| | | | | | | | | | Room Block Now Available for CUG 2025/NCC 75th Anniversary Celebration | | Reserve your room now at the special rate of $219.00 per night at the Boston Marriott Newton | | | | | | | CUG/75th Anniversary sponsorships are available at four levels, with each of the tiered levels offering commensurate perks. Please note that due to scheduling, sponsor exhibitor tables are only available for Monday, October 13.
Silver ($500) — Silver level sponsorship includes mention (with name and/or logo) in all Anniversary/CUG promotional materials.
Gold ($1,000) — Includes sponsorship mention (with name and/or logo) in promotional materials, on the Anniversary/CUG landing page of the NCC website, and on all NCC social media outlets.
Frankincense ($2,000) — Sponsorship includes mention (with name and/or logo) in promotional materials, Anniversary/CUG landing page on NCC website, social media accounts, plus a two-minute video greeting played during the event.
Myrrh ($3,000) — Sponsorship includes mention (with name and/or logo) in promotional materials, CUG landing page on NCC website, social media, and in person or video greeting during the Anniversary/CUG gathering. | | | | ARE YOU FOLLOWING NCC ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Check out our social media accounts for NCC updates! | | WCC Mourns Loss of Rev. Dr. Peter Cruchley | | Members of the National Guard stand by at Union Station on August 14. Under presidential order, federal officers and the National Guard were deployed to the District to place the DC Metropolitan Police Department under federal control. (Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) | “It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of our colleague and friend,” announced WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay regarding Rev. Dr. Peter Cruchley, director of the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism.
Rev. Dr. Cruchley was diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatment over the past several months.
“Peter has left us too soon, and the loss of his presence would be dearly felt, but we give thanks that for him, all pain and suffering has ended, and now he finds his rest in God,” said Pillay.
“Peter‘s view of mission was grounded in radical discipleship, transforming justice and mission from the margins, giving due consideration to the neglected, poor, and vulnerable communities.” Pillay added that Cruchley’s work in the areas of slavery, racism, and decolonisation—and his courage to speak truth—stood out.
“We offer our condolences and prayers to his wife, Lena, children, and wider family,” said Pillay. “May God give them comfort, strength, and peace during this time of separation and loss.”
WCC will hold a memorial service for the Rev. Dr Cruchley on Tuesday, September 9, at 2:00 p.m. (CEST) at: Saint Hippolyte Church Route de Ferney 165 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex Geneva, Switzerland
Service attendees are welcome to wear brightly coloured floral clothing in celebration of Peter’s bright and colorful life.
In recognition of Rev. Dr. Cruchley’s wide-reaching ministry and the global community that mourns his passing, the service will be a hybrid event. This will allow colleagues, friends, and well-wishers from around the world to participate both in person and online. | | | NRCAT Urges Support for Senate Resolutions | | Senator Tim Kaine has introduced six resolutions in the U.S. Senate seeking information on the human rights practices of six countries to which the U.S. has reportedly deported immigrants who have no ties to those countries. As reported by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), the risk of torture or abuse is high and an alarming concern.
The six countries named in the resolutions are Costa Rica, Eswatini, Mexico, Panama, Rwanda, and South Sudan. These resolutions follow a vote on a similar resolution regarding El Salvador earlier in the year.
The resolutions request detailed information from the Secretary of State on the human rights practices of each of the six countries, particularly regarding the treatment, legal status, and risk of abuse faced by individuals deported to the country who are not citizens of that country. Given a process under Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act, a Senator can force debate and a vote on the resolutions. This information is crucial to holding the government accountable and ensuring compliance with the nation's values and international commitments against torture. NRCAT urges everyone to write to their Senators and ask them to support these resolutions when they come up for a vote after the August recess. If the resolutions pass, the State Department must submit a report on human rights practices in the six countries within 30 days. If a report is not submitted, then security assistance to the country is automatically suspended.
Given a process under Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act, a Senator can force debate and a vote on the resolutions. This information is crucial for holding our government accountable and ensuring compliance with our nation's values and international commitments against torture.
TAKE ACTION >> Write to your Senators today. | | Beloved Community Banquet, September 6 | | | WCC Seeks Support for
Thursdays in Black
| | Help WCC extend the reach of Thursdays in Black.
First, PLEDGE to stop sexual and gender-based violence through advocacy, awareness-raising, and activism.
Each Thursday, wear black to demonstrate your commitment to end SGBV, and POST your selfie (or an advocacy note) to social media. And remember to PRAY for victims, survivors, and perpetrators for trauma transformation and healing from woundedness that results in victimizing others.
PREPARE your own Bible studies for online usage. Or share liturgies you’ve prepared for community events.
The work doesn’t stop on Thursdays; WCC aims to heighten awareness at every opportunity.
Visit the website for more information and resources. Share your ideas to PROMOTE the campaign with at nas@wcc-coe.org. | | Caribbean Pre-Conference for the 6th World Conference on Faith and Order | | The World Council of Churches invites you to a historic online event marking the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. The gathering will be a pre-conference for the 6th World Conference on Faith and Order, framed around Caribbean interpretations on ‘Mission’, ‘Faith’, and ‘Unity’.
Date: September 19, 2025
Time: 14:30 CET | 8:30 AM Eastern Caribbean Time
Location: Online via Zoom
Let’s come together in unity, reflection, and faith.
Scan the QR Code to Register or Click the Link Below!
In this Jubilee Year, 2025, WCC’s Faith and Order Commission will have its 6th World Conference from October 24 – 28 in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt. The theme for this year’s conference, which will also commemorate the 1700 years since the gathering of the first Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, is "Where Now for Visible Unity?" | | | Applications Open for 2026–2027 Ecumenical Institute at Bossey | | The chapel of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC
The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, part of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and attached to the University of Geneva, is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 academic programs in ecumenical studies. These internationally recognized programs offer unique opportunities for theological formation, intercultural exchange, and ecumenical engagement.
“Bossey continues to be the ecumenical laboratory where scholarship and community life are woven together in an environment dedicated to mutual understanding, theological depth, and intercultural enrichment,” said Rev. Fr. Dr Lawrence Iwuamadi, incoming academic dean of the Ecumenical Institute.
Four distinct study options are available: Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Ecumenical Studies – A one-semester program (25 ECTS) combining a core course on the history of the ecumenical movement, workshops in biblical and theological studies, thematic seminars, and study visits. Complementary Certificate in Ecumenical Studies (CC) – A more extensive program (30 ECTS), allowing students to deepen their knowledge with additional modules in fields such as ecumenical missiology, social ethics, theology, or biblical hermeneutics. Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Ecumenical Studies – A full-year program (60 ECTS) that includes research methodology, supervised fellowship, research workshops, and a thesis, in addition to the core courses and seminars. The MAS is designed for students preparing for advanced academic, ecclesial, or interfaith leadership roles. Intensive English Summer Course (EC) – Held prior to the academic year, this course supports students who wish to strengthen their English proficiency for ecumenical study and dialogue. Courses are tailored to beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Application deadline: November 30 | | | MCC Sponsors 'Democracy in Crisis' | | | | | | Applications for the next Abundant Life Cohort will close September 1. Partners in Health and Wholeness is excited to announce its new Abundant Life initiative, a partnership with North Carolina congregations to discern where God is calling them to make a positive impact on mental health and emotional well-being in their communities.
The Abundant Life initiative will be a journey of communal study, reflection, and training to help churches explore the connection of mind, body, and spirit through a biblical and theological lens. Learn more about the Abundant Life process.
Only faith communities are eligible to apply. A faith community is defined as a group of people who regularly gather for worship as part of an established faith tradition. This does not include stand-alone nonprofits, Bible study groups, or informal gatherings that lack regular worship services. We also need to verify your identity through social media, website presence, or denomination verification.
The Abundant Life initiative is about reimagining what it means to live a fully abundant life. This cohort will focus on behavioral health, offering practical tools, shared wisdom, and supportive coaching for congregations seeking to respond faithfully to the opioid epidemic and mental health challenges to create communities of healing and holistic wellbeing of mind, body, and spirit. Each cohort will explore how to cultivate communities rooted in healing, resilience, and justice. | | | Creation Care and Resilience: Oreon E. Scott Clergy Conference, September 16–19 | | Register now for the "Resilience and Restoration in the Mountains" Clergy Retreat on September 16–19, 2025, at the beautiful Christmount Christian Conference and Retreat Center. This retreat focuses on clergy and community resilience, and creation care and climate justice.
You'll spend transformative days with distinguished speakers, including Rev. Dr. Heber M. Brown III (keynote speaker and founder of the Black Church Food Security Network), Rev. Carol Devine (Faith and Climate Educator), Rev. Dr. Dara Cobb Lewis (Spiritual Director), and Luke Cannon (Mountain Ecologist), alongside ecumenical colleagues and pastoral innovators.
Whether you're new to creation care or a long-time advocate, you'll gain new language and tools to inspire your congregation to care for God's good earth, interwoven with space for rest, relationship, prayer, and good food.
Registration is open to all ordained Christian clergy with sliding scale options and travel scholarships available. (Email Rev. Carol Devine, carold@ecoamerica.org, if you need travel assistance.) | | | Congressional Black Caucus Annual NREI Summit November 1, 2025 | | Come to New Orleans to commemorate five years of the National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI)! The 2025 NREI Summit will bring together thought leaders, advocates, and changemakers committed to advancing racial equity across the justice and education systems. Together, we will explore transformative solutions that center Black communities and reimagine pathways to opportunity and justice. From dynamic conversations to community-focused engagement, the Summit will offer space to reflect, strategize, and build power. 📌 Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details on programming and registration. | | | Freedom Church of the Poor Holds Black August Sunday Service / Bible Study Series | | | | Register for Virtual
Christian Climate Training | | September is the Season of Creation, and Blessed Tomorrow is partnering with nine denominations to offer a free live, virtual Christian Climate Training on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 - 11:30 am PT. It will include breakouts by denomination. The majority of Americans are concerned about climate change. But they think only half of those around them feel the same way. As a person of faith, you can help others see they’re not alone in their concern and invite them to take action. The Christian Climate Training equips you with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and resources to speak and take action on climate change from a Christian faith perspective in your home, neighborhood, church, community, with policymakers, and beyond. After the training, you’re invited to become part of the Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador Community, which provides ongoing support, resources, events, and a vast community of Climate Ambassadors from across the U.S. | | | North Carolina Council of Churches Prepares for 90th Anniversary Celebration | | This November, the North Carolina Council of Churches will celebrate 90 years of prophetic witness, faith-rooted advocacy, and ecumenical partnership. We invite everyone to celebrate with us for a day of worship, community, and joy!
NCCC is inviting congregations and organizations to be a part of this historic milestone by becoming a sponsor for this event. Sponsorship will offer a unique opportunity to support our continued work for justice while also receiving exclusive benefits, including:
VIP access to a private reception with the Right Reverend Michael B. Curry Reserved seating during the worship service, where Bishop Curry will deliver a powerful message, followed by a live podcast recording of Everything Happens with Kate Bowle
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