Follow NCC on Social Media! | | | | | | | NCC Mourns Lives Lost, Calls for DHS Transparency and Accountability | | Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,
who put darkness for light and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20 (NRSVue)
The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, ICU colleagues, and loved ones of Alex Jeffery Pretti, a U.S. citizen who was killed on Saturday, January 24, in Minneapolis by U.S. Border Patrol agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Our prayers are with them as they navigate their tremendous grief journey and prepare to remember and honor a life that was ended far too soon and unnecessarily so.
Scripture calls us to weep (mourn) with those who weep (Romans 12:15, NRSVue), and we stand with Alex Pretti’s family and the Minneapolis community as they grapple with yet another senseless act of violence carried out by a government entity that is systematically violating the dignity and rights of God’s people.
The fatal shooting of Pretti follows the deaths of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on January 7, and Keith Porter, Jr. in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. These deaths raise grave and growing concerns about the presence, role, and intent of CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in communities across the country. No fewer than six people have died in ICE custody in January.
Alarmingly, video footage and eyewitness accounts in both Minneapolis and Los Angeles directly contradict official statements issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other government officials. These discrepancies are deeply troubling and demand urgent scrutiny. Additionally, video evidence revealing the harsh treatment of children—some barely old enough to attend elementary school—and other vulnerable individuals is egregious. Such conduct reflects profound failures in training, accountability, and moral leadership at the highest levels of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In this moment of upheaval, fear, and uncertainty, NCC calls for immediate transparency and accountability. Federal funding for DHS-led CBP and ICE operations must be halted until thorough, independent investigations are conducted and justice is pursued for those who have tragically lost their lives at the hands of federal immigration agents.
We further call on people of faith and goodwill to contact their members of Congress and demand an end to DHS funding for operations that lack moral decency and meaningful guardrails, oversight, and protections for constitutional rights.
CBP and ICE were ostensibly created to promote public safety—not to terrorize communities, strip people of their dignity and rights. The unchecked violence and harassment at the hands of federal immigration agents is antithetical to the values upon which this nation was founded and stands in direct opposition to Christian faith and witness.
“It is unimaginable that this is happening in the United States of America, but this nightmare in communities across the country must come to an end,” said Bishop Vashti McKenzie, NCC President and General Secretary. “Our faith requires us to stand with these families and communities and call for an end to this crisis manufactured by fabricated accounts of dangerous immigrants, which are blatantly overstated and mostly false.”
At this painful moment, NCC stands in solidarity with the Minnesota Council of Churches, the loved ones of those killed, the families of those detained or disappeared, and all of God’s people seeking justice, safety, and peace amid this profound national crisis.
NCC will not be silent. #WeWillNotBeSilent | | NCC Joins with Faith Organizations in
Solidarity with Greenland | | | Washington, D.C.— The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) joined an urgent meeting convened by the World Council of Churches and church leaders from Greenland, Denmark, the wider Nordic region (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland), and Canada earlier this month to discuss the Trump administration’s plans to take ownership and control of Greenland. Over the last several weeks, the administration’s comments about buying and controlling Greenland appear to have been more than speculative, triggering a crisis between the U.S. and its NATO allies. Church leaders gathered to discuss ways to stand together, support the people of Greenland and one another, and bear witness to Christ in their home countries and globally amid international upheaval. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, NCC’s president and general secretary, emphasized the ecumenical body’s support for and solidarity with Greenlanders. “We stand with Greenland. We are praying with you. We are standing with you. We are being vocal with you. We will not be silent about Greenland and our siblings across the world.” Bishop McKenzie also shared thoughts on how churches can stand in solidarity during this time of crisis, including: listening to global voices; prayer as public witness; creating opportunities to worship together; and developing stronger infrastructure to check on, support, and care for one another. Rev. Terri Hord Owens, NCC vice chair and general minister and president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, noted, “We in the U.S. are using all the tools available to us to stand with the people of Greenland and resist these actions by the federal government. We will continue to speak out and encourage our churches and our clergy to be visible in their resistance, standing for the liberties that God has granted us.” Bishop Paneeraq Siegstad Munk of Greenland, who remarked that the island was experiencing attention it is not accustomed to, shared, “What we need to know in Greenland is that we are not alone. We are used to having to wait until the snowstorm is over for the sun to come back.” Several church leaders expressed concerns about what it would mean to buy or own a country and its people. Criticism of U.S. militarization and neocolonialistic aggression was also raised, particularly that this crisis disregards Greenland’s trajectory of independence from Denmark. The issue of Greenlandic self-determination was a theme that church leaders underscored in their comments. WCC General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, emphasized that Greenland is not land to be purchased. He also commented that there is strength when churches and ecumenical organizations stand together. “Crisis has a tendency to bring people together… Greenland brings us together to express our solidarity and to be mindful about other crises as well,” he said. Additionally, Rev. Prof. Dr. Pillay remarked, “We value the opportunity to accompany member churches and regions and contexts in struggles and suffering, and we also value the opportunity to be a global platform and a global voice to these particular experiences.” Despite outcries from numerous sectors around the world, the U.S. envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, revealed in a New York Times editorial (Thursday, Jan. 29) that the U.S. is expecting to gain “total, unfettered access to the island.” As this crisis unfolds, NCC joins a worldwide faith community in supporting Greenland’s right to self-determination and self-governance. Further, NCC echoes calls for the U.S. to respect the will of Greenlanders and existing alliances, to work cooperatively with Greenland, Denmark, and NATO to address Greenland's concerns, and to end its inflammatory threats and actions toward the country. The body of faith leaders convened to address this urgent situation represented worldwide interests. Peter Prove, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, served as the meeting moderator. Others on the call representing the U.S. included: Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ, who joined the meeting from Germany; Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland, NCC senior associate general secretary and advocacy director; and, Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith, WCC North American president who represents the National Baptist Convention USA on NCC’s Governing Board. Dr. Walker-Smith delivered remarks and closed the meeting with a prayer. A recap of the WCC meeting is available here. | | | Friendship Press to Host Webinar Celebrating Launch of NCC Commemorative Bible | | 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 | | | Faithful Advocates Pray with
Their Feet in Nation's Capital | | An interfaith prayer service at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, DC, preceded the visit to the Hart Senate Office Building. Photo: Church World Service | On Thursday, January 29, hundreds of people of faith gathered in Washington, DC, despite the cold and ice, to pray and then demand accountability for the actions of federal immigration agents. The Senate is considering legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including immigration enforcement actions that have ripped communities apart and resulted in numerous deaths. NCC joined more than two dozen sponsors, including Faith in Action and several NCC member communions, to convene an interfaith group of advocates. Following an interfaith prayer service at Lutheran Church of the Reformation and training—as well as words from Minneapolis faith leaders, Senators Angela Alsobrooks (MD), and Christoper Coons (DE)—advocates held meetings with their senators, and dozens were arrested in an act of civil disobedience in the Hart Senate Office Building. One day prior to the gathering, NCC issued a statement mourning the loss of lives and demanding transparency and accountability from DHS prior to any new funding for the agency.
Watch the prayer service video on Facebook. | | Clergy and other people of faith at an interfaith prayer service at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, DC, on January 29. Photo: Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism | | NCC Governing Board Chair Hosts Ecumenical Prayer Service | | His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, NCC governing board chair, with other clergy gathered at an ecumenical service to observe the 58th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Photo: Matt Markay, NCC | On Thursday, January 29, National Council of Churches governing board chair, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, hosted an ecumenical prayer service at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City in observance of the 58th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Ecumenical leaders from across the country gathered to pray and celebrate the hope found in our unity in Christ. While ecumenical in nature, the service honored the traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church, its members creating the materials for this year's week of prayer. Staff member Matthew Markay represented NCC at the Manhattan service. NCC Governing Board members participating in the service included: His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America) His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian (Armenian Church of America) Rev. Kirsten Guidero, PhD (The Episcopal Church) Rev. Nicolas Kazarian, PhD (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America)
During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, NCC posted brief daily prayers online offered by members of various NCC communions. Click here to view the prayers on NCC’s YouTube channel. | | His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, NCC governing board chair, with NCC's Matthew Markay (far left) with (far right) His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian (Armenian Church of America), Rev. Kirsten Guidero, PhD (The Episcopal Church), and Rev. Nicolas Kazarian, PhD (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America). Photo: Matt Markay, NCC | | 2026 WSCF-US National Student Conference Registration Open | | 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. | | Journalist, Others Arrested After Covering Minnesota Church Protest | | Don Lemon, who was terminated by CNN in 2023, claims to have no affiliation with the organization that coordinated the church protest and was there solely as a journalist chronicling protesters. Photo: Shutterstock/Lev Radin | Religion News Service — Journalist Don Lemon and three other people were arrested Friday in connection with an anti-immigration protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church and increased tensions between residents and the Trump administration, officials said.
Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he had been covering the Grammy Awards, his attorney Abbe Lowell said. It is unclear what charge(s) Lemon and the others are facing in the Jan. 18 protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul. Lemon’s arrest came after a magistrate judge last week rejected prosecutors’ initial bid to charge him.
Lemon, who was terminated by CNN in 2023, has said he has no affiliation with the organization that went into the church and that he was there solely as a journalist chronicling protesters.
“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” Lowell said in a statement. “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on social media Friday morning, confirming the arrest of Lemon and others who were present during the protest at the church where a local official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement serves as a pastor.
Read full story here. | | 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' Feb 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 | Minnesota Council Issues
Statement and Prayer | | January 7, 2025
Today, our hearts are heavy.
We know that a woman was killed in Minneapolis during an encounter involving federal immigration enforcement. Regardless of the legal processes still unfolding, the loss of life itself demands our moral attention, our grief, and our resolve.
At the Minnesota Council of Churches, we speak from a faith tradition that insists every human being is created in the image of God. From Genesis to the prophets, from the Psalms to the Gospels, we are reminded again and again that the measure of a society is how it treats the most vulnerable in its midst.
No one in our state should have to leave their home in fear that an ordinary day could end in detention, arrest, or physical harm. Fear is not safety. Violence is not order. And policies or actions that sow terror in our neighborhoods are neither just nor sustainable.
Read full statement here. | | 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 Releases from Friendship Press… |
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