NCC Newsletter: Our Way Forward

Our Way Forward NCC Newsletter November 13, 2020 Click here to donate Now Is the Time The election is over. Enormous challenges confront us, not only that of a peaceful transition of power but one of a raging pandemic.  Millions have fallen ill and, around the world, over one million have died at the hands of the coronavirus. Yet, many believe it is not real or serious and refuse to wear masks, practice social distancing, and avoid crowds. Time and again, whether at election night parties or at the new justice swearing-in ceremony or at a motorcycle rally, superspreader events are repeated. We now enter a perilous stage which will require redoubled efforts and ever more patience until a vaccine—which may be near—arrives.  Now is the time to use common sense and listen to doctors and scientists.  Now is the time to respect science and facts.  Now is the time for leaders who will not lie and use deceit. Now is the time for leaders who will be humble and transparent and willing to admit their mistakes and shortcomings. Now is the time for leaders who will not obstruct investigations. Now is the time for leaders who will not attack judges and civil servants. Now is the time for leaders who will understand we are all in this together and who will not seek to pit us against one another. Now is the time for leaders who will stand against racism and hatred. Now is the time for leaders who will champion human rights and confront dictators. Now is the time for leaders who will seek peace and turn away from war.  Now is the time for leaders who will not seek personal profit from the offices they hold. Now is the time for leaders who will seek unity, bind up wounds, and correct injustices. Now is the time for leaders who will behave with dignity and not hurl insults. Now is the time for leaders who will respect election results and abide by the will of the people.  The Psalmist begs, “Have mercy upon us, O God, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than its fill of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud” (Psalm 123:3-4). Grace and Peace, Jim WCC Publishes a COVID-19 Response Framework Church and healthcare leaders from many countries developed this holistic framework to identify the short- to intermediate-term responses in the next 18 months to protect and preserve lives and livelihoods, and set in motion the progress needed to reach longer-term goals of resilience, human sustenance, and development. The framework identifies core challenges and response strategies, and also recommends specific actions to advocates, practitioners, researchers, and other key stakeholders. This tool provides practical, simple guidelines for action through which faith communities can have an impact for their members and beyond in these challenging times. Get the Framework Faith Leaders Must Fill the Vacuum of Moral Leadership In Faith and Leadership, Rev. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas, dean of Episcopal Divinity School at Union and the Bill and Judith Moyers Chair of Theology at Union Theological Seminary, wrote that the election reveals the war over the soul of this nation: “On the one hand is the democratic vision that America is founded upon, with freedom and justice for all. On the other is the actual foundation of America, with its embedded ideology and practice of white supremacy. These two sides are at war with one another.” Read more A Special Reflection NCC Governing Board member, Paula Clayton Dempsey, was a trailblazer who led the Alliance of Baptists to where it is today. As she prepares to retire next year, this tribute celebrates her role as a stalwart of progressive Baptist life. Read more  Events From Our Partners Love Is the Way - A Conversation between Bishop Michael Curry and Michel Martin The National Museum of African American History and Culture is holding a free, virtual event examining how to navigate open-ended periods of change (like a pandemic) with love, resilience, and grace on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 7 p.m. The Most Reverend Michael Curry, presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, recently published the book Love Is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times. He will join Michel Martin, weekend host of All Things Considered, to discuss living a life guided by love. Register A Taste of Liberia A free, virtual community event with Leymah Gbowee on November 16, 2020, at 7:45 PM ET, that will discuss the path toward peace and justice in today’s world. Take a journey through Liberia and hear from feminist icon Gloria Steinem, superstar musician Pete Townshend, singer and activist, Angelique Kidjo, and Leymah herself. The emcee is Brian Kelly, CEO & Founder of The Points Guy. They will talk about how to heal deep divisions. Brought to you by the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA community. Register Cameroon: the Conflict and its Impacts You are invited to a webinar on Cameroon on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 12pm ET. Since the beginning of 2020, the security and human rights situation in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon has greatly deteriorated. In the armed conflict known as the Anglophone Crisis, over 3,000 people have been killed and hundreds of villages have been destroyed. This discussion will include partners on the ground and immigrant rights activists in order to learn more about the issues Cameroon is facing and avenues for advocacy - both for a diplomatic solution to the conflict and safety for those who are fleeing. Offered by the Office of Public Witness, the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and the World Mission, and the Office of Immigration Issues.  Register Looking Ahead to 2021 - Save the Date! Ecumenical Advocacy Days will be held as a virtual gathering on April 18-21, 2021. This annual event of Christian advocates and activists will delve deeply into the pressing issues of the day and speak truth to power on Capitol Hill. The 2021 theme is "“Imagine! God’s Earth and People Restored.” EAD 2021 is an opportunity to support this global movement centered on and led by the people and communities most vulnerable to climate impacts due to historic racial and colonial inequities. Registration details will be announced soon. Donate to NCC If this newsletter was forwarded to you, sign up to receive it.

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