Faith In Action
From Shantha Ready Alonso, Executive Director, Creation Justice Ministries
This is the week Creation Justice Ministries will release companion advocacy materials to build on the sacred journey you took, to cap off Native American Heritage Month. If you haven’t yet added your name and commitments, please consider it today!
Read MoreA note from Steve Davis, Board of Directors
Arizona Interfaith Power and Light
Three Great Loves: Children, Neighbor, Creation. It’s been my experience that one love at a time can sometimes be more than enough. Given the dismantling of environmental priorities and our nation’s administration exempting the U.S. from the international Paris Climate Accord, I offer my serenade for Love # 3: Love of Creation.
Read MoreIn the middle of Native American Heritage Month, nearly 30 spiritual leaders converged on a threatened Native American heritage landscape: Bears Ears National Monument. When religious community leaders received news that President Trump intends to make an early December trip to San Juan County to announce he will downsize and diminish conservation protection for Bears Ears National Monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and possibly other public lands, they were compelled to go there to stand with the tribes.
Read MoreThe Church has always understood itself to be an extension of Jesus Christ's healing ministry in the world. As such, it is our call as people of faith and leaders in the United Church of Christ to help connect our neighbors with the health care they need.
Read MoreThe victims, survivors and the families impacted by gun violence are often forgotten. Therefore, the Newtown Foundation, in partnership with Faiths United Against Gun Violence, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown Survivor Network, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Organizing for Action, States United to Prevent Gun Violence, St Marks Episcopal Church and Women's March on Washington will host the annual national vigil service of mourning and loving remembrance for all who have fallen victim to the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in America on December 6th and nationwide vigils/events from December 6-17th.
Read MoreIn spite of all the political smoke about cutting off Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) payments and repealing the Affordable Care Act, NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN ARIZONA.
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Join Duet as they gather during National Caregiver Month with experts for two different sessions - one for family caregivers in the morning, and one for facilitator training in the afternoon. CEUs available.
Read MoreDuet is offering a free one-hour information session for faith communities interested in starting a congregational health program to promote health in body, mind, and spirit among their congregations.
Read Morefrom Justice and Peace Action Network:
The deadly mass shooting at a Las Vegas music festival on October 1st is yet another tragic reminder of the terrible toll taken by gun violence in the United States. Far less likely to make the headlines are the injuries and deaths that arise from the use of guns in acts of domestic violence.
Read MoreFor those interested, we will be organizing a special UCC immersion experience before the SOAW Border Convergence that will include a desert walk with Samaritans, witness at Operation Streamline, theological reflection on border ministry and UCC strategic discussion on immigrant justice at a national level.
Read MoreOctober 02, 2017
Written by Traci Blackmon
Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalm 73:1-3
"The worst mass shooting in modern American history."
We’ve heard these words before. We’ve heard them far too often only to have the next mass shooting supersede the former. During the night, people attending an outdoor country music festival in Las Vegas unexpectedly found themselves assaulted by gunfire from the 32nd floor of the Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Early reports indicate this violence is the work of a lone, 64-year-old, white gunman equipped with multiple assault weapons. It is too early to know whether we will ever have knowledge of his provocation for this deadly act. It is too early to know what life experiences he may have had, or what propaganda he may have absorbed, that might have moved him from hateful thought to hateful action.
Read MoreThree and a half million Puerto Ricans are facing a devastating humanitarian crisis in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Flooding and mudslides have left millions without power, 40 percent without drinking water, and only 11 of the islands 69 hospitals in operation.
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Great news! Thanks to your tireless advocacy we were able to stop another congressional attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. We know that the Graham-Cassidy bill would have been devastating for millions of Americans – especially seniors, people living with disabilities and children. Your prayers, phone calls, and letters made this possible.
Read MoreThe Southwest Conference UCC is one of 39 supporting respondents in an interfaith amicus brief that was filed this past Monday, September 18 by Morrison & Foerster LLP at the U.S. Supreme Court to express our opposition to the Executive Order banning entrance to our country by the nationals of six predominantly Muslim nations and all refugees.
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Support YOUR LOCAL DREAMERS. If you have asked "What can I do to help?" Here is your chance. Donate to help fund the final DACA renewals before October 5th.
Read MorePlease see the updates below on UCC Disaster Ministries’ efforts following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. We are starting to hear from some of our conference churches and members about how they are planning to help with Hurricane Harvey recovery. Next week we will share some examples and creative ways people are offering to help. We encourage you to donate to UCC Disaster Ministries through your congregation
Read MoreThe nearly 15 million people who call the Southern Border region home are part of a vibrant community that contributes to and strengthens our nation. But for decades, border communities have endured hyper militarization to the detriment of our economy, our safety, and our dignity. It’s time for common-sense border policies that revitalize, not militarize, our communities, and do the following:
Read MoreTo speak out that “less lethal” force is not acceptable when American citizens are acting within their constitutional rights, you may attend local listening sessions hosted by representatives from the police and mayor’s office who will be receiving questions and comments from the public.
Read MoreThe Conference Minister for the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons, has issued the following statement regarding the administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy.
Read MoreAs we mark Just Peace Sunday on Sept. 17, we share John Leung's sermon from August 6, which he kindly forwarded to us.
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