In the US, United Church of Christ declares racism a public health crisis
RNS The United Church of Christ kicked off its Special Edition General Synod on Sunday by passing a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. Delegates to the mainline denomination’s biennial meeting, held virtually this year, approved “A Resolution to Declare and Respond to Racism as a Public Health Crisis” with 96 per cent of the […]
In the US, as United Church of Christ takes on race and LGBTQ issues, consensus reigns
RNS When the United Church of Christ kicks off its General Synod on Sunday, Rev Traci Blackmon isn’t worried about fractious votes, conservative insurgencies or to-do’s over high-level resignations – or calls for the same. The UCC, in short, is no Southern Baptist Convention, which endured all of the above at its annual meeting last […]
Florida church says offering free beach parking is a religious act. Judge agrees
RNS A federal judge in the US state of Florida has ruled that a Gulf Coast community could not stop a local church from allowing beachgoers to use its parking lot, calling the practice, which allowed the church’s youth group to fundraise and evangelise those who used the lot, a legitimate ministry. The church’s victory […]
Church organisation in Kansas, Oklahoma pays medical debts
Oklahoma City, USAP Medical debts totaling more than $US5.2 million owed by more than 3,200 families in Kansas and Oklahoma have been paid through a project of the United Church of Christ Kansas-Oklahoma Conference, church officials said Tuesday. “As a result of our campaign that netted $US40,000, with that $40,000 we were able to abolish […]
United Church of Christ congregations in US raise enough to erase about $US26 million in medical debt
Boston, USAP More than 100 United Church of Christ congregations across southern New England have helped raise enough money to erase a total of $US26.2 million in medical debt for thousands of families across the Northeast and more than 12,000 first responders and medical workers nationwide. The churches in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, along […]
In US state of Vermont, religious leaders ask state to remember enslaved
Burlington, Vermont, USAP Some Vermont religious leaders are asking the state to confront its role as a location where Black people were once held as slaves and remember those individuals. Rabbi Amy Small of Burlington’s Ohavi Zedek Synagogue says the common myth is that there were no enslaved individuals in Vermont. But the historical record […]
In the US, controversial Dakota Access pipeline temporarily shut down in legal and ‘spiritual’ battle
RNS The US District Court for the District of Columbia has temporarily shut down the Dakota Access pipeline for the latest twist in what activists and religious leaders have called a “ spiritual battle“. Oil must stop flowing through the Dakota Access pipeline by 5th August, according to a decision on Monday by Judge James E Boasberg, who […]
MENTAL HEALTH: HOW US FAITH LEADERS ARE TACKLING MENTAL ILLNESS, SUICIDE
HEATHER MORRISON, writing for Religion News Service, reports on how churches and other faith-based organisations are working to help people with mental health issues…
Pastor surveilled after ministering to migrants sues US Government
RNS A prominent Manhattan pastor has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that US officials violated her religious freedom when she was put on a watchlist over her ministry to migrants at the border. Rev Kaji Douša, senior pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church and longtime advocate for immigrants’ rights, was the only clergy member listed […]
In the US, UCC General Synod endorses Green New Deal
RNS The United Church of Christ has signed on for the Green New Deal. It may be the first Christian body to endorse the environmental protection legislation sponsored in the US House of Representatives by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York. Climate change activists holding signs join in on a rally supporting the “Green New […]