Faith In Action
“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)
This November, we invite you to partner with AZIPL and the Indigenous Impact Alliance to host a film screening of one (or more!) of these five powerful Indigenous-led documentaries: Bring Them Home, Singing Back the Buffalo, Sugarcane, Yintah and Remaining Native.
Resources for these free, in-person screenings are available now through November 20th. Get in touch with Gretchen (gretchen.reinhardt@azipl.org) to get started, or visit the Indigenous Impact Alliance website for more information!
If your congregation has some familiarity with racial justice concepts and is ready to look inward, Level Two is your next step. This level moves beyond basic definitions to engage in critical self-reflection and dialogue. Here, we begin wrestling with the more difficult questions: not just "what is this work?" but "how does it apply to us?"
Our Goals for Level Two are to:
Move beyond basic definitions to explore how whiteness shapes our specific church culture, leadership, and theology.
Begin wrestling with the discomfort that comes from self-examination and intentionally examining who is centered and who is marginalized in our worship, leadership, and decision-making processes.
Click through for suggested activities and next steps.
Monday, October 27, 6:00 - 7:00 pm MST via Zoom
Join Sierra Club and Arizona Faith Network for this letter writing workshop where you will learn the latest regarding what is happening to our public lands, get some tips on writing letters to the editor, and then try your hand at writing a letter.
Please watch and share the Multi-faith Vigil at Oak Flat:
Monday October 13 at 1:00 pm AZ / 2:00 pm NM & El Paso
Livestream can be viewed on Facebook here.
In solidarity, alongside joining the livestream, we are requesting “echo” vigils across the country between Oct. 11 and Oct. 20 to weave a web of prayer throughout time and space. There are many ways to protect Oak Flat: perhaps you and a couple friends come together to hold a vigil and watch the livestream recording, or maybe you offer a prayer as a part of a pre-existing gathering, or maybe you invite your community over in Presence for Oak Flat and sacred land. See our echo vigil toolkit for guidance/support, and register your gathering here.
The UCC Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (MPS) is launching a Southwest Conference chapter on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 10:30am (AZ) via Zoom! A presentation will be given about MPS and the resolution calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine, which was passed by General Synod this summer, and we will decide concrete ways to take action in our conference.
To register, please email: sabrinarjennings@protonmail.com
Protests, marches, and rallies are vitally needed in democratic societies, but what happens the day after these public events and then the next day? What’s the long-term strategy for everyday people to exercise their power to influence their government? Your church can learn about the pro-democracy movement in a couple of ways. Invite Sam Daley-Harris, the author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy,” to give a Zoom presentation for members of your church. Daley-Harris is coaching UCC leaders to start Climate Hope Affiliates that are actively engaged in developing ongoing relationships with members of Congress as part of a broader pro-democracy movement to defend government institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency.
Request a presentation from a member of the Climate Hope Affiliate Leadership Team. As people of faith, we have the opportunity to help defend and promote the common good in our society.
The Global HOPE Office offers three grants through its Refugee and Migration Services ministry that are intended to encourage local UCC congregations, associations, conferences and covenanted ministries to engage in ministry to migrants, immigrants, refugees and asylees in their midst. Applications are open! Contact Megan Bergert (bergertm@ucc.org) with any questions.
October 11th is National Coming Out Day and in celebration Gender & Sexuality Justice Ministries is inviting YOU to share your story of Love OUT LOUD with the wider church! Share your story with us so we can spread the message of an inclusive Jesus for all! Submit your story here.