We're receiving more resources and information to assist with community outreach and sharing the spiritual leaders' trip with others. Thanks to Sophie Shemas, Public Lands Fellow, New Mexico Wildlife Federation for these.
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Media Coverage of Spiritual Leaders Trip to Bears Ears So Far
Here are links to various news stories and articles about the visit to the Bears Ears National Monument in Southern Utah of nearly 30 faith and tribal leaders. These were collected by Rev. Andrew Black, Director of Community Relations, Education and Veterans Outreach, New Mexico Wildlife Federation
Read MoreAn Attack on One Sacred Place is an Attack on All Sacred Places
"We just returned from a visit to the Bears Ears National Monument in Southern Utah in the company of nearly 30 faith and tribal leaders. Our group undertook the journey to stand in solidarity with the indigenous tribes that have held this land sacred for millennia, and to raise a moral voice for the importance of the protection of indigenous sacred sites and public lands that are endangered by the expressed intention of the Trump Administration to diminish or eliminate many national monuments."
Read the entire Bears Ears National Monument Op-Ed piece signed by some of the spiritual leaders, including our Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons, who recently came together to protect this sacred place.
Read MoreUrgent Action: Major Tax Changes Rushing through Congress
From Sandy Sorensen, Director
United Church of Christ Washington Office
The Senate is voting this week on a tax bill that will cause enormous harm. We don’t have a lot of time to stop this massive bill – congressional leaders want it on the President’s desk as soon as possible.
Read MoreLast Chance: Actions for Bears Ears & Other Monuments for Native American Heritage Month
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 MoreArizona Interfaith Power and Light - a serenade for Love #3
A 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 MoreSpiritual Leaders Return from Bears Ears National Monument, Calling on Trump Administration to Respect Native American Heritage and Tribal Sovereignty
In 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 MoreHealth Care Enrollment: Help spread the word!
The 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 MoreNational Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence
The 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 MoreOpen Enrollment is here, Help to get the word out
In 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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Duet's Family Caregiver Symposium
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 MoreCongregational Health Programs Info Session
Duet 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 MoreDisarm Domestic Violence
from 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 MoreUnited Church of Christ | School of Americas Watch | Border Convergence
For 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 MoreRev. Traci Blackmon: It is up to US to stop gun violence
October 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 MoreStand with Puerto Rico
Three 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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Thanks expressed from Justice and Witness Ministries
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 MoreInterfaith Amicus Brief Filed at U.S. Supreme Court
The 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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Holocaust program coming to community
Sheryl Bronkesh, chair of Generations After - Descendants of Holocaust Survivors in Greater Phoenix, is reaching out to area churches to tell them about a program available in the Valley - Willesden Read. This program is based on the memoir, The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek. The program is sponsored by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Phoenix Holocaust Survivors' Association, Generations After, and Scottsdale Community College.
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How many renewals can your congregation fund?
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.
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