| | | | | | | | | 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. | | Union Seminary Hosts “Moral Witness in Pressing Times” on Capitol Hill | | On Tuesday, March 25, Union Theological Seminary hosted "Moral Witness in Pressing Times," an event on faithful advocacy, on Capitol Hill. Keynote speakers for the event included Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). Senator Warnock, an alumnus of Union Theological Seminary, kicked off the packed event, highlighting the importance of making our voices heard. "If you make some noise in the streets, there will be those of us who will be fighting in the suites," Sen. Warnock said, referring to himself and fellow senators who are hearing many concerns from constituents about executive overreach in the federal government. Senator Coons, a graduate of Yale Divinity School, who has been in Congress for fifteen years, remarked on the current administration's efforts to dismantle federal institutions, "I have never seen a movement in my time here as a senator [that has been] so swift, so unilateral, and so cruel in its consequences. There is a war right now within the Republican Party between those for whom the cruelty is the point and those who still believe in compassion...but who are scared to speak up." After the senators spoke, NCC president and general secretary, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, took part in a panel alongside other faith-based advocacy groups. When asked to share her thoughts about this moment in the United States, Bishop McKenzie responded, "This is not the time to wait until your budget is cut. This is not the time to wait until your house is on fire. This is not the time to wait for the issue that you think is about someone else gets to your door. This is the time for us to rise to the occasion!" Other panelists were leaders from: Interfaith Alliance NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice Muslim Public Affairs Council Friends Committee on National Legislation Hindus for Human Rights The National Council of Jewish Women
| | Bishop McKenzie speaking on the panel, Senator Warnock (D-GA) and Senator Chris Coon (D-DE) give remarks. Photo: Matt Markay | | African Orthodox Theologian Reflects on
Nicaea Council 1700th Anniversary | | An African Orthodox theologian underlined the significance of the 1700th anniversary of the first Council of Nicaea, and the importance of African Christianity, as activities marking the historical event gain momentum across the world.
Rev. Dr John Ngige Njoroge, executive secretary for Theology and Interfaith Relations at the All Africa Conference of Churches, spoke on Christian unity, a common Easter date, and challenges such as misleading theologies, issues which he views as central to the yearlong commemoration.
“The celebrations… [are] for the whole Christian fraternity. This is because this was the first ecumenical council that demonstrated the ability of Christians to come together and in consensus, to find solutions to challenges including theological disagreements or misunderstanding,” said Njoroge, a priest of the Orthodox Church in Kenya.
In 325 CE, Roman emperor Constantine I called for an assembly of bishops in the Bithynian City of Nicaea, (now Iznik City in Turkey) to deliberate controversies on the nature of Christ—both human and divine—a common date for Easter, and the formulation of a creed.
Attended by 318 bishops, the gathering defined God as one—an external existence of three persons—Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, produced the first version of the Nicene Creed—the statement of faith that Christian denominations still recite today—and laid the ground for early canon law.
Click here to read the full article. | | Sensitive Locations, Sacred Spaces
Prayer Vigil, April 3 | Join the interfaith prayer vigil on the eve of the first hearing of the historic lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security's rescission of the sensitive locations memo.
The vigil will be held on Thursday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. at National City Christian Church in Washington, DC. Participants will gather in solidarity, lifting prayers for justice, compassion, and the protection of immigrant communities. All are welcome to stand with us in this moment of faith and resolve. RSVP to attend here and invite others to join! Thursday, April 3, 2025 • 6:30 p.m. National City Christian Church 5 Thomas Circle NW, WDC 20005 | | | World Council of Churches
11th Annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in International Affairs | | “The Future is Upon Us: What Now? Amplifying the Role of Faith and Civil Society Actors in Multilateral Solutions” | Faith-based partners initiated the Annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-based Organizations in International Affairs as an annual event aiming to foster dialogue on the intricate interplay between religion and international affairs. Since 2016, the founding faith-based organizations established a strong partnership with the UN Interagency Task Force (IATF) on Religion and Sustainable Development, creating an annual policy dialogue involving UN entities, member states, faith-based actors, and civil society to address pressing global challenges. For more information.
Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM (EST)
Format: Hybrid: Zoom and in-person (8th Floor Conference Room, Church Center for the United Nations, 777 UN Plaza, New York NY 10017) Zoom Registration Link | | | | | Courage to Act in the Face of Fear Webinar | What can the spirit of the radical Martin Luther King teach us in this moment? You are invited to participate in King and Breaking Silence on Thursday, April 3, at 7:00 p.m. (ET), Register today HERE. | | | NCCC to Host Free 'Abundant Life'
Webinar Series | Join the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness initiative for the Abundant Life Webinar Series, a collection of engaging and thought-provoking sessions exploring the intersection of faith and mental health. Designed for faith leaders, community advocates, and individuals passionate about holistic well-being, this series will provide practical tools, insights, and resources to foster healthier, more resilient communities.
Register for the upcoming webinars below: Overdose Response and Harm Reduction for Faith Communities
Thursday, April 10, 7 - 8 p.m.
Substance use recovery and harm reduction are essential for fostering hope and healing, and faith communities can support people on the journey to recovery. Join us for Overdose Response and Harm Reduction for Faith Communities, with Dr. Tobias LaGrone, D. Min., as he shares practical strategies for individuals, families, and communities.
Healthy Aging and Mental Wellbeing
Thursday, April 24, noon - 1 p.m.
Aging well includes caring for both body and mind, and faith communities can play a vital role in supporting older adults. Join us for Healthy Aging and Mental Wellbeing with Loy Campbell, an Occupational Therapist, and Dementia Care Specialist, as she shares insights on dementia care, mental well-being, and aging with dignity. | | | Hands Off! Rally in Washington, DC on Saturday, April 5 | 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. | | Lenten Journal Available
from Friendship Press | | | | | | | | |
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