come together to advocate for sentencing reform. There is widespread agreement across lines of partisanship that the current system is not working!
Last week, a bipartisan group of senators introduced comprehensive legislation aimed at reducing prison sentences for non-violent, lower-level drug offenders and granting judges greater discretion at sentencing. The bill, titled "The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015" (S. 2123) focuses on justice, rehabilitation and public safety by addressing over-incarceration of non-violent, low-level drug offenders and promoting opportunities to reduce recidivism.
|
|
When You Hear the Term "Reproductive Justice", What Comes to Mind?
| |
 by Amy Johnson
National Coordinator for Our Whole Lives
My hope is that this phrase creates a beautiful vision in your mind of a world where not only are all children wanted, but one where their parents are generously cared for during a pregnancy, and where their families are lovingly cared for after a child is born. Imagine a world full of families of all sizes and configurations who come together in many ways and have what they need-not only to survive-but also to be abundantly healthy and to thrive.
|
|
Multi-Religious, Multi-Generational, Multi- Narrative Journey to Israel and Palestine
| | |
April 10-21, 2016
 Join NCCJ (National Conference for Community and Justice) for an experience of a lifetime and take a fresh look at an ancient land as a multi-religious and multi-generational travel group. The purpose of this extraordinary adventure is to build and nurture a network of compassionate people who are willing to learn, dialogue, explore and upon return, share with others their experience and learnings. This program includes four educational sessions prior to our departure so we can prepare as a travel group and learn about each other's faith traditions and histories. Additionally, on the journey, we will have the opportunity to learn from Palestinians and Israelis committed to nonviolent struggle, human rights, conflict transformation and peace with justice.
Endorsed by the Interfaith and Ecumenism Task Team.
|
|
Congo Week is Oct. 18-24
|
|
From Global Ministries
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.
Paul wrote in I Corinthian 12:26, If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Global Ministries, as a member of the Body of Christ, suffers today because of injustice and exploitation of our sisters and brothers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We are committed as members of the Body of Christ to break the silence, stop the pillaging, promote justice, defend women and children, protect the environment and support Congo.
What can we do? Read more here to find out.
|
| The Conservative Case for Marriage Equality | |
 Monday, Oct. 19, 6 PMHarvard University Institute of Politics Cambridge, MA
The Conservative Case for Marriage Equality: The Future of Religion and the LGBTQ Movement
Panel discussion with:
Margaret Marshall
Chief Justice, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (1999-2010) Senior Counsel, Choate Hall & Stewart
Harvard Graduate School of Education '62 & Yale Law '76
Andrew Sullivan
Writer, Editor and Blogger
Harvard Kennedy School, MPA '86
Matthew Vines
Author, God and the Gay Christian
Founder, The Reformation Project
Dana Born (Moderator)
Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
Ret. Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force
|
|
New Collection of Essays on Climate Change
| |
 In support of Pope Francis' leadership, there is a new resource for social justice and climate action. Philosopher John Cobb - with 60 others - has just published a collection of essays on climate change and equity, responses to the Pope's "Our Common Home" encyclical. Contributors include Mary Evelyn Tucker, theologians, scholars and advocates.
For Our Common Home: Process-Relational Responses to Laudato Si' (Toward Ecological Civilization), Volume 7 is available on Amazon, and can be ordered here.
|
|
Develop Your Food Ministry Skills
| |
 The Mission Institute, in collaboration with the MA Conference, is offering this Bread of Life program. Do you have a food ministry, thriving or struggling, that you want to bring to the next level? Bread of Life provides hands-on experience developing your food ministry skills. Join in for an exploration of the cycle of mission giving and consider how to move your congregation through that cycle. Engage in experiential exercises that will help you to converse, share, and minister with the participants of your food program. Imagine, and develop concrete next steps for your particular program and find the support you need to move in new directions.
Designed for churches and community groups engaged in providing community meals, food banks, and other direct service ministries. No experience is necessary.
|
|
|
