JPANet November 2023 Newsletter

Each month we ask UCC advocates to help us unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. This month, Dr. Peter E. Makari, transitional executive for Wider Church Ministries, and co-executive for Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, and global relations minister, Middle East and Europe for Global Ministries, offers background on the current situation in Gaza and Israel, and ways you can learn and take action.

Gaza…again

Following the declaration of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Palestinians experienced what in Arabic is called the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” when more than 400 Palestinian towns and villages were destroyed and more than 750,000 Palestinians were displaced and dispossessed of their homes, land, and property. They became refugees in the region, including in Gaza. Read more.

Justice In Action

Prayers With Action After Mass Shooting in Maine

In response to the mass shooting that occurred in Lewiston, Maine on Oct. 25, UCC General Minister and President, Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson offered a statement and prayer. Read the full statement here.

In collaboration with the statement, the Washington D.C. Office issued an alert to encourage us all to take action. Send a message to your elected leaders now, urging passage of robust background check legislation, safe storage laws, community violence prevention, and importantly an assault and high capacity weapons ban.

Join us For Webinar Series on the Farm Bill!

The UCC Washington D.C. Office, in collaboration with the Franklinton Center at Bricks, is offering a three part webinar series to help advocates better understand the environmental, economic, and racial justice implications of the legislation known as the ‘farm bill.’ Join policy advocates from the UCC and our partners to discuss our policy priorities, and how you can get engaged in calling for a just farm bill! Webinars will be held Tuesdays at 7PM ET on November 7, 14, and 28. Learn more and register at the link! 

The Work of Justice Needs Leaders

The Justice Leadership Program (JLP) will help you build a foundation of faith-based knowledge, practical skills and confidence. Whether it is the five-month Jubilee program or individual workshops, JLP can support your growth as a leader in the work of justice. Sign up now for Jubilee starting in January or for the December 5 workshop exploring the many different ways to do the work of justice. 

Saving Money with Inflation Reduction Act

With the Inflation Reduction Act, churches now have the opportunity to substantially lower their electric bills with incentives that can cover the cost of 30% or more of solar panels and heat pumps. The UCC has a new solar resource page along with a video on heat pumps.

Justice Events

Election Hero Day

On November 6, 2023 we celebrate Election Hero Day: a day to recognize and thank election workers across the nation – state officials, clerks, directors, poll workers, and more – for their tireless efforts to keep our democracy running! As we get ready to vote in local and state elections, make sure you have a plan to vote – and say thanks to any election hero you pass when you cast your ballot! Learn more.

UCC Webinar—From Greenwashing to Environmental Justice at UN Climate Conference

The President of the upcoming UN Climate Conference is the CEO of the one of the world’s largest oil producers and is working to aggressively expand his company’s production. This webinar will look at the greenwashing and corporate capture of the conference while also casting a vision for a path forward. Join us on November 8^th at 1 pm ET. Register now!

You Can’t Stop Justice: Rep. Justin Pearson and Rev. Benjamin Chavis, Jr.  

In this Giving Tuesday event, two prophetic leaders will join in an online conversation about the never-ending movement for justice. The Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr. coined the phrase “environmental racism” and helped lead struggle for environmental justice, while Rep. Justin Pearson of the Tennessee Three has continued the struggle for environmental justice. Join us on November 28^th at 12 pm ET to hear from these two leaders.

Join the Movement’s “Decolonizing Antiracism” Collection Invites Exploration of Indigenous Imaginations for Our Future

November is Native American Heritage Month. Any movement toward racial justice must engage the patterns and practices of colonization upon which the United States was founded, and which continue to shape our imagination of who we are and what justice looks like. Our churches and Christianity itself have played a significant role in establishing, perpetuating, and justifying settler colonialism. So, we in the UCC also have a significant role to play in decolonizing not only our minds, bodies and spirits, but also our work for racial justice. This November, join this movement to deepen and decolonize our practices of antiracism with stories, resources, toolkits and webinars that center Indigenous scholars, theologians, communities and activists. 

Justice Resources

DC Action Center

Each week, the D.C. Office creates an action alert based on what is happening at that time in Congress, and offers you the opportunity to contact your legislators with just one click! You can find all the alerts here.

The Pollinator

The Pollinator is a digital platform of the UCC for the sharing of ideas and inspiration. Its focus is the building of a faith-filled and faith-rooted movement for the care of creation

Witness for Justice

Looking for up-to-date social justice commentary? Check out Witness for Justice, a weekly editorial opinion column written by the staff of Justice and Witness Ministries.

Featured Topics:

Ceasefire | People Over Profits | Do Not Be Conformed to this Age or #DecolonizeIsNotAMetaphor