JPANet July 2025 Newsletter

UCC shows up for “Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget” rally on Capitol Hill

On June 10th, hundreds of clergy, faith leaders and congregants representing millions of Christians and people of faith across traditions gathered on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to urge senators to protect Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs that most impact the lives of those Jesus called “the least of these.” Read more here.

Unified, rooted, rising: UCC carried message of God’s love to World Pride

The international gathering took place in Washington, D.C., where UCC leaders and congregants came from places as widespread as California, Texas, and the broader D.C. area to worship, march, and celebrate God’s love for LGBTQ+ people. Read more here.

A Joint Prayer on the Aid Blockade in Gaza 

On June 11, 2025, faith leaders from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ released a joint prayer in response to the Israeli blockade that continues to deny life-saving aid to the people of Gaza. Following the interception of a civilian aid ship, this prayer lifts up deep lament and unwavering resolve, declaring:

“We cry out for your transformative power, one that radically dismantles oppressive systems and liberates the captive from the death-dealing forces of occupation and blockade.”

Read the full prayer here. 

The Launching of UCC Climate Hope Affiliates

Last weekend, the launch of the seventh Climate Hope Affiliate was celebrated in Atlanta, Georgia. Affiliates address the interconnected crises of climate change and societal injustice by developing ongoing relationships with Members of Congress, local media, and others in the broader community. Let us know if you are interested in starting an affiliate where you live.

The Launching of UCC Climate Hope Affiliates

Last weekend, the launch of the fifth Climate Hope Affiliatewas celebrated in Concord, New Hampshire. By the end of this summer, five more will have launched. Affiliates address the interconnected crises of climate change and societal injustice by developing ongoing relationships with Members of Congress, local media, and others in the broader community. Let us know if you are interested in starting an affiliate where you live.

UCC GMP issues statement on U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites

Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President/CEO of the United Church of Christ, shares an important message of peace and uniting following the United States bombing the Iranian nuclear sites of Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Watch the full video statement here.

New resource available for download! UCC Toolkit For Faithful Advocacy

The UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy is excited to share our new Advocacy Toolkit—a free resource designed to equip individuals and congregations with the tools to build a just world for all. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to deepen your impact, this toolkit offers:

▹ Faith-rooted guidance for public witness
▹ Talking points on pressing justice issues
▹ Practical tips for building relationships with elected officials
▹ Much, much, more! 

Download the toolkit today and take the next faithful step in speaking truth to power.

Indiana pastors participate in nationwide fast for Gaza

Over 700 people across the country have committed to eating only 250 calories a day — the estimated daily caloric intake of people in Gaza. The fast, organized by Veterans for Peace and Friends of Sabeel North America, is seeking to draw attention to the nearly two million people facing starvation due to Israel’s blockade on food, water, and medical supplies from entering Gaza. Read more here.

Welcome the Stranger: Fight Mass Deportation Now!

In the last few months, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested immigrants at school, at work, in hospitals, and even at public protests. As people of faith, we believe that everyone should be treated with respect and compassion. Separating families and detaining immigrants in unsanitary living conditions, only lines the pockets of the private prison system and dictators abroad. Send a message to Congress today!

Take Action: Tell Congress to end US support for Israel’s war by supporting the Block the Bombs Act

Dozens of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza while simply trying to access basic nutritional and health-related aid at distribution centers. With more than 55,000 Palestinians confirmed dead in Gaza, it is long past time for the killing to end. Take action to support the Block the Bombs Act, which would prevent the administration from sending some of the worst-offender weapons that Israel has used to carry out atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza. Take action here!

The UCC Celebrations of Juneteenth

For Juneteenth, UCC Racial Justice Ministries and Join the Movement offered a unique encounter to engage in stories of emancipation movements from slavery to civil rights, to today. Participants can learn more about their connected lineages, and discover what these ongoing movements of emancipation can teach about the power of intergenerational leadership. Perspectives are shared from elders to youth and young adults – moving toward solidarity, freedom, equity, and liberation. Learn more here!

Celebrate Our Whole Lives at General Synod!

Our Whole Lives celebrates 25 Years of Lifesaving ministry at General Synod 35. Join us as we consider a resolution, host a reception, provide a workshop (Blessed Minds and Blessed Bodies), and show a video from the main stage! Purchase Our Whole Lives materials through UCC Resources, visit us in the Exhibit Hall and network in the Community Networking Space. Won’t be at Synod? Check us out here anytime.

July 23: Service of Appreciation for Federal Environmental Justice Staff and Grantees

The UCC will hold a service of appreciation to honor public servants in a time of uncertainty about the future of federal environmental justice programs. The service will feature key founding figures in the movement for environmental justice: Dollie Burwell, Rev. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., Charles Lee, and Richard Moore. Even if you can’t join us live on Wednesday, July 23rd at 1 pm ET, still register, and we will send you a recording. Register now!

Visit the UCC Washington D.C. Team at General Synod!

Heading to General Synod this summer? Be sure to stop by the UCC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy’s exhibit booth in the main exhibit hall and attend our workshop, “Speak Truth to Power: Influencing Sacred Change on Capitol Hill”! Come meet the team, learn more about our work on Capitol Hill, and discover how you can take faithful action for justice in your community and beyond. We’d love to connect with you in person and share ways you can get involved in building a just world for all. 

June 11th: National Faith Mobilization Kick-Off

On September 21st, faith communities across the country will be joining a grassroots climate action to celebrate Sun Day! This will be a day to celebrate the gift and power of clean energy while standing up to the profiteers, polluters, and potentates who threaten our health and future. Register your congregation to receive advocacy cards for members to write messages to Congress members on Sun Day.

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 take action with our previous action alerts here.

Justice & Peace Action Network Archives

Want to dive deeper into the expertise of the UCC on a variety of policy issues? Check out the previous Getting to the Root articles and our newsletter archive.

Witness for Justice

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

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.