Today Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons, Conference Minister for the United Church of Christ in Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas issued the following statement calling for the immediate end of Title 42.
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Faith In Action
JPANet: Stop the Pollution in Hawaii: Tell Congress to Close Red Hill
The Red Hill Watershed and Aquifer Initiative Act (WAI) introduced in both the House and Senate would permanently close the facility, and requires the Navy to cover all cleanup costs associated with spills in the facility’s lifespan. The bill would also reimburse state and local entities for expenditures made in response to the public health threat it imposed, and replace the facility with water treatment and quality-testing facilities. Passage of this legislation would not only benefit the people of Oahu, but would also set precedent for action in other communities impacted by hazardous underground storage tanks at other military installations in our nation and abroad.
Read MoreRestore Asylum Now Rally
From the ACLU:
In solidarity with Los Revolucionarios (migrant-led organizers) in Nogales, Sonora, we are marking the infamous 2-year anniversary of Title 42 with a rally calling for its end! Join us at Phoenix's ICE Field Office on Monday, March 21 to demand the Biden Administration restore asylum NOW!
Read MoreJPANet: Take Action to Support Our Ukrainian Siblings
As people of faith, we must do what we can to support Ukraine directly by supporting this Ukraine Relief Fund, as well as advocate for a robust international humanitarian response.
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UCC Webinar—Getting Ready for Earth Sunday: Resources for Congregations
In this webinar, Avery Davis Lamb, Co-Executive Director of Creation Justice Ministries, will introduce the resource, “Weathering the Storm: Faithful Climate Resilience” and talk about specific ways churches can deliver a powerful message and experience on Earth Sunday.
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Arrival of Ukrainian refugees at the Polish-Ukrainian border crossing Medyka. Here the refugees are provided with warm food and clothing. From here, they are transferred by bus to major cities and collective shelters. Photo copyright Christoph Püschner/Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe
Support the UCC's Ukrainian Emergency Response
The United Church of Christ has issued an appeal for the people of Ukraine and will be working with global partners to assist the hundreds of thousands fleeing that country. Help will extend to vulnerable communities within Ukraine. Learn how you can help.
Read MoreJPANet: March Newsletter
Those Naïve, Idealistic Peace Activists…
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Aid for Ukrainians
We continue praying for Ukraine, for Ukrainians, for peace, and for the many displaced people now on the move. We give thanks for the host countries in Europe providing refuge and for the humanitarian aid being made available.
The UCC is collaborating with close partners in the Reformed Church of Hungary (RCH) to channel aid to Ukrainians. See how you can help.
JPANet: Join with Global Ministries to Urge Passage of H.R. 2590
Take action with us again: call on congress to pass H.R. 2590 which calls of accountability for Israel’s violations of Palestinian rights.
Because of the commitment of supporters like you, tens of thousands of messages have been sent to members of Congress lifting up these concerns and asking for changes in US policy. And we have seen positive impacts.
The introduction of legislation calling attention to Palestinian human rights concerns, like H.R. 2590, are demonstrative of a growing coalition within Congress that recognizes that violations of Palestinian’s rights cannot be ignored. Your actions are making a difference.
At the same time, the situation on the ground in Israel and Palestine has not improved.
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UCC Webinar—Restoring Nature: What People of Faith Can Do to Heal the Earth
Douglas Tallamy’s books have awakened thousands to the problem of wildlife decline and the solution that resides in habitat restoration. This is a solution of which you and your faith community can be a part. The solution can be as close as your backyard or the property surrounding your place of worship.
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JPANet: Meet with the D.C. Office before the SOTU
Before the President gives the State of the Union Address, hear from United Church of Christ advocates in Washington D.C. on what we are listening for on key issues like the climate crisis, conflict in Ukraine, addressing child poverty and voting rights protections. Please join us on Monday, February 28 at 7 PM ET.
Read MoreSWC Conference Minister mourns ‘the trauma of war’ in Ukraine
Southwest Conference Minister William Lyons visited Ukraine three times between 2001 and 2003 with S.A.R.A. – Sharing America’s Resources Abroad – a mission of the then Ohio and now Heartland Conference United Church of Christ. He remembers his experiences today as Russia attacks Ukraine.
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In transforming thread into whole cloth, the weaver transforms her circumstances. Beauty and Hope return.
Cultural Arts Bring Peace and Healing to Migrants Stranded at the Border
“In just two months since Cecilia’s been able to weave again, she’s visibly changed. When we first met, she was quiet and rarely met anyone’s eyes. Now, she smiles easily, and moves with confidence and agency, enthusiastically teaching others, pointing out shapes and symbols that represent the lush flowers and animals of her beloved mountains. In the precious work of her hands preserving her cultural and familial arts, Cecilia feels at home at last. Grace abides in each mending stitch and every pass of the shuttle through warp and weave in the la Casa de las Misericordia trauma-informed arts and activities program.”
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UCC Webinar—The U.S. Military and Environmental Justice
This webinar will provide an overview of environmental justice concerns pertaining to the U.S. military while also centering the voices of those engaged in the struggle to stop the pollution caused by the Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on the island of Oahu. Faith communities will not only learn about the issues, but also how they can take action for justice.
Read MoreOthering and Belonging: A New Task Force
There is a new task force at Church of the Palms: Othering and Belonging (O&B). It has formed out of the continued investment in education events around the social justice issues of anti-racism, oppression, marginalized people, criminal justice, etc.
O&B will be exploring further education opportunities, additional social justice ministries opportunities and collaboration with other social justice like organizations/ institutions for those we sadly call “the other” in our society.
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Stop the Impending Funding Crisis for Arizona Schools
If the State Legislature does not act by March 1, the constitutional spending limit for school districts requires schools to halt spending on April 1. We are learning that a path forward is possible.
Your calls and emails to legislators will make a difference at this critical time. The Legislature can avert a crisis for school districts - call today!
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Volunteers Needed at Welcome Center on Saturdays
There's an urgent need for volunteers on Saturdays at the Welcome Center operated by the International Rescue Committee of Phoenix.
Read MoreCivic Academy re two critical Arizona issues
The Arizona legislature is putting public education at risk again. Please attend this Civic Academy to learn about two critical issues happening now.
Read MoreJPANet: Defend Reproductive Healthcare Access
The Women’s Health Protection Act is a critically needed bill that will enact protections on the federal level to safeguard access to high-quality care and to secure constitutional rights by protecting patients and providers from political or religious interference. It would bar state and federal legislation that imposes medically unnecessary regulations on access to abortion services including medication, mandatory waiting periods, or out and out abortion bans.
As a justice-seeking people, we must remain committed to preserving and protecting access to the full range of reproductive health care for all – including safe, legal abortion – is an imperative rooted in our deeply-held faith beliefs in social justice, moral agency, and religious liberty for all. Please contact your member of Congress to support passage of the Women’s Health Protection Act.
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UCC offers grants, check-ins, other tools to groups immersed in refugee resettlement
Resettlement Resources: Global H.O.P.E. team offers grants, check-ins and other tools to churches resettling refugees.
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