Follow NCC on Social Media! | | | | | | | NCC Calls the Nation to Prayer with “Deliver Us from Evil”
Lenten Campaign | | Expanding Its #WeWillNotBeSilent Initiative, the NCC Invites People of Faith and Goodwill, Churches and Community Groups, Across the Country to Unite in Daily Prayer Beginning Ash Wednesday
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) is launching “Deliver Us from Evil,” a nationwide Lenten prayer campaign beginning Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Representing 37 member denominations and more than 30 million Christians across Orthodox, Mainline Protestant, Evangelical, Anglican, Peace, and historic African American traditions, the NCC has issued this bold call to collective prayer as an extension of its ongoing #WeWillNotBeSilent campaign, which has mobilized people of faith to raise their prophetic voices for justice, compassion, and the protection of the vulnerable.
The NCC is asking people across the country, regardless of religious tradition, to join in a unified act of faith. Here’s how to participate: Pray daily at noon wherever you are. On Ash Wednesday, participants are asked to wear black throughout the day as a visible sign of witness and unity. Create or obtain a sign bearing the words “Deliver Us from Evil — Matthew 6:13,” take a photo, and share it on social media platforms and tag NCC (IG: @nccc.usa; FB: @nationalcouncilofchurches; Threads: nccc.usa; X and Bluesky: @ncccusa). Gather with prayer partners, prayer groups, or your congregation.
“‘Deliver Us from Evil’ takes its name from the prayer Jesus taught, recognizing that the challenges facing today’s communities demand more than strategy. They require spiritual intervention,” explained Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, NCC president and general secretary.
Bishop McKenzie continued: “This is a communal cry. Jesus did not pray, ‘Deliver me from evil.’ He prayed, ‘Deliver us from evil.’ We pray for parents, teachers, and caregivers who are weary, children going hungry, pastors under pressure, families facing challenges, and communities under threat. We pray for one another because none of us is safe alone.”
“Deliver Us from Evil” builds on the foundation laid by the NCC’s #WeWillNotBeSilent campaign, which called on the ecumenical community to use its collective voice as an instrument of justice and moral witness in the public square. As #WeWillNotBeSilent declares that the church will speak boldly against injustice, “Deliver Us from Evil” anchors that prophetic courage in the oldest discipline the Church has known: prayer.
“The Lord still answers prayer,” Bishop McKenzie affirmed. “The God of the Exodus is still breaking chains. The Christ of Calvary is still defeating sin, death, and hell. Then, after we pray, we get up off our knees, roll up our sleeves, and go to work!”
NCC Media Contact: Layla Nielsen, Layla@LaylaNielsen.com | | Join NCC and Faith Leaders for
National Webinar, Feb. 16 | | | | | Join “A Call to Christians in a Crisis of Faith and Democracy” Virtual Prayer Service, Feb. 18 | | On Ash Wednesday, NCC and partner ministries invite you to join a diverse group of Christian leaders across traditions for a virtual prayer service at 8:00 p.m. ET on February 18, to launch A Call to Christians in a Crisis of Faith and Democracy, a bold call to courage in the face of cruelty and growing authoritarianism, and the misuse and abuse of our faith. In a time that calls for moral clarity and action, this gathering offers space to center ourselves, pray for the most vulnerable and our nation’s leaders, and renew our shared commitment to justice. We hope you will join us and share this invitation widely across your networks so that thousands of voices and hearts can be present together in this space of repentance and a call to courageous action. | | | Friendship Press to Host Webinar Celebrating Launch of NCC Commemorative Bible, Feb. 17 | | Celebrate the launch of the NCC New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition Commemorative Bible with Bishop McKenzie and a panel of voices from across NCC member communions, sharing the traditions and histories that have shaped our faith.
Scripture and the Church Today: How We Continue the Biblical Story February 17, 6:00 p.m. ET | | | | NCC Staff Gathers for Quarterly Koinonia Focused on Unity and Purpose | | On Tuesday, February 10, staff of the National Council of Churches (NCC) gathered for their Quarterly Koinonia, a time set aside for reflection, learning, and collective engagement under the theme, “…For Such a Time as This,” drawn from Esther 4:14 (NSRVue).
Held at the Methodist Building as part of the ongoing goal of “Working Better Together,” the koinonia convened NCC staff members to learn from a variety of faith leaders, advocates, and ecumenical partners and to reflect on the moral and spiritual responsibilities of the present moment. The theme underscored a shared sense of calling and accountability in a time marked by social, political, and spiritual challenges.
The morning opened with a meditation led by Rev. Stephen Green, pastor of Allen Cathedral AME Church. After setting a spiritual and purposeful tone for the day, the day-long session proceeded with presentations from a distinguished group of leaders representing a broad spectrum of Christian witness and public engagement.
Among the presenters was Rev. Jane Field, executive director of the Maine Council of Churches; Rev. Anita Gould, political director of Faith in Action; Bridget Moix, General Secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL); and Carmelo Santos, PhD, ELCA Director for Theological Diversity and Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement in the Office of the Presiding Bishop.
Other participants included Dr. Brenda Girton, an NCC alumna and an internationally renowned advocate for human and civil rights. An attorney and president of Girton‑Mitchell Associates, LLC, Dr. Girton’s career embodies the integration of faith, justice, and professional leadership.
Brian Sigmon, CEO of Friendship Press, reinforced the role of storytelling, publishing, and public theology in shaping faith‑informed discourse.
The closing koinonia presentation was on the MOSAIC Ecumenical Storytelling Initiative, led by Rev. Sushama Conner, MOSAIC Program Director.
The February gathering reaffirmed NCC’s ongoing commitment to internal collaboration, reflection, and faithful action. Staff who were unable to attend in person participated virtually. | | | Join the WSCF-US for the 2026 National Student Conference, "Study War No More," for a time of community building, interactive learning, theological deepening, worship, and much more. Learn more about this year's conference theme, schedule, speakers, and workshops here. When: April 9-12, 2026 Where: Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA (Metro Atlanta) Who: Students (undergrad & graduate), non-student young adults (18-35 yrs), campus ministers, chaplains, higher education & denominational staff, WSCF friends and alumni
Registration cost (includes meals): Students & non-student young adults: $100 Campus ministers, chaplains, higher education or denominational staff, WSCF friends & alumni: $250 + housing
Note on housing: Housing will be provided at no additional cost for students and non-student young adults traveling from outside of the Atlanta area. WSCF-US is exploring housing options for campus ministers, chaplains, higher ed and denominational staff, WSCF friends and alumni, and will provide more information as it is available. Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 If you have questions about the conference or registration, please contact wscftrustees@gmail.com.
Click here to register. | | Blessed Tomorrow Seeks Hosts for National Faith and Climate Forum | | Join Blessed Tomorrow on Saturday, April 25, as a host location for the National Faith + Climate Forum, a powerful national gathering uniting people of faith to lead on climate solutions grounded in justice, hope, and spiritual courage. Host a gathering at your congregation, campus, or community space and: ✅ Experience the live-streamed national event together
✅ Participate in powerful conversations
✅ Inspire climate action rooted in faith in your community
Blessed Tomorrow makes hosting easy with a turnkey planning guide, customizable outreach materials, faith-rooted climate resources, and direct support every step of the way.
Host locations can receive up to $500, and host locations with 15+ attendees will receive preferential consideration for grants of up to $1,000 to support climate or creation care work in their communities. Register Your Location Today! | | Ecumenical Partners Sponsor
'Faithful Resistance'
Public Witness Event, Feb 25 | | Join ecumenical and interfaith leaders and communities in Washington, DC, for a public witness grounded in worship, moral courage, and solidarity with neighbors.
The day will begin with worship, followed by a prayerful procession to the U.S. Capitol and afternoon congressional visits. Stay tuned for livestream information.
February 25, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
10 AM | Worship at Capitol Hill UMC
11 AM | Process to the U.S. Capitol
Click here for more information. | | ABC Church Hosts 'The Power of Sisterhood Luncheon' February 24 | | This is an open invitation to lunch at the historic Baptist Building, home of the D.C. Baptist Convention, as they gather to celebrate, strengthen, and support women in ministry. Featuring a keynote address from Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque, interim pastor at Broadneck Baptist Church, this event will celebrate the gifts and elevate the voices of women in ministry across our Baptist family.
Together, these gifted leaders will inspire, encourage, and remind us of the vital role women play in ministry and the connections that sustain it.
This luncheon is not simply about sharing a meal—it is about lifting one another up, celebrating sisterhood, and ensuring that women’s voices, gifts, and stories are seen, heard, and valued.
This luncheon is hosted by American Baptist Churches USA, Office of the General Secretary, and the District of Columbia Baptist Convention.
Click here for more information. | | NEWorks Productions Announces
'Just Like Selma' Hymn-sing Project! | | In February 2026, NEWorks is inviting congregations and choirs nationwide to join the ‘Just Like Selma’ Hymn-sing Project in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, founded in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
Imagine 100+ congregations and choirs across the nation uniting in worship through the singing of a new social justice hymn.
A National PSA & Hymn-sing Project As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, NEWorks Productions is launching phase two of its Freedom Advances campaign, an expansive civic initiative that confronts the unfinished promise of American democracy. Central to this phase is a new work that spotlights the Civil Rights Movement’s power to reshape the nation: Just Like Selma.
On “Bloody Sunday,” March 7, 1965, the nation recoiled in horror as state troopers brutally attacked peaceful protestors on Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge.
This history will be illumined anew through Just Like Selma, a stirring new social justice hymn inspired by King's ‘How Long, Not Long’ speech delivered on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol 60 years ago. Composed by Nolan Williams, Jr, the hymn echoes the sounds of Black church devotional songs and Civil Rights anthems. It will be released in time for the MLK national holiday in January 2026.
That release will be followed by the "Just Like Selma" Hymn-sing Project, engaging more than 100 churches, chapels, and choirs across the nation to program the hymn as part of their Black History Month observances. Just Like Selma is a call to remembrance and an urgent reminder that the work of perfecting our democracy is unfinished.
As new generations face renewed battles over democracy, access, and equality, Just Like Selma is a reminder that the courage and strategy of those who marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge remain urgently relevant.
Click HERE for more information and to register.
Listen to a sound clip HERE. | | STATE/REGIONAL COUNCIL NEWS | | North Carolina Council Offers
Free Lenten Guide | | This Lenten season, join the North Carolina Council of Churches in a journey of reflection, learning, and faithful action. Each week focuses on a theme—from mental health and farmworker justice to creation care, economic justice, immigration, and democracy—offering scripture, insights, and simple actions you can take to care for your community and the world.
These daily prompts invite participants to live their faith boldly, showing God’s love through prayer, solidarity, and action for justice. Print this guide and follow along each day, letting faith and compassion shape your Lenten journey.
Download the 2026 Lenten Guide. | | | | | Newest Friendship Press Release! | | | | | | Roots of Resilience: Black History Through the Eyes of Faith ($19.99) Roots of Resilience: Black History Through the Eyes of Faith is a transformative guide designed to empower churches and communities to teach Black History with confidence and conviction. At a time when public education faces challenges in preserving these vital narratives, this resource places the stories of Black Americans within the context of faith, resilience, and justice.
Grounded in biblical principles, Roots of Resilience connects historical struggles and triumphs to the ongoing call for equity and love in action. Readers, congregations, and small groups alike will discover how understanding the past can illuminate the path toward a better future. | | More from Friendship Press… |
|
|
|
