| Announcing Our Voter Empowerment 2022 Guide NCC Newsletter July 1, 2022 |
| | | Pastoral Letter on NCC Voter Empowerment 2022 |
| “Woe to those who make iniquitous decrees, who write oppressive statutes, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right….” Isaiah 10: 1-2 (NSRVue)
The news about the right to unfettered access to the ballot box has not always been good news, especially for vulnerable communities. The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, which would have provided critical voter protection, did not pass the Senate. More than half of the 50 United States have changed voting laws including voter identification requirements. It is imperative that we join with you and other organizations in a summer voter empowerment initiative so that everyone can be “vote ready.”
What does it mean to be “vote ready”? It means knowing your voting registration status and voter identification requirements. It means knowing registration deadlines, early voting dates, absentee ballot requirements and polling place locations prior to election day. It means going to the polls prepared for long lines, delays or glitches in the process. It means making sure everyone who is eligible to vote in your household is registered and voting.
NCC is partnering with Faiths United to Save Democracy to provide a Voter Toolkit in English and Spanish, which has critical state-by-state voter information. NCC is also providing a Voter Empowerment Resource Guide with church-based resources that can be used on Check-Up Sunday beginning July through October culminating with Turn Out Sunday in November.
Every second Sunday in July, August, September and October is designated as Check-Up Sunday. Communions and congregations are encouraged to lift vote ready information. The Voter Toolkit and Voter Empowerment Resource Guide can be accessed on the NCC website and through a QR Code.
I’m excited by how our NCC staff pulled this valuable information together for you to use along with your voting initiatives. Special thanks to our Communications Director, Cynthia Griffiths for creative efforts above and beyond the call of duty. Let me know how we can be of service.
By the Grace of God.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
Interim President/General Secretary
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| | NCC Releases Voter Empowerment 2022 Resource Guide
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| | "The right to full participation of the person in political and civic life, including the opportunity: to vote by secret ballot…the right to vote is a basic human right.” from the 1963 NCC Human Rights Policy Statement
June 30, 2022, Washington, DC – The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) announces the publication of its “Voter Empowerment 2022 Resource Guide: A Church-based Action Plan.”
Since adopting a Human Rights Policy Statement in 1963 that declared the inherent worth, rights, and responsibilities of all persons, and steadfastly supporting the Civil Rights Movement by marching with the late civil rights icons Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Congressman John Lewis across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., the NCC has long been resolute in making sure people have the right to vote and exercise that right in every election.
“The NCC Voter Empowerment Resource Guide provides ways for our member denominations and their local congregations to actively engage in encouraging participation in the basic human right of voting,” said Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Interim President and General Secretary. “Polling places and voter identification procedures have changed. Many voters have been removed from the voter rolls. With more than 35 states changing their voting laws and requirements since the 2020 election, churches must be trustworthy vessels and carry accurate information to their members so that they know how to exercise their right to vote.”
The NCC Voter Empowerment Resource Guide focuses on monthly calls for action on the second Sunday of each month, “Check-up Sundays,” culminating in “Turn Out Sunday” on November 6th before the midterm elections on November 8th. The guide was developed in partnership with Faiths United to Save Democracy, a broad-based interfaith coalition, which founded and promotes Turn Out Sunday. The Voter Empowerment 2022 Resource Guide is meant to be used by churches as a companion to Faiths United to Save Democracy’s Toolkit detailing voter information for all 50 states.
“Voter protections are severely lacking,” said Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, NCC Governing Board Chair and Presiding Bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. “Crucial protections that would have been guaranteed by the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act were never passed by the U.S. Senate. Churches have often played a role in supporting essential services and programs by encouraging their members to vote and the National Council of Churches hopes to support their efforts.” |
| | | | Save the Date for CUG and Bring New Things Into Being! |
| | | The inspiration for this year's Christian Unity Gathering (CUG) theme, "The Challenge of Change: Serving a Never Changing Christ in An Ever-Changing World," arises from two passages of scripture:
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 NRSVue; and
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NRSVue.
Together, we will spring forth to do a new thing! Session topics will include Christian leadership in unchartered waters, the impact of trauma, responding to humanitarian crises, the future of faith formation, how to uproot racism/Christian nationalism/White supremacy, and how to deal with domestic unrest and dramatic change.
Registration will be opening soon! The annual event will be held virtually to make it easier to attend, provide scheduling flexibility, eliminate travel barriers, reduce the event’s carbon-footprint, and be more inclusive. The fee to attend on the Whova platform will be $25 per attendee. The recorded sessions will be available within Whova for viewing for a period after the event.
Plan to be at CUG 2022!
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| | | Friendship Press Names Interim CEO |
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On Thursday, June 30, 2022, the Board of Directors of Friendship Press, Inc., named William Bergkamp as Interim Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Bergkamp joins Friendship Press after nearly twenty years at 1517 Media, most recently as Editor-in-Chief for Fortress Press. Prior to this role he held leadership positions in sales, marketing, and business development.
“I’m excited to bring my experiences in publishing to Friendship Press and help them build for the future,” said Mr. Bergkamp. “I’m looking forward to seeing what we accomplish together for the sake of the Gospel.”
“Will Bergkamp is a strategic thinker who brings key experience in religious publishing, extensive contacts with many Friendship Press publishing partners, business acumen, and marketing skills,” said the Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, president of Friendship Press Board. “Following the recent launch of The New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, we look forward to Mr. Bergkamp’s leadership in imagining together the next phase of our publishing journey.”
Mr. Bergkamp follows the Rev. Dr. Joseph V. Crockett, who retired from Friendship Press at the end of June 2022. During his tenure, Crockett designed and led the process to update the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, a collaboration between the NCC and the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL). As CEO, Dr. Crockett guided the revitalization of Friendship Press on behalf of NCC after many years of dormancy.
Friendship Press exists solely to support the NCC. Bible translation and utilization and digital publishing are principal areas of work to inform and inspire compassionate communities with conversations that matter.
Mr. Bergkamp will begin work at Friendship Press on July 6, 2022.
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| | | Bishop McKenzie Honored at the Museum of the Bible |
| On Thursday, June 23, 2022, the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, honored seven esteemed leaders, including Bishop Vashti McKenzie, at its "Blessing of Elders."
In a press release, the event's vision statement reads: “We seek to honor Black pastors across the United States who have been committed to their call of preaching the Gospel and caring for the souls of humankind. We acknowledge and appreciate their exceptional contribution as vitally important to the development of America’s biblical values.”
In addition to Bishop McKenzie, the list of honorees includes Dr. John Perkins, author and civil rights activist; Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., former Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ; Dr. A.R. Bernard, Pastor of Christian Cultural Center; Dr. Tony Evans, author, radio host, Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and President of The Urban Alternative; Pastor Shirley Caesar, Grammy Award-winning gospel singer and recording artist; and Bishop T.D. Jakes, author, filmmaker and Bishop of The Potter’s House.
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| | | Summer of Reparatory Justice Video Series
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| This summer, get prepared for action in support of reparatory justice. Set aside time every other Wednesday at 7pm ET beginning July 13 to view one session of our collaborative Reparatory Justice webinar series which is available on YouTube.
July 13 – Racial Wealth Gap Simulation
July 27 – Reparations and the Intersection with Voting Rights
August 10 – Reparatory Justice 101, Part 1
August 24 – Reparatory Justice 101, Part 2
September 7 – Housing, Land, and Debt
September 21 – Black Maternal Health – Followed by Live Q&A
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| | | | | NCC Joins Letter Supporting Cuba |
| The NCC, along with several of our denominations and partner organizations, signed a letter to President Biden to thank him and his administration for "taking measures to lift some of the harmful restrictions imposed on Cuba and the Cuban people." The letter further states in part:
"We appreciate that you have recognized the unprecedented humanitarian situation on the island. We hope these initial positive steps will help increase support for the Cuban people and allow Cuban Americans to assist their families on the island.
At the same time, we are still deeply concerned about the situation on the island. Our partners in the Cuban churches—congregants, ministers, and their communities— continue to experience severe shortages of essential medicines, food, and other vital materials amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. And as you know, the current crisis is causing tens of thousands of Cubans to leave and seek better conditions in the United States. We appreciate State Department officials who expressed their willingness to help churches and denominations get humanitarian relief to Cuban faith-based partners on a case-by-case basis. But this willingness has not solved the problems we face. And the initial measures taken by your administration, while critical first steps, are not enough.
We are aware of the political situation in Cuba, and many of our faith organizations have made clear statements supporting the Cuban people’s right to protest peacefully. We hope the Cuban government will respond to protests with dialogue and action. As in other countries, we condemn heavy-handed responses to protests by security forces. We urge the government to release all those detained for peacefully protesting or reporting on the protests. But this political unrest is not a reason to further punish the Cuban people with an overly restrictive implementation of U.S. economic and trade policies.'
We know that numerous factors have caused Cuba’s economic crisis. However, the U.S. embargo and the changes adopted by the previous administration have contributed to the worsening humanitarian situation the island is facing. We were encouraged by your administration’s initial steps, but we believe you must do more."
The letter then outlines the steps that the U.S. government must take "to remove all obstacles preventing families and faith-based communities in the U.S. from helping families and faith partners in Cuba."
Signers of the letter include Alliance of Baptists; Christian Reformed Church Office of Social Justice; Church of the Brethren, Office of Peacebuilding and Policy; Church World Service; Cuba Partners Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA); The Episcopal Church; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Florida Council of Churches; Friends Committee on National Legislation; Friends United Meeting; Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ; Presbyterian Church (USA); United Church of Christ, Justice and Local Church Ministries; and The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society'
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Nine Translations of the WCC 11th Assembly Theme Are Now Available
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| The World Council of Churches (WCC) has announced that nine translations of the publication “Christ’s Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity: A reflection on the theme of the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, Karlsruhe 2022” are now available.
An international group from different regions and confessional traditions, has created this resource in advance of the WCC’s 11th Assembly to take place in Karlsruhe, Germany, from August 31- September 8, 2022.
The reflections depict how, in a world crying out for justice and peace, the WCC 11th Assembly theme can "speak of hope for a future in which resources are shared, inequalities are addressed, and all can enjoy dignity." Translations now include English, French, German, Spanish, Kiswahili, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese, and Indonesian and each is available to download for free.
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| | | | People of Faith Grieve San Antonio Tragedy |
| | The Interfaith Immigration Coalition has called for swift action on asylum after one of the deadliest tragedies involving migrants in the U.S.-Mexico border region where over 50 people were found dead in an abandoned truck on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas. The Interfaith Immigration Coalition, made up of over 55 national, faith-based organizations, prays that "we take the necessary steps through policy and action to reverse Title 42 and establish a just and humane border enforcement.” |
| | | | Webinar on Capitol Hill Careers |
| | Islamic Relief USA is holding a webinar for interns, college students and youth leaders who may be interested in working on Capitol Hill. The presentation will go over the various staff positions in Congressional offices and the skills needed to be a Congressional staffer as well as how to land a job in Congress. During this webinar, current Senate and House of Representatives staff will share invaluable career advice! |
| | | COVID-19 Pandemic Response: |
| | According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), last week’s expansion of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to children as young as six months "could not have come soon enough." Their records indicate that children under five have been more likely than older kids to be hospitalized with COVID-19.
To be of service, faith leaders and churches can help spread the word that free COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children ages six months and older.
HHS offers this language for social media posts, newsletters, or bulletins: "COVID-19 vaccines provide important protection for your child. Talk to your pediatrician or family doctor if you have questions, then schedule a vaccination appointment for your child. Find vaccines near you at vaccines.gov. #WeCanDoThis |
| | | | | Here's this week's faith-related Wordle! We've customized the game solutions to be religion-based each Friday.
If you have never played, click on the "Play" button and you will be able to find instructions by clicking the "i" for information.
Please share this newsletter with your friends, family, and faith community members who may enjoy completing these special Wordles! |
| | | Happy 4th of July! The NCC weekly update will take a hiatus next Friday due to the holiday and will return on Friday, July 15th. |
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Your gifts helps us build a more just and equitable community that chooses grace over greed, love over hate, and faith over fear.
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