| | | | | | Confirmed speakers and presenters include: Dr. Shijy Alex, Vice President of Operations, Ascension Holy Family Hospital Dr. Aly Benitez. Assistant Professor of Practice of Religion, Psychology, and Culture, Vanderbilt Divinity School Bishop Ann Henning Byfield, Bishop, 13th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Dr. Obery Hendricks Jr. Visiting Scholar, Departments of Religion & African and African Diaspora Studies, Columbia University Rep. Gloria Johnson, Tennessee House of Representatives, District 90 Dr. Nicolas Kazarian, Ecumenical Officer, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Jennifer Lackard, Deputy Police Commissioner, Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Harold Love, Pastor, Lee Chapel AME Church, State Rep., Tennessee House of Representatives, District 58 Rev. Ingrid McIntyre, Pastor in Residence for Community Engagement, Belmont University Methodist Church Rev. Garland Pierce, Executive Director of Christian Education, African Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck, Visiting Faculty of Christianity and Religious Leadership, Hebrew College Dr. Phillis Sheppard, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Chair, Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture, and Womanist Thought, Vanderbilt Divinity School Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Chair of the College of Bishops, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Dr. Renita Weems, Ordained minister, Hebrew Bible Scholar, and Author
Join NCC at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport for engaging dialogue, impactful and relevant speeches, and conversations with leading scholars, preachers, educators, and thought leaders! The registration fee for 2023 is $199.
Seminary students are eligible for a $100 discount by using the code "seminary."
For more information, click the link! | | | | | After a Tumultuous Week, NCC Urges Congress to Work Together on Behalf of the American People After a political showdown in the days leading up to the crucial vote that averted an imminent government shutdown and the ousting of the Speaker of the House Representatives for the first time in our nation’s history, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA is urging members of Congress to get back to what is important—working together on behalf the American people. “We stand firmly against any political strategy that puts the well being and stability of the United States government at risk. Americans are caught in the cross hairs of the negative consequences of a political gridlock that threaten the very fabric of democracy,” said Bishop Teresa Snorton, NCC Governing Board Chair. While the House of Representatives is deliberating its next speaker, legislation to provide essential relief to families is being stalled. As each day passes, appropriations bills, the farm bill reauthorization, and other critical bills are pushed further down the list of priorities affecting the lives of millions of Americans who rely on federal programs and services. “As we approach the November deadline,” said Bishop Vashti McKenzie, NCC President/General Secretary, “we urge representatives in Congress to prioritize passing legislation that ensures uninterrupted government functioning, provides essential services to citizens, and strengthens our nation’s stability before the midnight hour.” | | | Religious Leaders Call for Diplomacy and Peace-building to Generate a Just Peace in Ukraine | | WASHINGTON, DC – Religious leaders from Franciscan Action Network, Sojourners, Religions for Peace USA, Reconstructionist Rabbinic Association, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Pax Christi USA, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Institute of Justice Team, Churches for Middle East Peace, and the Center for Conscience and War urge Congress and the Administration to focus on incentivizing creative diplomatic initiatives to end the mass slaughter in Ukraine. We are building off the energy of more than 230 faith leaders signing a letter that calls for robust diplomatic initiatives to end the war and establish a just peace in Ukraine.
This action is part of a strategic sequence of activity over the past few months and the present Global Days of Action for Peace in Ukraine, Sept. 30-Oct. 8. By amplifying the voices of faith leaders, we seek to encourage key political leaders in Congress as well as the Administration to turn their focus to diplomatic and peacebuilding initiatives to establish a just peace.
Now is a critical moment. Polling trends suggest that support for sending weapons to Ukraine is declining across both major political parties. Some polling suggests the majority of U.S. public opinion is seeking alternatives to the ongoing and escalating military conflict in Ukraine, which is also exacerbating the climate crisis. It is time to refocus our solidarity with Ukraine towards efforts for a just peace through diplomacy and peacebuilding.
A diplomatic process entails a sequence of steps to build momentum and verifiability, such as ceasefires in particular areas and over a set period of time, pulling back of troops, reduction of sanctions, prisoner exchanges, return of refugees/displaced persons/children, reparative commitments, accountability mechanisms, and so forth. Read the press release in its entirety here. | | ACLA Awards 2024 Nominees Sought | American Climate Leadership Awards Nominations Sought The fifth annual American Climate Leadership Awards seeks models of effective climate advocates and changemakers. If you know a climate champion or organization making a serious impact to mobilize Americans to curb climate change in a just equitable and inclusive way, please invite them to apply! We are seeking frontline communities, faith leaders, community organizers, teachers, high school students, youth, conservation efforts and many others. Find FAQs here. Twenty semi finalists will be awarded $1,000; eight finalists will receive $10,000; one runner up will receive $25,000; and the winner will receive $50,000! The high school student program has earmarked $25,000 for the winning application. Five applicants will take home $10,000 each and 10 high schoolers will be recognized with $5,000 awards. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2023. The 2024 ACLA Selection Committee is comprised of exemplary climate leaders. You can read more about those individuals here. | | Tri-Faith/USDA Summit, November 8–9 | | | | Free COVID Rapid Antigen Test Kits Available | | Effective September 25, residential households in the U.S. can order one set of #4 free at-home tests from the United States Postal Service again. Please keep in mind: Limit of one order per residential address One order includes #4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (COVIDTests.gov has more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates) Orders will ship free starting the week of October 2, 2023. Click this link to order your free COVID test kits.
| | Jubilee USA Network Hosting Jubilee Weekend 2023 October 14–15 | | Developing countries continue to struggle with the havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic. This amid a polycrisis, where people everywhere are struggling to pay for food and electricity, are experiencing war or the domino effects of it, increased climate disasters, and more. There's so much more that needs to be done to help redo the decades of progress that were undone, create a world where we all have enough, and ensure that our planet is healthy for our children and their children. Jubilee USA Network believes economic solutions are vital in surmounting these effects and enabling the most vulnerable to emerge from crises with resilience. During the 2023 Jubilee Weekend, October 14–15, 2023 the Jubilee USA Network will begin to prepare the way for a momentous Jubilee Year in 2025. During Jubilee Weekend, the IMF, World Bank, and G20 will gather to make decisions that determine which direction the world will go to solve the polycrisis. As they continue trying to overcome the effects of COVID-19, their goal is to educate others about the debt crisis and call for increased Special Drawing Rights sharing from rich countries to poor countries, increased debt relief from all debt creditors, and a comprehensive, universal debt restructuring tool. They ask organizations to take one action during Jubilee Weekend and faith communities to offer one prayer. Review the Jubilee Weekend 2023 Guide here. | | Dr. Benjamin Chavis Keynote Preacher for Creation Justice Ministries 40th Anniversary Celebration Service | |
The service will also be live-streamed. A link will be sent to registrants closer to the date. While there is no charge to attend, interested persons are asked to register in advance.
Learn more about the Service of Celebration and register to attend on CJM’s website. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. More information, including the benefits of sponsorship, can be found on the CJM website. | | Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations (OGR) to Hold Advocacy Training Sessions | | International Climate Advocacy Day – November 10, 12:00–1:30 p.m. EDT. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) 28 is rapidly approaching. During this conference, political leaders from around the world will gather to discuss the next steps in the global approach to climate change. One of the most crucial aspects of meeting the goals set in place by the COPs is advocating to the U.S. federal government. During this advocacy training, a progress overview will be given, as well as a report on what still needs to be done, tips for setting up and having meetings with elected officials, and more! Register here. LBGTQIA2S+ Advocacy Days – November 7 (virtual), or 8–9 (in-person). Join the Office of Government Relations in one of two opportunities to advocate for federal protections for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions! Participants will first engage in a half-day of advocacy training to learn best practices, hear from Office of Government Relations staff, network with other Episcopalians, and connect with key coalition partners in the LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy space. Then, depending on the training attended, participants will be prepared for personal congressional office meetings. There are two ways to participate. Join from 1:00-4:00 p.m. ET for a virtual advocacy training mirroring the in-person option. Participants will receive guidance on setting up virtual meetings with their members of Congress and/or in-district meetings with local staff. Advocacy meetings for this option do not need to take place on the same day and may extend into the following week. The morning of November 8 will be the advocacy training, with that afternoon and the morning of November 9 reserved for potential congressional meetings. Participants should arrive in D.C. on November 7, and can begin leaving on November 9, after 3:00 p.m. | | | | | This Advent, journal your way to the birth of Jesus! Behold, What Wonder, the Advent volume in the NRSVue Bible Journal series, draws thirty key passages from Matthew, Luke, and elsewhere to inspire you to reflect on your own journey of faith. NRSVue Bible Journals are themed 30-day journals designed to inspire people in their life of faith and to encourage thoughtful engagement with the Bible through journaling. Each journal is an elegant linen hardcover book containing more than 96 pages. The compact 4.5" x 7" size fits perfectly in the hand and makes it easy to carry on the go.
An excellent gift for yourself and others in this special season. Bulk discounts are available! Inquire by emailing ceo@friendshippress.org.
| | | | NCC Seeks Marketing and Communication OfficerThe National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) seeks a talented professional to drive the external and internal engagement of our ecumenical, advocacy, and activist agenda. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead and implement strategic communications initiatives, from concept to reality, aimed at promoting NCC's vision, mission, and values. The Marketing and Communication Officer will manage the organization's overall communication and marketing strategy, including written and verbal communications, media relations, social media presence, and relationship building with key contacts in Washington D.C. Joining NCC's team as a Marketing and Communication Officer offers a unique opportunity for a motivated and passionate individual to drive impactful external and internal communications strategies that advance our organization’s goals. If you are dedicated to utilizing your skills and experience to make a difference toward positive social change, NCC would love to hear from you. Full-time exempt. Work is generally conducted Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This is a hybrid position with at least 1 to 2 days in office each week. Occasional evening and weekend availability may be required. Eligible for paid time off and retirement benefits. Salary range: $65,000 – $75,000. AETH Seeks Fundraiser and Development Associate The Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH), a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, seeks a Fundraiser and Development Associate to build, manage, and engage prospects and donors in the United States and worldwide, especially in Spanish-speaking countries. Salary is commensurate with experience in a similar position with the potential for an annual performance-based bonus. The salary for this part-time position is $35,000.00 annually and includes no benefits. To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact of the three references to the Search Committee (info@aeth.org). (AETH). Please explain in the cover letter your interest in the WETH and how your experience has prepared you for this position. The priority application deadline is December 15, 2023. Faith in Public Life Position Openings Faith in Public Life is hiring for a few positions and is looking for candidates who would be a good fit. Click on the links below for more information: United Church of Christ Advocacy Positions Policy Advocate for Domestic Issues (Full-Time) Application Close: October 13, 2023 Reports to Director of Washington, DC Office The Policy Advocate for Domestic Issues shall participate in and have primary responsibility for leading the work of the domestic public policy advocacy. The person in this position will regularly work in cooperation with the national staff of the United Church of Christ. The majority of the work will be carried out with ecumenical and interfaith groups in Washington, various settings of the United Church of Christ, and in secular coalitions. The Policy Advocate is expected to reside in the Washington metropolitan area. Policy Advocate for International Issues Application Close: October 13, 2023 The Policy Advocate for International Issues shall participate in and have responsibility for leading the work of international public policy advocacy of the United Church of Christ, National Ministries. The Policy Advocate will regularly work in cooperation with other National staff. Much of the work will be done with ecumenical and interfaith groups in Washington, DC, and with larger secular coalitions. The Policy Advocate is expected to reside in the Washington metropolitan area. | |
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