| Lifting our Voices for Voting Rights and a Farewell Message from Jim Winkler
NCC Newsletter January 21, 2022 |
| | | This is my final column in the weekly NCC newsletter. I have completed two terms as president and general secretary and now move to the next chapter of my life. I want to thank all of you for your support of the NCC and your commitment to Christian unity.
As you can imagine, it is the opportunity of a lifetime to serve God as president and general secretary of the National Council of Churches. My goal was to leave the NCC in a better place than it was when I took over eight years ago and I believe that has been achieved.
During these years:
We completed an update of the New Revised Standard Version in partnership with the Society of Biblical Literature, resumed active management of our bible properties, revitalized Friendship Press, and increased our bible royalties.
We quintupled our financial reserves and ran significant budget surpluses most years including a $1.8 million surplus in 2020.
We raised the public profile of the NCC significantly and re-established the Council as a major ecumenical entity both in the United States and around the world.
We held a major rally to end racism on the National Mall and re-focused the work of the Council on the goal of eradicating racism.
We initiated three new interreligious dialogues with the Buddhist, Hindu, and Sikh communities.
We advocated for peace and justice, continued to publish the International Sunday School Lessons, and strengthened our longstanding Faith & Order work.
All of this was done with a tiny staff of less than 10 persons and a budget of about $2 million a year.
I pray the NCC will thrive in the years ahead. |
| | | NCC Statement: Voting Rights Are Human Rights |
| | NCC participated with our partners on a major push to get voting rights legislation passed this week. The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act passed the House and was up for debate in the Senate. Unfortunately, the key legislation to protect voting rights in the states, did not cross the 60 vote threshold. We will continue to fight to protect voting rights. Below is NCC’s statement and action alert sent out this week.
"'But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
Amos 5:24 NRSV
American democracy is at an inflection point. Voting rights are again hanging in the balance and as the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) we are compelled to speak out about the urgency of passing critical legislation to ensure the right to vote in our nation. The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, which have now been combined and passed the House of Representatives, must also pass the Senate.
Our history compels us.
The General Assembly of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA adopted a Human Rights Policy Statement in 1963, setting forth general principles related to the inherent worth, rights and responsibilities of all persons. The statement recognizes:
“The right to full participation of the person in political and civic life, including the opportunity: to vote by secret ballot…the right to vote is a basic human right.”
The NCC was also actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement, including having our leaders march with the late civil rights icons Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Congressman John Lewis across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. We must remain vigilant and resolute to make sure the right to vote is protected.
Our faith compels us.
The 1963 statement also set forth our belief as Christians that “human beings are made in the image of God, that every person is of intrinsic worth before God, and that every individual has a right to the fullest possible opportunities for the development of life abundant and eternal. Denial of rights and freedoms that inhere in an individual’s worth before God are not simply a crime against humanity; they are a sin against God” (1963 Statement, using inclusive language.)
Throughout the years and at pivotal moments in history we have reaffirmed these beliefs and statement. This time is no different. We believe that the Church, other faith partners, and civil and human rights advocates must take a stand as the beloved community, articulated by Dr. King:
“An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” (Dr. King, Jr, Letter from a Birmingham Jail)
Our conscience compels us.
When rights of one are denied, we are all impacted. We must stand together to ensure the full acceptance and citizenship for all in our society, guaranteeing and protecting each person’s human rights on an equal basis. The right to vote is the very center and core of a fair and free democracy. To deny access to the vote is to deny the very humanity and sacredness of those denied. We call upon the Administration and Congress to live up to the promises made by this nation’s founders when they asserted that all were created equal and pass voting rights legislation that will remove barriers to the ballot. We call for the passage of The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act.
We call for the passage of these bills by any means necessary, including the end of the filibuster that has historically been used to block the voting rights of African Americans. The filibuster is a relic of the Jim Crow era and should not be allowed to upend voting rights now. In 1957, Senator Strom Thurman set the record for longest individual filibuster when he spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes to oppose the Civil rights Act of 1957. In 1964 Senator Richard Russell, Jr. led other political leaders to hold up passage of the Civil rights Act of 1964 for 60 working days.
This is a moment for us to act. This is a moment when we must stand up and speak out as people of faith and conscience, calling on the Senate to end the filibuster and pass these critical pieces of voting rights legislation and ensure the right to vote. Indeed, as the song says, “we who believe in freedom shall not rest until it comes.” (Ella’s Song, Sweet Honey in the Rock) #VotingRightsAreHumanRights.
From NCC’s Governing Board:
“The right to vote is one of the markers of a democratic society. Protecting the right to vote is the duty of elected officials in order to preserve equality and inclusivity for ALL citizens.” – Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, NCC Governing Board Chair and Presiding Bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
“As a nation, we are at a critical juncture in protecting our democracy. Fifty-six years after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, many in this country still face racial disparities and inequalities in accessing the right to vote. I urge passage of The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. If enacted, it would do much to further the ELCA’s resolve to call upon local, state, and federal governments to guarantee the right to vote to all citizens and to discourage or eliminate all laws, ordinances or regulations that would have the effect of racial and ethnic discrimination in the exercise of that right. Please join me in praying for our Congress, our president, and members of the Supreme Court. In the words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” – The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, NCC Governing Board Vice Chair and Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
1 John 3:18 teaches us that we must love not only in word or speech but in truth and action. As Christians we must have the courage to not only speak truth but to mobilize to ensure that our human dignity is affirmed and protected through the ballot, and that we hold each other accountable for maintaining a society that reflects the limitless love of God through Jesus Christ.” – Rev. Terri Hord Owens, NCC Governing Board Treasurer and General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada
“I consider passage of the voting rights bill to be the single most important matter before congress right now. The very foundations of our democracy are being dismantled as red state legislators rewrite voting laws, giving new powers to state officials to overturn legitimate election outcomes and restricting voter access. The Senate must, by any means necessary, finish the work of the House and establish Federal protections for voting rights or be remembered throughout history as those whose failure to lead ended democracy as we knew it.” – Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, Past Chair of the NCC Governing Board and General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, National Ministries
“My prayer is that this Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend will provide Members of Congress a moment of respite to reflect on the meaning of his life and the immensity of the struggle he and millions of others waged to secure the right to vote. If they truly do so, I believe they will return to Washington next week and vote to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act.” – Mr. Jim Winkler, NCC President and General Secretary
“A near-sacred cornerstone of this ideal of democracy is the vote. The individual’s right to vote, and our respect for the collective will of the people expressed in their votes, are foundational to the temple that is democracy. The vote and the collective will of the people must be upheld as sacred and inviolate; it must be respected and protected, ‘that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth.’ Let us be people of conviction and choose the promise that is before us.” – The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church
“The United Methodist Church advocates for free and fair elections, beginning with the sacred right to vote guaranteed to all adult citizens. Today the sacred right to vote is jeopardized by the increasing suppression of the vote for many citizens of the United States. We call upon the Senate to support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (S.4) and the Freedom to Vote Act (S.2747) in recognition and celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” – Bishop Sally Dyck, Ecumenical Officer for the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“The Church of the Brethren has asserted that, “We believe that government…can be strengthened by participation of its entire citizenry…[and] we support steps by our government to recognize the full enfranchisement of all of our citizens.” In both our church and the country in which we reside, we aim to make this a reality. Though this has been imperfect in practice, we strive and urge for full and just participation for all.” – Rev. Dr. Nathan Hosler, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy at the Church of the Brethren
“The voice of every citizen of our country in an election should matter to all of us. Because to exclude one segment is to threaten every segment. We urge the Senate to reject attempts to restrict voting of people of color, students and the elderly. Silence no one. Lift every voice!” – Bishop Francis Krebs, Presiding Bishop of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion
“Exercising the right to vote is foundational in a democracy. Our moral and civic values demand protection of access to voting for all citizens.” – Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, African Methodist Episcopal Church
“It is very unfortunate and despairing that after more than 50 years after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. that this country will not stand up for the voting rights of all Americans. It is a sad day in this country’s history. We must never relent in our pursuit for justice!” – Rev. Dr. Franklyn Richardson, Chairman of the Conference of National Black Churches and Governing Board Member
“Voting rights are human rights! Let’s stop voter suppression. Every citizen should have equal and easy access to vote. The Senate must pass The Freedom to Vote Act and The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.” – Rev. Phil Tom, Executive Director of The International Council of Community Churches
Past NCC Statements:
NCC Statement One Year After the Attack on the US Capitol and 2020 Election
The Dangers of Christian Nationalism in the United States: A Policy Statement of the National Council of Churches
Resolution to Reaffirm Commitment to Voting Rights Act
Human Rights: The Fulfillment of Life in the Social Order
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| | | Governing Board Statements on Voting Rights
Several NCC Governing Board members made video statements for the protection of voting rights including:
- Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, NCC Governing Board Chair and Presiding Bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church- Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Vice Chair of the NCC Governing Board
- Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens, NCC Treasurer and General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
- Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith, NCC Ecumenical Officer and Senior Associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church Engagement for Bread for the World
- Bishop Francis Krebs, Presiding Bishop of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion.
The video recordings are available for viewing and sharing on the NCC Voting Rights Are Human Rights YouTube Playlist.
Complete collection of voting rights statements:
All the written and video statements for the protection of voting rights made by the NCC Governing Board are collected on the NCC website at this link. |
| | | Voting Rights Statements from NCC Partners |
| The College of Bishops of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church released a Statement on Voting Rights on January 8, 2022.
The National Officers of the United Church of Christ published, "On this MLK Day, let us preach the truth of creation: that all of humanity is one" which stated, "If we choose to honor the legacy of Dr. King, let us pay service with more than our lips. Let us stand together in the congressional breach of our nation, calling our elected leaders and demanding the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the Protecting Our Democracy Act."
Episcopal News Service wrote about Thomas Mundy Peterson, who was 36 years old on March 31, 1870 when he became the first African American to vote in a U.S. election under the provisions of the 15th Amendment. The article explains that, "The Episcopal Church has long advocated for voting rights and protested attempts to make it harder for people to vote. The Executive Council in October reaffirmed that stance, decrying the efforts of state legislatures to restrict voting access and urged all dioceses, particularly those dioceses in states whose legislatures are actively pursuing legislation that is specifically designed to restrict access to voting, to advocate for equal access to vote. It urged individual Episcopalians to work for voting rights legislation." |
| | | NCC Reaffirms Work to End Anti-Semitism |
| The National Council of Churches stands with the Beth Israel Congregation in Colleyville, Texas, and all in the Jewish community who were impacted by the hostage situation on Saturday. It was a violation of sacred space and jeopardized the sanctity of being able to gather for worship without fear or interference. This kind of hate and violent action cannot be tolerated. We are grateful and relieved that the hostages were unharmed.
While we have sent private messages to our many Jewish allies and partners and will continue to lift them in our prayers, we recognize that whenever sacred space is violated, thoughts and prayers are not enough. We know that much more work has to be done to end anti-Semitism and to ensure that we fight anti-Semitic beliefs and actions wherever they may be found. It starts with us and we reaffirm our commitment and priority to advocate for peace and justice for all.
NCC's 2021 Statement: Decrying the Recent Rise in Antisemitism
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| | | This Month's Spiritual Practice: Using Icons to Enhance Your Faith |
| | Using the icon of St. Dismas (in some traditions spelled Dysmas), Despina D. Prassas, Ph.D. explains how its daily presence enhances her faith. The Spiritual Practice Series to Sustain Our Work for Justice is presented by NCC's Christian Education, Faith Formation, and Leadership Development (CEFFLD) Convening Table.
Despina D. Prassas, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Theology at Providence College and an adjunct faculty associate professor in Church History at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Her research has focused on ascetical theology, specifically the writings of the early Christian monks, and St. Maximos the Confessor. Her book, St. Maximus the Confessor’s Questions and Doubts, was the first English language translation of the work. Other areas of interest include the intersection between monastic spirituality and psychology, and ecumenism.
What are the spiritual practices that strengthen you for the long haul in your work for justice? In this monthly series, the CEFFLD Convening Table of the NCC shares personal stories of practices that have nourished them for the long haul of justice ministries. Faithful action in our communities, regions, countries, and the world, is sustainable when we are spiritually fed by the same Spirit that prompts us to bring Christ's love and justice to bear in our world. Each monthly segment shares a testimony of how a specific practice has been helpful for the faith formation or leadership development of an individual or congregation. The series will share resources (e.g., books, website, articles, videos) that give readers/viewers a chance to learn more about the practice and to use these tools to move forward in faithful efforts toward justice.
We hope this series will show connections across faith traditions that have some similarities in practices, helping to build stronger bridges of understanding around commitments to shaping spiritual lives and communities to be agents of peace and justice in the world.
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| | | | NCC Adds Voice to the International Call for Justice at Guantanamo |
| | On January 11, 2022, the NCC, World Council of Churches, and more than two dozen US interreligious leaders reiterated the call for closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay and attaining justice for those being held. The letter reads:
"Dear President Biden and Members of Congress,
As members of the American faith community, we call on you to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and to ensure that all of the people held there are either released, agree to a plea deal, or receive a fair trial in a federal court.
The prison at Guantanamo was opened as part of an effort to hold suspected terrorists outside of the protections of U.S. law. This was wrong to begin with, however this immoral act was compounded by the decision to torture many of the prisoners. In the fullness of time we now know that many of the people sent to Guantanamo were never involved in terrorism in the first place.
Even today, 20 years after the prison was opened, most of the prisoners have never been tried or convicted of any crime. Guilty or innocent the right to a trial is a bedrock American value, yet it has been denied to those at Guantanamo. Allowing the government to claim a war-based authority to hold people for decades without charge or trial, in a conflict that has no clear end-state or conditions for victory, and for which the government does not recognize clear geographic boundaries, is an extraordinary and dangerous expansion of governmental authority.
While the sustained immorality of holding people without trial ought to be reason enough to close the prison, it is also unreasonably expensive – costing more than half a billion dollars each year, or over $13 million per prisoner per year. This is an utterly irrational figure to spend on a prison for only 39 people.
As our elected leaders, you are responsible for spending American tax dollars wisely. More importantly you are responsible for upholding American values. The prison at Guantanamo does neither. We pray that you will close it." |
| | | | COVID-19 Pandemic Response: |
| Publicize Free Covid Test Kits
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| | Testing for COVID-19 can help stop the spread of the coronaviruses. Churches and faith leaders can help spread the word about the new free ways to receive the tests.
According to the White House, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order free at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days and will include four tests per household.
Outreach to community members, especially to those who may not have access to online resources, could make a substantial difference in the success of the testing initiative. The National Association of Community Health Workers has provided a presentation on how to help the effort through outreach. |
| | | | | Week of Prayer for Christian Unity |
| This year's theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was chosen by The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC): “We saw the star in the East, and we came to worship him." (Mt 2:2) The World Council of Churches explains that "ecumenical partners in a particular region are invited to produce a basic liturgical text on a biblical theme. Then an international editorial team of WCC and Roman Catholic representatives refines this text to ensure that it can be prayed throughout the world, and to link it with the search for the visible unity of the church."
For over 100 years, this annual observance involves Christian communities throughout the world who are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (John 17.21). In 2022, the eight days of prayer are being offered from January 18th until January 25th between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul.
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| | | | Job Listings
Advocacy Associate at Interfaith Alliance, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that champions an inclusive vision of religious freedom, seeks an Advocacy Associate to join their Washington, D.C., office. As part of our policy and advocacy team, the associate will support federal policy initiatives as well as coordinate digital campaigns that engage and expand this national network. All staff currently work remotely and will continue to prioritize COVID-19 public health guidelines as needed. Learn more. |
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