| | | | | | Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.'s Final Speech: "I've Been to the Mountaintop" | | | | April 4, marked the 57th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s martyrdom. His faith-in-action approach to the movement for civil rights—and at the time of his death the poor people’s campaign—is a reminder of the importance of leading with faith.
On April 3, 1968, Rev. King delivered his final speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop," in support of local sanitation workers, at Mason Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis.
As we reflect on his life and his final message, we invite you to watch the speech above or in full on YouTube.
In continued reflection, download the 2017 Pan-African devotional, In Times Like These...A Pan-African Christian Devotional for Public Policy Engagement. | | Amid the World’s Chaos, Let Us Not Forget about Armenia | | The world is in chaos. It appears that there has been a retreat from long-standing commitments to peace, human rights, global humanitarian assistance, and sustainability. While the chaos seems intractable, there are individual crises that can be addressed effectively. This statement offers a way forward for the situation in Armenia.
The Armenian people of Artsakh – one of the world’s oldest indigenous Christian communities, whose tradition of self-governance dates to the Roman era – were subjected to a brutal and systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing at the hands of Azerbaijan and its accomplices in September 2023. This statement attempts to remind the churches, and all citizens of goodwill, of what is at stake in this ongoing, and neglected, conflict, and what can be done to ameliorate it. BACKGROUND The theft of territory, accompanied as it was by loss of life, it is easy to believe that the Armenian people, who have suffered an ongoing Azerbaijani assault on their religious freedom and cultural heritage, have been forgotten. Included among the recent and ongoing hostile actions are the unlawful imprisonment, and even torture, in Azerbaijan of Christian Armenians, and the continual threats across the border against nearby towns and the Christians who live there.
There is widespread fear among Armenians worldwide that Armenia, and thereby the Christian presence in the region, will be overcome, and indeed wiped out entirely. Azerbaijan has reverted to a relentless assault on Christian heritage through the desecration and demolition of sacred sites in a long-standing campaign of cultural genocide. This heinous destruction follows the pattern of the systematic obliteration of the Christian legacy of Nakhichevan in the 2000s, one of the most well-documented acts of state-sponsored cultural vandalism.
Last year, Azerbaijani authorities bulldozed the iconic Church of St. John (1818) in Artsakh’s City of Shushi (Shusha) and are actively working to undermine other Christian heritage sites of immense historical and spiritual significance. The following world Christian heritage sites in Artsakh face the gravest danger:
Monastery of Gandzasar and the Shrine of St. John the Baptist – A historic seat of a Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (1216-1238) is recognized as one of the finest examples of Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. The monastery fell under Azerbaijani occupation in September 2023.
Monastery of Dadivank – Housing the shrine of St. Dadi, a disciple of St. Thaddeus the Apostle, Dadivank is one of the largest monastic complexes of historic Armenia, built between the 9th and 13th centuries. The monastery fell under Azerbaijani occupation in September 2023.
Monastery of Amaras – Founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator, who baptized Armenia as the first Christian nation in 301 AD, Amaras is among the most ancient Christian sites in the world. Amaras also housed the first Armenian school where the Armenian alphabet was taught in c. 406 AD by its inventor, St. Mesrop Mashtots. The monastery fell under Azerbaijani occupation in September 2023.
Monastery of the Three Youths – A masterpiece of late medieval Armenian ecclesiastical heritage, which fell under Azerbaijani occupation in September 2023.
Cathedral of the Holy Savior in the City of Shushi – The largest historical Armenian Christian cathedral ever built (1868), the cathedral was severely damaged in drone attacks during the 2020 war. It fell under Azerbaijani occupation in November 2020 and has since been defaced under the pretext of “restoration.”
Monastery of Gtichavank – A 13th-century monastic complex located in Artsakh’s Hadrut district, which fell under Azerbaijani occupation in October 2020.
As this assault continues, along with the widespread trauma it has caused, the National Council of Churches calls upon the United States, and the international community, to recognize the plight of Mr. Ruben Vardanyan, a renowned humanitarian and Christian philanthropist and businessman, who briefly served as a former Prime Minister of Artsakh. Best known for founding the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity and for his financial support for the restoration of the 10th-century Monastery of Tatev in Armenia, Mr. Vardanyan was taken hostage by Azerbaijani autocratic authorities in 2023 and remains imprisoned on a hunger strike in Baku, where he and other Artsakh leaders are subjected to sham trials in dubious court proceedings. *** By issuing this statement, the NCC stands witness to the documented Christian heritage of the Armenian people. If Azerbaijan succeeds in destroying that heritage, this statement will be a partial record that acknowledges specifics of what the world will have lost.
We therefore solemnly appeal to religious and political leaders around the world to act now to preserve life and to safeguard the sacred churches of Artsakh as global treasures of historic Christian heritage. Their protection is a moral, historical, and cultural imperative. Furthermore, we urge the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian hostages, including Mr. Ruben Vardanyan and the imprisoned leadership of Artsakh.
Even as we watch the mounting chaos in all parts of the world, this is one conflict where it seems that the US, and the world community, can make a positive difference. | | | | NCC Mourns the Loss of Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, Former General Secretary | | Lenten greetings to you all. It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, former general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ (NCC). Rev. Dr. Campbell was a pioneering leader who broke barriers in the church and beyond. She was the first woman to serve as the executive director of the US office of the World Council of Churches, and she made history as the first ordained woman to lead the NCC. Additionally, she was the first woman to serve as the director of religion at the Chautauqua Institution. Many of you may have had the privilege of encountering Joan; I certainly did. She was an extraordinary ecumenist and activist. Her vision was always forward-thinking, and her energy was contagious. Whether the focus was journeys to Switzerland or experiences at Chautauqua, Joan’s enthusiasm and dedication to the cause inspired all who worked alongside her. She served with grace, and she lived with purpose. Joan honored the Lord throughout her life. As we mourn her loss, let us also celebrate her immense contributions to the church and the world. Joan’s legacy of leadership and commitment to visible unity will continue to inspire us today as well as future generations of faith leaders.
Services for Rev. Dr. Campbell will be held on April 27. Please find the obituary linked here for more details. Please keep her family, friends, and all who mourn in your prayers.
Blessings, Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie | | NCC Staffer Joins International Student Organization | | NCC Project Coordinator Matt Markay joined the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF-US) for their Student Leadership Team Retreat in Washington DC this past weekend. Markay and 12 others were commissioned as WSCF-US Student Leadership Team members. The team is made up of undergraduate students, graduate students, and young Christian leaders working for social justice, ecumenism, and compassion. At this gathering of the WSCF-US, the Student Leadership Team and Board of Trustees met to discuss future goals for the organization. WSCF is a global federation of student Christian groups. As a federation of student movements, the WSCF empowers and connects responsible young leaders around the world in their path to changing tomorrow. We encourage a culture of democracy to mobilize youth to become proactive in society, promoting positive change through dialogue and action between different traditions and cultures. To learn more about the WSCF, read this short history on the WSCF Website. | | | Strength for the Journey
A Lenten Toolkit for Drawing Closer to God in Uncertain Times | | Strength for the Journey, the much-awaited NCC Lenten Toolkit for Drawing Closer to God in Uncertain Times, is now available for download. This colorful resource includes prayers offered by representatives from many of NCC's ecumenical partners, Scripture passages for renewal and reflection, and a collection of traditional and contemporary songs born out of life's trials and uncertainties. Click the image to download. | | Hands Off! Rally in Washington, DC on Saturday, April 5 | | Across the country, people of faith are uniting to march against this administration’s unprecedented power grab, cuts to lifesaving programs such as SNAP and Medicaid, and the dismantling of our government.
This mass mobilization day is a message to the world from those who do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of a few. Americans across the country are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop to the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.
A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. All participants are expected to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree.
Saturday, April 5, 2025 Noon (ET) Washington Monument (Sylvan Theater) National Mall, Washington, D.C. Accessibility Have accessibility questions? Reply to your registration email to confirm your requirements or request more information. Register Here Visit handsoff2025.com for more information. | | Join the Maryland Poor People’s Campaign for a Virtual Discussion | | Deadly cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, Affordable Housing, and Head Start are coming our way… unless we act! Join the Maryland Poor People’s Campaign on Zoom on Monday, April 7 for a discussion about this perilous moment in our nation and the direct actions we can take to turn the tides. Register at REGISTER NOW!
Start time is 6:45 p.m.
Planned end time is 8:00 p.m.
(Inspired by The High Moral Stakes of the Policy Battles Raging in Washington by Repairers of the Breach et al) | | ACLU of DC and ACLU-National to Hold Rally in Solidarity with Terminated Federal Workers | | | | | National Religious Campaign Against Torture Hosts Webinar April 9 | | The National Religious Campaign Against Torture’s (NRCAT) webinar, “How to Become a Lifeline” on April 9, will connect religious advocates with the Solitary Watch Lifelines to Solitary pen pal program.
This initial webinar kicks off a “how-to” webinar series for faith advocates that NRCAT will be offering throughout 2025.
The webinar will feature presenters with first-hand experience regarding the profound impact of sending and receiving mail with those who are incarcerated in solitary confinement. This communication has the potential to transform the lives of the individuals in solitary and those on the outside who bear witness to their suffering and resilience.
For the past decade, Solitary Watch has grown the Lifelines to Solitary program to reach people in solitary using their list of more than 4,500 people in long-term isolation. Click here to register. | | Faith Table Encourages Nationwide Holy Week/Easter Week #PublicWitness Campaign | Faith Table, a network of diverse faith leaders regularly convening on vital policy issues, encourages a Holy Week and Easter Week #PublicWitness campaign in key cities nationwide. The goal is for local faith leaders to arrange or participate in meetings with members of Congress who are in their districts to share with them the compelling why programs helping people who Jesus called us to protect should not be cut by Congress and the Administration under the claim of "cutting waste, fraud, and abuse." Please share this campaign with your networks—any individual clergy or lay leaders or local organizations or affiliates that you think would be willing to help organize a faith-led public event and congressional meetings over Holy Week, Easter, or as soon as is feasible for them. The following cities and states are priority mobilizations because they have priority members of Congress who will be critical in the legislative work ahead: Participants based outside of DC may even want to consider organizing and leading in their community. Please share this website with any individuals or networks who might be interested. The key organizing contact is Mr. Jim Simpson (jim.simpson@georgetown.edu), executive director of the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University, headed by Jim Wallis. | | *Special Episode* Podcast Recording Rev. Dr. Copeland-Tune & Panelists Elevate the Conversation
What does racial justice have to do with creation justice? Everything. | | In October 2024, NCC Senior Associate General Secretary & Advocacy Director, Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune was a featured panelist at the Christian Unity Gathering. In this special podcast episode from Wednesday, April 2, the panelists engage in a powerful conversation about climate change, ancestry, intersectionality and more!
What does racial justice have to do with creation justice? Everything. In this special episode, Caleb is joined by three wonderful guests, Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune, Rev. Monique Crain Spells, and Rev. Jenny Phillips to discuss the intersections between Racial and Creation Justice. Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune, Senior Associate General Secretary & Advocacy Director, National Council of Churches USA - www.nationalcouncilofchurches.us Rev. Monique Crain Spells, Vice President for Mission, Advocacy, and Programs; Director of Christian Education/Faith Formation, Disciples Home Missions - www.discipleshomemissions.org Rev. Jenny Phillips, Director of Environmental Sustainability, General Board of Global Ministries / The United Methodist Church - https://umcmission.org/
NCC - God’s Sacred Earth: A Renewed Commitment, 2024
Power of God – Resource from Creation Justice Ministries
Creation Care Summit 2.0 (Hosted by Nazarenes for Creation Care)
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CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO LISTENngag | | | National Council of Churches in Korea Issues Statement on Presidential Impeachment | | | | Join the Chorus of Freedom Bells on
Good Friday | | On Good Friday, April 18, churches across the country are invited join faith communions across the nation in ringing their church bells, beginning their Tenebrae services in solidarity with a profound and historic event happening simultaneously—the Lantern Service at Old North Church in Boston. This event, marking the 250th anniversary of the “two if by sea” signal that sparked the American Revolution, will be commemorated with an inspiring keynote by Dr. Heather Cox Richardson, a renowned historian and author of Democracy Awakening. How to Participate ✔️ Begin your Tenebrae service by ringing bells as people gather, recalling the historic call for freedom. ✔️ Invite your congregation to step outside, reflect, and join in this moment of unity. ✔️ Encourage other churches in your community to take part! ✔️Ring bells with your fellow parishioners on your church steps, with your friends in a park or on a street corner, or online! Join the Movement Complete the participation form available in this. Information collected will only be used for this event. As you gather for your Tenebrae service, know that your church bells are joining a national movement uniting faith communities for justice and liberty. Just as bells rang for freedom two centuries ago, this moment will inspire prayer and action. Simultaneously, Old North Church will be ringing their bells at 6:00 p.m. ET as the community gathers for their 250th anniversary service with music, reflections on Paul Revere’s ride, and the lighting of historic lanterns—honoring past courage and reflecting on faith and freedom today. Click here for more information. | | World Council of Churches
Seven Weeks for Water 2025, Week 5
Lenten Sustenance: Jesus at the Table | | Photo: Anna Carin Stenbeck/Uniting Church of Sweden (click photo) | The fifth reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2025 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is written by Phil Hildtich, with inputs from Sarah Larkin and Amanda Munoz from the PAAHC (Prayer & Action Against Hunger Coalition). He focuses on artwork chosen for this year’s Weekend of Prayer and Action against Hunger campaign.
Linking climate change and melting glaciers with food production and hunger, he reminds us to be mindful of the food that we take for granted and draws our attention to the “10 Commandments for Food.” He also highlights the Christian witness to address hunger in times of climate change, being inspired by Jesus, who always had a concern for feeding the hungry. | | Take Action for Earth Day and Become a Climate Ambassador! | | Take Blessed Tomorrow’s Climate Ambassador Training Faith + Climate training for FREE—on your own or with a group—for climate basics and solutions, connecting faith to climate, communicating on climate, and leading through engagement and advocacy.
Free, self-paced, and online!
Register today to begin your Climate Ambassador journey on your own or with a group in your community!
| | Bread for the World Urges Reaching Out to Congress to Protect WIC | | Good nutrition is the bedrock for a healthy and impactful life. Unfortunately, many child nutrition programs, both domestic and global, are under threat or have already been eliminated. Email your members of Congress now and urge them to protect the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and global child nutrition programs.
Improving Child Nutrition at Home and Abroad As we strive to end childhood hunger both at home and abroad, we must find ways to turn abundance for some into a world without malnutrition. Understanding the scope and nature of the problem is a vital first step. | | | Lenten Journal Available
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