UCC surpasses advocacy goals during the first 100 days and launches new advocacy homepage 

As part of its ongoing commitment to building a just world for all, the United Church of Christ Office of Public Policy and Advocacy launched a campaign during the first 100 days of the current administration to speak out on issues of justice, equity, and compassion. The goal was clear: send 50,000 messages to Congress and the administration uplifting the voice of the church and speaking on policies that reflect UCC values of love, inclusion, and human dignity. The policy issues included support for humanitarian aid abroad, upholding the dignity of our LGBTQ+ siblings, calling for compassion for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and more. The full list of issues can be found in UCC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy’s action center. 

Through the efforts of congregations, clergy, and advocates across the country, that goal of 50,000 messages was not only met but surpassed with 53,087 messages sent. This overwhelming response reflects the UCC’s long-standing legacy of prophetic action and commitment to collectively building a just world for all.  

A Call for Moral Courage 

In addition to surpassing the message goal, the first 100 days was commemorated by a final installment in a series of interfaith vigils outside the U.S. Capitol calling on Congress for moral courage. Co-sponsored by the United Church of Christ, the series, Faithful Witness Wednesdays, featured interfaith leaders gathering in prayer to call on elected officials to mobilize around the escalating threat of the constitutional crisis fueled by the current administration’s overreach and unconstitutional actions.  
 
Following the vigil, a small group including Abigail Cipparone, domestic policy advocate at the UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy, delivered a letter signed by several denominations and faith-based organizations calling for moral courage directly to the office of congressional leaders.  

The letter included the following quote. “Our multi-faith traditions share a deep commitment to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, affirm the equal dignity of everyone, and advance the common good. We believe preserving a government ‘of the people, by the people, and for the people’ requires preventing the abuse and overreach of executive power. This is an issue that transcends loyalty to any party or particular politician and is critical for the future of our democracy.” 

Launch of New Advocacy Homepage 

Although the first 100 days have concluded, the advocacy work continues. The UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy is launching a new homepage featuring a dynamic, one-stop center designed to empower individuals and congregations with the tools they need for faithful action. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned organizer, this resource offers everything from step-by-step action guides to printable signs and direct tools for contacting lawmakers. Now is the time to stay engaged, stay vocal, and stay rooted in faith! 

“We are excited to offer this new site as a central hub of information about UCC advocacy and public policy issues,” said Rev. Michael Neuroth, director of the UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy. “As an office, we are seeing a significant increase in engagement with our work and especially our weekly Justice and Peace Action Network (JPANet) action alerts. Advocates are asking for more ways to engage policymakers through sending messages, making calls, and being a more visible witness in their communities.”

“Our office can support all these efforts and more, and my hope is that by sharing specific actions, advocacy tools, our newsletters, and policy information in clearer and more accessible ways, we will meet the demands of this moment in history and inspire even more creative collective action as a church.”  

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