Faith In Action
September 10, 2026
12:30 pm Arizona / 1:30 pm New Mexico & El Paso
As Immigration and Custom's Enforcement (ICE) continues to terrorize communities, separate families, and even kill citizens and non-citizens alike as part of this administration’s mass deportation campaign, there is also increased public scrutiny of this country’s detention center system for migrants. In 2025 alone, ICE broke records for the number of people who have died in detention, most often due to the horrific conditions and lack of proper medical care. Since this administration's inauguration in 2025, 52 people have died in detention according to Human Rights Watch—four times that of the previous administration.
Join us to learn from UCC pastors and lay leaders as they share how they've taken action and learn what we can do as people of faith to stop detention and continue to resist this deadly system.
A recording of this webinar will be available on the UCC's Youtube channel.
September is National Preparedness Month and the Cornerstone Fund is joining UCC Disaster Ministries, the Insurance Board, and Pension Board for a webinar entitled "Loving Our Neighbors Through Disaster Preparedness and Response" on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 12 pm AZ / 1 pm NM & El Paso.
Related to preparedness month, also read short case studies about two churches whose hurricane repairs/recoveries we helped finance via our Disaster Care Investment & Loan Program:
At the start of the summer, the chapter leaders of Climate Hope Affiliates began considering the matter of whether and how to address data centers after Myste Montesano from our Downers Grove chapter raised the issue. After reviewing multiple bills introduced in Congress, we reached consensus on an advocacy campaign that would begin in August and continue until Election Day.
Click through to read about the campaign and the upcoming webinar on data center legislation.
Read a quick update on Albuquerque clergy's involvement in interfaith work in response to threats against our Jewish and Muslim communities from Rev. Dr. Sarah Townes, Church of the Good Shepherd, Albuquerque, and a Letter to the Editor written by Rev. Sue Joiner, First Congregational Albuquerque.
by Charles Jefferson, Jr. | published on Jul 17, 2026
United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson has issued a statement condemning the recent Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) killings of two individuals in Texas, and Maine, respectively. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo of Houston was killed by ICE agents who allege he tried using his vehicle as a weapon, an allegation that has been challenged by Araujo’s family, civil rights groups, and attorneys. Araujo was transporting members of a work crew to a construction site when the incident occurred. Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 25-year-old food delivery driver from Colombia, died Monday in the historic Atlantic coast city of Biddeford, where neighbors remembered him as a good man and hard worker.
Extreme heat is characterized by temperatures and humidity higher than average for a specific timeframe, typically two to three days. Extreme heat varies according to geographical location and season. For instance, temperatures and humidity above 95 degrees Fahrenheit during summer in Washington, D.C., qualify as extreme heat, whereas the threshold for extreme heat in Florida during summertime is above 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Regardless, heat-related illnesses and deaths associated with extreme heat are preventable and there are many ways people of faith can respond to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on their communities. Click here to access educational materials, info sheets, warning signs, and a digital bulletin.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach in November, there are new resources to help faith communities get educated on the issues and mobilize to vote with love, created by the United Church of Christ Office of Public Policy and Advocacy.
The toolkit includes:
🗸 Theological reflection on the upcoming election.
🗸 Guidance for launching a voter empowerment drive or organizing a candidate forum.
🗸 Single-page summaries on several relevant issues, including prayers and action steps – from economic justice to international affairs.
🗸 Tips for offering civil discourse in uncivil times.
🗸 Resources for college campuses and youth engagement.
🗸 Guidelines on church political engagement.
View the 30-minute Repairers of the Breach broadcast on Monday, 7/27 beginning at 3:00 PM AZ time / 4:00 PM NM & El Paso time at the Repairers of the Breach webpage.
That broadcast will be followed by an online national training to prepare for getting out the vote and implementing the Marches to the Polls!
Did you know the Power AZ program is aimed at helping moderate-income individuals and families with energy bills? Many families are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Getting a little help with their electricity bill could relieve a lot of stress.
This summer, the state of Arizona has set aside funds to help those “not-so-low income” households by adding a credit to their electricity bill. BUT, they have to apply!
The Department of Economic Security (DES) portal will determine eligibility for both Power AZ and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
This program will end soon, so we need your help to get the word out. Share this with your faith community.
Click through for links and flyers to share, as well as a Zoom link for how faith-based service groups and church staff can help.
Arizona Faith Network is recruiting volunteers to serve as Poll Chaplains and Peacekeepers for both the primary and general election as part of our nonpartisan Election Protection program. These faith-rooted volunteers help create safe, welcoming, and peaceful voting environments where every eligible voter can participate with dignity and respect.
No prior experience is required. Training and support are provided through partnerships with Election Protection Arizona and Faiths United to Save Democracy. People of all faith traditions and people of goodwill are welcome. Training sessions via Zoom will be offered on multiple dates/times from June through October.See the registration form linked below for additional details.
Join us in protecting democracy, promoting peaceful civic participation, and supporting our communities during the election season.