| Medicaid Expansion and Interfaith Dialogues NCC Newsletter July 29, 2022 |
| | NCC Implores the Senate to Provide Medical Care for Everyone Experiencing Poverty
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| | “As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick; raise the dead; cleanse those with a skin disease; cast out demons.” [Matthew 10: 7-8 NRSVue]
July 28, 2022, Washington, DC - The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) stands firmly in the belief that the budget reconciliation package, now named the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, should include funding to close the Medicaid coverage gap.
We applaud the Act’s inclusion of lower Medicare prescription costs and a continuation of premium subsidies for Affordable Care Act insurance. However, closing the Medicaid coverage gap is the only provision that would mainly benefit people living in poverty. As Christians, we must answer when scripture asks, “How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?” [1 John 3:17 NRSVue]
We must help. We must provide health care for low-income people who have no health insurance because their state governments would not accept the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion. As people of faith, we want the approximately 2.2 million Americans who live below the poverty line, primarily in Southern states and people of color, to have access to reliable health care. Many work to provide indispensable services for the community but are paid low wages and shut out of employer-based coverage. Without the expansion of Medicaid, they have no feasible way to obtain coverage. Since they are not eligible for Medicaid or premium tax credits, they are forced pay for health care out of pocket or go without needed care.
We know that the COVID-19 pandemic wrought a surge of deaths on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities because they did not have medical access. Many had financial concerns about paying medical bills which kept them from seeking timely care.
Now is the time to further correct the unjust healthcare system in the United States and insure that people living in poverty have medical insurance in every state.
“We must include the least of these, the poorest of the poor in this legislation,” stated Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Interim President and General Secretary. “It’s not too late to close the Medicaid gap for millions and prevent them from going without health care coverage for the foreseeable future. Jesus has told us, ‘just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ We cannot turn our backs yet again on providing life-giving health insurance. I call on our Senators to close the gap now!”
Medicaid must be expanded as an investment in the future of our nation. As Christians we hold dearly our directive to help all who are struggling in poverty and to heal those who are sick. The NCC will not rest until the Medicaid coverage gap is closed in every state.
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| | | | An Update from NCC's Interreligious Dialogues |
| The National Sikh-Christian Dialogue met (virtually) last week, and the topic of its discussion was how their respective faiths are shared across religious boundaries. In this discussion, participants explored various perspectives on salvation and distinctions in evangelism. This topic was prompted by inter-communal interactions, which have been both aggressive and irenic, in the US and in other global contexts.
This dialogue session followed recent sessions of the NCC’s other bilateral dialogues. The National Muslim-Christian Dialogue met (virtually) in April; main agenda topics were religious nationalism globally and in the US generally, and the intersection of Christian Nationalism and the war in Ukraine. The National Buddhist-Christian Dialogue met (virtually) in May, during which participants discussed historical and religious dimensions to the war in Ukraine; lessons learned from the Japanese experience of internment in WW2; and the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in our communities. The National Hindu-Christian Dialogue also met (virtually) in May, for which participants gathered to discuss, in addition to historical and religious dimensions to the war in Ukraine, humanitarian concerns facing the world as a result of that conflict. And the National Jewish-Christian Dialogue met (in person) in May as well, the agenda for which included anti-Semitism and a private, guided visit to the US Holocaust Memorial and Museum, followed by a facilitated engagement in how to hold difficult conversations.
All of the dialogues hope to resume in person gatherings in the fall, after yielding to virtual gatherings during the pandemic. Throughout this period of remote meeting, each of the dialogues has continued to enjoy the active and enthusiastic participation of its members, as has the Interreligious Relations and Collaboration convening table, of which these dialogues are a part.
The dialogues are co-convened by the National Council of Churches and partner organizations from each of the respective faith communities, namely the Sikh Council for Interfaith Relations; the US Council of Muslim Organizations; Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple and the University of the West; the Vedanta Society of Southern California; and the National Council of Synagogues. In addition, the Buddhist-Christian and Hindu-Christian Dialogues are also co-convened by The Guibord Center. For the NCC, this work is directed by Dr. Tony Kireopoulos, Associate General Secretary for Faith & Order and Interfaith Relations. |
| | | CUG Registration is Opening in August! |
| | | 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 in August! 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.
Save the dates on your calendar so you don't miss CUG 2022!
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| | | Take Action with NCC's Voter Empowerment Guide |
| | The NCC "Voter Empowerment 2022 Resource Guide: A Church-based Action Plan" 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 is meant to be used by churches as a companion to the Voter Toolkit produced by our partner, Faiths United to Save Democracy, which details voter information for all 50 states. Register and download the Voter Empowerment Guide to receive the action plan, outreach ideas, scripture verses, prayers, and links to important information from the Voter Toolkit. |
| | | Bishop Vashti McKenzie will be preaching at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA this Sunday, July 31, 2022. Ebenezer Baptist Church is featuring the 2022 Women's Season, "Rebuilding My Sacred Space," throughout the month of July.
This historic church was founded nine years after reconstruction ended in 1886. Throughout its long history, it has been a spiritual home to many citizens of the "Sweet Auburn" community. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was baptized as a child in the church and was serving as co-pastor of Ebenezer with his father, Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr., at the time of his assassination in 1968.
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| | | | Looking Ahead With Our Partners |
| | Masters Series for Distinguished Clergy |
| | Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will be a speaker during the Masters Series for Distinguished Clergy (MSDC) program: "Spiritual Leadership: Advancing Justice In An Unjust World" on October 13-14, 2022. This Masters Series for Distinguished Clergy (MSDC) is hosted by Skinner Leadership Institute. |
| | National Faith Leaders Roundtable on Climate Change
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| | Blessed Tomorrow, the faith program of ecoAmerica, along with the host committee, is convening a roundtable of 20-25 national faith leaders in person to discuss and plan denominational, organizational and collective efforts to catalyze public engagement and political action on climate solutions. The event will be on Monday, November 14, 2022 at Auburn Seminary in New York City, NY from 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm ET with a dinner to follow.
The host committee is comprised of: - Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Interim President and General Secretary, National Council of Churches
- Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, General Minister and President, United Church of Christ
- Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
- Bishop Anne Henning-Byfield, President of the Council of Bishops, African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Imam Mohamed Magid, Executive Religious Director of All Dulles Area Muslim Society Center
- Basharat Saleem, Executive Director, Islamic Society of North America
- Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
- Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson, President, Auburn Seminary
Starting next year, there will be seven years to make significant progress toward climate solutions to meet the IPCC 2030 climate goals. This presents a momentous opportunity and responsibility for faith leaders to champion climate justice and work toward climate solutions. The significance of the number seven across faith traditions offers a profound framework. |
| | | | Call to Action on the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act |
| | The Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition (IDAC) released a video celebrating the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a call to action. The video features speakers from many faith traditions who explain what the ADA means to them, what needs to be strengthened, and why our faith calls us to care. The video includes messages from faith leaders, including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of The Episcopal Church, Rabbi Jonah Pesner of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and Imam Saffet Catovic of the Islamic Society of North America. |
| | | | Sermon Resources on the Importance of Voting |
| | Interfaith Power & Light will be providing sermon resources to faith leaders to help encourage their faith communities to vote as part of their Faith Climate Justice Voter Campaign on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 3 pm ET / 12 pm PT. The event description explains, "Faith leaders understand the importance of using their prophetic voices to call the faithful to live by their most deeply-held values. In an election year, voting is one way that we can bring forth a world rooted in those values – values of justice, hope, courage, and love for all of God’s Creation, our Sacred Earth. But to do this, we need to make sure that people of faith are voting. That starts with our congregations." |
| | | | Churches for Middle East Peace Advocacy Summit |
| Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is hosting a virtual "Advocacy Summit: Accountability Matters" in mid-August to encourage constituents to set up virtual or in person meetings with their Congressional offices while members are back in their State/Districts to focus on Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act (HR 2590) as well as further Congressional action on the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh. There will be a webinar and trainings to prepare folks and then guidance to set up constituent meetings during the remainder of the August recess.
This summit is in three parts. The first part on August 9, 2022 features Ali Awad, an activist and journalist from the village of Tuba in Masafer Yatta. (short clip from Ali). Advocacy training will take place on August 11, 2022 followed by the Congressional meetings. |
| | | "Preserving Black Churches" Grants Available
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| Annual grants from the Preserving Black Churches, a project of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, are intended to "preserve historic Black houses of worship—either with active congregations and nonactive congregations—and advance ongoing preservation activities while strengthening capacity for historic congregations, and preservation and community organizations to steward, manage, and better utilize their historic structures."
Grants range from $50,000 to $200,000 and are awarded in five categories: Capital Project, Endowment and Financial Sustainability, Organizational Capacity and Operations, Programming and Interpretation, or Project Planning.
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation will hold a virtual webinar on August 10, 2022 at 1:30 pm ET and provide more information. Register for the webinar. |
| | | | NCC Seeks a Director of Communications |
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The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) has been a leading force for ecumenical cooperation among Christians in the United States since its founding in 1950. The 37 NCC member communions — from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches — include 30 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.
The Director of Communications is responsible for managing the public relations work of the NCC. This position will be located in the NCC’s Washington D.C. offices.
Essential Functions
The Director of Communications will:
•Manage the Council’s public relations, brand and reputation, create and distribute press releases, action alerts, and marketing campaigns.
•Play a key and essential role in the creation of the Council’s public statements.
•Produce and edit an electronic newsletter and lead NCC’s social media efforts.
•Maintain contact with communications staff of NCC member communions and partners and strategize with them on matters of mutual interest and concern.
•Work closely with and regularly meet with the Council’s Communications Committee to develop communications strategies and execute programs to deliver communications objectives throughout the organization.
•Maintain contact with and develop strategic relationships with members of the secular and religious media to ensure the NCC has a high public profile.
•Maintain the NCC’s website and databases, ensure it is regularly updated and remains up to date technologically as well as create rich and creative content that is optimized for search engines.
•Be familiar with the NCC’s public policy positions and those of its member communions and represent the Council as directed.
•Assist in the preparation of the Council’s Christian Unity Gathering (CUG) including in preparing the program agenda, generating stories and media coverage, handling audio/visual needs and assisting with the logistics of the CUG.
•Ensure the Council’s communications ministry is carried out with sensitivity to gender, racial, economic, disability and intergenerational lenses.
•Equip, train and resource regional and local faith-based organizations related to the Council’s mission and priorities.
•Undertake other projects/work/functions that may be assigned.
•This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer (immediate supervisor) and President/General Secretary (head of NCC staff).
Essential Qualifications
•Degree in journalism, communications, or related field required.
•Demonstrated experience in managing a comprehensive strategic communications and media relations program to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
•Strong media relations skills desired.
•Superior oral and written communications skills.
•Knowledge of website design platforms, including WordPress.
•Previous website management experience.
•Experience working with Neon or other CRM systems is preferred.
•Training in theology and ecumenism is preferred.
•Passion for and experience in ecumenism and the work of the National Council of Churches.
•A track record of collaborative leadership and team building within complex religious organizations.
•A self-starter with project management skills, who is able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
•Integrity and an ability to establish and maintain trust amongst diverse constituencies and team members, and an ability to engage with proficiency with others in various leadership positions.
•Creativity, forward thinking, and technological savvy.
•Familiarity with the public policy positions of the NCC and member communions.
•A record of and ability to infuse race, gender, and economic equality with sensitivity to disability and intergenerational concerns, throughout the organization and its work in tangible, efficient and creative ways.
•Ability to manage and oversee a budget.
•Significant familiarity with community organizing techniques.
•Ability to make timely, intelligent decisions and take action after considering options and available information.
•Membership in an NCC member communion preferred.
Benefits
Annual salary includes 9% pension benefits, 22 days of paid vacation, and a significant health care insurance subsidy.
Procedure and Deadline
Send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements via email by August 8, 2022 to: jobs@nationalcouncilofchurches.us.
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| | | | COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Share Reminders that Vaccines are Free |
| Churches should be aware that 10-13% of the population of the United States has not received even one COVID-19 vaccination. Research has shown that people who are not vaccinated often live in rural communities and/or live in poverty. For those who are not vaccinated, the current surge is just as dangerous. Churches can share reminders that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and FREE for all. Answers to frequently asked questions and myth busters about vaccines can be found on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
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| | | This will be our last faith-based Wordle in the Weekly Update. We hope you have enjoyed playing each week! We've been pleased to have a little fun with this national craze during the last six months and to provide an extra Wordle for those who just can't get enough! |
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