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NCC Statement on Martial Law in the Republic of Korea |
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The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA received with alarm news of the martial law declaration in the Republic of Korea and then received with relief several hours later word regarding defiance of that order by a vote of the country’s National Assembly. Even though the immediate crisis has subsided, the country is still in turmoil, and uncertainty is likely to persist in the near future. Our prayers are with the South Korean people, as they seek to restore societal peace.
NCC has long been partners with the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK). In a statement dated December 6, the NCCK affirmed: “Since Korea’s democratization in 1987, the Korean people have built a precious trust in democracy….We commit ourselves to fervent prayer and unwavering action to restore the democracy that has been achieved through the blood and toil of the people of the Republic of Korea.”
NCC stands in solidarity with the NCCK, and indeed with all Korean people of goodwill, who now must find ways to heal the wounds caused by this flagrant assault on their society, and to restore political stability for the wellbeing of all. As stated by NCC President and General Secretary Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie in a communication to Korean partners: “The NCC is praying and encouraging all our membership to pray that God’s protection surrounds you and that the peace of God fills your hearts in the midst of uncertainty. May you continue to find strength in faith and courage in unity.” |
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National Jewish-Christian Dialogue
Meets in Boston |
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Participants in the National Jewish-Christian Dialogue gathered for a meeting convened by the National Council of Churches and the National Council of Synagogues in Boston, Massachusetts, November 2024. |
The National Jewish-Christian Dialogue met on November 20–21, 2024, in the Boston metropolitan area. Convened by the National Council of Churches and the National Council of Synagogues, the dialogue met the first day at Hebrew College and the second day at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where it was hosted by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute. This session of the dialogue, which generally meets several times per year (either in person and/or remotely), considered post-election challenges to Jewish and Christian communities and the continuing impact of October 7 and its ongoing aftermath to both communities. They also discussed interfaith initiatives intended to bridge divides and foster reconciliation.
The 32 dialogue participants (collectively representing 20 religious communities and community organizations) welcomed 11 guests over the two-day period from academic institutions and other community settings. Speakers included: Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld and Rabbi Or Rose from Hebrew College; Bishop Anthony (Vrame) of Synada and Fr. John Chryssavgis from Holy Cross Seminary; Ms. Elinor Pierce and Dr. Jennifer Peace from the Pluralism Project at Harvard University; Mr. Nabeel Abu Ashkar from Polyphony in Nazareth; Rabbi David Saperstein, former Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, from the Union for Reform Judaism; and Rabbi Noam Marans from the American Jewish Committee; and Dr Peter Makari from the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
This dialogue has been meeting for some five decades, and more intentionally over the last 15 years. It is one of five national dialogues co-convened by the NCC, which also include the National Buddhist-, Hindu-, Muslim-, and Sikh-Christian Dialogues. |
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First Woman Pastor of Historic Mother Bethel AME Calls Her Appointment ‘Mind-boggling’ |
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The Rev. Carolyn Cavaness is the first woman to lead Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia. (Photo © Jameel Morrison/jameelphoto.com) |
December 5, 2024
(RNS) — In early November, the Rev. Carolyn Cavaness was already bracing for a big task — preaching the closing sermon at the fall convocation of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. But as she was about to go the pulpit, she was surprised to hear she had received a much grander assignment: The district’s bishop introduced her as the new pastor of the nearby Mother Bethel AME Church, the historically-Black denomination’s founding congregation.
Mother Bethel was founded by Richard Allen in 1791, after Allen, a Black lay preacher at Philadelphia’s St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church, saw a white official at the church pull fellow Black preacher, Absalom Jones, to his feet as Jones knelt in prayer. |
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UU Church of Brunswick to Hold Gun Violence Vigil |
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Upcoming Film Screening for BUILDING HOPE: Ending Homelessness in Maine |
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You're invited to attend the free screening of a new film highlighting issues of poverty and homelessness in Maine, BUILDING HOPE: Ending Homelessness in Maine, a film directed by filmmakers Richard Kane and Melody Lewis-Kane, on Saturday, December 14, at 3:00 p.m. at the Portland Museum of Art. |
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Save the Dates: North Carolina Council of Churches' Faith and Mental Health Summits |
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The North Carolina Council of Churches (NCCC) Faith has partnered with Mental Health Summits to offer a time of learning and connection at the 2025 Faith and Mental Health Summits. These gatherings will focus on mental health and provide resources to promote individual and community wellness.
Save the Dates: February 27 – Asheville March 13 – Sanford April 3 – Greenville
Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with faith leaders, health professionals, and community advocates to foster mental health and wholeness. Stay tuned for additional details! |
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Christian Unity in Action: The Return of St. Gregory’s and St. John’s Relics to Constantinople |
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Photo credit: Public Orthodoxy |
Fr. John Meyendorff & Patterson Family Chair, Co-Director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center, Fordham University There is little doubt that Pope John Paul II was a heroic figure. A fierce critic of communism, totalitarianism, and exploitation, he reshaped the global stage in light of Catholic social teaching. For those who care about the cause of Christian unity, the pontiff’s ecumenical initiatives were equally significant.
It was twenty years ago this week that Pope John Paul performed his final heroic act: the return of precious relics of the Orthodox Church that had been stolen during the Fourth Crusade. This act of public repentance transpired in the form of an ecumenical prayer service in Rome with the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Pope jointly presiding. The highlight of the service was the official transfer of the relics of St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom from Pope to Patriarch (the relics of both saints had been in Rome for 800 years). This was, in fact, the Pope’s last major public appearance before his death. |
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Join CME Church for Virtual Cybersecurity Training on Safe Holiday Shopping |
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Join the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church's General Department of Communication and Information Technology (CIT) for a virtual cybersecurity training session, "Safe Shopping During the Holidays," on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 1:00–1:45 PM EDT. This training session will empower participants to shop confidently and securely during the holiday season, while also teaching about the major holiday scams that target shoppers. Join this training to gain practical tips and tools to identify and steer clear of these threats. Invite your network of holiday shoppers and register now! |
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Registration Still Open for CNBC National Consultation |
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One Home One Future: Sustainable Holidays |
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Holidays are an important and integral part of our faith life. These important dates commemorate foundational events that connect us to the ancestors of our faith and to our religious community. As people of many faiths, we are invited to mindfully consider every aspect of our holidays and to honor the Creator and Creation through our celebrations. Happy Holidays!
One Home One Future, organized by ecoAmerica’s Blessed Tomorrow program as a coalition effort of faith denominations and national organizations, including NCC, offers resources to support making holiday celebrations more sustainable. Join One Home One Future today for ongoing support and resources! |
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Holiday Health: Live SoulCare Wellness Webinar |
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