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Bridge Conference Ministers Speak Out On Murder of Ahmaud Arbery

From the Bridge Conference Ministers of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ 

As followers of Jesus, who has called us to love one another, we must raise our voices in alarm and dismay at the murder of yet another young, unarmed black man for the crime of jogging in a neighborhood not his own.  This would be an outrageous crime on its own and yet the fact that it is just the latest in a long list of black people who have died at the hands of police or civilians who take it upon themselves to act as police makes this  even more egregious. 

In his oft quoted “I Have a Dream” speech, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. also said, “We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.” As the Bridge Conference Ministers of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ, we are not satisfied.  Read more


COVID: A Second Wave and How We Will Vote in November

by Michele Mudrick, Legislative Advocate (CT)

Covid has changed everything. It shocks the senses when we realize that our normal routines and expectations are no longer available or safe. It can be disorienting and difficult to plan for the future as even accustomed routes to shop, work, go to school and worship are challenged. Scientists warn that the virus will not leave over the summer and to expect a second wave of COVID-19 in the fall. 

This begs the question, how will we vote during a pandemic? The November election is one of the most important in our lifetimes, and it is expected there will be a record turnout. Read more.

Recommended webinar by Michele Mudrick for those interested in justice advocacy: The Importance of Advocacy During the Pandemic - May 28 (7-8 PM) by the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. More here


 
 

Environmental Voter Project

The global pandemic has raised awareness of just how interconnected life is on our planet. Disruption has been painful, but the response to our public health and economic crisis can provide opportunities to build back better and greener, if people of faith make their voice and values clear.
The apostle Paul reminds us that we are one body and the COVID crisis has demonstrated that we are only as healthy as the most vulnerable members of that body.  Make a commitment today to improve public health, to protect those most at risk, to reduce emissions and energy costs and to create greater economic resilience by taking the Environmental Voter Pledge.
Political leaders go where the votes are. Right now most people who care about a cleaner greener world don’t vote, and so environmental justice does not become a legislative priority.  You can be a part of changing that reality.  Take the Environmental Voter Pledge here  Endorsed by the SNEUCC Environmental Ministry Team 


Pass Bold Climate Legislation in 2020 to Build Back Better 

From StrongerMa.World: A coalition of climate activist groups have come together in recent months and drafted a petition calling on our legislature to build back better from covid-19 by passing some really excellent bills on climate that are currently stalled in committees. 
Faith communities represent some of our best hopes as a society to be able to speak collectively, with moral clarity, about the world we want to create for future generations, in respect for the sanctity of creation. We need to speak up and let lawmakers know that we want them to care about today’s crisis and the longer-term crisis for which we are responsible--now.

The bills we want to be made law outline plans for taxing corporate carbon pollution, getting the state to 100% renewable energy and net zero emissions, and safeguarding climate-vulnerable communities (often communities of color). These bills would provide some stimulus through corporate pollution fees rebated to middle- and lower-income households, and through the creation of green jobs. Search #MAClimateStrong on social media or visit www.strongerMA.world for more info. Sign the petition here.
Endorsed by the SNEUCC Environmental Ministry Team

Poor People's Campaign Assembly: A Digital Justice Gathering

Help Get to 100K - RSVP Here!

The Mass Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March on Washington is going digital! On June 20th, the Poor People's Capaign will hold the largest digital and social media gathering of poor and low-wealth people, moral and religious leaders, advocates, and people of conscience in this nation’s history.

A global pandemic is exposing even more the already existing crisis of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy and militarism, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. On June 20, the 140 million poor and low-income people across this nation will be heard! View a preview video here.  More information here


Who's Latinx? New UCC podcast explores race, culture, faith, LGBTQ+ life, much more

by Hans Holznagel, United Church of Christ

The Rev. Rhina Ramos noticed something about a young delegate from Baltimore when they first met in Milwaukee at the United Church of Christ's 2019 General Synod: "She was really shy about saying she was Latina."

That delegate, Taylor Ramage – invited out of her shell by Ramos and other participants in a national UCC Latinx LGBTQ ministry, Proyecto Encuentros de Gracia y Bienvenida – has found her voice.

She is the host of a new Proyecto podcast, "Encuentros Latinxs," featuring stories of spirituality, culture and identity from Latinx perspectives, with an LGBTQ+ focus.  Read more.


Funding for Native Communities Must Be a Priority

From the United Church of Christ: Before the COVID crisis the systemic neglect of funding for health services, education, housing and nutrition assistance for American Indians and Alaskan Native communities was abysmal. Now in the midst of this pandemic, that neglect means the crisis is hitting Native communities especially hard. Without resources and funding the Indian Health Service and community health facilities are unable to meet patient needs.

Many areas of Indian Country are rural and lack adequate housing and access to broadband, which makes it even harder to communicate or access educational opportunities. Time after time the U.S. Government has failed Native communities; centuries of injustice towards native peoples have led us to this moment. Read more and email your officials here.


 
 
Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ
Framingham, MA office: 508-875-5233
Hartford, CT office: 866-367-2822
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