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A POST-ELECTION LETTER FROM THE COLLEGIUM
"We remain committed to being a leading prophetic voice in the public square...to amplifying our understanding of what it means to be the church on national and international platforms."
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
What shall we do post-election?
It has taken a while to write this letter because we wanted our correspondence with you to be one firmly grounded in all that makes us the United Church of Christ, and not a knee-jerk reactionary statement to election results that took us all by surprise. Our personal feelings about the results are undoubtedly as varied as our congregations, but no matter one's political persuasion, this election cycle and the hateful persecutory rhetoric that remains in its wake should trouble the spirit of all of us who are committed to justice for all.
This political season, fueled by media's choice to promote sensationalism over substance, exposed the worst of our nation's divides and our skillful abilities to dehumanize one another. These are not new revelations. Neither is our response.
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2017 UCC Legislative Priorities Survey
From the United Church of Christ
"So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all." ~ Galatians 9:10
This was a challenging and eventful year for justice advocacy. We know still more challenges await us in 2017, but one thing is certain - Our voices are needed now, more than ever, to uplift the common good and reflect God's intention of justice, peace and the integrity of Creation.
We continue to need your voice as we vision our work for the year to come! Help the UCC Washington office chart its policy advocacy work for 2017. Take our survey and help us understand your priorites and passions and needs for the coming year.
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IMMIGRATION & REFUGEE CONCERNS
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Sanctuary Movement Sees Post-Election Resurgence. Here's How to Get Involved
by Donna Schaper
During very hard times, people often shelter - provide sanctuary for each other.
I think of the amazing work of Raoul Wallenberg during the 1940s - who set up 31 safe houses to shelter Jews from the Nazis in and around Budapest - or the brave family in Amsterdam who hid Anne Frank during World War II.
I think of Jewish and German immigrants in old New York City, where I now live and work. They slept in three shifts. "Hurry up and eat, honey, we need the tablecloth for a sheet," is a famous Yiddish expression. It would be hard to say who was providing sanctuary for whom - but surely they were mutually sheltering each other in a cost-effective way.
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Transforming the Attitude for Gratitude into an Action of Welcome for Refugees
by Dawn Adams
Immigration & Refugee Concerns Task Team
These days after Thanksgiving, let's move from giving thanks to offering acts of thanks giving. If you sat around a table and gave thanks for your family and friends and joined in our annual tradition of sharing in a meal together, today let's extend that thankful attitude into the world through our actions. If you sat at that table and offered a prayer for those without-without food, without shelter, without home, then today, let's take action to offer food, shelter, and home to those who need it.
Right here in Massachusetts. Right now, there are refugees being resettled. They have left their home due to the ravages of war, persecution, and lack of resources. They have lived in refugee camps and endured all the red-tape necessary to be deemed "safe" to enter our country. Having arrived safely here in the US, now they are finally able to breathe.
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More on Sanctuary and Welcoming Immigrants
Has your church voted to become a sanctuary church - or is your congregation currently hosting refugees? Please
let us know.
For links to the UCC Sanctuary Toolkit and Sancturary Tactics, and to the proposed "Resolution on Becoming an Immigrant Welcoming Church" that will come before the 31st General Synod, visit the Immigration and Refugee Concerns web pages.
Learn more
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COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS ON RACISM
January 14, 2017 ~ 9-1
United Parish in Brookline
This January, City Mission is proud to host Courageous Conversations on Racism as part of our Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Learning. This will be an inter-generational event that is designed to empower participants with the tools to have brave conversations around the issues of race.
Dr. King knew that it took courage for people to engage in dialogue that identifies the conditions that separate people from one another, and to identify the conditions that build understanding and unity. We invite you to join us for this event.
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Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around
December blog by
TJ Harper
Associate for Racial Justice
Sixty-one years ago on December 5, marked the beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. African Americans in the South were sick and tired of paying the same amount of money for services, but not receiving the same service. They took a stand. Whether it rained or was glistening hot, the majority of blacks did not take the bus. In many cases, they would have to carpool or walk miles to their jobs or church. We are familiar with the story, in terms of the outcome, that the boycott lasted 381 days, and then Montgomery, Alabama (and later the state) integrated its transit system.
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ENVIRONMENTAL & HUMAN RIGHTS
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Standing Rock Water Protectors Celebrate, Stay Vigilant
United Church of Christ
After celebrating a historic decision on Sunday by the Army Corps of Engineers that blocks the builders of Dakota Access Pipeline from running pipe to carry fracked oil under the Missouri River, the Standing Rock Sioux Nation and their allies are staying the course in an effort to stop the project from further impacting their sacred lands and water sources.
The Army, which owns the land on each side of the river, announced on Dec. 3 it will deny an easement to Energy Transfer Partners,
blocking construction under the water, instead calling for an environmental impact statement to look at possible alternative routes.
"I'm still on the verge of tears each time I think of all the sacrifices people made to stay up at Standing Rock," said Toni Buffalo, a member of the UCC Dakota Association and one of the denomination's leaders in the Lakota community.
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Alternative Gift Giving: Standing Rock Needs
Some of the water protectors plan to stay throughout the winter to safeguard the area. Reports from those on site say that many people are suffering from hypothermia and funds are needed to get help for them and to evacuate those ready to leave but out of funds to do so. Donations can be sent to Standing Rock Medic Healer Council (
you can donate here
) or
through the UCC here.
Also requested: portable buddy heaters, warm gloves, blankets, coats, hand warmers, sleeping bags, tents, cots, drinking water in pouches, camping lights, goggles, body armor, gas masks.
Contact the Standing Rock Sioux
for information on shipping material donations.
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Join places of worship across the nation on December 14-18, 2016 to remember those who have lost their lives to gunfire, pray for those whose lives have been forever changed because of the loss of a loved one, and to educate one another on proven strategies to reduce gun violence.
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What Gift Will You Give This Year?
Alternative Christmas at Global Ministries is an invitation for all to celebrate and to share globally the best gifts we have received, and the ones we cherish in a special way during the Christmas season. These are the gifts of Hope, Joy, Love, and Peace. Giving an Alternative Christmas Gift is a meaningful way to honor your loved ones while making a difference in the lives of individuals around the world living in difficult circumstances.
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