| | | | | | | | CUS Annual Meeting Participants Join National CE Symposium | | CUS participates gathered in person in Charlotte, NC, and virtually from various parts of the country. Photo: Dr. Tammy Wiens | More than 30 participants representing 11 denominational and independent publishers gathered for the 153rd annual meeting of the Committee on the Uniform Series (CUS). Dr. Rebecca L. Davis, assistant professor of Christian education and director of the Center for Excellence in Christian Education served for the second consecutive year as the keynote speaker and group facilitator of the CUS meeting, this year at her home campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte, NC. After last year’s introduction to Dr. Davis’ Propositional Methodology, the CUS Executive Committee made the bold decision to transition from the matrix template that has been foundational to the Guide to Lesson Development for more than 20 years and to introduce users to a fresh education model designed to create more engaging learning experiences for today’s churches. The Propositional Teaching approach designs learning experiences ready for the inbreaking of the Holy Spirit by shaping lessons that prompt biblical and theological insights that nurture disciples toward faithful engagement in the world. The dates of the annual meeting (March 10–13) were set in cooperation with a national symposium on Christian education (March 13–14) hosted by the Center for Excellence in Christian Education. The closure of the CUS meeting and the starting point of the symposium were marked by a special joint worship service during which Lindsay Black was installed as the new CUS chair.
The “Critical Conversations” symposium that followed gave CUS publishing partners an opportunity to hear from seminary students and practitioners in Christian education about critical issues they have identified in congregations and are seeking to address. CUS leaders also had opportunities to offer their expertise and wisdom through serving as panelists and presenters during Symposium sessions. The Thursday evening meal time offered an opening in the Symposium schedule for many CUS members to visit the AME Zion offices in Charlotte and receive the warm hospitality of Rev. Dr. Patrick Barrett, II, general secretary of Christian education, along with several of the AME Zion Christian education staff, including two of the newest CUS Executive Committee members, Rev. Adrian Nelson II (youth age level convener) and Rev. Tajuan Kyles (nominations chair). Other elected officers to the 2025–2026 Executive Committee include Lindsay Black (chair, David C. Cook), John Hill (vice chair, Free Will Baptist Press), Jason Hitchcock (Scope and Sequence Committee chair, David C. Cook), Beth Herrinton-Hodge (adult age level convener, Presbyterian Church USA), Foluke Ola (Home Daily Bible Readings chair, Nigerian Baptist Convention), Tanae Murdic (children age level convener, National Baptist USA, Inc., SSPB), and (Steve Osborn, Clerk, Seventh Day Baptist). Tammy Wiens, the NCC’s director of Christian education and faith formation oversees the work of the committee. | | CUS in-person participants in the hotel lobby in Charlotte, NC. Photo: Dr. Tammy Wiens | | Installation of Lindsey Black as the new CUS chair. Photo: Dr. Tammy Wiens | | CUS participants in fron the the AME Zion headquarters in Charlotte. Photo: Dr. Tammy Wiens | | NCC Staff Participate in Third Witness Wednesday Vigil, March 19 | | The March 19 Witness Wednesday attendees outside the U.S. Capitol Building. Photo: Matt Markay | On March 19, NCC staff participated in the third Witness Wednesday Vigil hosted by Sojourners and teh Washington Interfaith Staff Community (WISC) on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This week’s vigil focused on the many ways children and families are being harmed by the current administration’s executive orders, Congress’ continuing resolution on federal spending, and other policy decisions.
Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune, NCC senior associate general secretary and advocacy director served as the emcee and spoke first to the crowd, calling for Congress to find the moral courage to stand up to unjust policies that hurt American families and children. “Today we are here because we want [Congress] to understand that our children deserve better, our seniors deserve better, our veterans deserve better, we all deserve better than this...Congress just passed a continuing resolution on the budget that pulls the rug out from under the most vulnerable in our society and we are here because we have had enough,” Rev. Dr. Copeland-Tune urged. Later in the program, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, NCC president and general secretary, appealed to the many people of faith gathered to call for moral courage. Bishop McKenzie called upon all people of faith to stay “loud, relentless, and unified” in the struggle against unjust policies. Bishop McKenzie challenged attendees, “We need to show up! We need to provide resources for legal aid and other resources to support children and families. We need to volunteer at our churches and our synagogues and our mosques and our community centers, using whatever platform we have to amplify American voices that are being marginalized. When one of us in under attack all of us are under attack. We will not abandon our children and families.”
Other speakers included: Jeanné Lewis, CEO of Faith in Public Life Rabbi Jonah Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Rev. Marvin Silver, director of leadership for Development & Organizing for Children’s Defense Fund Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould, national political director for Faith in Action International Maggie Siddiqi, denior Fellow at Interfaith Alliance Sandy Ovalle, senior director of campaigns and Mobilizing for Sojourners
To watch the March 19 Faithful Witness Wednesday event, click here. To find more information about the recurring Faithful Witness Wednesday Vigil or register for the March 26, gathering, click the button below. | | Watch the full March 19 vigil. | | March 19 vigil participants. Photo: Matt Markay | | Bishop McKenzie speaking to vigil attendees. Photo: Matt Markay | | Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune addresses those gathered for the vigil. Photo: Matt Markay | | | Bishop McKenzie, Others Slated to Speak at Faithful Advocacy Event March 25 | | Senator Raphael Warnock, Senator Chris Coons, and leaders from an array of faith traditions will participate in a special event on Capitol Hill focused on faithful advocacy in the current political environment.
Senator Warnock and Senator Coons will deliver remarks, followed by a panel with experienced leaders and advocates on how people of faith can engage policymakers in strategic, effective ways in this historic moment. This special gathering will also include a time for fellowship and connection following formal programming, where lunch will be provided for all attendees.
NOTE: The event has reached capacity and is no longer accepting registrations.
Additional speakers for this event include: Laura Peralta-Schulte, Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice Amelia Kegan, Associate General Secretary for Policy and Advocacy, Friends Committee on National Legislation Rev. Paul B. Raushenbush, CEO & President, Interfaith Alliance Haris Tarin, Vice President of Policy and Programming, Muslim Public Affairs Council Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, President and General Secretary, National Council of Churches Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director, Hindus for Human Rights Darcy Hirsh, Director of Government Relations & Advocacy, National Council of Jewish Women
This event is co-sponsored by the Interfaith Alliance, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Muslim Public Affairs Council, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, Friends Committee on National Legislation, the National Council of Churches, the Circle of Protection, Hindus for Human Rights, and the National Council of Jewish Women. All are welcome to attend. | | Health Notes: Health & Wellness Taskforce |
| The Season of Rebirth is Upon Us!
Spring is approaching, as are expectations of higher food costs and even reduced food availability, as tariffs increase the cost of imported food and immigrant removal threatens to impact domestic food production. Our communions have the power to directly address these challenges for our congregations. We can be empowered to contribute to efforts to combat food insecurity in various ways, whether that is making our voices heard by reaching out to elected officials or finding ways to grow our own food. Now is the time to begin serious work on creating Abundance Gardens: identifying where potential garden plots exist, enlisting volunteers, planning planting and creating a plan for how and to whom the produce will be given.
The previous article about Abundance Gardens from the NCC Health Task Force was published in the Newsletter with ideas and links
The Health Task Force recognizes that there are many concerns that impact our parishioners’ health, such as Medicaid, communicable illnesses, medication and healthcare costs, healthcare disparities and healthcare disinformation. Helping our peoples to have access to healthy food will directly impact their health and sense of well-being. It is within our power to accomplish this; it is a hands-on, grassroots effort that can also build community through people working together to share God’s bounty.
Promoting this idea and organizing the work calls for leadership that will enlist the wisdom, creative problem solving of people within each congregation, and offer invitations to “get your hands dirty” work.
Would this idea of an Abundance Garden speak to the needs of your communion? Do you feel the call to identify and promote such leadership among your flock, as we recognize the immense amount of work you already are engaged with? What are the ways your community can reach out to your local, state, or federal elected officials and make your voices heard about food insecurity? Now is the time to act! | | | AME Church to Hold Prayer Walk March 29 | | Join Reid Temple AME Church on Saturday, March 29, at 9:00 a.m. for a guided prayer walk from the Lincoln Memorial to the White House. To register and participate, click here. Registration closes on Wednesday, March 26. | | Baptist World Alliance Issues Urgent Appeal for Humanitarian Aid | | A brief message from BWA general secretary and CEO, Elijah Brown | The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) is urgently reaching out to supporters and partners to ask for help. Over the last 100 days, there has been a rapid deceleration of humanitarian aid around the world that is impacting millions of lives.
The BWA is hearing from Baptist groups from Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and more imploring them to send urgent life-saving assistance. The situation is dire for many across the globe.
The millions of aid dollars that have been lost cannot be replaced, but the Church cannot sit on the sidelines. Hear the voice of Jesus calling His followers to stand in solidarity with the suffering. Christians must stand in the gap to help sisters and brothers in desperate need. BWA is asking for your help in three specific ways: GIVE: Your donation will be deployed quickly to provide food, water, healthcare, shelter, and other basic needs around the world. Click here to give now. PRAY: Intercede for those affected by the current crisis. Download the BWA prayer guide to unite with others worldwide in strategic prayer. SHARE: A global crisis requires a global response. Would you share this urgent appeal with your friends, congregations, and social media networks? Click here for resources to help spread the word.
Visit BaptistWorld.org/standinthegap to stay informed about this rapidly evolving crisis. | | Remembering Civil Rights Trailblazer Dr. Hazel N. Dukes | | The New York State Council of Churches together with the nation mourns the loss of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a trailblazing civil rights leader, educator, and activist who dedicated her life to justice, equality. A long-standing member and leader within the NAACP, Dr. Dukes' extraordinary contributions to the fight for civil rights have left an indelible mark on history. As president emerita of the NAACP New York State Conference, Dr. Dukes was a tireless advocate for racial justice and social change. Over the course of her career, she led initiatives to combat systemic racism, improve access to quality education, and protect the voting rights of underrepresented communities. Her leadership was instrumental in shaping policies and programs that directly impacted the lives of countless Americans. She was also a passionate voice for healthcare equity and economic empowerment, dedicating her efforts to closing gaps in access and opportunity for communities of color. Dr. Dukes' legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering courage in the face of injustice. Her lifelong commitment to equality has left a profound impact on the civil rights movement and will continue to inspire future leaders in the fight for justice For more on the life and achievements of Dr. Dukes, please visit the NAACP's official memorial article here. | | AMEZ Church Mourns the Passing of
Bishop George Edward Battle, Jr. | | The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church mourns the passing of Bishop George Edward Battle, Jr., a beloved and esteemed leader who transitioned on March 9, 2025.
Bishop Battle, a respected spiritual leader, served with distinction in numerous capacities within the church and beyond. His life’s work was characterized by deep faith, commitment to justice, and a tireless mission to uplift others. His impactful leadership will remain a cornerstone of the A.M.E. Zion Church for generations to come.
To read more about Bishop George Edward Battle, Jr.’s remarkable life and legacy, please visit his biography here.
Bishop Battle was funeralized on Monday March 17 at Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Greater Enrichment Program, Inc., 2035 Patton Ave. Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 334-8518. | | South Carolina Episcopalians Join Pilgrimage Commemorating Selma to Montgomery Marches | | By Shireen Korkzan
Members of the Diocese of South Carolina embarked on a racial justice pilgrimage March 7–10, 2025, to Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery and Selma, Alabama. They marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches that led to the adoption of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits racial discrimination in voting. Photo: Courtesy of Michael Shaffer
Episcopal News Service] As part of its ongoing commitment to racial reconciliation and education work, 46 people from the Charleston-based Diocese of South Carolina last week embarked on a racial justice pilgrimage to civil rights landmarks, museums and memorials in Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery and Selma, Alabama.
Downtown Charleston’s three historically Black parishes – Calvary Episcopal Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and St. Stephen’s Church, known collectively as the Three Churches United – led the March 6-10 diocesan pilgrimage, which commemorated the 60th anniversary of the three 54-mile Selma to Montgomery marches organized by civil rights activists to demand that voting rights be granted to Black Americans.
“These activists knew in the recesses of their hearts and their souls that what they were doing was right, and the way that they were being treated was wrong, especially with the right to vote,” the Rev. Ricardo Bailey, Calvary’s rector, told Episcopal News Service. “The powers that be at the time knew that if voting was accessible to Black folk, then the whole mindset of Jim Crow and racism and segregation were imminently going to be threatened."
Read the full story here. | | Beijing at 30 Years: Empowering Women to Thrive Can End Hunger | | By Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith
Recently I was in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1957, the city’s Central High School became famous for nine students of African descent and faith who integrated the school and became known as the Little Rock Nine. During my visit, one of these youth, Elizabeth Eckford, was recognized at an awards evening with more than 1,000 attendees at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference. In 1957 she walked alone with profound courage among the angry white mob of about 400 who assaulted her with the angry screams, threats of lynching, and spitting with the complicity of the Arkansas National Guard.
March 6,1957, was also the date Ghana became the first Sub-Saharan African country to obtain independence from European colonial rule. By 1961, another woman of African heritage and faith became the country’s first woman judge, Akua Asabea Ayisi, appointed by Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah, who later became president. During Ayisi’s tenure, she was appointed to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. It was this appointment that supported her drafting a working document that later became the Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. The declaration was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1967.
The International Women’s Year of 1975 gave additional impetus to proposals to develop the declaration into a binding international convention. Work proceeded through the first few years of the United Nations Decade for Women. In 1979, the United Nations General Assembly approved the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Ghana, along with 63 other countries from all around the world, signed the CEDAW in July 1980, at the Copenhagen Conference that marked the mid-way point of the UN Decade for Women.
On this the, 30th anniversary of the historic Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, we are reminded that these women, such as Judge Jiagge, played key leadership roles that led to this conference. Indeed, the UN conference in Beijing featured more than 30,000 women from around the world who brought stories of lament and hope, including the stories of Ms. Eckford and Judge Jiagge. At the same time, they brought concrete policy recommendations that affirmed women’s rights as human rights.
This foundational lens for advocacy is still informing our women’s empowerment work today. This included the 2015 the Bread for the World Hunger Report titled, When Women Flourish…We Can End Hunger. It too identified stories of women and girls with the important news that their empowerment is essential to ending hunger, extreme poverty, and malnutrition around the world.
During the launch of the Nourish Our Future campaign on Capitol Hill, with over 1100 online and 100 in the room, Bread for the World president and CEO Eugene Cho and four women speakers affirmed women’s empowerment. He explained that Nourish Our Future is a two-year campaign that partly comprises expanding the Child Tax Credit, fully funding and strengthening the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and robustly funding global nutrition. Learn more and be a part of this historic moment and movement.
Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church engagement at Bread for the World and a member of NCC's governing board. | | Huffington Ecumenical Institute Sponsors Accessibility Conference at Hellenic College Holy Cross | | | | | | Lenten Journal Available
from Friendship Press | | | | | One Home One Future and Blessed Tomorrow Sponsor 2025 National Faith + Climate Forum March 27 | | Join One Home One Future and Blessed Tomorrow at their 2025 National Faith + Climate Forum on Thursday, March 27!
Deepen your faith, engage in creation care, & connect with other faith leaders for a day of interactive sessions and inspiring keynotes accessible through a live-streamed online broadcast, or in person at host locations across the U.S.!
Register today for FREE at nationalfaithandclimateforum.org • • • • • • • One Home One Future is offering a FREE Earth Day Tabling Kit for all One Home One Future members to support your Earth Day events and activities. Each kit will include signage, printed handouts, and talking points. Reserve your Earth Day Tabling Kit today, and check out free resources to help you and your congregation prepare for Earth Day. | | Earth Day 2025 — Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | | | | | | |
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