Starting the Journey: Level One - Foundational Learning for Your Congregation

September 28, 2025 in Faith In Action

Is your church just beginning to explore the work of decentering whiteness? If so, Level One is the perfect place to start. This level is all about building a shared vocabulary and understanding in a compassionate and supportive environment. We believe that a strong foundation is the key to all subsequent work.

Our Goals for Level One are to:

Establish a shared understanding of terms like "decentering whiteness," "white supremacy culture," and "racial justice".
Begin to recognize how whiteness shows up in church traditions, worship, and decision-making.
Create a safe space where congregants can ask questions and engage in dialogue without fear of judgment.

Suggested Activities to get you started:

UCC Webinar on the EPA’s Dismantling of Environmental Protections

September 27, 2025 in Faith In Action

At a time when the head of the EPA is dismantling the protections that safeguard our environment and public health, the UCC is hosting a national webinar featuring some of the best legal and policy experts on the EPA in the country. They will address not only what has happened but also what can be done to take moral action in this moment.

Speakers will include Ann Carlson from the UCLA School of Law, Jen Duggan from the Environmental Integrity Project, and Chitra Kumar from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Even if you can’t make it for the scheduled time of Wednesday, October 8th at 1 pm ET/10 am PT, still sign-up and a link to the recording will be sent to you. Register now!

A Pathway for All: How to Engage with Our Decentering Whiteness Program

September 16, 2025 in Faith In Action

Every congregation is on a different part of their spiritual journey. The same is true for their journey toward racial justice. The Decentering Whiteness Task Force recognizes this and has created a structured program plan designed to support congregations at all stages. We want to meet you where you are, not ask you to jump to a place you’re not ready for.

Our approach is designed to be invitational and action-oriented. We offer three "levels" of engagement, providing a clear pathway for congregations to grow in understanding, courage, and commitment. Congregations can start at a level that aligns with their current journey and comfort, knowing that each level builds upon the last.

Level One provides foundational understanding and language. This is for churches just beginning their work, focusing on education and awareness.

Level Two encourages more critical self-examination and dialogue for those who have some familiarity with racial justice concepts and are ready to look inward.
Level Three challenges congregations to directly confront difficult historical and contemporary symbols and practices that uphold whiteness. This is for churches already engaged in ongoing anti-racism work and ready to move into concrete action.

This structured pathway is not a race; it's a pilgrimage. It allows your congregation to grow at a sustainable pace, building the necessary trust and shared vocabulary to tackle more challenging conversations and actions down the road. Our goal is to empower you to become a more inclusive and equitable faith community.

Next Step: Are you ready to find out which level is right for your congregation? Visit the Our Program: Engaging Your Congregation page on our website to learn more, and stay tuned for our next posts where we'll break down each level in more detail.

ACTION ALERT: ACC Aims to Repeal Energy Efficiency Standards

September 15, 2025 in Faith In Action

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) has placed a blanket repeal of Arizona’s Electric Energy Efficiency (EE) Standards on its Sept. 17th open meeting agenda. Buried in the agenda, Item #23 would dismantle critical standards that save families money, reduce waste, and make our grid more reliable—all while prioritizing utility profits over the interests of Arizona ratepayers. This recommendation also comes on the heels of APS’s request for a rate increase and abandonment of clean energy goals. It’s time to voice your opposition.

ACTION: Oppose the Repeal of Energy Efficiency Standards

Submit a comment to the Docket through the ACC Portal by 9/16.

Docket No. RE-00000A-24-0025
Mark “against” for your position on the Docket.
Company Name: ACC - Electric Rules as the company name.

Call ACC staff (1-800-222-7000) to leave a comment.

Post on social media & share broadly with your network.

Submit a comment here.

Applications Open for Global HOPE: Migration, Immigration, Refugee and Asylee (MIRA) Unified Grant

September 06, 2025 in Faith In Action

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.

The goal of this program is to nurture a deeper understanding and care for the most vulnerable in our local contexts. We encourage participating churches to partner with other organizations in their local contexts who are engaged in similar work. We also encourage program participants to think long-term about how they might raise awareness to address systemic injustices present in immigration policy or consider how they might more completely live into a new understanding of what it means to love our neighbor.

Applications are open!

Contact Megan Bergert (bergertm@ucc.org) with any questions.

What Does "Decentering Whiteness" Mean? Building a Shared Vocabulary for a Shared Journey

August 30, 2025 in Faith In Action

Before we can begin a new journey, we need to understand the map. Two terms that are central to this work, and which are often confused, are "racial justice" and "decentering whiteness." While they are deeply connected, they have different focuses.

Click through to read more.

Join Creation Justice Ministries and Arizona Interfaith Power and Light to pray for Peace with Creation at the Desert Botanical Garden

August 30, 2025 in Faith In Action

We are living in a time of ecological urgency. As climate protections are rolled back and sacred lands come under threat, people of faith are called to respond—not with despair, but with moral courage and hope. The Season of Creation invites us into this sacred work: to honor the Earth, to lament its desecration, and to act boldly for its healing.

From September 1 to October 4, Christians around the world observe this liturgical season as a time to reconnect with Creation and recommit to justice. This year’s theme, drawn from Isaiah 32, reminds us that peace cannot flourish where justice is absent and relationships—between humanity, Creation, and God—are broken.

In partnership with 19 national faith organizations, Creation Justice Ministries is leading public witnesses across the country to call for “peace with Creation.” One such gathering will take place on September 9 at 8:00 AM at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, where Arizona faith leaders will lift their voices in prayer, testimony, and prophetic call for climate justice.

Let us come together in faith, in solidarity, and in action. The Earth is crying out—and we are called to listen, to respond, and to lead.

A poem/song for Indigenous Peoples Day

August 30, 2025 in Faith In Action

Burke Scot Beu, a member of Washington Park UCC in Denver, introduced this poem/song at the General Synod of the UCC in Kansas City in July. It was read at a poetry reading hosted by the UCC's General Minister, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson.

Burke has shared it with us for use in our congregations on Indigenous Peoples' Day (Monday, October 13) and the day before (Sunday, October 12). He's been focusing his efforts recently on DC-based organizations to promote the idea of reciting his poem with the national anthem on Indigenous Peoples' Day.

This poem can be spoken or sung as lyrics to St. Denio, a traditional Welsh melody known in many churches as the hymn "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" by Walter C. Smith. The first verse is a stand-alone secular piece. The second verse, for church, is a modified version of the original hymn.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Open our eyes

to that which we overlook or minimize.

Let's see all of history, the best and the worst.

Remember and honor those who were here first.

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

in light inaccessible, above the skies,

the highest, most holy, the Ancient of Days –

yet think of the lowly when God’s name we praise.

(free to use w/ copyright acknowledgment)

UCC Webinar: Emerging Strategies to Fight AI Data Centers

August 23, 2025 in Faith In Action

Emerging threats demand emerging strategies. The rise of AI data centers has been a driver in the rise in power demand and increasing greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Moreover, the advanced cooling systems required by these data centers necessitate high levels of water consumption which can have serious ecological consequences, especially in places of water scarcity. Finally, the technological components of AI data centers require the extracting of rare earth minerals in addition to generating enormous amounts of electronic waste. The justice concerns intertwined with these issues are many when one considers the racial and economic disparities in bearing the cost of everything from increased utility bills to the harms of climate change.

To address what is at stake and point us toward emerging strategies, we will hear from Anthony Rogers-Wright from the Black Hive of Movement for Black Lives, Nayyirah Shariff from Flint Rising, Wanda Mosley from Black Voters Matter, and Lindsay Harper from Arm in Arm.

Even if you cannot make our scheduled time of Wednesday, September 10th at 1 pm ET/10 am PT, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording afterward. Register now!

A Call to Courage and Justice: Introducing Our New "Decentering Whiteness" Journey

August 16, 2025 in Faith In Action

The Southwest Conference is thrilled to introduce our new dedicated website section: Decentering Whiteness: Our Journey Together. This new resource is designed to provide your congregation with clear pathways, resources, and support. Our objective is to deepen your understanding of how whiteness has shaped our society and church life, to build a shared vocabulary, and to create a foundation for ongoing transformation. This is a journey we are taking together, and this new section is our shared map and compass.

Click through to read more.

Election Protection Arizona Poll Monitor Training

August 16, 2025 in Faith In Action

Various dates/times, August 21 - September 16 via Zoom

Join Election Protection Arizona (EPAZ) to help answer voter questions during the CD-7 election on September 23 across Tucson, Yuma, San Luis, Bisbee, Tolleson, Avondale, Gila Bend and more! Election Protection Arizona volunteers act as nonpartisan poll monitors and help answer voting process questions in real time. This training is virtual through Zoom and will last approximately 1 hour. Completing this training is a prerequisite to serve as a poll monitor. Upon completion of the training volunteers will be allowed to sign up for an in-person shift on Election Day.

AFN is working in partnership with EPAZ to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count.

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

Immigrant Rights

August 16, 2025 in Faith In Action

written by Diana Winston in the Scottsdale Congregational newsletter, iConnect:

Even in this era of aggressive immigration enforcement, immigrants in our community are not without rights. Many are unaware of those rights, and as allies to our immigrant friends and neighbors, we can help them by letting them know they are not helpless and by speaking up if we see anything we believe violates their rights.

Contrary to what some would claim, the Bill of Rights of our US Constitution applies to visitors and immigrants as well as citizens. Generally speaking, people approached by ICE or CBP agents have the right to remain silent. They should not speak or answer questions. They particularly should not answer questions about where they are from or how long they have been in the US. Other general rules are to never lie or run away, and to refuse a search.

Click through to read more.

It’s Time to ACT OUT: From Welcome to Action

August 09, 2025 in Faith In Action

The A.C.T OUT Initiative is the next chapter in the Open and Affirming movement—calling churches to move beyond symbolic statements into Advocacy, Community, and Transformation. As hate rises and justice is under attack, we’re organizing a national team to build toolkits, trainings, and campaigns that move churches into real-world activism and faithful advocacy.

Want to be part of it? Fill out the form to get involved: openandaffirming.org/actout

"Declaration for An End to Genocide in Palestine"

July 09, 2025 in Faith In Action

For my UCC siblings who are delegates to General Synod, I would appreciate your prayerful consideration of the resolution the Southwest Conference UCC and the UCC Movement for Palestinian Solidarity are bringing to Kansas City this week. Thank you, and please share with your network. - Christopher Schouten

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Dear Conference Ministers, General Synod Delegates, and Siblings in Christ,

At this General Synod you will be asked to consider a resolution from the Southwest Conference, "Declaration for An End to Genocide in Palestine." In order to help you prepare for this important discussion and vote, we encourage you to review the resources found in the links below.

Climate Hope Affiliates

July 05, 2025 in Faith In Action

Last weekend, the launch of the seventh Climate Hope Affiliate was celebrated in Atlanta, Georgia. Affiliates address the interconnected crises of climate change and societal injustice by developing ongoing relationships with Members of Congress, local media, and others in the broader community. Let us know if you are interested in starting an affiliate where you live.

Bags of Hope: Interfaith Heat Relief Bag Packing Events

July 03, 2025 in Faith In Action

Arizona Faith Network has already welcomed over 15,000 visits to their Heat Relief Centers this summer. Each visit represents a neighbor seeking refuge from triple-digit temperatures, often with no other place to go.

But the need keeps growing. Right now, vulnerable individuals and families are facing historic challenges, limited shelter access, overwhelmed services, and life-threatening exposure.

See how you can help: Donate supplies, attend a bag-packing event, or volunteer at a cooling & hydration center.

Statement from Arizona Faith Network on the Proposed Public Lands Sell-Off

June 21, 2025 in Faith In Action

As a faith-rooted organization committed to justice, stewardship, and the flourishing of all creation, the Arizona Faith Network strongly opposes the public lands sell-off proposal embedded in the Senate budget reconciliation package, introduced by Senator Mike Lee.

Selling over 2 million acres of public lands, lands that belong to all Americans, betrays our shared moral and spiritual obligation to care for the earth and ensure equitable access to its abundance. These lands are sacred: They hold ecological, cultural, and spiritual significance for Indigenous communities, sustain local economies, and provide sanctuary for all who seek renewal in creation.

This proposal is not only reckless but also a violation of public trust. Congress is prioritizing short-term political and corporate interests over the long-term well-being of our communities, our climate, and our common home by attempting to force through this sell-off under the guise of budget reconciliation without public input or environmental review.

As people of faith, we say clearly: public lands are not for sale. Their purpose is not to fund tax breaks for the wealthy, but to support life, biodiversity, and intergenerational justice. Once these lands are privatized, they are lost forever, fences go up, access is denied, and the public loses an irreplaceable gift.

We call on Arizona’s Senators to reject any provision that authorizes the sale of public lands. Let us uphold our sacred trust to future generations by defending our shared landscapes, not auctioning them off.

Let us act with courage and care now for public lands.

Apache Stronghold will file a petition with the US Supreme Court to Protect Oak Flat

June 21, 2025 in Faith In Action

Apache Stronghold vows to continue fighting to save sacred site from destruction

Washington, DC: On June 23, the Apache Stronghold will be filing a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking it to reconsider its refusal to hear our appeal. As you heard, two Justices voted to hear our case, calling it "vitally important," and criticizing the Ninth Circuit's ruling against us as "highly doubtful as a matter of law." In addition, any day now, the Supreme Court will issue its ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor, which is another case about government-imposed burdens on religious exercise. We think the Supreme Court's decision in Mahmoud will add further support to our case.

The fight to protect Apache Religious Freedom and the sacred land of Chi'chil Bildagoteel (Oak Flat) from destruction IS NOT OVER! Dr. Wendsler Nosie, Sr. and the Apache Stronghold will begin their journey to the Supreme Court on Thursday, June 19. We ask all our supporters to join with us in praying that the Supreme Court will reconsider its terrible decision not to hear our case.

Dr. Wendsler Nosie, Sr. reminds us that while we are petitioning the Supreme Court of this nation, there is a higher court with the Creator as judge that guides our journey. Just as Moses spoke in the Bible warning the people of breaking from God’s ways, we pray that this nation’s people and the Supreme Court will finally change their path of death and choose life. “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” (Deut. 30:19)

In Response to Supreme Court Decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti

June 18, 2025 in Faith In Action

Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth is a moral failure and a heartbreaking injustice. This ruling abandons vulnerable children and their families to the political whims of state governments, disregarding the lived realities, medical consensus, and human dignity of transgender youth.

As people of faith committed to justice and radical inclusion, the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ grieves this ruling and the harm it inflicts. We reject the idea that any government has the right to deny life-saving, evidence-based healthcare because of a young person’s gender identity. We reject a theology that would permit such cruelty. And we reject the misuse of power that seeks to control, erase, and endanger trans lives.

The ONA Coalition Partners with the Alzheimer’s Association: New Resources Inside

June 14, 2025 in Faith In Action

The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ is honored to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to offer two powerful new resources: the Purple Sunday Toolkit and Clergy Guide. These tools are designed to help ONA congregations raise awareness, extend care, and build inclusive communities of support for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias especially within LGBTQ+ communities.