Follow NCC on Social Media! | | | | | | | This month, as our nation marks 250 years, NCC Governing Board Chair His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offers a message for America's future. Throughout July, representatives from NCC member communions will offer thoughts and prayers toward a more perfect union.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident….” (The Declaration of Independence) My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
This Fourth of July is a very special one – for we celebrate a quarter of a millennium since the Declaration of Independence that inaugurated our “land of the free and home of the brave,” the United States of America. Two hundred and fifty years is approximately ten generations of Americans, and though there were some who arrived earlier and many who arrived much later, no matter how you became an American, we are all endowed with the same blessing of citizenship in this amazing country.
While there has never been a perfect society, empire, or nation in the history of the world, our United States has endeavored through these generations to be true to its Declaration – not only of Independence, but its avowal that “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” are intrinsic rights of every human being.
As Orthodox Christians, we recognize that every person is endowed with the image of God, even if that image is obscured and marred by sin. Thus, like the Founders of our Country who signed the Declaration of Independence, we acknowledge that we are bestowed by our “Creator with certain unalienable Rights….”
The fundamental equality of every human being before God is a truth that the Founders declared “self-evident,” yet we often see in our world radical inequities and imbalances. Thus, all of us – true to the American spirit – are called to affirm the rights of all others, no matter how different they may seem. For it is not in the exterior signs and marks of locality, culture, language, and personality that the ultimate value of the human person derives. But from the image of God in which they were created.
Our mission is to encourage and work for that image to become the likeness – meaning, for the potential of that shared humanity to find its fulfillment in the ever-aspiring reach toward theosis, toward the life divine by living lives of love, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and grace, following in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Beloved Brethren in the Lord: we are so very blessed to live and thrive in this Land where the values of our self-governance converge with our faith. In the semiquincentennial of our nation’s founding, let us ever rise up to build on the self-evident truths of Faith and freedom, which are the very foundation of our life, our liberty, and our pursuit of happiness. Happy Fourth of July!
With paternal love in Jesus Christ, †ELPIDOPHOROS Archbishop of America
*Originally published in the Orthodox Observer on July 3, 2026. | | Get Vote Ready! Get the NCC Voter Empowerment Guide | | | | | | 250 Years of Multi-Generational Life Stories in the United States | | By Dr. Angelique Walker Smith
NCC Governing Board Member
“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.” Deuteronomy 32:7.
This verse introduces the “Song of Moses” and serves as an invitation for us to always remember days past, present, and future. This reminds me of Sankofa, the West African concept that one must look back to understand and move forward into the future.
In this text, the Israelites stand on the edge of entering the Promised Land. Moses first points to the importance of history/herstory, recalling past generations and reminding God’s people of His deeds. Looking back is meant to prevent people from repeating their ancestors' mistakes. Moses then insists on respect for elders—highlighting the value of oral tradition and the responsibility of the older generation to pass down spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and the story of God’s covenant to the youth.
Last month, the commemoration of the Emancipation Proclamation—and the delayed announcement of that proclamation, called Juneteenth—invited us to consider and reconsider the focus of Moses’ two main points regarding the stories and ancestors of people of Africa and African descent.
We are reminded that 250 years ago, at the founding of the United States, people of African descent were enslaved. It wasn’t until just over one hundred years ago that Black people in the United States could not legally vote, marry, read, or own land or property. Juneteenth reminds us that despite the brutal period of enslavement in the United States and elsewhere, persistent resistance and advocacy for hope and repair were always in the minds and actions of the elders.
Read the full story here. | | NBCUSA Launches Center for Social Justice in United Methodist Building | | Join the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., in celebrating a historic milestone in the life and legacy of NBCUSA with the official dedication of the National Baptist Convention's Center for Social Justice in Washington, D.C. This special occasion marks a continued commitment to faith, advocacy, justice, and service as they work to advance biblical principles that strengthen communities, uplift voices, and promote equity throughout the nation. Come witness this momentous celebration as clergy, civic leaders, community partners, and supporters gather to dedicate a place that will serve as a beacon of hope, justice, and Christian witness for generations to come. Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • 11:30 A.M. United Methodist Building 100 Maryland Avenue N.E. Washington, DC 20002 | | Faiths United to Save Democracy Sponsors Poll Chaplain Training July 13
| | | | Applications Open for
Abundant Life Cohort! | | Applications for the Abundant Life Cohort are open through August 24. This cohort equips faith communities to respond faithfully to mental and behavioral health challenges and become centers of healing and wholeness. Through a structured process, we walk alongside congregations as they develop a plan for becoming hubs of resilience, care, and justice.
Watch the video below to see how your congregation can become a trauma-informed hub of care and support by nurturing clergy, members, and your wider community through the Abundant Life Cohort.
Priority will be given to rural and underserved communities as we seek to support congregations where resources and access to care are often most limited. | | | | | | Toolkit attached to this edition of the newsletter. | | Good Trouble Lives On, July 17–19 | | In remembrance of the late Congressman John Lewis, hundreds of thousands are expected to engage in “Good Trouble Lives On” July 17–19, a national, nonviolent, nonpartisan weekend of action to resist threats to the right to vote.
This year’s action is anchored by non-partisan voter engagement, civic education, and faith-based organizing, under the banner of “Teach! Reach! Preach!” The weekend will bring together grassroots organizations, legal advocates, faith leaders, and community members for a unified collective push to support one another in making our voices heard.
Information about all events is available here.
Teach: (Friday, July 17) Reach: (Saturday, July 18) Preach: (Sunday, July 19) | | | The Black Church and Climate Justice Webinar | | Black Church & Climate Justice Webinar — A Prophetic Call to Action Tuesday, July 28, 2026; 6:30 PM CST (7:30 ET) Hosted by Apostle Sharyn Cosby
The webinar is a prophetic summons for such a time as this. Rooted in the deep spiritual traditions of the Black Church, this virtual gathering invites clergy, faith leaders, laypersons, and community members to explore how environmental justice is inseparable from the gospel’s call to love, liberation, and stewardship.
Participants will join a powerful lineup of clergy, theologians, and climate justice advocates who are confronting the urgent realities of climate change and its disproportionate impact on Black communities. Through Scripture, testimony, and practical strategy, attendees will discover how faith can mobilize communities to heal creation and protect future generations.
| | Explore Relevance of International Law in Cuba, Venezuela | | The Peace and Security Working Group of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) will present a webinar on July 16 titled “The relevance of international law in today's world: untangling the situation in Cuba and Venezuela.”
In addition to offering perspectives from Cuba and Venezuela, the webinar will explore how the ecumenical movement can make a renewed commitment to international law mechanisms.
The webinar is second in a series on regional trends with global impact and perspectives in the ecumenical movement.
Webinar discussions will serve as input for the upcoming Joint Biennial Conference of the WCC Commissions and Reference Groups for Life, Justice, and Peace, to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, October 4–10.
| | Review Outcomes of Patmos Global Summit
for Bible Engagement
The July 16 webinar will review the outcomes of the Patmos Global Summit for Bible Engagement, held in June in Jakarta, Indonesia. At the summit, participants’ collective discernment led to the Patmos Commitment and the Mission Tasks.
The webinar is designed to carry the momentum forward and examine the next phase. The webinar will also highlight ways individuals and churches can continue to be involved in the follow-up steps by sharing a call to action that drives real change.
The session will be held in English, with interpretation available in French and Spanish.
Link to the webinar registration. | | WCC Webinar: Men as Allies and Mentors for a Just Society Recorded July 2 | | | Faithful Action for Voter Protection and Engagement | | Across the country, people are witnessing increasing barriers to free and fair elections, from attacks on the Voting Rights Act to changes in election administration that create barriers to participation. America’s religious freedom depends on the ability of every eligible person to participate fully in civic life. Every Voice, Every Vote campaign: The Religious Action Center's voter engagement campaign provides resources and tools to help faith communities encourage civic participation and ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard.
Learn More… | | | 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. | | July 12 – 18......................................................Eritrea, Ethiopia July 19 – 25 ....................................................Djibouti, Somalia July 26 – August 1....................................Burundi, Democratic Republic
of Congo, Rwanda August 02 – 08..........................................Republic of Congo, Gabon,
Sao Tome and Principe August 9 – 15..............................................Cameroon, Central African Republic,
Equatorial Guinea August 16 – 22...........................................Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali,
Mauritania, Niger August 23 – 29..........................................Liberia, Sierra Leone August 30 – September 5.................Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Senegal September 6 – 12....................................Benin, Ivory Coast, Togo September 13 – 19..................................Ghana, Nigeria | | | | | | | Sudan: Bishop Reiterates Call for Peace
As the world sounds the alarm, raises red flags, and sends a warning about possible paramilitary atrocities in the Sudanese city of El-Obeid, a local bishop reiterated the call for peace amid increasing drone strikes, artillery shelling, and ground attacks.
Read more…
| | AI Watch: Global Dialogue on AI Governance
WCC, along with ecumenical and civil society partners, prepared for the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, convened by the United Nations in Geneva on July 6-7. Participants in a symposium on "Our Common Future: Advocating for Digital Rights and AI Accountability" held in mid-April in Berlin reflect on some of the issues that will come to the fore in the Global Dialogue.
Read more…
| | | Episcopal Officer Visits WCC
Rev. Dr Kirsten L. Guidero serves as ecumenical and interreligious officer for the Division of Public Policy, Partnership, and Witness for the Episcopal Church. She visited WCC and came away with inspiration and ideas for deepening engagement and collaboration in many ways.
Read more…
| | | Community Leaders Meet with WHO
Community leaders met with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on July 3 as he reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to community leadership and meaningful engagement.
Read more…
| | | Kingdom Over Nation: Tool for
Discipleship and Discernment
Min. Shermara JJ Hoyte, principal officer for Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Multicultural Relations at Churches Together in England, reflects on the development of a new resource. Kingdom Over Nation invites Christians to pause and ask what is forming their vision of the world. Hoyte is executive editor of Kingdom over Nation, which was co-edited by Rev. Dr Ben Aldous and Sarah Ball with a foreword by Churches Together in England general secretary, Bishop Mike Royal.
Read more…
| | | | | | What Does Fraternity Mean? Interreligious Leaders Reflect
During a conference exploring “Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration,” held in June, interreligious leaders reflected on what fraternity means to them—and why it’s crucial for healing in today’s world.
Read more…
| | | Webinar Reclaims Sacred Dignity of Menstruation
A webinar, “Holy Blood, Hidden Shame: Reclaiming the Sacred Dignity of Menstruation in the Body of Christ,” held July 3, examined, from a biblical perspective, women’s capacity for decision-making and the societal origins of stigma.
Read more…
| | | | | | Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics, and
Management for an Economy of Life (GEM School) 2026
August 17– 28, 2026—WCC is inviting applications for the Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics, and Management for an Economy of Life (GEM School), August 17–28, 2026, in Panama City, Panama. Five partner organizations are joining the effort: the World Communion of Reformed Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Methodist Council, Council for World Mission, and United Society Partners in the Gospel. The 10-day program will train 20–25 church leaders to push for change in global finance.
Read more…
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… | | | Pilgrimage to Armenia 2026 | | | | | | | Mental Health America Georgia: Outreach Wellness Learning (OWL): Stress Management, Thursday, July 16, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. This program discusses the impact of stress on the brain and body and discusses stress management techniques for day-to-day life. Register Here. _______________________________ SUMMA Theological Debate Society and Summer Camp is accepting registrations now. SUMMA, July 14-22, brings together high school students (entering grades 9–12) from across the country to one of the largest and most beautiful college campuses anywhere—the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. In between stimulating lectures and discussions, campers explore the domain, play sports and music, engage in arts and crafts, and forge connections with members of the Sewanee community. Working in small groups, campers research controversies, develop arguments, question claims, seek evidence, debate positions, and sharpen their skills in public speaking, listening, and critical thinking. At the end-of-camp tournament, each camper debates both the affirmative and negative positions of debate resolutions. Apply, Register, and Final Payment. _______________________________
From the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary: Wounded Ministers Retreats, Wounded Ministers Retreat for Clergy and Spouses, July 13-16, 2026, and October 12-15. An experience for healing and wholeness for ministers and spouses who have experienced a forced termination from a ministry context, or who are in conflict that may lead to one.
e | | | | | 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. If your congregation is ready to deepen its ministry of care and become a hub of healing in your community, NCCC invites you to apply.
| | ICE Out of NC: Stop Rivers Detention Center!Solidarity Event · Volunteer organized for The Workers Circle | | Join in on July 22, in solidarity with immigrants and the families of those who have been killed or imprisoned in detention centers. Help raise concerned voices to stop all cruel ICE actions in North Carolina!
Learn more here... | | 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, July 28, from 4:00–5:00 p.m. on Zoom. Register for the next EJ Forum Playlist of Previous Forums | | Faith Leaders Rally Against ICE Detention
Expansion in Raleigh | | NCCC invites you and your community to take part in A Peals for Peace, an act of public witness rooted in faith and grounded in the shared belief that every person has inherent worth. Beginning in July, faith communities, organizations, families, and individuals are invited to join together in this shared act of reflection, prayer, and hope. On the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. (expanding to weekly Mondays in September through the Monday before Election Day), participants are encouraged to ring bells for about 15 minutes as a public expression of peace and unity. Join the Sound. Register your congregation, organization, or household to participate. Register Here | | | On Tuesday, July 7, Wisconsin clergy in Eau Claire, Milwaukee, and Madison spoke in solidarity as part of a national day of action to “Protect Our Vote.” The day included 15 press conferences held across the country following a letter signed by 2000+ clergy, including 265+ in Wisconsin. Clergy proclaimed trust in our election systems and a commitment to protecting voter access and rights. This event was spurred by organizing from Faith in Us. Watch WCC's ENews for Wisconsin-specific ways to engage Upcoming Actions Include: County-level Election Protection organizing - watch the WCC and LOPPW (Lutheran Office of Public Policy) in Wisconsin for support Clergy are invited to join the WCC rapid response channel for notes from upcoming national calls and communication about calls to action (Contact us to be added wcoc@wichurches.org) Sign up to be a Poll Chaplain or Poll Chaplain Assistant (Registration opens in August.) Share voter education materials with your congregations (resources from the WCC coming soon) Following our Loving Your Neighbor in an Election Season work on WCC's website.
Watch the Press Conferences Here: | | | | | | | Listen to a powerful livestream conversation featuring Rachel Billups and Matt Rawle the authors of Dream, Dare, Disrupt —an inspiring call to courageous leadership, bold vision, and transformational change. The authors and participants explore what it means to challenge the status quo, pursue God-given dreams, and create meaningful impact in our communities and beyond.
The livestream launch discusses Dream, Dare, Disrupt, focusing on collaboration in ministry post-pandemic. The authors emphasize curiosity, adaptive leadership, and entrepreneurship to innovate church practices. They highlight the importance of community involvement and shared leadership, encouraging others to embrace experimentation and trust in collective efforts for a thriving future in ministry. | | | | | | Purchase the NCC 75th Anniversary
Commemorative BIble and Save 20% Discount Code: NCC2026 | | | More from Friendship Press… |
|
|
|
