Faith In Action
Across our nation, LGBTQ+ people are under attack. Trans and nonbinary youth are being targeted by cruel legislation. Inclusive books and curricula are being banned. Families and faith communities are being silenced for affirming love and dignity.
In moments like these, the Church must rise — not with fear, but with faith. Not with silence, but with love in action.
That’s why the Open and Affirming Coalition is launching A.C.T OUT: Advocacy, Community, and Transformation — a national, faith-rooted movement committed to resisting hate, protecting our neighbors, and organizing for a just and inclusive future.
Please take 5–10 minutes today to complete our A.C.T OUT – Building a National ONA Movement Inventory & Interest Survey:
https://forms.gle/Ci4nA6kPwMGKyXXNA
Global Ministries ~ Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
On October 29, Hurricane Melissa swept through the Caribbean, devastating communities in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba.
Under the leadership of David Giron, our Global Relations Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, Global Ministries is working closely with partners to identify and meet the most urgent needs. Our response will move through needs assessment, life-saving assistance, and long-term recovery.
Current needs include:
House of Hope – Haiti: Food, housing, and medical support totaling $41,881 for families facing devastation.
Centro Memorial Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – Cuba: Food and medical assistance for 600 families who have no other resources.
United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands – Jamaica: Needs assessment in progress.
100% of your gifts will go directly to our partners’ response efforts. Give today via the Southwest Conference portal and include “Hurricane Melissa” in the memo. Click here for more detailed information.
Trans Day of Remembrance embodies our belief in the power of memory in the naming of Trans beloveds we have lost to violence. In a world moment, where division continues to be highlighted, the Church can offer a place of celebration and honoring of God's uniqueness and gifts within humanity. Register today to share space in remembering our trans siblings and celebrating the divine within them.
From The Rev. Dr. Linda Noonan and The Rev. David Grishaw-Jones, Co-Chairs of the UCC Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (UCCMPS):
Greetings, peace and gratitude to you all, colleagues and friends in faith!
On behalf of the Steering Committee of the United Church of Christ Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (UCCMPS), I’m eager to share with our partners in conferences across the continent the attached statement, “The Road from Ceasefire to Peace.” It captures much of our discernment over these past few weeks—as our partners and UCC leaders respond to the ceasefire that’s offered some hope to Gazans, but left many critical questions unanswered and even unaddressed.
This statement draws, clearly, on the 2021 Resolution we championed, and on the encouragement of our partners in Palestine, Israel and here in the US. We feel that particular resolution offers a compelling “plumb line” for advocacy and solidarity in this moment.
We hope you’ll share this widely and call on us if we can be helpful in interpreting it in any particular ways. We appreciate your leadership and prophetic vision as our United Church continues to articulate the path toward and envision a just peace.
The Spirit’s power be with you all,
With a proven strategy for affecting change, members of Climate Hope Affiliates are developing ongoing relationships with members of Congress, the local media, and the broader community. Our immediate focus is to prevent the dismantling and defunding of the EPA.
Sign up to learn about Climate Hope Affiliates on either:
Thursday, November 13th at 12 pm MST or
Wednesday, November 19th at 5 pm MST
From our friends at Arizona Interfaith Power and Light:
If you think Arizona should prioritize clean energy, now is the time to speak to the Arizona Corporation Commission!
For 20 years, Arizona utility companies have been intentional about incorporating renewables into our state energy profile because they have been required to. However, the ACC is currently looking to get rid of this requirement. So, we’re asking you to share your opinion on the matter, speak out against this proposal to repeal renewable energy standards, and show the ACC we're paying attention to how utilities are responding to the climate crisis.
In this article, you'll find background information, effective ways to take action, optional talking points with resources to learn more, and people you can reach out to for any questions.
Education and dialogue are vital, but at some point, we must move to action. Decentering whiteness requires intentional steps that challenge the dominance of white cultural norms and leadership structures while uplifting the voices, experiences, and wisdom of marginalized communities. This isn't just about what we say, but about what we do.
Here are a few practical ways your church can take action, building on the learning from our program's levels
Our local churches have been generous supporters of the UCC National's request for assistance in addressing national and international disasters. On behalf of the Southwest Conference, Dr. Gloria extends our appreciation to your congregations. Should your church decide they wish to contribute to this disaster, please send your donations to the Southwest Conference so that we can record your service and generosity along with your other special offerings.
“In D.C. for Love Knows No Borders, Dr. Toni and CM colleagues prayed, met with unpaid staff workers, and called national leaders to act—now the Southwest Conference is mobilizing; connect with Rev. Dr. Gloria at gsmith@uccswc.org to join the work for justice and dignity during this critical moment.”
For congregations that are already engaged in ongoing anti-racism work and are ready to tackle more difficult materials and take more concrete steps, Level Three is for you. This level focuses on facing hard truths and moving from education into visible action. Here, we begin to challenge the symbols, language, and structures that have perpetuated white supremacy, even unknowingly, in our faith communities.
Our Goals for Level Three are to:
Recognize and critically examine the symbols, language, and theologies that perpetuate white supremacy within our church.
Prepare to move from education into concrete, visible action, including direct community engagement and allyship.
Become more equipped to offer solidarity, support, and pastoral care to marginalized communities.
Suggested Activities to get you started: (click through to read)