Follow NCC on Social Media! | | | | | | NCC Joins the Nation in Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson | | Rev. Jesse Jackson announced his candidacy for the Democratic Presidential nomination on November 3, 1983, becoming the eighth candidate for the Democratic nomination that year. He explained, "I want the Presidency because I want to affirm my belief that leadership is colorless and genderless." (Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images) | WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) joins the nation and world in mourning the death of faith and civil rights leader, the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, a trailblazer, gifted orator, tireless advocate, and global champion of human rights for all people. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and all whose lives he impacted. Rev. Jackson dedicated his life to fighting for justice and standing up for the most vulnerable. His ministry advocating for others put him on an international stage, making an impact that reverberated throughout the U.S. and across the global village. He was a giant in our midst who centered his faith in God in all that he did, leaving an indelible imprint on our lives, communities, culture, and consciousness. His ministry work for justice meant his path crossed with NCC many times throughout the years, including during the Civil Rights Movement and the 2018 ACT NOW! To End Racism Rally on the National Mall in remembrance of the 50th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination. Born October 8, 1941, in Greenville, S.C., to a single teenage mother, Rev. Jackson used his story of struggle, hardship, and trial to overcome the obstacles that were before him. His experiences with racism and poverty cultivated compassion that catapulted him to be a leading political, religious, and civil rights leader in the country. An ordained Baptist minister, Rev. Jackson used his oratorical skills to change hearts, minds, and attitudes. His refrains in his speeches of “I understand,” “I am Somebody,” and “Keep Hope Alive,” endeared him to the nation and gave voice to poor and marginalized people across racial, ethnic, class, and gender differences. A prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Jackson participated in the marches from Selma to Montgomery, eventually becoming a key figure who helped organize other efforts under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Bevel. They recognized Rev. Jackson’s leadership skills and charisma, and eventually appointed him to head the Chicago branch of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Operation Breadbasket, a job placement agency for Black people. His work in civil rights led him to form the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and later to serve as the shadow delegate and shadow senator for the District of Columbia. Rev. Jackson also broadened his work internationally by securing the release of Navy Lt. Robert Goodman, an American pilot being held captive by the Syrian government. Furthermore, he negotiated the release of 22 Americans being held in Cuba by Fidel Castro, and in 1991, on the eve of the Persian Gulf War, he convinced Saddam Hussein to release 20 Americans and several British hostages rather than using them as human shields. Rev. Jackson was also a fierce advocate for the end of apartheid in South Africa. Rev. Jackson departed this life on February 17, 2026, and now rests with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Few figures, if any, in American history have had the depth, breadth, and sustained influence of Rev. Jackson. He gave people hope and inspiration, helped them to not feel ashamed of where they came from, and spoke loudly on behalf of the most vulnerable. His courage was contagious, and his witness and commitment to justice were unwavering. In 1984 and 1988, he made history by running for president of the United States, capturing national and worldwide attention with historic results in both campaigns, although he did not receive the party’s nomination. His words from a 1984 speech seem particularly prophetic and important in this moment. “Leadership must heed the call of conscience,” said Rev. Jackson. “Time is neutral and does not change things. With courage and initiative, leaders change things.” Rev. Jackson’s courage, steadfastness, and fortitude changed communities, the nation, and the world. This nation owes Rev. Jackson a debt of gratitude and honor for his life of service, faith, and action. May he rest in peace and power, and may his memory be a blessing. | | NCC, Faith Partners Join Ash Wednesday Prayer Vigil Near
White House | | Photos: Hannah Santos, United Church of Christ | | NCC and Andrew Young Center to
Co-host Documentary Premiere | | Free screening closes Black History Month with a living history conversation featuring Ambassador Andrew Young and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
ATLANTA — The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) and the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership at Morehouse College will co-host the premiere screening of Faith on the Frontline on Thursday, February 26, at Morehouse College’s Bank of America Auditorium in the Shirley E. Massey Leadership Building.
The free, public event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. EST, followed by the screening and a living history conversation with Ambassador Andrew Young and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. The mini-documentary chronicles the NCC’s 75 years of ecumenical witness for peace, moral leadership, and the healing of the world, spotlighting an impressive array of faith leaders in shaping movements for justice nationwide. The film also highlights the enduring role of Black faith leadership by featuring Ambassador Young, a former NCC president, alongside current President and General Secretary Bishop McKenzie, the first African-American woman to serve in both roles at the nation’s largest ecumenical body. “We felt it appropriate to close Black History Month with this remarkable collection of stories that can be found in no other repository,” said Bishop McKenzie. “This premiere at Morehouse College, the alma mater of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is a homecoming for these stories of faith and courage.” Jann Adams, Ph.D., Lead Director of the Andrew Young Center at Morehouse, shared, “Ambassador Young and Bishop McKenzie are trailblazing faith leaders, each breaking glass ceilings and opening doors for others while leading faith-driven, principled, and consequential lives. Their service to their respective denominations and on the national stage sets them apart as exemplars of servant leadership." Faith on the Frontline is the first documentary released by the NCC’s MOSAIC Storytelling Initiative, directed by Malesha “Mali” Taylor and produced by Wes Browning of Sema Films, with Rev. Brittini L. Palmer as writer and Joseph An as editor.
Supported by a $5 million grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. through its National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life, the five-year MOSAIC initiative will build a national repository of up to 500 stories of faith, justice, and unity, along with a digital story archive, Story Booth Popups, an annual Story Festival, and a film micro-grant program for emerging filmmakers.
Following its premiere, Faith on the Frontline will be available on the official MOSAIC YouTube channel at youtube.com/@nccmosaic. | | | | Freedom on the Line and
Food Insecurity | What You Need to Know Last week, the House voted to amend S. 1383—originally a veterans bill—by replacing it with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act. Under the bill, states could not accept or process voter registration applications without specified documentation, such as a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. The legislation also changes registration procedures at motor vehicle agencies and for mail-in applications, requiring proof to be submitted within set deadlines.
DHS Funding and the Partial Government Shutdown In an effort to avert another government shutdown, the House narrowly passed the remaining six appropriations bills, including extending funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its agencies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In response, the Senate advanced an alternative appropriations package that would keep much of the government open while excluding DHS funding. On Friday, House and Senate Democratic leadership issued a letter outlining reforms they say must be adopted before they will support future DHS appropriations.
Food Insecurity and the 2026 Farm Bill On Friday, Chairman Thompson released an 802-page draft of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Title IV reauthorizes and updates the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation’s largest food assistance program for low-income households. The bill attempts to modernize administrative processes, permanently authorizes online SNAP purchasing, updates retailer requirements, extends existing fraud and trafficking prevention authorities, modestly enhances EBT security, and provides states with temporary flexibility to address eligibility backlogs during emergencies or staffing shortages. It also adds new oversight and reporting requirements related to payment accuracy and administrative costs.
What This Means Under the SAVE America Act, voter registration would require possession of specific government-issued citizenship documents that many eligible voters do not readily have.
For many Americans, the financial and logistical barriers are significant. A U.S. passport can cost between $130 and $165, and obtaining a certified birth certificate may require additional fees, documentation, travel, and time.
The unresolved DHS funding dispute reflects deep disagreement over immigration enforcement and federal accountability in our nation. The partial government shutdown underscores how sharply divided Congress remains on these issues.
What We’re Doing For decades, the National Council of Churches has advocated for the protection and expansion of voting rights as a core expression of our commitment to justice, human dignity, and democratic participation. In response to the SAVE America Act, NCC issued an action alert urging member communions to contact Congress and oppose this legislation, while engaging directly with lawmakers and coalition partners to safeguard equal access to the ballot.
NCC has consistently supported the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which seeks to restore and strengthen key provisions of the Voting Rights Act weakened by recent Supreme Court decisions, urging congressional leadership to prioritize its passage.
On DHS funding, NCC issued a powerful statement and action alert calling on member communions to contact Congress and insist that appropriations for CBP and ICE not move forward without independent investigations, accountability for lives lost, and enforceable guardrails and constitutional protections.
NCC also actively engages Members of Congress on the Farm Bill, with particular focus on SNAP. Our advocacy seeks increased funding to reflect rising food costs, protect benefits, and prevent rollbacks that would weaken SNAP’s anti-hunger mission.
What You Can Do Contact your Members of Congress to vote NO on restrictive voter registration legislation, insist on DHS funding with meaningful oversight and accountability, and support a Farm Bill reauthorization that strengthens SNAP and ensures food security for those in greatest need. | | | | | | Christians Nationwide are urged to sign this call to courageous and faithful witness and join nearly 400 church leaders this week who began the season of Lent by challenging the distortion of Christianity that is used to justify policy violence in America today. Church leaders from dozens of Christian traditions signed the statement that reads, in part, “we call on Christians to remember that we serve a mighty and awesome God, who is sovereign over nations and rulers.” | | Friendship Press Webinar Celebrated Launch of NCC Commemorative Bible | | ICYMI: Watch the Webinar Here | | | On February 17, Friendship Press hosted a webinar to celebrate the publication of the NCC 75th Anniversary Commemorative Bible.
Panel participants were: Dr. John Dorhauer, United Church of Christ general minister and president (GMP); Rev. Dr. Nicolas Kazarian, ecumenical officer and director of the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; and Rev. Dr. Paul A. McAllister, founder and president of Global Leaders in Unity and Evolvement (GLUE), a 501(c)(3) think tank focused on international peace and conflict resolution. Dr. Brian Sigmon, Friendship Press CEO opened the webinar, which was moderated by Rev. Olivia M. Cloud, NCC editorial Consultant, with Bishop Vashti McKenzie guiding the conversation with additional insights.
Each panelist shared his perspective on the relevance of Scripture to his respective communion. Dr. Dorhauer explained that the UCC values active congregational participation grounded in a “serious—but not literal—engagement with Scripture.” He also addressed the denomination’s belief in the priesthood of all believers and congregational autonomy; therefore, UCC churches hold a wide range of theological positions (conservative, moderate, liberal), including differing views on LGBTQ ordination. Despite these differences, the core conviction is that disagreement should not prevent fellowship, since all perspectives arise from a shared commitment to the biblical canon.
Rev. Dr. Kazarian shared his perspective from an Orthodox Christian view that emphasizes continuity between Scripture, tradition, and the lived experiences of the church. Revelation is understood as ongoing through Christ and transmitted from generation to generation by the Holy Spirit. Scripture is inseparable from tradition and the life of the church, to the point that “even if written Bibles disappeared, the faith could be rewritten through lived experience, preserving revelation without diminishing the existing canon.”
Rev. Dr. McAllister offered that the early Christian community can guide responses to modern global and political tensions, such as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. He stressed examining the fruits of actions rather than ideological claims, modeling unity in Christ, and responding to injustice with humility, compassion, and self-examination. While acknowledging deep disagreements and historical trauma, Dr. McAllister posited that “faithfulness requires grounding political and ethical responses in God’s justice, love, and the shared humanity of all people.”
In gratitude for the success of the "Scripture and the Church Today: How We Continue the Biblical Story" webinar, Friendship Press is offering 20 percent off the $74.99 purchase price. Enter the code NCC2026 when you purchase. | | | Cardinal Tobin Leads Ash Wednesday Masses Inside New Jersey ICE Facility | | NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) — Cardinal Joseph Tobin, the archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, entered the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility Wednesday morning (Feb. 18) to celebrate an Ash Wednesday Mass for detainees.
Newark Auxiliary Bishops Pedro Bismarck Chau, Manuel Cruz and Gregory Studerus, who is retired, are also expected to celebrate Ash Wednesday Masses at Delaney Hall later Wednesday. Newark Auxiliary Bishops Pedro Bismarck Chau, Manuel Cruz and Gregory Studerus, who is retired, are also expected to celebrate Ash Wednesday Masses at Delaney Hall later Wednesday. Tobin, who celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass again later at St. Patrick’s, Newark’s historic “old cathedral,” said starting the day with detainees was his priority. “It’s important for the church to be part of this place, out of respect for the dignity of those women and men,” he said as he exited the facility escorted in the Newark sheriff’s blacked-out GMC. The cardinal celebrated two Masses with the women detained inside and said that despite their detention, they showed strength. “It was sad and yet there was a serenity among them, because they’re women of great courage,” he said. Providing spiritual support in this moment is important, said the cardinal, adding that faith is “a way of looking at life that sees more than meets the eye, and faith is part of who they are.” | | | COB Intercultural Ministries Presents ‘Sankofa Storytelling Event’ | | The Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries will present a webinar titled “Sankofa Storytelling Event” on Thursday, February 26, at 2 p.m. ET.
The Sankofa journey begins with readings, recordings, and discussions, includes a bus ride through Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham, and Memphis, and sends disciples to tell the story of our struggle to be the Beloved Community.
Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa., has partnered with members and friends of Payne Church in Huntingdon, Bethel A.M.E. Church in Mount Union, University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College, State College Friends Meeting, and Alabaster House in Mill Creek. Stone Church has sent more than eight cross-racial pairs—two-by-two—to board the bus for the Sankofa journey, look back at our nation’s racial history, and move forward together in truth and in love.
Registration link: www.brethren.org/intercultural/#sankofa | | Brethren Disaster Ministries Seeks Skilled Volunteers | | The August 2023 rebuilding response in Pointe-au-Chien, La., when pilings were being driven to support homes in the bayou community. Photo by Zoe Nagasawa | Brethren Disaster Ministries, with leadership from Cliff Kindy, is organizing a team of skilled volunteers to serve in Pointe-au-Chien, La., from April 7-28 to rebuild a home destroyed by Hurricane Ida in 2021. Organizers are seeking 6 to 10 volunteers to serve for two weeks.
“This is an Indigenous fishing/shrimping community on the Gulf with an enclosed waterway for the shrimp boats, surrounded by a 16-foot dike, houses on 12-foot pilings, and built to withstand 165 mph winds,” said Kindy, who is an experienced Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteer leader.
“They are recognized by Louisiana, not by the US government, so they got no FEMA funds. The Army Corps of Engineers wants them to move because of their vulnerability on the coast, which would mean they lose their community, so they decided to mitigate and stay put.”
Read more at www.brethren.org/news/2026/bdm-seeks-skilled-volunteers. | | CCA General Secretary Offers Condolences on Passing of Pakistani Human Rights Defender | | Chiang Mai, Thailand: The General Secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) offered condolences on the passing of prominent Pakistani human rights defender M.A. Joseph Francis, founding National Director of the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), Lahore, Pakistan.
CLAAS was established in 1992 by Joseph Francis with a deep commitment to addressing the acute need for legal aid, protection, and rehabilitation of victims of human rights violations, particularly individuals charged under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws. Over the years, CLAAS has become a beacon of hope, advocating for the marginalised and persecuted in Pakistan and for other vulnerable groups facing human rights violations, including women and children from religious minority communities.
Recalling his close association with Joseph Francis as part of his human rights advocacy work at the United Nations, the CCA General Secretary Dr Mathews George Chunakara stated that despite personal risks and threats to his life from religious extremists, Francis dedicated his entire life to defending the human rights of persecuted religious minorities in Pakistan.
Read full story here. | | | 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. | | NCCC to Sponsor Mental Health Webinar February 24 | | Tuesday, February 24, noon - 1 p.m. People experiencing mental health crises often find themselves in one of three places: hospitals, jails, or churches. Faith communities are uniquely positioned as trusted, accessible spaces where care, understanding, and connection can begin.
This webinar invites faith leaders and community members to build skills and confidence in responding compassionately and effectively when someone is in crisis. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of crisis, offer supportive presence, and connect individuals to appropriate resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Register Here | | | | | Upcoming Friendship Press Release! | | | | | 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… |
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