Follow NCC on Social Media! | | | | | Emerging Theologians Gather for Inaugural NATI-RETI | | By Amanda Dowd
NCC Communications Officer The North America–Turtle Island Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute (NATI-RETI) recently concluded, bringing together 20 emergent theologians and ecumenical leaders from the United States and Canada for two weeks of intensive learning, prayer, encounter, and community life. Held August 3-16 under the theme Where Now for Visible Justice?, the institute began with a residential week in Detroit, United States, followed by a second week at the University of Toronto, Canada. In those two weeks, through study, worship, and shared experiences, participants explored some of the most pressing challenges facing churches and communities today while deepening their commitment to ecumenical engagement. NATI-RETI was jointly organized by the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) and the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC), in collaboration with the World Council of Churches (WCC). Inspired by the WCC's Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI), the program adapted its immersive model to the unique realities of North America–Turtle Island. The theme, Where Now for Visible Justice? served as a guiding question throughout the program and reflects an ongoing concern within the ecumenical movement. NATI-RETI offered participants a unique opportunity to engage this question across national and denominational boundaries, while benefiting from the accompaniment and support of the World Council of Churches. The curriculum was organized around six interconnected pillars: Climate Justice, Secularism and Laicity, Racism and Anti-Racism, Interfaith Dialogue, Solidarity with Indigenous Communities, Wealth Disparity and Poverty. Participants engaged these themes through an integrated approach that combined academic study, spiritual formation, and contextual immersion. A defining feature of NATI-RETI was its cross-border character that created space for participants to learn from one another's national, ecclesial, cultural, and social contexts while reflecting on the churches' shared witness. Beyond the formal program, the institute cultivated meaningful friendships, strengthened ecumenical relationships, and laid the foundation for future alliances among a new generation of church leaders committed to visible justice and Christian unity. The institute also fortified collaboration between the CCC and NCC (USA), providing opportunities to deepen understanding of each other's histories, cultures, and contexts. Organizers reflected that the experience renewed hope in the ecumenical movement, reinforced shared commitments to Christian unity, and fostered lasting relationships that will continue to encourage future partnerships and connections across the region. | | | | Download the NCC Voter Empowerment Guide | | | | NCC to Join One World: One Humanity Conference, August 29 | | The National Council of Churches will be represented among the 150–200 invited participants at the One World: One Humanity Conference, a high-level interfaith leadership summit affirming our common humanity in a fractured world.
The day-long event will be held in New York City on August 29, with NCC President/General Secretary Bishop Vashti McKenzie among the scheduled presenters.
One World: One Humanity Conference is a global convening of the World Council of Religious Leaders, an independent body that works to bring together religious resources to support the work of the United Nations in a common quest for peace.
This interfaith gathering is organized to foster mutual understanding, respect, and dialogue among diverse faith traditions. The views expressed by individual speakers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of all participating organizations or attendees.
The event is not intended to promote partisan political positions or to diminish any faith tradition. All participants are expected to engage in a spirit of respect, harmony, and constructive exchange. A bridging voice for a divided age.
At a time of war, polarization, disinformation, and deep social fragmentation, faith leaders remain among the few trusted figures able to speak to both conscience and community.
The summit is designed as a consequence: a single morning of plenary conversation and shared resolve that ends in a public declaration the world can read, remember, and carry forward. | | CCGW to Host Virtual Meeting with DC Interim Police Chief, August 24 | | Join The Council of Churches of Greater Washington's (CCGW) Zoom meeting with Interim Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll (August 24, 6-7 pm) All are invited to a Council of Churches Community Meeting to hear Chief Jeffrey Carroll speak about policing and public safety in the District of Columbia. Chief Carroll will also respond to questions from community representatives covering issues such as the deployment of federal troops, crime statistics, and community relations. Please register to join the Zoom webinar by using this link. CCGW.Eventbrite.com. Please feel free to share The Council's upcoming meeting with your network of faith communities, colleagues, family, neighbors, and friends. | | Churches Uniting in Christ to Host Community Worship Service, September 15 | | The Churches Uniting in Christ community worship service will be held on Wednesday, September 16, at 6:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive CME Temple in Memphis, Tennessee.
The CUIC Communion liturgy is being updated for the event, and several Heads of Communion and other representatives will help with leadership. Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Jr. of the CME Church will be the preacher. | | | | | | | Where the Crickets Sing: Tools for Prison and Jail Ministries | | National Benevolent Association’s Community Engagement team will host the “Where the Crickets Sing: Tools for Prison and Jail Ministries” webinar on Wednesday, August 26, at 7:30pm ET/6:30pm CT!
Whether you are a pastor, chaplain, volunteer, community leader, or someone exploring ways to engage in this ministry, you’ll leave with practical resources, new ideas, and renewed inspiration.
Because every person is more than their worst mistake, and every community can play a role in restoration.
Join to hear about practical tools, restorative justice insights, and real-world experiences from those engaged in ministry alongside incarcerated individuals, their families, and their communities. This virtual event is free to attend, but registration is required.
| | Blessed Tomorrow Lunchtime Series: Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities! | | Join Blessed Tomorrow for six lunchtime screenings of the film series: Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities, each Wednesday from September 2 — October 7, 2:00 pm- 2:45 pm EST/ 11:00 am-11:45 am PST. This is a 7-part film series for congregations to build knowledge, have deep discussions, and then engage in creation care and climate solutions. The series highlights over 30 powerful voices of Christian, Muslim, Indigenous, Baha’i, and Jewish faith leaders from 14 states, including clergy, youth leaders, and interfaith organizers, who are leading with hope, compassion, and courage. They share inspiring stories and hope for our shared future. Watch the introductory film (above), To Tend and to Keep: People of Faith Caring for the Earth. Screening Schedule September 2, Called by Faith: How Will You Answer? September 9, Seeds of Fire: Building Resilient Communities September 16, Holy Water: Protecting What Connects and Sustains Us September 23, Climate Justice: Sacred Voice Rising September 30, Healing Creation: Honoring Nature and Each Other October 7, Young Leaders: Creating Hope for the Future
| | | WCC Marks 78th Anniversary:
“We Give Thanks to God” | | WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay presenting his report to the 2025 Central Committee meeting of the World Council of Churches in Johannesburg (South Africa) June 18–24, 2025. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC
In a special message marking the 78th anniversary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), WCC General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay expressed gratitude for the historic journey that began in 1948 in Amsterdam.
“Seventy-eight years later, we give thanks to God for the faithfulness that has sustained the World Council of Churches through generations,” he wrote. “We remember with gratitude all those who have prayed, served, sacrificed, and worked tirelessly for the unity of the church and for God's mission in the world.”
This anniversary is, above all, a celebration of God's faithfulness, Pillay reflected. “The WCC has traveled through remarkable and turbulent times: the Cold War, struggles against racism and apartheid, the pursuit of justice and peace, the challenges of poverty and inequality, conflicts and humanitarian crises, the climate emergency, and profound changes in the life of churches and societies,” he wrote. “In every generation, the churches have sought together to discern what it means to follow Christ faithfully in the world.”
Pillay gave thanks for the many voices that have shaped the ecumenical movement. “The WCC’ s calling remains rooted in Christ and expressed through our Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity,” he wrote. “We are called not simply to speak about unity, but to embody it; not simply to pray for peace, but to become peacemakers; not simply to proclaim God's justice, but to stand with those who are marginalized, forgotten, and oppressed.”
Pillay asked: What is God calling us to become for the future?
“The WCC enters its 79th year with renewed confidence that the church has a distinctive vocation in a fragmented world,” he wrote. “Our unity is a gift from God and also a responsibility.”
Pillay also reflected that God has sustained the churches in moments of difficulty. "God has opened doors when the way seemed uncertain,” he wrote. “God has raised prophetic voices when courage was needed. And God continues to call us forward.”
He concluded: "It would be wonderfully appreciated if the WCC anniversary can be mentioned and prayers be offered in congregations this weekend.”
Click Here to Read: A Special Message on the 78th Anniversary of the World Council of Churches | | | Ecumenical Prayer Calendar | | The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle takes us through every region of the world over the course of a year. Praying for each place on earth and its people at least once a year, we affirm our solidarity with Christians all over the world, brothers and sisters living in diverse situations, experiencing diverse problems, and sharing diverse gifts. Pray with us!
Prayer is at the very heart of the ecumenical movement. Jesus prayed that we – his followers – may all be one. When we pray with and for one another, we can feel God’s gift of unity. Prayer sustains us on our way towards a unity that all can see, “so that the world may believe.” (John 17:21)
The suggested prayer texts are based on the publication "Pilgrim Prayer – an Ecumenical Prayer Cycle." The book and the website offer valuable aids for intercessory prayers, prayer on behalf of and in solidarity with others | | | | | Season of Creation 2026: Living Waters
September 1–4, 2026 WCC calls Christians worldwide to observe the Season of Creation, September 1 — October 4, 2026. This year's theme, "Living Waters," comes from Ezekiel 47:9 and 12—a biblical vision of hope and ecological restoration.
Read more…
Faith and Genetics Course
September 14 – December 7, 2026 An 11-week “Faith and Genetics” course jointly offered from September to December by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Christian Medical College will share and discuss ethical concerns to ensure that progress in genetics serves humanity holistically and builds public trust.
Read more… | | | | | | | Courage Is Contageous: An Evening with Bishop Mariann Budde, October 8 | | Her sermon during the 2025 inauguration lasted only minutes. But Bishop Mariann Budde’s example of bravery in speaking truth to power endures. “Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”
The backlash against her was immediate and vicious because in a culture of contempt where compassion has become a partisan issue, speaking out for mercy comes at a cost. The Right Rev. Budde (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC) believes it’s a cost worth paying and she has shown us all what courage looks like.
Her keynote address on October 8, “Courage Is Contagious,” will explore how we can all learn to be brave. All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will benefit the Maine Council of Churches.
Bishop Budde’s sermons have been published in books and journals, and she has authored several books, including How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, adapted into a young adult book, We Can Be Brave, and a picture book for children, I Can Learn to Be Brave.
Run Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with no intermission.
| | | | | Applications are now open for the 2026 Abundant Life Cohort and will be accepted through August 24. The Abundant Life Cohort equips North Carolina faith communities to respond faithfully to mental and behavioral health challenges by becoming trauma-informed centers of healing, resilience, and hope. Through training, coaching, and peer learning, participating congregations develop practical plans to support clergy, members, and their wider communities while reducing stigma and fostering well-being. Priority consideration will be given to rural and underserved communities where access to mental and behavioral health resources is often most limited..
| | Eco-Justice Advocacy Forums: Archives and Future Events | | Eco-Justice Connection Monthly Advocacy Forum series, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. (ET) is a space for learning, connection, and action at the intersection of faith and environmental justice. The next forum: Tuesday, August 25, from 4:00–5:00 p.m. on Zoom. Register for the next EJ Forum Playlist of Previous Forums | | | | | | | | | | | | Purchase the NCC 75th Anniversary
Commemorative BIble and Save 20% Discount Code: NCC2026 | | | More from Friendship Press… |
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