Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Church Leaders Acknowledge the Racism in Their Midst

United Action for Justice focuses on the justice work of the United Church. UAJ shares worship and education resources, news from church ministries, networks, and partners, and opportunities for taking action locally and globally.

For official updates about The United Church of Canada’s response and policies regarding COVID-19, please visit the United Church's website.

Joint Ecumenical Statement

Church Leaders Acknowledge the Racism in Their Midst

[Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan]

In the wake of the the anti-racism protests across the United States and Canada, the leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada, and The United Church of Canada have issued a joint letter.

Fifth Anniversary

Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action

[Credit: Ren Ito, The United Church of Canada]

June 2 was the fifth anniversary of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), addressing the history and legacy of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools system. The United Church of Canada operated 15 residential schools, accounting for 10 percent of students, all of whom suffered cultural loss and many of whom were subject to physical, sexual, and other forms of abuse in the schools.

Five years ago, The United Church of Canada acknowledged their part in this “assault on Indigenous families, culture, language, and spiritual traditions,” and said that “we continue to share a responsibility to ensure that the task of reconciliation does not end today.” This would not have happened if it were not for the action of residential school survivors.

On June 21, Indigenous Day of Prayer, please remember this anniversary and commit to the ongoing work of reconciliation.

ACT NOW

Peace on the Korean Peninsula

[Credit: Courtesy of Korea Peace Now]

2020 marks 70 years since the start of the Korean War. While it no longer consists of active fighting, hostilities remain high, resulting in extreme militarisation on the Korean Peninsula. These decades of division keep families painfully separated and prevent the most vulnerable from accessing humanitarian relief.

Add your voice to those urging Canada to demonstrate global leadership to lift sanctions. Find more on this and other ways you can join the growing movement for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Empower the Ombudsperson and Enact Corporate Accountability

[Credit: Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability]

For well over a decade, United Church people have been aware of the widespread and credible allegations that Canadian companies are linked to serious human rights abuses overseas.

Call on Canada to show global leadership by signing the parliamentary e-petition and calling the federal government to strengthen rules for businesses and uphold human rights in the mining, energy, and garment sectors.