| | | | | | | | NCC Welcomes News of a Ceasefire
Between Israel and Hamas | | Pilgrims participating in the Pilgrimage for Peace, February 14–21, 2024, from Philadelphia, Pa. to Washington, DC to stimulate dialogue about the urgent need for a ceasefire and peace between Israel and Hamas. | He shall judge between many peoples and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid. (Micah 4:3-4. NRSVue) The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) welcomes the news of a ceasefire in the war in Gaza. Our hope is that the terms of the agreement will indeed be finalized and honored, and that it will go into effect in the coming days. Since October 2023, when Hamas brutally attacked civilians in Israel, and during the heavy Israeli military response over the last 15 months, the churches have called for an end to the violence, and, indeed for peace. It is our prayer that this ceasefire will hold, its phased milestones will be met, and that it will be extended past its initial timeframe until a permanent peace agreement can be established. More than 1,200 Israeli civilians were killed in that horrific, initial attack, and more than 250 people were taken hostage. To date, 117 of these hostages have been released or rescued; 74 have been confirmed dead, killed either by their captors or mistakenly by the Israeli military. This leaves just over 60 hostages yet to be released as a result of this agreement. It has been reported that many of the remaining hostages are indeed deceased and that their remains will be returned along with the living hostages. Our continued prayers are with the remaining hostages and the loved ones of all impacted. Since the military response began, at least 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them civilians, and Gaza has been laid in ruins by violence that many observers have considered genocidal, or nearly so. The rebuilding of that territory, and the rebuilding of peaceful relations, will take generations. As this process begins to unfold, on the immediate horizon, Gaza’s humanitarian needs must be met. The ceasefire is the first step in the rebuilding process. Since the initial attack, NCC has been consistent in advocating for a ceasefire and intentional dialogue to bring peace. To draw attention to the need for peace between Israel and Hamas, the NCC participated in a “Pilgrimage for Peace” from February 14– 21, 2024. The Pilgrimage represented a significant multi-faith initiative starting in Philadelphia, Pa., and concluding in Washington, DC. The Pilgrimage aimed to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and advocate for a lasting resolution to the conflicts in the region and brought together faith leaders, activists, and artists. The initiative aimed to advocate for an immediate release of the hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, and unrestricted humanitarian aid. Peace is not a blessing that magically occurs. It is a blessing inspired by God, and one that takes human beings to build and to make real and lasting. It is up to the Israelis — both the government and the citizens — and up to the Palestinians — those who yearn for a homeland free of enmity and strife — to nurture that peace and see it to fruition. And it is up to the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, three countries that helped to broker this ceasefire, along with the entire international community, especially the United Nations, to accompany the Israelis and Palestinians toward full and lasting peace.
For far too long, the people of the Holy Land have found the vision of the prophet Micah elusive. The time has come to begin the hard work of leaving behind weapons of war and picking up the tools needed to sow seeds of peace. May all soon realize a time when nations no longer lift their swords against others, and all may sit in peace under their vine and fig tree.
May it be so. | | | | Join Repairers of the Breach for a Prophetic Listening Session, Interfaith Service, and Moral Mass Meeting on January 20 | | | | | Health Notes: Health & Wellness Taskforce |
| | God’s medicine! What is God’s medicine, you ask? What is fundamentally necessary for good health? What brings health, energy, strength, and vitality to us? Not something in a pill, no, it’s good, plentiful, healthy, and nutritious food! The National Council of Churches Health Task Force invites you, our congregations, and our communions to consider what we can do together to promote the health of our peoples, and then act to make this a reality. What food problems do we face? Think about all the recent food recalls: Cucumbers, dairy products, cantaloupes, peanut butter, onions, various vegetables, and eggs, to list some. What can we, as children of God, do about food deserts and ultra-processed foods, many of which are missing fiber, vitamins, and minerals that occur naturally in fruits and vegetables? Food (and beverage) prices have risen almost 23% since 2020. Food support programs such as SNAP and school meal programs are being spoken of as possible budget-cutting targets. If tariffs are applied to imports from Mexico, the prices of fruits and vegetables can be expected to rise; 60% of our fruits come from Mexico, and 40% of our fresh vegetables. USA farm workers are already in short supply and may become scarcer even as America may need to grow more of its own food. Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” What can we do for our brothers and sisters? It could be in our hands to share the plenty of an Abundance Garden, providing fresh vegetables and even fruits to those facing increasing food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition. Our concept of an Abundance Garden differs from the usual community garden, in that the produce from the garden is given away to those in need, not necessarily the gardeners themselves. The gardeners are sharing God’s love! ACTION How can this happen? Some religious buildings sit on land that could be growing food instead of grass. Instead of machines mowing grass, people could be tilling the soil, planting seeds, weeding, and harvesting. This means building community by working together, and strengthening our relationships and friendships. Indeed, some houses of worship stand next to one another. Is there ground that could be shared to create an Abundance Garden? Some religious communities have no land that could be turned into an Abundance Garden. Might they find abandoned city lots or other open land that could be dedicated to this calling? There are challenges beyond enlisting our faith communities in this work. How can land poisoned by old lead paint be used? Would raised beds make gardening easier for the old and the young to tend? What about clean dirt for the raised beds? In my area outside Philadelphia, PA, the township hosts a very large compost operation, making free, rich compost available which works well in an elevated garden bed. Where can seeds and seedlings be found at minimal cost? Out-dated seed packets may not be fit for commercial sale, yet many of their seeds are viable; might they be donated instead of discarded? Big Box retailers and garden supply centers reduce the price or even trash sickly plants or ones that don’t look nice; a request for a donation by a faith community for such a project would be worth the effort, as such plants can often be nursed back to robust health. Many of the plants and fruits we eat have usable seeds; think about tomatoes, peppers, peas, as well as squash, beans, and corn, which Native Americans termed "The Three Sisters;" saved seeds from grocery store items that can often be grown. When lettuce & spinach, chard, and others go to seed, that is next year’s plantings. Berries that have gone bad can still be planted.
The Winter season is not a time for gardening, but it gives us time to create excitement in our communities of worship to begin planning how to create and maintain an Abundance Garden so that we can feed both the body as well as the soul of those we know and care about. We were gifted dominion over the earth; how can we use that gift to share the bounty of God’s love with those in need? Indeed, healthy, nutritious, and tasty food is God’s medicine. Will you and your community become a pharmacist for God’s medicine? LINKS | | | Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE) Website Offers California Wildfire Resources | | FACE continues to keep all those impacted by the California Wildfires in our thoughts and prayers. We remain deeply grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders working tirelessly to protect our communities, as well as the dedicated volunteers from the LA community offering their time and support during this crisis. As the situation evolves, we are committed to providing updated resources and support to help those affected. Click on the link below for the most recent list of news updates and resources compiled by FACE. | | | St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, California Offers Shelter, Relief Amid Fires | | St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles, announced on January 9, that its doors are open, and the parish is prepared to serve as a relief center during the ongoing fires in southern California.
The community is providing shelter, babysitting, food, WiFi, and sanctuary in the chapel. Additionally, the Cathedral requests the donations listed below.
To provide or request aid, please fill out this form. To make a monetary donation, please click here. | | | LA Times: Religious Institutions Hit Hard by L.A. Fires Look to Rebuild | | St. Mark’s Church in Altadena on Thursday, left, and in 2022. (Isabella Bonfante; Matthew Wright)By Andrew J. Campa, LA Times Staff Writer
The loss of religious institutions is compounded for faith communities with the individual suffering of the flock, as some congregations have said up to three-fourths of their members lost their homes or schools. A text message lighted up the Rev. Carri Patterson Grindon’s cellphone at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 8.
A congregant of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Altadena, where Patterson Grindon serves as rector, had forwarded an image of the sanctuary. It was ablaze — a victim of the raging Eaton fire.
The building had stood since 1949, with the community dating to 1906. “It was incredibly devastating that the fire burned unabated and knowing the church and campus there were unprotected,” Patterson Grindon said. “To learn about the destruction through a photograph was very difficult.”
Patterson Grindon, her husband, and daughter evacuated the evening befoer, when the fire had burned within a couple of blocks of their Altadena home.
The next day, they learned Saint Mark’s wasn’t alone in its fate. At least 14 other churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and religious institutions have been destroyed by the series of fires ravaging Southern California.
The loss of religious institutions is compounded by the individual suffering of their flocks. Some congregations have said up to three-fourths of their members lost their homes or schools in the fires. | | | UCC Offers Hope to California Fire Survivors | | | | | | | The Religious Nationalisms Project Summit: Countering Religious Nationalisms, and Multi-faith Public Witness in Today’s Political Climate | | This one-day conference features noted presenters from Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist traditions. Presenters and participants will identify how religious nationalisms operate within all faith traditions and identify inclusive approaches to counter religious nationalisms and our multi-faith public witness in today's political climate. Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025 Time: 9 AM–5 PM program; 8 AM continental breakfast; lunch will be provided. Location: The United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC Conference Cost: $30.00 (Suggested Donation, Scholarships Available)
Sponsors are welcome to offset the conference costs and support The Religious Nationalism Project (TRNP). Your logos and links to websites on-screen and electronic program). $500 (includes admission for 4 people) $1000 (includes admission for 6 people) $2,500 (includes admission for 12 people) Who should come? All Are Welcome — regardless of ability to pay! Faith leaders and advocates from all Religious Traditions Regional and Denominational executives and advocacy staff Participants in the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit Legislators and Legislative Staff Anyone concerned about the free exercise of religion and human rights The Press and Communicators People committed to multifaith peacebuilding Advocates working with the new congress on anti-nationalist and anti-racist laws and policy Those who desire to counter a religious nationalist agenda in the current political landscape
| | NCC Board Member and WCC President Shares Moments from the NBCUSA Presidential Installation and Inauguration | | Photos capturing moments with Rev. Dr. Walker-Smith and the new NBCUSA President and First Lady, as well as other distinguished members of the national church’s Home Mission Board where Dr. Walker-Smith formerly served as a Vice Chair. | This past week, more than 2,000 gathered in Birmingham, Ala. for the installation and inaugural celebrations as well as transitional moments of the new national church leader of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., the Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber, alongside esteemed First Lady, the Rev. Shevalle T. Kimber. Sharing Alabama roots and a history with Yale University Divinity School with the new President, WCC President from North America-Turtle Island, Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith, was honored to be a part of this significant event at the Historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. The church was a major venue during the Civil Rights Movement and the site where four girls were killed after a bomb exploded just before their Sunday morning services were to begin on September 15, 1963.
Addie Mae Collins (14), Cynthia Wesley (14), Carole Robertson (14), and Carol Denise McNair (11) were killed as they were preparing to go into worship. With its large African-American congregation, 16th Street Baptist Church served as a meeting place for civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who once called Birmingham a “symbol of hardcore resistance to integration.” Alabama’s Governor George Wallace had vowed that preserving racial segregation was one of the central goals of his administration. Birmingham, which many referred to as “Bombingham,” was known as one of the most violent and lawless chapters of the Ku Klux Klan. The new Vice President at Large, the Rev. Dr. Melvin Owens, is also a native Alabamian. Dr. Walker-Smith was delighted to represent her church heritage from birth with Bread for the World as a Strategist for Pan-African and Orthodox Faith Engagement, where this national church has been a member and part of the Board leadership. It was also a joy to remember the ecumenical connections with the National Council of Churches of Christ and commemorate the national church’s pivotal role in establishing the World Council of Churches in 1948. | | | National Day of Racial Healing — January 21 | |
The 2025 National Day of Racial Healing is an annual observance that follows Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year, the ELCA will join the movement of racial healing for the church and the nation.
On Jan. 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time, join a free online educational event that centers the voices of ELCA leaders of color. This event is open to all ELCA rostered ministers, lay leaders, and members, as well as the church’s affiliate organizations and ecumenical and interreligious partners. Learn more, browse speaker bios, and register today. Since 2017, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has hosted the National Day of Racial Healing, a day where all people can inspire collective action to build common ground for a more just and equitable society.
There will be events in 19 states geared around racial healing in hopes of building trust among people and cultivating seeds of racial equity. If there are no events in your state, feel free to join the virtual events broadcast nationally using the links on their website.
America Erased 2025 Virtual Event The Equity Exchange: Institutional Power Dynamics (Virtual Event)
To learn more about the National Day of Racial Healing on January 21, click this link to Take Action.
More Resources
Additionally, the ELCA is having a virtual event for all ELCA members from 10am to 2pm Central on January 21, in partnership with the National Day of Racial Healing. | | | | | Chalice Press Releases New Book by NCC Governing Board Member | | | Facing Jerusalem: A Lenten Journey with Jesus is designed to guide you from Ash Wednesday to Easter, offering daily devotionals that inspire and challenge you to grow spiritually.
Written by NCC Treasurer Rev. Terri Hord Owens, who serves as General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Facing Jerusalem will help you reorient your spirit during the Lenten season, whether you're reading on your own, with a small group, or with your entire congregation. | | | | | |
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