| | | | | | Registration for NCC's
75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Is Open! | | | | ARE YOU FOLLOWING NCC ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Check out our social media accounts for NCC updates! | | NCC Urges Congress to Fund a Moral Anti-Poverty, Anti-War Budget | | Jesus, Brueggemann, and Tupac Agree
on Money for the Poor, Not More War “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”
~ Psalm 34:14 NRSVue Washington, D.C.—As the nation reels from the recent military escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) receives the news of a ceasefire with hope that this important step will lead to de-escalation and, ultimately, peace in the region.
The U.S. military action—striking Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday, June 21, without authorization from Congress and in violation of Article I of the U.S. Constitution and the War Powers Act of 1973—likely has caused greater instability, chaos, and harm in an already volatile region. Concern mounts for the dire circumstances faced by the innocent people who live there.
NCC urges U.S. elected officials to use our nation’s resources and military might to be peacemakers, not provocateurs, especially in places where American leadership can be the difference between chaos and calm or war and peace. The full impact of U.S. military action in Iran is unknown. Nevertheless, even the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency projects that the attack, estimated to have cost hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars, may have delayed Iran’s nuclear program by only months. A high price to pay for such modest results. | | | WISC Members Advocate Against H.R.1 on Capitol Hill for Two Days | | Day One (June 26): WISC Staff Prays in Senator Thom Tillis' (R-NC) office.
Photo: Matthew Markay | The Washington Interreligious Staff Community (WISC), of which NCC is a part, and clergy from across the country spent two days on Capitol Hill advocating against the H.R. 1. As stated in a recent NCC Press Release, "The proposed legislation, the so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’ could be more appropriately named the ‘Big Brutal Bill’ because it will take health care from the sick and food from the hungry by cutting billions of dollars from Medicaid and food subsidy programs. This budget is immoral and stands against our Christian mandate and mission to care for those who are most vulnerable." WISC visited multiple offices of senators who are considering voting in favor of the bill in an effort to persuade them not to do so. Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune, NCC associate general secretary and advocacy director and Matt Markay, NCC project coordinator, were among the 40 clergy and laypeople who attended over the two-day action. The group handed off a letter to Senate staffers, signed by more than 45 national religious organizations, stressing the harms that H.R. 1 could impose on everyday Americans, if passed. The faith leaders then led a prayer outside each of the Senate offices they visited and invited the staffers to join them. | Currently, 33 organizations have signed onto an interfaith letter regarding the final budget reconciliation bill, but organizers have emphasized the need for additional signatories.
A consequential Senate vote on the budget bill is expected this weekend. As the House vote nears early next week, WISC will work with the Coalition on Human Needs (https://www.chn.org) to plan a field activation call on Monday, June 30, at noon to inform fields about the status of the bill and what must happen to try to kill this bill. WISC awaits critical details from the Poor Peoples’ Campaign about their Monday action in DC. | | | | | Day One (Top): WISC members gather outside Senator Lisa Murkowski's (R-AK) Office
Day Two (June 27): group photo; Photos: Matthew Markay | | | Do you want to join WISC and make your voice heard? Take the vital three steps below Call Your Senators Today! Tell them to vote NO on the proposed budget resolution and oppose cuts to essential social services. Demand a budget that reflects justice, compassion, and human dignity.
How to Take Action: 📞 Call the Capitol Switchboard TWICE at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senators. Use this script when calling: "Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [Your City, State]. As a person of faith, I urge you to reject this budget. Cutting Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical programs will harm millions, including children and the elderly. It is unjust to give tax cuts for the wealthiest in our nation and more funds to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to terrorize immigrants in our communities while paying for it by taking health care from those who are sick and food from those who are hungry. This is a moral issue, and I ask you to vote NO." Email Your Senator: Click here to email now!!
Share this alert with your congregation, faith leaders, and social networks 📢 Social Media Toolkit: Spread the Word! Help amplify our message on social media! Use these sample posts to encourage others to take action:
Twitter/X: 🚨 ACT NOW! Congress is voting on a budget that hurts low-income families, seniors & children while providing tax cuts to the wealthy and more money to ICE to terrorize immigrants in our communities. Call Congress and demand a NO vote!
📞 (202) 224-3121 https://bit.ly/NCCACT1 #StopTheCuts
Facebook: ACT NOW! Congress is voting on a budget that hurts low-income families, seniors & children while providing tax cuts to the wealthy and more money to ICE to terrorize immigrants in our communities. Call or email Congress and demand a NO vote!
📞 (202) 224-3121 https://bit.ly/NCCACT1 #StopTheCuts
Instagram: 📢 Raise your voice! Congress is voting on a budget that hurts low-income families, seniors, and children while providing tax cuts to the wealthy and more money to ICE to terrorize immigrants in our communities. Call your reps today at (202) 224-3121 and tell them to vote NO on these harmful cuts! https://bit.ly/NCCACT1 #StopTheCuts
Your Voice Can Change the Vote—Call Now! By standing together in faith and action, we can prevent these unjust cuts and work toward a more compassionate and equitable society. Call today and make your voice heard! | | WCC Central Committee Convenes in Johannesburg, South Africa | | The WCC central committee, which was elected at the 11th WCC Assembly in 2022, meets every two years until the next assembly in 2030. The meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 18-24, was the second meeting of the current WCC central committee. The central committee comprises 158 members, the WCC regional presidents, and 100 advisors from the wider ecumenical movement. Its purpose is to implement the assembly mandate, make policy decisions, and address issues affecting the life and witness of the churches. The Central Committee welcomed four new member churches: the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (Malawi), Apostolic Pentecostal Church International (Liberia), and Union of Evangelical Free Churches in Germany. The WCC now comprises 356 member churches across the globe.
The Central Committee also initiated a midterm review of strategies and governance. It also initiated preparations for the next assembly in 2030. The central committee meeting was an important encounter on the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity, particularly with South African churches. The Central Committee issued a bold statement, demanding the end of Israel’s occupation and the lifting of the blockade of Gaza, and calling on states and churches “to impose consequences for violations of international law, including targeted sanctions, divestment, and arms embargoes.” The statement acknowledges the WCC’s commitment to “inter-religious dialogue and cooperation”—a nod to its Jewish partners, many of whom can be expected to condemn the statement. Despite spirited dissent during the CC’s formulation of the statement, leaders of the WCC declared that Israel’s actions “flagrantly violate international humanitarian and human rights law as well as the most basic principles of morality.” Click on the links below for more information about the WCC Central Committee meeting. | | | NCC Joins WISC Partner, NETWORK, for ‘Sisters Speak Out’ | | Above: Senator Raphael Warnock in a group photo with Sisters Speak Out supporters. Below: The group lay hands on Sen. Warnock, who is also pastor of Atlanta's historic Ebeneezer Baptist Church Photos: Matthew Markay | | Sisters Speak Out (SSO) is a campaign of 50 Catholic women, religious congregations, and 10 national Catholic organizations. SSO invites all people of faith and goodwill to join in prayer and public witness to challenge our government’s actions that are harming the vulnerable among us. These actions include the mass deportations of immigrants tearing families apart, and the proposed federal budget cuts, which dramatically guts Medicaid and food assistance programs while increasing the already bloated Pentagon budget and funds for the immigrant detention and deportation infrastructure. On Tuesday, June 24 in Washington, D.C., Catholic Sisters and other faith leaders brought a prophetic presence to Capitol Hill by hosting a press conference there. The 10:30 a.m. gathering featured such speakers as Mercy Sister Mary Haddad, president of the Catholic Health Association; Sister Patricia Chappell, school sister of Notre Dame de Namur; Sister Maggie Gannon, sister of St. Francis, and others. After the speaker presentations, the group proceeded with a prayer service. After the event, sisters and lay faith leaders from across the country held meetings with their senators on the reconciliation bill. Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune, NCC senior associate general secretary and advocacy director, and Matt Markay, NCC project Coordinator, joined the sisters toward the end of their day of action for an audience with Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) at the Hart Senate Office Building.
Sen. Warnock, who is also pastor of Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and self-proclaimed "Matthew 25 Christian," stressed the importance of prayer these times. The Sisters then asked to pray for Sen. Warnock, which prompted those gathered to raise their hands above him as they covered him in prayer.
Visit the Sisters Speak Out website for the list of organizational co-sponsors and information on the overall campaign. | | NCC Staffer Observes UN World Refugee Day at the Kennedy Center | | In observance of UN World Refugee Day on June 20, NCC's Vennie Jones, secretary/receptionist attended an event at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, featuring Sebastián Llosa—Peruvian singer-songwriter and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) supporter.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. UNHCR works around the world, protecting millions of people by providing lifesaving support, including shelter, food, water, and medical care for people forced to flee conflict and persecution, many of whom have no one left to turn to. People seeking safety need a place to call home where they can rebuild their lives.
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
Launching his artistic career in 2021, he released his first single, “Alguien Más,” the next year—reaching millions through streaming platforms and trending on social media. Sebastián recently collaborated with major artists such as Lasso, Alex Ponce (Ve y Diles), and Lagos (Igual de Gris) and achieved his first solo sold-out show in Mexico City. Based in Miami, Llosa is releasing a new EP in May ahead of his anticipated US and Spain tour. He leverages his fame to build support for refugees globally.
View Llosa's performance below. | | | | Archbishop Elpidophoros Issues Statement on Terrorist Attack at Greek Orthodox Church in Syria | | Attack on the Church of the Prophet Elias in Dweilaa, Damascus, Syria on Sunday evening, June 22, 2025. Photo: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Facebook Page | Statement of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America on Terrorist Attack on Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias (Mar Elias) in Syria
The ongoing tragedy of human existence and the relentless violence in the Middle East has reached into our own community. On June 22, 2025, during Divine Liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias (Mar Elias), on the outskirts of Damascus, a suicide bomber opened fire before detonating an explosive vest, killing at least 22 faithful and injuring dozens more.
War has become the standard recourse, and we too often become desensitized—only stirred when tragedy speaks our own language. Yet, in Christ, every life is “our own.”
As we lift up in prayer the souls of those who perished in this horrific Mar Elias Church attack, we also remember all who have lost their lives in this intensifying conflict. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). May this sacred promise guide our hearts beyond the boundaries of geography and creed, toward mercy, reconciliation, and true peace.
We are joining our Ecumenical Patriarchate Bartholomew in offering our condolences to His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch.
We also join all voices calling for an end to violence and a restoration of hope. We pray for respite for the grieving, healing for the wounded, and divine courage for those who labor for peace. In solidarity and love, we affirm that every life matters and every prayer is a step toward God’s peace on earth. For more information... https://www.goarch.org/-/statement-of-archbishop-elpidophoros-terrorist-attack-syria | | | An Urgent Appeal for Protection and Safe Passage for Christians in Syria | Grace and peace in Christ our Lord, I write to you not only on my behalf but in the name of all Syrian Christians who remain steadfast in faith amidst persecution. We bear the cross of fear and hope in a land that has become increasingly hostile to our mere existence. On Sunday, June 25, 2025, a heinous terrorist attack shattered our hearts: the bombing of St. Elias Church in the Douilaa neighborhood of Damascus during Mass. This brutal act claimed the lives of six faithful, including women and children, injured dozens more, and devastated a historic sanctuary of peace in the Syrian capital. This atrocity is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic campaign of religiously motivated violence, discrimination, and existential erasure of Syria’s Christian community. Over the past 14 years of conflict, our churches have faced attack, our families forced to flee, and our presence on this land threatened with extinction. We urgently appeal to you, leaders of the Christian faith in the West, to help us in these critical ways: Advocate for the creation of internationally supervised humanitarian corridors, enabling safe passage for Syrian Christians trapped in conflict zones—should international protective forces fail to deploy swiftly. Call for the deployment of international protection forces to ensure Christian communities can live securely in their homeland, free to worship and participate in a democratic Syrian society. Issue an Emergency Plea to the UN Security Council, urging a prompt resolution to halt ongoing violence against Christians—recognizing these actions as crimes against humanity and religious cleansing. Mobilize ecumenical solidarity across global Christian denominations, especially in Europe and Latin America, to amplify pressure and support for our survival and dignity.
We are not seeking privilege; we are beseeching protection so our children can grow up here, and so the churches built by our ancestors will not fall silent forever. With faith unwavering, even in suffering, Your brother in Christ, A member of the Syrian Christian community (On behalf of the faithful in Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, Hassakeh, Maaloula, and Beyond) | | | Washington State Law Targets Priests, Confidentiality of Confession As the administration attempts to dismantle the refugee program, let us join together in a powerful witness to celebrate refuge | | Attorneys file suit on behalf of the Orthodox Church in America and Orthodox Churches, priests over state law that violates constitutional rights
On behalf of Orthodox Churches and priests, Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys, with co-counsel Eric Kniffin and George Ahrend, filed a federal lawsuit on June 16, 2025, to challenge a Washington state law that targets priests by criminalizing their religious obligation to keep confessions confidential.
“The First Amendment guarantees that governments cannot single out religious believers for worse treatment,” said ADF Senior Counsel and Vice President of Appellate Advocacy John Bursch. “Washington is targeting priests by compelling them to break the sacred confidentiality of confession while protecting other confidential communications, like those between attorneys and their clients. That’s rank religious discrimination. We are urging the court to swiftly restore this constitutionally protected freedom of churches and priests in Washington state.”
The Orthodox Church in America prayerfully decided to join this action with the support of His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West, whose Diocese includes eight parishes in Washington State, upon review by the Standing Synod of Bishops, chaired by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, and the Metropolitan Council. | | | Clergy leaders Attend Listening Session with CBC Members | | Clergy leaders attended a listening session with Congressional Black Caucus Members on Monday, June 23, led by Chairwoman Yvette Clarke (NY), with Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA) second vice chair, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO), Congressman Bobby Scott (VA), Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD), Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL), Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (CA), and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX). Also present for the session were CBC Executive Director, Mr. Vincent Evans, and Ms. Tamika Mason, who represented Congressman Jim Clyburn (SC), chair of the Democratic Congressional Faith Working Group. The group seeks regular briefings with CBC to have a tighter, more cohesive partnership during these challenging times. Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, president of the Skinner Leadership Institute and co-convener of the National African American Clergy Network has committed to work with a team to begin sending out content that is both preachable and actionable. NCC will collaborate with the group on messaging and reaching a broader clergy network. | | Bill Moyers, Award-Winning Journalist, Dies at 91 | | Photo: https://billmoyers.com | Bill Moyers, 91, whose career ranged from youthful Baptist minister to deputy director of the Peace Corps, from President Lyndon Johnson's press secretary to newspaper publisher, senior news analyst for "The CBS Evening News" and chief correspondent for CBS Reports, died Thursday, June 19. In the early 2000s, Moyers and his wife collaborated with NCC on select projects. He was perhaps best known for his television work at PBS, including the weekly Bill Moyers Journal, and documentary series such as Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth, which drew 30 million viewers. In hundreds of hours of PBS programs, he proved at home with subjects ranging from government corruption to modern dance, from drug addiction to media consolidation, from religion to environmental abuse. In the late 1980s, friction between Moyers and fundamentalist leaders within the Southern Baptist Convention stemmed from a church resolution condemning Moyers' TV series God and Politics as biased. Moyers defended the series' accuracy and fairness. During the dispute, Moyers received an award from the Religious Public Relations Council for his journalistic integrity and religious sensitivity. Over his career, Moyers was showered with honors, including more than 30 Emmys, 11 George Foster Peabody awards, three George Polks, and, twice, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Gold Baton Award for career excellence in broadcast journalism. In 1995, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. | | New Advocacy Resources from NRCAT | | | Continuing our quarterly “how to” online training series for faith advocates, last Wednesday, National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) hosted How to Shine Your Light. Religious and community leaders from Wisconsin-based WISDOM and EXPO joined in to share strategies they use in hosting monthly vigils on the 23rd of each month to draw public attention to those who are being held in solitary confinement in Wisconsin prisons and jails. The vigils range from calling for policy change to publicly recognizing the tragedy of a death in a Wisconsin prison or jail. When sharing how to host rapid response vigils and the importance of honoring lives lost while incarcerated, Marianne Oleson, operations director of EXPO of Wisconsin, shared that when they gather: We don’t just light candles, we light paths forward.” View the full webinar recording on the NRCAT YouTube channel using the link above and share it with others in your faith community. Explore how your faith community can partner with NRCAT to lead public witness vigils on the 23rd of each month to help draw attention to the estimated 122,000 people who are held for 23 hours a day in solitary confinement in U.S. prisons, jails, and detention centers. The WISDOM monthly vigils in Wisconsin are driving change statewide as their campaign urges Governor Evers and state legislators to prioritize investment in job training and rehabilitation, not prisons, in the state budget. To resource your vigil planning, NRCAT has new print materials available here, including an interfaith prayer to end torture. Banners are available by contacting Rev. T.C. Morrow at tmorrow@nrcat.org, and merch to wear at your vigils is available from NRCAT’s store. P.S. During June, Torture Awareness Month, each donation to NRCAT is doubled thanks to two generous donors. Please consider donating today! | | | | | Series: MLK’s Letter from
Birmingham Jail | Black Voters Matter and The King Center invite you to a powerful new series: MLK’s Letter from Birmingham Jail: A Prophetic Guide to Power, Love, Protest, and Liberation | | About the Series This series will consist of virtual and in-person workshops created for change makers of all kinds: activists, students, faith leaders, organizers, educators, and anyone committed to the pursuit of justice. Rooted in the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, each session blends rich historical context with real-world tools and strategies to equip you for today’s urgent struggles. This is more than a learning experience; it’s a call to action!
Event Schedule May 29: Virtual • June 28: Hybrid • August 23: Hybrid • September 11: Virtual • October 25: Hybrid • November 13: Virtual
All sessions are free and open to the public. Virtual events will be hosted online; hybrid events welcome both in-person and remote attendees. Register in advance to reserve your spot and receive event updates. | |
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