Ongoing dehumanizing efforts persist. As of November 8, 2022, a news release indicates, “Children of African descent are not considered children at all, say UN experts.”
In a report presented to the General Assembly by the Working Group on people of African descent, they highlighted discrimination against children of African descent in areas including the administration of justice, law enforcement, education, and health.
“Due to racial discrimination, racial stereotypes, systemic racial discrimination and xenophobia, children of African descent are not considered as children at all,” Working Group Chair Catherine Namakula said when presenting the report.
Read MoreBefore this Congress ends we are calling on Congress to pass S. 2907/H.R. 5444 and create a Truth and Healing Commission to not only confess past sins but move our nation toward a restored future and a right relationship with tribal nations.
Read MoreAmong this month's headlines:
The Fight For Reproductive Justice Depends on this Election, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an Abolition Advent Calendar, and Ecumenical Advocacy Days April 25-27, 2023.
Read MoreBecause of the generosity of First Church members and friends, 10 Dreamers, attending four Phoenix Union high schools, will earn college credits this school year through a dual credit program offered by our Maricopa County community colleges.
Read MoreNews from Global H.O.P.E.
a Ministry Team of the United Church of Christ's Wider Church Ministries
October 2022
Read MoreJoin Arizona Faith Network's Social Justice Commission working group Cherishing Creation Collaborative (CCC). CCC is a group of individuals, faith communities, sustainability and justice-oriented organizations collaborating to more effectively cherish our shared earth and all creation. All are welcome to join their meetings.
Read MoreThese limits have existed since 1989 and are not indexed to inflation. The result is millions trapped in poverty, unable to take steps to increase their income and savings without suffering a grossly disproportionate loss in essential services for basic living. As people of faith called to care for the most vulnerable, to love mercy, and to do justice, we must take action to fix what is unjust and call on Congress to pass the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (S. 4102).
Read MoreYour gift to the United Church of Christ’s Pakistan Response Fund will help maintain this relief work and support the long-term recovery for vulnerable persons and affected communities. Through our work with global partners and the ACT Alliance, your gift will be joined with others to bring hope, healing, and a helping hand to our neighbors in Pakistan.
Read MoreAfrica is the continent least responsible for the climate crisis yet it is most vulnerable to its destructive impacts. As the United Nations Climate Conference convenes in Egypt, learn more in this free webinar: bit.ly/CenteringAfrica
Read MoreBack Bay Mission has a simple mission: to strengthen neighborhoods, seek justice, and transform lives.
Executive director, Rev. James Pennington, shares some of the 100 years of Back Bay Mission's history and some of what is planned for their next 100 years as he announces the Back Bay Mission 100 Year Capital Campaign.
Read MoreThis free, virtual, interactive training will take place on Saturday, November 5 featuring presenters including the Rev. Carol Devine, the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt, the Rev. Emma Brewer-Wallin, the Rev. Michael Malcom, and Andrew Wells-Bean.
Read MoreThis October 29 and 30, Shawn will host two walks in Albuquerque. The first will take place Saturday at 5PM, beginning at 1st Congregational Church (2801 Lomas Blvd NE) and walking down Lomas to Bataan Park. The second will be Sunday at 9:30AM, beginning at the Church of the Good Shepherd (7834 Tennyson St. NE) walking down Tramway Terrace NE and returning to the church. Shawn will also deliver the sermon at Church of the Good Shepherd following the walk. Both walks will be short and on roads that are wheelchair-accessible.
Read Moreby Holly Herman
A couple weeks ago, Rich Doerrer-Peacock, Randy Mayer, Bill Lyons, Susan Valiquette, two National staff visitors (Rev. Joshua Baird, Global H.O.P.E. Team Leader and Rev. Irene W. Hassan, Minister for Refugee and Migration Services), and I took a trip to Casa de la Misericordia in Nogales, MX, a mission project of the UCC, Lutherans, and Episcopalians. It is an amazing place. Sister Lika Mejia is the director and has been there many years. She has organized a refuge for asylum seekers, a place to heal, rest, and prepare for the next step of their journey.
Read Morewith Dr. Erik Carter, Ph.D.
November 2nd; 12 - 1:30 pm ET
Many faith communities still struggle to welcome and weave youth with disabilities into the ministries and relationships that make up the life of their congregation. Yet we are called to be communities without asterisks. Dr. Carter will share a powerful framework for reflecting upon and fostering belonging within youth and other congregational ministries. Together, we will explore the implications of this work on the ways we support youth with disabilities and on the ways we spur our own churches to be more inclusive and welcoming.
Register at: Creating Communities of Inclusion and Belonging for Youth with Disabilities
Read MoreMany voters like you are pledging to increase civic engagement in 2022 by committing to encouraging three friends to vote on or before Election Day (midterm elections are on November 8, 2022). Because of the changing rules and wave of voter suppression laws passed at the state level, it is more important than ever that we know our voting rights and that we have a plan to vote.
Read MoreTuesday, October 11, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
In partnership and conversation with the Transformative Justice Coalition, AFN will be presenting an online film screening. Suppressed and Sabotaged: The Fight To Vote shines light on the dark corners of our country’s voting processes; including the increase of vote-restricting laws passing through legislation prior to, during, and after the 2020 election cycle. Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
Read MoreFriday, October 14, 2022, 7 PM
First Presbyterian Church. 215 Locust Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Discussion with Producer Steven Newcomb/via ZOOM Following Film
Refreshments Served
For more information call NM Conference of Churches 505.243.6234
Read MoreWatch the first ad from Healthcare Rising Arizona, listen to the KJZZ story, and view / download their flyer.
Read MoreAssociate Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Barb Doerrer-Peacock and First Church Phoenix pastor Rev. Susan Valiquette joined a number of Jewish clergy and leaders, other clergy and lay people (Independent Catholic, Presbyterian, and others as the 158-year-old draconian abortion ban that was resurrected by a Pima Co. Superior Court judge in September, was being heard by the AZ Court of Appeals.
Read MoreThe People’s Response Act (H.R. 4194) seeks to promote proven preventative, non-carceral, health-centered approaches to community safety that address underlying causes of crime, among them: economic insecurity, mental health, and substance abuse.
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