United Church of Christ News https://www.ucc.org/category/united-church-of-christ-news/ Current News from the United Church of Christ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:11:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://www.ucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-favicon-32x32.png United Church of Christ News Archives - United Church of Christ https://www.ucc.org/category/united-church-of-christ-news/ 32 32 Voting Rights are a Justice Issue https://www.ucc.org/voting-rights-are-a-justice-issue/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:43:19 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=264212 In the United States the fight for voting rights has been historically framed as a civil right. Civil rights are personal rights guaranteed and protected by the U.S. Constitution and federal laws enacted by Congress, such as the Civil Rights…

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]]> UCC Desk Calendar and Plan Book launches special cover kicking off 70th anniversary celebrations https://www.ucc.org/ucc-desk-calendar-and-plan-book-launches-special-cover-kicking-off-70th-anniversary-celebrations/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:33:41 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=264196 Arguably the most popular resource that is sold by the United Church of Christ, the Desk Calendar and Plan Book is more than just a calendar. It’s a gateway into the life of the church, full of resources, important dates,…

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]]> UCC youth bring bold faith to Capitol Hill  https://www.ucc.org/ucc-youth-bring-bold-faith-to-capitol-hill/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:46:21 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=264161 This summer, high schoolers and recent graduates from across the United Church of Christ spent a week living, praying, and advocating on Capitol Hill as part of Youth Voices: Bold Faith, a joint program of the UCC Office of Public…

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]]> Christmas in July celebrations unwrap the love of Christ https://www.ucc.org/christmas-in-july-celebrations-unwrap-the-love-of-christ/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:29:36 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=264132 There are two types of people in the world. Those who keep Christmas in the bleak midwinter and those who welcome a little holiday cheer in the heat of summer. This past weekend, several United Church of Christ congregations chose…

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]]> As ICE injustices escalate, so do acts of faith and witness https://www.ucc.org/as-ice-injustices-escalate-so-do-acts-of-faith-and-witness/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:12:44 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=264121 With temperatures rising to triple digits and 18-wheelers barreling down Newark, New Jersey’s potholed industrial roads, United Church of Christ clergy descended upon the Delaney Hall detention facility.   They were part of Faith in New Jersey’s “All Roads Lead…

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]]> Saving the Right to Vote https://www.ucc.org/saving-the-right-to-vote/ Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:46:52 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263906 The United Church of Christ’s Our Faith, Our Vote Campaign continues for the 2026 elections. This campaign is a part of the denomination’s commitment to equip individuals “with the tools for nonpartisan engagement” in the US democratic process. The campaign…

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]]> New Our Faith Our Vote toolkit and resources launch ahead of historic November midterms https://www.ucc.org/new-our-faith-our-vote-toolkit-and-resources-launch-ahead-of-historic-november-midterms/ Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:25:42 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263892 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.…

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]]> Op-Ed: In a Sea of Silence https://www.ucc.org/op-ed-in-a-sea-of-silence/ Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:14:22 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263897 Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. Say his name. Before he became a headline, he was a husband, a father, a son, a coworker. He was a man whose family knew his laugh, his habits, the work of his hands, and the shape…

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]]> UCC staff will go “Over the Edge” for a good cause with Adoption Network Cleveland https://www.ucc.org/ucc-staff-will-go-over-the-edge-for-a-good-cause-with-adoption-network-cleveland/ Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:32:52 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263798 A Cleveland nonprofit organization supporting members of the adoption community is raising funds in an exciting way this summer at the home of the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ. Adoption Network Cleveland is partnering with Over The…

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]]> Remembering two UCC peacemakers who sought God’s shalom for all https://www.ucc.org/remembering-two-ucc-peacemakers-who-sought-gods-shalom-for-all/ Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:18:34 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263865 In his debut sermon, delivered to the masses gathered on the mount, Jesus redefined what blessedness looked like. There, among mentions of the meek, mournful and merciful, were the peacemakers — for they, Jesus said, would be called children of…

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]]> UCC GMP issues statement after ICE killings in Texas and Maine https://www.ucc.org/ucc-gmp-issues-statement-after-ice-killings-in-texas-and-maine/ Fri, 17 Jul 2026 19:45:12 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263743 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…

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]]> Journey For Justice https://www.ucc.org/journey-for-justice/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:48:26 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263630 Church is complex. The same word used for the place where Christians worship, is used for a local congregation, for a denomination and for the universal body of Christ. One word, many meanings. A comprehensive demographic study of more than…

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]]> Rising from the Ashes: Pittsburgh UCC Church celebrates 175 year anniversary after fire damages sanctuary https://www.ucc.org/rising-from-the-ashes-pittsburgh-ucc-church-celebrates-175-year-anniversary-after-fire-damages-sanctuary/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:47:28 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263577 On Wednesday, May 6, the Rev. David Mears was working in his office at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Pittsburgh’s Indiana Township area, as he typically did. Nothing out of the ordinary, until Mears’ secretary began to smell…

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]]> Cleveland church’s 40-foot pride flag represents huge commitment to extravagant welcome https://www.ucc.org/cleveland-churchs-40-foot-pride-flag-represents-huge-commitment-to-extravagant-welcome/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:23:48 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263581 A wide array of colorful and creative symbols can communicate a church’s welcome for LGBTQ+ folks. At Pilgrim Congregation United Church of Christ in Cleveland, Ohio, a 40-foot pride flag has evolved together with the congregation’s ministry for the past…

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]]> Faith in Action: National Ministries staff roll up their sleeves for service projects in Northeast Ohio https://www.ucc.org/faith-in-action-national-ministries-staff-roll-up-their-sleeves-for-service-projects-in-northeast-ohio/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:01:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263303 Twice a year, the staff of the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ gather in the denominational headquarters in Cleveland for several days of professional development, team and ministry meetings, fellowship and service. This intentional block of time…

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]]> The next 250 years: A legacy of sacred rebellions informs and inspires today’s faith shapers https://www.ucc.org/the-next-250-years-a-legacy-of-sacred-rebellions-informs-and-inspires-todays-faith-shapers/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:48:19 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263282 On July 8, 1776, with the newly minted Declaration of Independence in his hands, Colonel John Nixon read to the crowd gathered at Philadelphia’s State House Yard — one of America’s earliest public gardens — the “self-evident truths” that would…

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]]> UCC issues emergency appeal following Venezuela earthquakes https://www.ucc.org/ucc-issues-emergency-appeal-following-venezuela-earthquakes/ Fri, 03 Jul 2026 01:53:44 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=263185 Image of people standing in front of rubble after an earthquake hit VenezualaFollowing a series of devastating earthquakes that ravaged the country of Venezuela, leaving more than 2,500 people dead and over 50 thousand unaccounted for, the United Church of Christ has issued an emergency appeal to help with aid and recovery…

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]]> Global HOPE invites church into prayer after Venezuela earthquakes https://www.ucc.org/global-hope-invites-church-into-prayer-after-venezuela-earthquakes/ Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:43:46 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262856 Image of people standing in front of rubble after an earthquake hit VenezualaFollowing devastating earthquakes that claimed more than 900 lives in Venezuela, the United Church of Christ’s Global HOPE (Humanitarian, Opportunity, Partnerships, and Empowerment) team has called the church into prayer, asking for prayers on those who’ve died, as well as…

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]]> Photo Essay: Living faith boldly: Youth descend on nation’s capital for week-long immersion program https://www.ucc.org/photo-essay-living-faith-boldly-youth-descend-on-nations-capital-for-week-long-immersion-program/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:04:41 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262602 Youth from across the United Church of Christ gathered in Washington, D.C. the week of June 14 for an inaugural program aimed to equip them with the skills and confidence to faithfully advocate on issues they care about most. The…

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]]> The life cycle of CWS clean-up buckets: Congregations support flood response from Hawaii to Ohio https://www.ucc.org/the-life-cycle-of-cws-clean-up-buckets-congregations-support-flood-response-from-hawaii-to-ohio/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:02:44 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262619 In April, 100 emergency clean-up buckets arrived at Ewa Community Church UCC in Oahu in an effort to aid flood recovery efforts there. This followed Hawaii’s historic flooding in March, and in its wake, Ewa Community Church has served as…

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]]> UCC joins denominations, religious leaders in joint letter raising concern over revisions to the Religious Affiliation Codes list https://www.ucc.org/ucc-joins-denominations-religious-leaders-in-joint-letter-raising-concern-over-revisions-to-the-religious-affiliation-codes-list/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:46:57 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262598 The United Church of Christ, along with more than a dozen other denominations and their representatives, joined together in writing a letter to express concern about the recent revisions to the Religious Affiliations Code List, administered under the authority of…

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]]> United States of Kindness campaign shows momentum going into the last half of 2026 https://www.ucc.org/united-states-of-kindness-campaign-shows-momentum-going-into-the-last-half-of-2026/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:39:13 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262540 Launched just two months ago, the United States of Kindness has taken off and is picking up steam in 2026. The response to this initiative has been extremely positive within the United Church of Christ, with 106 distinct UCC sign-ups,…

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]]> UCC minister spearheads passing of Historic civility bill in Illinois https://www.ucc.org/ucc-minister-spearheads-passing-of-historic-civility-bill-in-illinois/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:25:32 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262533 The Illinois State House recently passed a historical Civility Resolution championed by Pastor Anthony Williams, something he has been working toward for a long time. The bill declares August 2026 as Civility Month in the State of Illinois, and commends…

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]]> New toolkit on psychedelic medicines in the UCC offers resources, invites conversation https://www.ucc.org/new-toolkit-on-psychedelic-medicines-in-the-ucc-offers-resources-invites-conversation/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:03:38 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262438 The Rev. Molly Baskette recalls a conversation with a mother who shared that her young adult child’s life was saved by treatment with a psychedelic medicine. The mother reflected that talking with Baskette about this made her feel “so much…

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]]> An update on the Changes & Deaths list https://www.ucc.org/an-update-on-the-changes-d-eaths-list/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:30:44 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262434 Many of you — our dedicated readers, viewers and supporters — have reached out over the last several months asking why the Changes & Deaths list hasn’t been updated since last October. Today, we want to provide an explanation for…

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]]> In poorest Vermont community, a church teen center ‘rocks’ God’s love for all https://www.ucc.org/in-poorest-vermont-community-a-church-teen-center-rocks-gods-love-for-all/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262410 Club West for Teens opened in the basement of First Congregational UCC in West Brattleboro, Vermont, this past winter. The initiative, supported by the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ’s Hope Fund, as well as crowdsourcing and individual…

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]]> Doubling Down https://www.ucc.org/doubling-down/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:50:50 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262425 Another church convention closed in this season of church conventions, assemblies, general conferences, general synods, and annual meetings. The gatherings of these bodies include opportunities for worship, fellowship, education and awareness. The preached word is present. God is in the…

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]]> More Greatness: A New Gilded Age? https://www.ucc.org/more-greatness-a-new-gilded-age/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:06:10 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262149 More Greatness: A New Gilded Age? The United States of America will commemorate its semiquincentennial anniversary on July 4, 2026. Across the nation, celebrations are planned in major cities and small towns. A search of the internet yields “something for…

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]]> Video: Sharing love and welcome at Cleveland Pride https://www.ucc.org/video-sharing-love-and-welcome-at-cleveland-pride/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:23:11 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262133 Thousands gathered in downtown Cleveland for the city’s annual ‘Pride in the CLE‘ on June 6, celebrating Northeast Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community. As the march and festival took place steps from the United Church of Christ’s National Office — the Pride…

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]]> What does it mean to be a Global Mission Church? One congregation finds out https://www.ucc.org/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-global-mission-church-one-congregation-finds-out/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:39:25 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262123 This past January, First Congregational Church of Tallmadge became a Global Mission Church. The congregation enthusiastically voted and signed the covenant statement with Global Ministries to intentionally pray for, learn about and support its siblings — spiritually and financially —…

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]]> Drawing the Line https://www.ucc.org/drawing-the-line/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:29:27 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262030 Decision making is complex and requires starting somewhere in determining whether support is given to an action being contemplated. There are multiple factors that additionally cause us to lend voice and care for people, issues and opportunities. Morals and values…

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]]> Five ways churches can celebrate Pride Month: Resources to worship, witness, love loudly https://www.ucc.org/5-ways-churches-can-celebrate-pride-month-resources-to-worship-witness-love-loudly/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:14:09 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262010 The start of June marks the beginning of Pride Month, the month designated to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City. Alongside other riots, Stonewall was an influential moment of resistance in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights. Now…

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]]> The United Methodist Church approves use of OWL sexuality education curriculum in its congregations https://www.ucc.org/the-united-methodist-church-approves-use-of-owl-sexuality-education-curriculum-in-its-congregations/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:07:50 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=262005 Together with the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), the United Methodist Church (UMC) has announced its approval of the use of the Our Whole Lives (OWL) curriculum in its congregations beginning in the fall of…

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]]> Opinion: Pride Month celebrates the enduring hope of those who refused to disappear https://www.ucc.org/opinion-pride-month-celebrates-the-enduring-hope-of-those-who-refused-to-disappear/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:40:39 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261983 As Pride Month begins, many in the LGBTQ+ community are carrying a mix of emotions. For some, this season brings joy, celebration, and connection. For others, it arrives alongside frustration, uncertainty, and concerns as we witness a relentless wave of…

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]]> And the winners are: Budding artists depict ‘seeds of hope’ in 2026 Climate Hope Art Contest https://www.ucc.org/and-the-winners-are-budding-artists-depict-seeds-of-hope-in-2026-climate-hope-art-contest/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:14:38 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261993 More than 60 churches, across 26 states, and 354 participating children and teen artists — with the youngest artist just two-years-old — joined together to promote environmental justice and care for the planet they love.  Wrapping up its annual contest…

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]]> An interfaith journey of visiting 185 places of worship in Chicago and earning a world record https://www.ucc.org/an-interfaith-journey-of-visiting-185-places-of-worship-in-chicago-and-earning-a-world-record/ Tue, 26 May 2026 16:15:25 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261855 When Vicki Garlock set out to set a Guinness World Record by visiting the most places of worship within one month in Chicago, she carried her experience and interest in religion across diverse faith traditions and a list of logistical…

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]]> In times of long-term disaster recovery, tending the spirit is a must https://www.ucc.org/in-times-of-long-term-disaster-recovery-tending-the-spirit-is-a-must/ Tue, 26 May 2026 14:48:47 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261839 In 2024, the Rev. Angela Wells-Bean sensed a growing anxiety among the Floridan congregants she was called to serve. Hurricane season, which starts June 1, was approaching and Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church in St. Pete Beach, Florida, knew what that…

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]]> Something for Nothing https://www.ucc.org/something-for-nothing/ Tue, 19 May 2026 18:35:15 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261712 Diplomacy historically hinged on relationships and alliances. Diplomacy was the practice of conducting negotiations, building relationships, and managing communications between nations or groups. It serves as the primary tool of foreign policy to resolve disputes and achieve national interests without…

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]]> Boston UCC church is among interfaith leaders withdrawing $1 million from Citizens Bank to protest detention center ties https://www.ucc.org/boston-ucc-church-is-among-interfaith-leaders-withdrawing-1-million-from-citizens-bank-to-protest-detention-center-ties/ Tue, 19 May 2026 16:16:37 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261699 Two weeks ago, faith leaders of the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) gathered in a bustling plaza outside of a Citizens Bank in Boston to urge the bank to end its practice of financing two companies notorious for running detention…

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]]> Recent UCC hires bring talent and passion to the National Ministries https://www.ucc.org/recent-ucc-hires-bring-talent-and-passion-to-the-national-setting/ Tue, 19 May 2026 15:33:55 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261307 Megan Vogias joined the National Ministries as Director of Marketing and Communications in early March, bringing with her a deep commitment to innovative and inclusive communication. After working with national brands, including Sylvan Learning Center and Bath & Body Works,…

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]]> UCC GMP meets with Cuban Ambassador, discuss ongoing humanitarian crisis on the island https://www.ucc.org/ucc-gmp-meets-with-cuban-ambassador-discuss-ongoing-humanitarian-crisis-on-the-island/ Tue, 12 May 2026 17:38:22 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261532 United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, along with staff members of the Office of Public Policy and Advocacy, met with Cuban Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Lianys Torres Rivera at the Cuban…

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]]> ‘Not the church of 1957’: Special Meeting of Synod elects new AGM, looks toward future of the UCC https://www.ucc.org/not-the-church-of-1957-special-meeting-of-synod-elects-new-agm-looks-toward-future-of-the-ucc/ Tue, 12 May 2026 17:19:54 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261548 For the first time in the United Church of Christ’s nearly 70-year history, a Special Meeting of the General Synod was called to elect the Associate General Minister, Love of Church. The virtual gathering, which was also an opportunity for…

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]]> UCC leaders lean into ‘Love Knows No Borders’ with strategies to move from desolation to action in recorded webinar https://www.ucc.org/ucc-leaders-lean-into-love-knows-no-borders-with-strategies-to-move-from-desolation-to-action-in-recorded-webinar/ Tue, 12 May 2026 16:32:42 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261544 In a time when systemic targeting and fear has been directed toward immigrant, refugee, and LGBTQ+ neighbors, the United Church of Christ shared stories and calls to action with the commitment that “Love knows no borders” in a webinar on May 7. “Love…

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]]> Unsee(n) Indifference https://www.ucc.org/unseen-indifference/ Tue, 12 May 2026 16:11:19 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261542 Last week, along with the members of the Executive Committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches and its staff, I visited the Bergen-Belsen Memorial. Between 50- 70,000 people died at Bergen-Belsen including Anne Frank and her sister Margot, who…

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]]> Mental health awareness ramps up in the church as space is made for caring conversations https://www.ucc.org/mental-health-awareness-ramps-up-in-the-church-as-space-is-made-for-caring-conversations/ Tue, 12 May 2026 16:05:48 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261537 The Rev. Judith Van Kennen has a seemingly simple, yet powerful question that has been guiding her congregation throughout the years. “If we don’t state who we are, then how will those in the community know?” she asks. For the…

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]]> Breaking: Rev. Jennifer Sowell elected to serve as Associate General Minister of the United Church of Christ https://www.ucc.org/breaking-rev-jennifer-sowell-elected-to-serve-as-associate-general-minister-of-the-united-church-of-christ/ Sat, 09 May 2026 23:58:57 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261480 The Rev. Jennifer Sowell, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with more than two decades of pastoral leadership experience, was elected to serve an unexpired term as the next Associate General Minister (AGM), Love of Church on…

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]]> Warfare Without Bombs https://www.ucc.org/warfare-without-bombs/ Tue, 05 May 2026 16:39:33 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261359 All aggression is not carried out with bombs and weapons of war. War as we know it is armed conflict, which involves violence, soldiers and weapons. Across the world, we can point to places where war and conflict rage, places…

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]]> Reporters Roundtable: Immigration, poetry, church buildings, and intergenerational relationships https://www.ucc.org/reporters-roundtable-immigration-poetry-church-buildings-and-intergenerational-relationships/ Tue, 05 May 2026 16:16:26 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261236 In episode two of UCC News’ Reporters Roundtable, the reporters discuss headlines from the last month across the United Church of Christ, including: the Faithful Response Immigration Gathering at Camp Christian, a new poetry collective led by UCC’s General Minister…

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]]> Churches embody love as mission offerings resources unite under ‘A Year of Love’ https://www.ucc.org/churches-embody-love-as-mission-offerings-resources-unite-under-a-year-of-love/ Tue, 05 May 2026 16:14:20 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261341 At St. John’s United Church of Christ, every month is designated for a particular mission that the church collectively supports, and they find creative ways to visually represent their efforts. The mission committee of the congregation in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, has…

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]]> UCC GMP hosts AGM Nominee in Q&A, talks Programmatic Priorities, all-women leadership https://www.ucc.org/ucc-gmp-hosts-agm-nominee-in-qa-talks-programmatic-priorities-all-women-leadership/ Tue, 05 May 2026 14:54:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=261339 United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, hosted two back-to-back question and answer webinars featuring the Rev. Jennifer Sowell, nominee for Associate General Minister, Love of Church. In the webinars that were held on…

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