| | | | | | | | | | Registration for NCC's
75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Is Open! | | | | ARE YOU FOLLOWING NCC ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Check out our social media accounts for updates about the NCC 75th Anniversary celebration, member denominations, and partners! | | WCC General Secretary Reflects on Daring to Hope Amid Struggle | | June 8, 2025, Johannesburg, South Africa: WCC General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay presents his report
to the 2025 Central Committee meeting of the World Council of Churches, taking place in Johannesburg (South Africa) June 18–24, 2025 on the theme, ’Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity’.
Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC | In his report to the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay reflected on daring to hope in the context of struggle and pain.
“I take special pleasure in welcoming you to this Central Committee meeting since it is taking place in the country of my birth and where I have lived all my life until January 2023 when I started as general secretary and relocated to Geneva,” he said.
“This is home for me, and I am proud of my beautiful country despite its numerous challenges.”
He noted that religious leaders and community-based organizations stood together to fight against the apartheid regime. “Such unity provided strength, energy, and determination to end apartheid,” he said. “Churches were able to engage the international community for solidarity, support, and actions against the apartheid regime.”
Click here for more information. | | Remembering the Emanuel Nine,
10 Years Later June 17, 2025 | | As we remember the Emanuel Nine who were gunned down during Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. 10 years ago this week, the National Council of Churches remains steadfast in our commitment to racial justice, sensible gun violence reform, and an end to hatred. We pray for the loved ones of those senselessly murdered, even as we pray for our nation to become the Beloved Community and beacon of hope promised in America’s ideals.
Learn more about the precious lives that were brutally taken at the Emanuel Nine Memorial website. | | "Remembering the Emanuel 9: A Decade of Grief, Resistance, and Witness" | | by Dr. Regina H. Moore, Executive Minister South Carolina Christian Action Council
I remember where I was when I heard the news—sitting at a breakfast table in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, watching in disbelief as the reports came in. A Bible study. A church. A massacre. The haunting footage from the parking lot of Mother Emanuel AME Church, the chilling updates from ATF agents during the manhunt, and the unforgettable image of the shooter receiving a Burger King combo meal after his arrest.
Ten years later, the memory still stings. When the Council hosts seminarians from Duke Divinity School, a pilgrimage to Mother Emanuel is never optional. I ask each student what they recall from that tragic day in 2015. Most were in high school—old enough to remember headlines, but young enough to have only fragments. That's why, in recent years, we’ve also included the International African American Museum in our field education experience. Because the 10 years since that horrific day and the 355 years of Black history in Charleston are profoundly connected.
“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). Ten years is both a blink and a burden. A blink in the long arc of healing and transformation, yet long enough for a nation distracted by cycles of violence and fatigue to forget. But the work of justice and racial reconciliation is sacred and slow. It does not bow to calendars or anniversaries. It demands that we remember the pain, honor the lives lost—Cynthia, Susie, Ethel, DePayne, Clementa, Tywanza, Daniel, Myra, and Sharonda—and commit anew to the dismantling of hate and white supremacy. This is not just remembrance; it is resistance.
Until we learn the enduring lessons of what it means to confront injustice with deep listening, courageous protest, and meaningful policy reform, the clock of inequity keeps ticking. The South Carolina Christian Action Council remains committed to pressing forward with truth, prayer, and public witness. On this 10th anniversary, may our tears be sacred, our memories be active, and our prayers be accompanied by the fiery power of Pentecost. May the Spirit compel us beyond sentiment and into everyday Christian action. We owe that much—and more—to the Emanuel 9.
Peace, | | | Walter Brueggemann: In Memory | | Walter Brueggemann passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at the age of 92. | Walter Brueggemann died peacefully at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, Michigan, on June 5, 2025, at the age of 92. He is predeceased by his brothers Charles and Edward. He is survived by his cherished wife, Tia Brueggemann, his well-beloved sons, James Brueggemann (Lisa née Simcox) and John Brueggemann (Christina née McHugh), and five grandchildren, Christiana, August, Emilia, Anabelle, and Peter Brueggemann.
A memorial service will be held (and publicly live-streamed) on Saturday, July 19, at 2:00 PM ET (1:00 PM visitation) at Central Methodist Church in Traverse City, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood, St. Louis, MO 63119, or Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.
| | | | | World Refugee Day in Washington, DC June 20, 2025 As the administration attempts to dismantle the refugee program, let us join together in a powerful witness to celebrate refuge | | Video Credit: CWS Facebook page | This World Refugee Day, Refugees, Faith Leaders, Refugee Agencies, Members of Congress, Rally to Call on Administration, Congress to End Refugee Ban, Restore Humanitarian Protections
Washington DC—This World Refugee Day, June 20, faith leaders, refugee groups, refugees, and allies held a rally in front of the White House in Lafayette Park at 11 AM to remind the Trump Administration of the incredible contributions that refugees have made in the 45 year history of the refugee resettlement program.
The rally will begin at a nearby church and include a march to the White House across the street leading to a delivery of an Ecumenical Declaration for Refuge with nearly 4,000 faith leader signatories. The declaration is a commitment by people of faith to advocate for the protection of refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and vulnerable people, while holding our elected leaders accountable to the values of compassion, generosity and welcome.
Click here for more information. | | | | | Series: MLK’s Letter from
Birmingham Jail | Black Voters Matter and The King Center invite you to a powerful new series: MLK’s Letter from Birmingham Jail: A Prophetic Guide to Power, Love, Protest, and Liberation | | About the Series This series will consist of virtual and in-person workshops created for change makers of all kinds: activists, students, faith leaders, organizers, educators, and anyone committed to the pursuit of justice. Rooted in the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, each session blends rich historical context with real-world tools and strategies to equip you for today’s urgent struggles. This is more than a learning experience; it’s a call to action!
Event Schedule May 29: Virtual • June 28: Hybrid • August 23: Hybrid • September 11: Virtual • October 25: Hybrid • November 13: Virtual
All sessions are free and open to the public. Virtual events will be hosted online; hybrid events welcome both in-person and remote attendees. Register in advance to reserve your spot and receive event updates. | | | | | Dear Friend,
We are thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating a monumental milestone for the North Carolina Council of Churches — 90 years of faith, justice, and action! For nearly a century, we’ve been a prophetic voice for justice, bringing people of faith together to build a more compassionate and just world. Now, it’s time to celebrate the power of our shared mission and the community we’ve built. You're Invited!
90th Anniversary Grand Celebration
Date: November 1, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Edenton Street UMC (228 W Edenton Street, Raleigh)
Please RSVP to join us in commemorating this historic occasion. We look forward to celebrating with you and continuing the work of faith, justice, and action for many years to come. Jennifer Copeland Executive Director | | Pepperdine University Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship and Change
Are you considering graduate school? Is someone in your congregation, faith circles, or family considering graduate school? Are you passionate about finding solutions to society's pressing issues?
Pepperdine University is accepting applications for the Fall 2025 cohort of change-agents! Scan the QR code or click here for more information | | | | | | | | New! Host a Group Climate Ambassador Training at your House of Worship
The Climate Ambassador Training is FREE, online, flexible, and designed to help you connect and gain the skills to speak up on climate. Use our ready-to-go videos, discussion prompts, and activities to lead a four-hour training! Sign Up Here | | | | | | | |
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