UCC pastor who inspired progressive churches, the Rev. Jim Gilliom, dies at 83
June 8, 2012
The Rev. Jim Gilliom, a former UCC pastor nationally renowned for his work as a leader of progressive congregations with strong commitments to social justice, died June 4 at age 83.

'Rising Up' exhibit begins tour to lift up stirring story of Amistad
June 7, 2012
In collaboration with UCC-related Talladega College in Atlanta, the High Museum of Art has sent the exhibit "Rising Up: Hale Woodruff's Murals" on a summertime tour of at least seven cities.

Youth Speakers bringing talents and sharing ideas at NYE
June 7, 2012
Imagine extravagant welcome. Imagine a healthy world. Imagine a world where differences are embraced. Imagine one church. Sound like a place where you would like to live? Those are the subjects that will be addressed by four young people speaking at the United Church of Christ's National Youth Event July 10-13 at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.

NCLI: Praxis21 in Atlanta to serve as 'connecting point of innovation'
June 7, 2012
For the past five years, the National Church Leadership Institute (NCLI) has brought together insightful, inspirational speakers to teach practical, tactical skills for starting and renewing churches. This year, the scope is widening.

Church and civic leaders loudly proclaim, 'We have faith, in Cleveland!'
June 4, 2012
'Faith, In' pilot program kicks off at noontime news conference in the heart of downtown Cleveland

‘Faith, In’ campaign revs up in Cleveland, sets sights on national community involvement
June 1, 2012
Charting an ambitious course toward fortifying faith and invigorating communities nationwide, the United Church of Christ unveiled the first part of its “Faith, In” project May 31 at the Amistad Chapel in the UCC’s Church House at 700 Prospect in downtown Cleveland.

United Church of Christ leaders release statement applauding Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS’ resolution
June 1, 2012
Leaders of the 1.1-million-member United Church of Christ have issued a statement supporting “the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS on its resolution to support comprehensive sexuality education for our nation’s youth.”

Cornerstone Fund helps UCC church in Baltimore gain leverage in renewing loan
May 30, 2012
When the loan held by Heritage United Church of Christ in Baltimore came up for review, the Rev. Julius Jefferson and his congregation found themselves in a bind. Enter the UCC's Cornerstone Fund.

Former UCC consultant on race relations, the Rev. Edward Martin Brown III, dies at 93
May 30, 2012
A United Church of Christ pastor widely regarded for his lifetime of work for peace and racial reconciliation, the Rev. Edward Martin Brown III, died May 23 in Atlanta. He was 93.

Evangelism efforts of North Carolina congregation inspired voters to come out against anti-marriage-equality amendment
May 29, 2012
The leaders of High Country UCC in Vilas, N.C., knew they needed to take a stand for marriage equality, but hesitated to pay for anti-Amendment 1 ads in local newspapers and online outlets.

Join the Stillspeaking Writers' Group for a live event May 30
May 29, 2012
The writers of the UCC's popular Stillspeaking Daily Devotional will be speaking themselves at a live-streamed event, "Feed Your Spirit," at Victory Church, UCC, in Atlanta, tomorrow night, Wednesday, May 30, 7:30-9 p.m.

Commentary: Pardon the Wilmington 10
May 28, 2012
If we think that we live in a "post-racial" America, we need only be reminded of continuing evidence that racism is alive and well. Some say that we should put the pain of racism behind us. In order to do so, we must admit the injustice of our social systems and repair the breach – known as reparation. Granting pardon in the case of the Wilmington 10 is once such opportunity toward righting a tragic wrong.

Video message from Faithful and Welcoming Churches embraces the 'united' mantra of the United Church of Christ
May 24, 2012
They are congregations that may not embrace all things UCC, but they love being part of the denomination, and are committed to staying. That is the primary message behind "Why We Stay," a short video of testimonials from members of the Faithful and Welcoming Churches (FWC).

Illinois UCC church spreads good word of literacy among immigrants of all ages
May 22, 2012
Even the casual observer can read a lot into the passion for social justice at Church of Peace UCC in Rock Island, Ill. This is the church's second year of involvement in the Summer Family Literacy Program – an outgrowth of a popular school year program that helps immigrant adults learn English.

Church activist elected NCC transitional general secretary
May 22, 2012
A nationally recognized change-management consultant and active lay person has been elected transitional general secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC).

West Hollywood church among newest to UCC after split with Presbyterian Church (USA)
May 22, 2012
As many religious conservatives break from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) over the ordination of gay ministers, a small California parish that believes the church has done too little to accept homosexuality has become a member of the United Church of Christ.

UCC-led online forum created to help promote peace in the Middle East
May 22, 2012
The popularity of social media and a continuing passion for peace in the Middle East have resulted in the formation of a UCC-driven online forum.

For a song, Council for American Indian Ministries youth accelerate bid for NYE
May 18, 2012
Selling its recorded music to match scholarship monies funding their trip to National Youth Event 2012, the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM) has a song in its heart as it prepares to bring nearly 30 members to the quadrennial event.

UCC churches in Missouri step up to support bisexual pastor
May 18, 2012
He doesn't even play baseball. But pastors of three churches in Saint Clair, Mo., have decided that the Rev. James Semmelroth Darnell plays for the wrong team. The UCC doesn't see it that way, and is stepping up to the plate with support.

Global Ministries recognizes work of long-term missionaries; announces other missionary appointments
May 17, 2012
Concluding nearly 40 years of service with the Health and Education Foundation in Istanbul, Turkey, Ken and Betty Frank were recognized during the Common Global Ministries Board of Directors' meeting last month in Indianapolis.