Yesterday, February 6, was the UN International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). At least 200 million girls and women alive today living in 30 countries have undergone FGM, which refers to “all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons” (World Health Organization). We pray for an end to this practice: Holy God, we pray for protection for girls at risk of Female Genital Mutilation. We pray for the thousands of initiatives and projects working in culturally sensitive ways to help educate girls and their families. We give thanks for the work organizations around the world are doing to bring a stop to FGM. Amen.

For many people, Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love. However, for too many, “love” comes with abuse and violence. As part of the Thursdays in Black campaign, the World Council of Churches invited #ThursdaysinBlack reflections on a well-known scripture on Love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. In response, people sent in poems, blogs, art and more. See the reflections here.

You can also find many resources including posters, badges, and social media graphics to share the #ThursdaysinBlack campaign this Valentine's Day and beyond. To download, print, and share these resources, click here.

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) has been following along with legislative measures and actions currently ongoing in the Virginia General Assembly. Together with faith leaders, congregations, and volunteers from across the Virginia, VICPP advocates for a variety of social justice issues at the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond. VICPP has established their 2020 legislative priorities with a particular focus on economic justice and environmental justice issues. To view these legislative priorities, click here.

You can follow along with them across their social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay informed on the actions that matter. For more information about VICPP, click here.

This Lent, you’re invited to join with fellow supporters to study, reflect and give during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving. Experience how the grace of Christ moves us to engage in transformative works of love around the world as God calls us into the ministry of hope, liberation and restoration. Resources include:  a devotional calendar,  weekly study,  coin jar wrappers and more!

To order these resources,  click here.