Follow NCC on Social Media! | | | | | | For more than 75 years, the member communions of the National Council of Churches have prayed and acted for the nation. This month, as our nation marks 250 years, we return to that sacred work. NCC President and General Secretary Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie opens a series of prayers for America's future. Throughout July, representatives from NCC member communions will share prayers rooted in faith, grounded in scripture, and united across traditions. These are not petitions for a perfect union; they are prayers toward one. Join us in closing the gap between the ideals we proclaim
and the lives we live.
A Prayer for America at 250
Almighty and Everlasting God,
We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the gift of this nation and for Your steadfast presence through every generation. We praise You for the promise of America and for the people who have dared to believe that liberty, justice, and opportunity belong to all.
Today, we give thanks for the builders of this nation, for Indigenous peoples, for the enslaved whose labor helped lay its foundation, and for immigrants who crossed oceans seeking hope. We give thanks for generations of educators, farmers, workers, artists, health care professionals and caregivers, business owners and entrepreneurs, clergy, first responders, and public servants who continue the work of building America every day.
God bless America. Bless the nation we celebrate and the nation You call us to become. Close the gap between the ideals we proclaim and the lives we live. Grant us the courage to be justice seekers and justice supporters. Grant us willing hearts to love our neighbors as ourselves.
God bless America. Bless those who lead this nation. Give them humility to listen and the courage to do what is right. Give them compassion for those whose voices are too often overlooked.
God, bless America and strengthen Your Church, in all its traditions. Make us visible in compassion and reliable in service. Help us to be unwavering in hope that we may be a faithful witness, bringing light where there is darkness. May we be hope where there is despair and healing where there are wounds.
Help us now to stand together, across traditions, cultures, and communities as one Body, bearing witness that Your kingdom is greater than every earthly kingdom and Your love is stronger than every force that seeks to divide.
As our country marks 250 years, may we not only celebrate our history but shape our future. May we be the good news that builds bridges instead of barriers and chooses community over division. May we be the ones who leave this nation stronger, fairer, and more faithful for our children’s children and the generations yet to come.
And now, God, Bless America.
Bless America until what we sing becomes who we are.
Bless America until our practice reflects our promise.
Bless America until liberty and justice truly belong to all.
And may the God who has brought us this far lead us still.
In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen and Amen. | | | | Get Vote Ready! Get the NCC Voter Empowerment Guide | | Visit the Voter Empowerment Guide website to learn more about the purpose of the guide, how to use it, and to download a copy for yourself. Get your congregation fully engaged by visiting the Your Vote, Your Voice Voter Toolkit website for access to editable templates for church bulletins, social media, and church announcements.
| | | | NCC Supports Rally to End
Death Penalty | | Story and Photo by Amanda Dowd
NCC Communications Officer
Washington, DC—Despite sweltering temperatures, during one of the hottest days of the year, advocates, faith leaders, legal experts, and death row survivors gathered at the U.S. Supreme Court Building for a rally marking the 50th anniversary of Gregg v. Georgia, the landmark decision that reinstated the death penalty in the United States.
Hosted by a coalition of partner organizations, the July 2 rally carried a clear message: “50 years of the death penalty, 50 years of failure. End the Death Penalty Now!”
Participants gathered to commemorate five decades of advocacy, reflect on the human cost of capital punishment, celebrate progress toward abolition, and reaffirm their commitment to ending the death penalty nationwide.
Throughout the event, attendees took part in meaningful activities, including ringing the Delaware Bell and placing red handprints on banners displayed in front of the courthouse. These symbolic actions highlighted the human impact of the death penalty and executions.
The event featured remarks from legal experts, death row survivors, and faith leaders who shared personal stories and perspectives on the ongoing impact of capital punishment. Among the speakers were NCC staffer Keith Swartzendruber and NCC Governing Board member Rev. Thomas L. Bowen, General Secretary of the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC).
Speakers emphasized concerns about wrongful convictions, racial disparities, and the moral and ethical questions surrounding the use of the death penalty. They called on policymakers, faith communities, and the public to continue working toward alternatives that uphold justice while respecting the dignity of every human life.
As the rally concluded, participants reaffirmed their determination to build on the work of generations of advocates and pursue a future free from capital punishment. Fifty years after Gregg v. Georgia, organizers said the movement to end the death penalty remains as urgent as ever.
COALITION PARTNERS Amnesty International USA Catholic Mobilizing Network Cornell Center on the Death Penalty Death Penalty Action Donkeysaddle Projects Faith Leaders of Color Coalition (FLOCC) Fellowship of Reconciliation Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty Journey of Hope Julius Jones Institute L’chaim! Jews Against the Death Penalty LatinoJustice Legal Defense Fund LIVE FREE Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty National Council of Churches Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty Red Letter Christians Rehumanize International Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Reprieve U.S. Responsible Business Initiative for Justice / Business Leaders Against the DP Sister Helen Prejean The Festival Center United Church of Christ Witness to Innocence | | Bishop McKenzie Greets PC(USA)
227th General Assembly | | Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, president and general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, brings greetings to the 227th General Assembly on June 30. (Photo by Kristen Gaydos)
By Layton Williams Berkes
MILWAUKEE — NCC President and General Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie brought greetings to the Presbyterian Church, USA 227th General Assembly on Tuesday, June 30. Bishop McKenzie thanked the PC(USA) for its essential and ongoing contributions to the national ecumenical movement, praising its theological depth, courageous scholarship, and leadership.
“You, PC(USA), have shown us that doctrine and discipleship belong together, and what we confess on Sunday must be lived on Monday,” she said. “And that the church is the strongest, not when one tradition stands alone, but when every tradition brings its best self and its best gifts to the body of Christ.” With encouragement and instruction from the bishop, who said the room was too quiet, Presbyterians were compelled to shout in affirmation and rise to their feet as she called for Christians of varied traditions and denominations to “Walk together, Children,” proclaiming that “When we walk together we discover that Christ is already among us and walking with us … when we serve together the world catches a glimpse of what the kingdom of God looks like.”
Read More… | | | | | Nearly three in four Americans are concerned about climate change, and 88 percent of Americans feel a moral responsibility to help create a safe and healthy climate.
Election Earth gives you the tools to make that majority visible. Register. Make your plan. Take the Climate Voter Pledge. Share the tools with everyone in your life who cares about the future we are all trying to build.
electionearth.org | #ElectionEarth2026 | #ClimateVoter | | | | WASHINGTON, DC – The Supreme Court issued a decision in Mullin v. Doe (consolidated with Trump v. Miot), in a ruling that may have the effect of allowing the Trump administration to strip more than 350,000 people from Haiti and Syria of their Temporary Protected Status, or TPS.
Click HERE and HERE to read more, including quotes from faith leaders who are members of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC). | | | 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) | | | 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. During this event, participants will hear from faith leaders and advocates, learn about current challenges facing voter participation, and share practical ways congregations can support civic engagement in their communities.
This conversation will offer space to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and build relationships with clergy from across the country. If you’re looking for resources you can access TODAY on voter engagement, here are a couple from some of our partners: 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… | | | | Eco-Diakonia Youth Hub 2026:
Global Three-month Online Training Program
May 8 — July 10, 2026 — The WCC has launched applications for the Eco-Diakonia Youth Hub, a three-month global training program designed to equip young leaders to advance climate justice and diakonia initiatives in their local contexts.
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 | | | | | | | 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.
| | | 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 will be held on 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 | | | | | | | | | | | | Purchase the NCC 75th Anniversary
Commemorative BIble and Save 20% Discount Code: NCC2026 | | | More from Friendship Press… |
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