I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God
that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have
been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind…
-1 Corinthians 1:4-5, NRSV
Here at the National Council of Churches, we’re thankful for a year of effective Christian witness across the country. It’s been an exciting time for us: we are fully staffed and serving Christ in one of the most inspiring and challenging places in the world, Washington, DC. The 38 member communions have joined hands to turn the tide on the mass incarceration crisis in our country, to welcome refugees fleeing war and persecution, and to fight against the terrible wave of police and gun violence incidents that have marred our communities over the past year. We give thanks because God has given us a voice that joins with the prophets whose call for justice and peace resounds through the ages, a voice that is both timely and timeless.
- This year we celebrated with the Cuban Council of Churches, rejoicing as years of enmity began to heal as our nations opened to each other. We were present in Havana at the Assembly of the Cuban Council of Churches and in Washington at the raising of the Cuban flag at the re-opening of the Embassy.
- This year we mourned with the Armenian Orthodox Church on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. We co-sponsored a worship service at the National Cathedral, attended by thousands including religious leaders from around the world and by Vice President Joe Biden, commemorating the genocide, but celebrating the rebirth of the Armenian people.
- This year we raised $22,000 to assist with the rebuilding of predominantly African-American churches damaged by arson in the wake of the Charleston, South Carolina mass shooting.
- This year we joined with a coalition of historically Methodist, predominantly African-American churches that joined together to call for an end to racially-motivated violence and police brutality.
We are grateful to have the opportunity to join with God’s people in this important time in world history.
What opportunities will God lead us all toward in the coming year? Your gift in 2015 will ensure that we will be able to speak louder and with boldness according to God’s call for a peace with justice for everyone in the coming year. I hope you will include the National Council of Churches in your year-end giving.
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