UCC Advocacy Resources for the First 100 Days

The UCC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington D.C. is dedicated to raising the prophetic voice of the United Church of Christ on Capitol Hill.

As part of this work, we are dedicated to equipping our faith community with the tools they need to stay informed and take action during the first 100 days of the new administration. Since taking office, President Trump and his administration have worked to implement his stated policy goals as put forth in Project 2025 using methods that defy the law and the constitution. Below, you will find a log of the UCC Washington DC Office’s response to those actions alongside the National Setting and partner organizations.

Whether you’re mobilizing for immigration reform, preserving lifesaving foreign aid, or climate action, we hope these resources offer faithful grounding and actionable steps to continue the United Church of Christ’s mission to build a just world for all.

⚡️– send a letter to Congress; 📰 – UCC news article; 📝 – UCC statement;
📞 – phone script for Congress; 🎥 – videos/webinars; 📖 – educational resources

FEATURED RESOURCES

⭐️ Countering Project 2025 With Love: A UCC Response

⭐️ Watch the Interfaith Service and Moral Mass Meeting

⭐️ Justice & Peace Action Network Action Center

⭐️ Join the Movement Towards Racial Justice

This page is updated on a weekly basis, but for the most up to date resources we encourage you to follow the UCC Washington D.C. Office on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, or X.

📰 “Peace Be With You…” by Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson

“We are living in times when the commitments to being a just peace church must be understood and addressed as a commitment to the human life and flourishing of people with the intention to be countervailing against the forces of oppression. A countering force of equal weight is required when we see the dismissal of people’s rights, when we experience the injustices of our day, and when we know there is an absence of love and compassion for all.“

📰 “From the Pews to the Capitol: Faith in Action for Trans Rights“

“’When we gather at the baptismal font and make our covenant promises to every individual and family that comes, pledging ‘our love, support and care,’ we are not thinking that we will renege on that if the person doesn’t stay within a certain biographical sketch or boundaries. When we say all, we mean all.'”

📰 UCC churches and faith communities join in support of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Members of Washington, D.C. area United Church of Christ congregations joined with other faith communities in a prayer vigil near the White House April 14 in support of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant and Maryland resident who was unjustly arrested and sent to CECOT, El Salvador’s brutal maximum-security prison. The Trump administration has since acknowledged in court that it was the result of an “administrative error.”

📰 My Country ‘Tis of Thee, A Reflection by Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson

“In a country where government was created with the intent of protecting freedom and rights, the government is the creator of the fears and anxieties, along with denying the rights including the right to due process. Where do we go from here?“

📝 The UCC Joins Faith Leaders in Condemning USDA Decision to Cut Critical Nutrition Programs

“As faith communities rooted in values of compassion, justice, and service, we have seen firsthand the transformative impact of USDA’s food and nutrition programs on low-income and poverty stricken communities that struggle to keep food on the table.”

📰 Palm Sunday Air Strikes in Gaza: Between the Hosannas and Alleluias

Rev. Shari Prestemon (Acting Associate General Minister and Co-Executive of Global Ministries) reflects on Pam Sunday and the horrific news that al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza — a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and a long-time global partner of the United Church of Christ — suffered two direct Israeli air strikes.

📰 ‘An exorcism attempt’: COREM statement calls out Trump administration’s harmful policies

The Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries (COREM) released what they are calling “A Prophetic Cry,” denouncing the policies and actions of the Trump Administration, calling them cruel and delusional. Read the full statement here.

📝 The UCC Joins Letter Urging Congress to Prioritize Families Over Tax Cuts for the Rich

“The high cost of care makes it harder for families to make ends meet, save for the future, and take care of themselves and their loved ones. Millions of families are struggling unnecessarily with the high cost of care, while the care workforce remains underpaid and undervalued. Prioritizing public investments in care is not only an urgent need for families, but also would strengthen the broader economy.”

📝 The UCC Joins Faith Leaders in Urging Congress Congress to Protect Inherent Dignity of Immigrants

“With larger funds, ICE raids will be more frequent, leading to a chilling effect that may leave more congregants feeling unsafe participating in worship services or turning to our congregations and organizations in times of need, undermining our role as key pillars of support in our communities.” Read the full letter here.

📝 The UCC Signs Letter Opposing the Repeal of Clean Energy Tax Credits

“We urge you to stand with people of faith by opposing efforts to repeal these clean energy provisions and the direct pay incentives that are so essential to our houses of worship nationwide. We are ready to work with you to ensure our nation continues moving toward a more just, sustainable, and economically sound energy future.” Read the full letter here.

📰 Opinion: UCC pastor and former Institute of Peace Staffer calls for action in defense of peace 

“[M]ore is needed to defend not just the Institute as an institution, but the principles and values for which it stands: nonviolence and peace, the rule of law, human rights, democratic processes, and religious pluralism.” – UCC Rev. Susie Hayward, Creekside UCC minister of justice and formation

📰 Trans Day of Visibility message from UCC’s Thompson: ‘We will continue to show up and speak up’

“Trans people are a vibrant part of our communities,” UCC General Minister and President Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson said. “We will continue to find ways to be strong advocates and supporters. We will continue to show up and speak up.”

📝 The UCC Joins 450+ Organizations in Letter to Congress Opposing Elimination of the Administration for Community Living

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) was created in 2012 to advance the idea that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. The UCC joined a letter of 450+ civil rights organizations opposing the current plant to eliminate the ACL, citing the harmful effects on the older and disabled Americans.

📝 The UCC Letter to Congress Opposing Legislation Giving Public Land to Mining Companies

“As a diverse group of faith groups, we share a commitment to addressing the current and future harms of climate change on communities in the U.S. and around the world where we minister. We recognize the need to strengthen and secure supply chains for the minerals required for the transition to a renewable energy economy.” Read the full letter here.

⚡️ Take Action: Support for Humanitarian Aid and Peacebuilding is Non-Negotiable

The dismantling of USAID and cutting of other foreign aid and peacebuilding programs run by other agencies, like the United States Institute of Peace, is theologically and morally reprehensible and irresponsible. The United Church of Christ’s call to build a just world for all requires us to advocate for programs that provide basic humanitarian support for all, including those run by USAID and USIP. Tell the President and Congress that we need fully operational international development and peacebuilding institutions today! 

📰 “Persona non Grata”, article by Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson

“Persona non grata is a term used for the expulsion of foreign diplomats by another country. Of course, when people who are not diplomats are deemed unwelcome they “deported” to their countries of origin, or as is the current case, they are removed from the US to countries wiling to take them regardless of their countries of origin. Immigrants have long been deemed unwelcome and unacceptable in the US. This administration’s practices are consistent with those of previous administrations.“

⚡️ Take Action: This Womxn’s History Month, Christians Unite for Reproductive Rights

The Women’s Health Protection Act would safeguard access to abortion and the full range of reproductive healthcare. This includes protections from political or religious interference and protections from state and federal legislation that impose medically unnecessary regulations on access to abortion services including medication, mandatory waiting periods, or full abortion bans. Urge your members of Congress to re-introduce and pass the Women’s Health Protection Act today to stop the rollback of reproductive rights!

📖 New Resource: How to Effectively Engage Your Members of Congress

Learn the basics steps of how to have a productive meeting with you members of Congress, such as how to craft a simple, but effective pitch.

⚡️ Take Action: Tell Congress to Reject Military Aid to Israel and Instead to Reinstate Funding to UNRWA

As the ceasefire for Gaza remains uncertain, Israel has targeted Gaza again, killing more than 400 Palestinians in Gaza early in the morning of March 18, just as it has continued its offensive in the northern West Bank. Israel has once again cut off all food and other goods, denying Palestinians there access to essential nutritional and health assistance. As people of faith, join us in urging Congress to vote in favor of the new Joint Resolutions of Disapproval on the sales of arms to Israel and to support the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act.

📝 The UCC Joins Letter to Oppose the Illegal Detention of Mahmoud Khalil

“Civil society must be free to operate without fear. This case makes clear how the invocation of counter-terrorism narratives can be deployed to dismantle that freedom — eroding democratic space, delegitimizing humanitarian work, and placing entire communities under threat. We stand firmly in solidarity with Mahmoud Khalil and all HRDs [human rights defenders] who are targeted on account of lawful speech and assembly.”

Read the full letter here.

⚡️ Take Action: Protect Government Funding!

Congress is currently considering passing a long-term temporary spending bill to avoid a shutdown. However, the proposed long term bill does not specify how its funding should be spent by the administration and broadens the President’s power to defund the government! Instead, urge your member of Congress to pass a short-term bill that will help usher in a bipartisan and fully funded fiscal year 2025 budget. 

📝 The UCC Joins 90+ Organizations Opposing CR Bill Cutting Billions for Human Needs Benefits

The United Church of Christ joined a letter signed by 90+ national organizations opposing the current CR proposed by Congress which would gut billions of dollars in critically-needed human needs benefits, health care, affordable housing, clean water and more.

📝 The Open and Affirming Coalition Stands with the Collective of Queer Christian Leaders

Alongside faith-based organizations committed to LGBTQ+ justice, the Coalition helped develop and has signed onto a powerful statement addressing the ongoing attacks on our communities. As people of faith, we cannot stay silent in the face of policies and rhetoric that seek to erase transgender and nonbinary people, strip away fundamental rights, and dismantle the safety nets that protect our most vulnerable neighbors.

📝 The UCC Joins Letter Opposing Effort to Overturn the CFPB Overdraft Fee

The UCC joined almost 300 organizations in urging Congress to oppose overturn the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s overdraft fee rule and stop manipulative practices by big banks.

📝 The UCC Joins Letter Supporting the Older Americans Act (OAA)

The UCC signed a letter urging Congress to pass the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 to support the health and wellness of older adults adn their caregivers.

🎥 Faith Leaders Gather to Call for Congress to Protect Foreign Aid
In the second vigil of the Faithful Witness Wednesday series, faith leaders gathered in prayer and action to protect foreign aid, including USAID, and to uphold the sacred dignity of refugees in the US and abroad.

📝 Statement to Protect Clean Energy Tax Credits

Maria C. Coyne, President & CEO of Cornerstone Fund, submitted a letter to Congress urging them to protect the Direct Pay clean energy tax credit program, which has benefitted religious communities across the country.

📰 San Diego church distributes ashes at the border as act of solidarity with immigrants

University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)/United Church of Christ, located in San Diego – just about 20 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border – distributed ashes at the San Ysidro Border Crossing as a unique ritual of solidarity.

⚡️ Take Action: Stop This Administration’s Attacks on Immigrants

Send a message to your members of Congress urging them to stand up against the administration’s recent attacks on immigrant communities, such as:

1. Suspending all border entries, including asylum-seekers,
2. Suspending the US Refugee Resettlement Program
3. Declaring “illegal” immigration a national emergency
4. Ending the so-called policy of “catch and release”
5. Calling for the penalization of anyone who helps undocumented people remain in the country
6. And more!

📰 Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson represents UCC at Ash Wednesday events across Washington, D.C.

This past Ash Wednesday, March 5, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, appeared at press conferences, vigils, and rallies in Washington D.C. On a Holy Day grounded in reflection, lamentation, and repentance, these events centered around calling on our federal government to act with boldness in the face of executive overreach and attempts to cut lifesaving public programs such as Medicaid and SNAP.    

⚡️ Take Action: Protect DEI Programs

Ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs will restrict access to critical resources and job opportunities for people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and many others across the country.

📰 A Faithful Response to the First 100 Days

In response to the information coming from the White House, the United Church of Christ Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., has created UCC Advocacy Resources for the First 100 Days.

⚡️ Take Action: Protect Food Stamps and Medicaid

Tell Congress to stop stealing from the poor to give to the rich!

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to pass a Budget Resolution that would require Congress to cut $880 billion from the Medicaid program and $230 billion from SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), essentially gutting vulnerable American’s access to health care and basic nutrition.

⚡️ Take Action: Protect Trans, Nonbinary, and Intersex People’s Civil Rights!

Recently, the trans, nonbinary, and intersex community has come under attack by our federal government. Join us and send a letter to Congress to pass the Equality Act, offer concrete protections to vulnerable communities, and urge federal agencies to stop these discriminatory, dehumanizing practices.

📰 Valentine’s Day was a great time to have a heart for the climate: UCC churches take action

The United Church of Christ Environmental Justice ministries recently invited congregations to organize teams and visit the district offices of members of Congress as part of a Valentine’s Day nationwide day of action on Feb. 14.

⚡️ Take Action: Have A Heart For God’s Planet

Send a message to Congress to have a heart for our sacred planet and act to protect critical clean energy tax credits.

📝 A Briefing on the Situation in Gaza following President Trump’s Recent Statements, by Global Ministries

“The people of Gaza have the right to remain in their homes, to lead the reconstruction of their communities, and to live in dignity and security. Any attempt to displace them once again is a moral and legal atrocity that the international community must unequivocally reject.” 

📰 27 religious groups, including UCC Conference, file lawsuit challenging ICE action in churches

“The Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ is among more than two dozen religious groups suing the Department of Homeland Security in response to a policy change that offers greater leeway for immigration enforcement in ‘sensitive locations,’ including houses of worship…. ‘

We fully support the Central Atlantic Conference and the other plaintiffs in this work,’ said the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC General Minister and President.“

📖 Climate Hope Affiliates Launch

The UCC is currently launching its first chapters of the UCC Climate Hope Affiliates program in towns across the country to create the political will to address the twin, intertwined crises of climate change and societal injustice.

📝 Over 1,000 Faith Leaders Decry the Refugee Suspension & Funding Freeze

The UCC signed on to a letter calling upon the Trump Administration to resume refugee resettlement, restore all humanitarian assistance, particularly vital assistance for refugees and Special Immigrant Visa beneficiaries who have already arrived; and ensure that the faith-based community can continue to serve and welcome refugees and other newcomers according to their faith traditions.

📝 UCC Media Justice Speaks up on Freedom of the Press

“Make no mistake, UCC Media Justice is a strong advocate of broadcaster accountability, but there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it.” -Cheryl Leanza, President of UCC Media Justice Ministries

📞 Take Action: Protect the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau

Join us in calling your members of Congress to protect American families’ finances – not Wall Street’s profits – by saving the CFPB.

📝 Statement on President Trump Endorsing the Ethnic Cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza

The UCC joined over 1,000 US and international organizations in a letter decrying and opposing any effort or initiative, and any calls for, the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

📝 UCC Media Justice Ministries Joins Organizations Opposing Musk’s Data Theft

“Musk’s illegal overreach requires immediate intervention. We call on members of Congress to respond to this lawless and reckless behavior by refusing to support business as usual, because Musk has not been engaged in the usual business of the people.”

📰 Crisis Control: An International Conflict Roundup 

“The United Church of Christ and our Global Ministries accompanies all our partners through war, hardship, and celebrations. We pray with them, grieve with them, sit with them, listen to their stories, and celebrate joyful occasions. They show us every day how resilient we can be as people of faith.  Our partnership demands that we use our voice to advocate for an end to these conflicts as well as restore foreign aid that helps address the root causes of violence.” 

⚡️ Take Action: Protect Lifesaving Foreign Aid

Urge your members of Congress to oppose the foreign aid freeze and end of asylum and refugee resettlement programs immediately.  

📰 Justice & Peace Action Network Monthly Newsletter

Check out this monthly newsletter for a round-up of the UCC justice events happening in February and March 2025.

📖 Love is Louder

The Gender and Sexuality Justice Ministries of the UCC is celebrating all things love with special Love is Louder invitations and new resources to spread love ‘out loud’.

📝 Faith expressed freely: Statement on congressional response to Bishop Budde’s sermon

“Our voices join with Bishop Budde and others defending the oppressed. This is a time to learn to do right, as the prophet Isaiah exhorts. The call for unity is before us. For the sake of the vulnerable with whom we are called to care and for the free expression of our faith, may we continue to center Jesus’ work and God’s vision for a just world for all.” 

⚡️ Take Action: Support Survivors of Human Trafficking

Urge your members of Congress to re-introduce the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act today.  

🎥 Sanctuary: Legal Considerations for Faith Communities Webinar

Heather Kimmel, UCC General Counsel, discusses the legal risks congregations should consider when engaging in sanctuary ministries.

📰 Sensitive Locations FAQ for Houses of Worship

Since the administration rescinded a policy that limited the ability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct immigration enforcement actions in churches, there has been widespread confusion of about the legal boundaries, responsibilities, and limitations of how congregations can serve immigrant communities. This FAQ offers foundational knowledge for congregations asking these questions.

📰 Immigration Enforcement Action: What Churches Need to Know

This article provides local churches with information on the law, risks of these ministries, and steps to be taken to prepare themselves both for the uncertainty of how immigration enforcement will be carried out and for the possibility that ICE agents will come to churches.

📝 Thriving Through Together

“Today, tomorrow, and always the fluidity of our expression and experiences as trans and non-binary siblings will live on infinitely. Language cannot contain or cease the Spirit. Queer individuals and the diversity spectrum of our humanity has always existed and will no matter what policies attempt to do. From our faith, Trans and non-binary siblings are made in the image of God – period.”

🎥 Interfaith Service and Moral Mass Meeting

January 20th, 2025, was a time for people of faith, conscience, and good will to gather in worship, lifting a collective voice to be Prophetic, Pastoral, Prayerful, and in Protest. Watch a recording of the event, including Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson’s sermon, UCC General Minister and President, which begins at 40:37.

⚡️ “For Such a Time as This” Petition

Sign this petition to reaffirm our commitment to justice will continue no matter who is in the White House, Congress, or the Supreme Court.

⚡️ Beloved Community Pledge Card

To honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, join us in pledging to meet the “fierce urgency of now” and join our beloved community of justice seekers.

📞 Take Action: Call on Congress to Oppose S.5 (Laken Riley Act)

Congress is considering a bill that will criminalize immigrants and apply “mandatory detention” for any undocumented person arrested or charged (rather than convicted) of a non-violent theft-related offense, without opportunity to even request release on bond. Raise you voice and urge your representatives to oppose this bill.

📞 Take Action: Call on Congress to Protect Trans Youth in Sports

Congress is considering a bill which would effectively ban transgender women and girls from competing on women’s athletic teams that receive federal funds. This discriminatory proposal seeks to exclude transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people from athletics programs in schools. Urge you representatives to oppose this bill.