Subject: NCC Newsletter – May 18, 2025

NCC Newsletter

May 18, 2025

NCC Spring Governing Board Meeting

& Theological Symposium

May 13-15, Washington, DC

We had a phenomenal NCC Spring Governing Board Meeting and Theological Symposium!  


The three-day event began with an impactful opening luncheon keynote address from Atla Executive Director, Dr. John Kutsko, who was also an NCC Honoree. Other NCC Honorees included Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and Rev. Dr. Bernard L. Richardson, Dean of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel at Howard University.

Photo credit: CM Photography

After the opening luncheon, the Biblical Scholars Panel brought scripture to life by delving into a deeper understanding of biblical translation. The opening day ended with a rousing worship service at Lomax AME Zion Church, where Bishop Brian Thompson charged everyone to change the atmosphere. With a day filled with biblical discourse and ecumenical exchange, we were ready for the next two days!

Photo credit: CM Photography

Photo credit: CM Photography

The symposium, which began after the Morning Prayer Service, gathered theologians to deliver insightful perspectives from their faith traditions.

Photo credit: CM Photography

The Theological Symposium expanded the attendees' understanding of ecumenism today and encouraged more interfaith work and fellowship. It also prepared the NCC Governing Board for a congressional breakfast, where they heard remarks from members of Congress about the proposed congressional budget cuts.

Photo Credit: NCC Staff

The Governing Board was visited by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), and Rep. John Larson (D-CT). Senator Van Hollen (D-MD) also met with Bishop McKenzie and NCC staff to discuss the proposed budget cuts.


Each member emphasized the need for the church to inform their congregants about the catastrophic impacts the proposed cuts could have on their healthcare, nutrition, and communities.

Photo Credit: NCC Staff

Photo Credit: NCC Staff

Stay tuned for more photos and videos from the NCC Bible Scholars Panel & Theological Symposium.

SAVE-THE-DATE | Tuesday, June 10
PENTECOST WITNESS

For a Moral Budget

From Fear to Courage,
From the Upper Room to the Streets

Before Pentecost, Jesus' disciples hid in fear. After Pentecost, filled with the Holy Spirit, they boldly stepped into the streets for public witness. Today, people of faith are called to do the same.

Amid growing fear in our nation—fueled by a political climate that threatens truth-tellers and targets the vulnerable— we are called to proclaim the truth that sets us free. Congress is debating a proposed budget that turns biblical values upside down by rewarding the wealthiest Americans with tax cuts while brutalizing the most vulnerable with massive cuts to clear social needs. The moment demands a visible, moral witness grounded in faith and justice.

NRCAT “How to Shine Your Light” Webinar
June 18 

NRCAT continues its series of “how to” webinars for faith advocates, and invites participants to save the date for the next training, “How to Shine Your Light,” Wednesday, June 18 from 12 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET/11–12:15 p.m. CT/9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. PT. 

 

In this webinar, offered during June, Torture Awareness Month, you will learn about how your faith community can partner with NRCAT to lead public witness vigils on the 23rd of each month to draw attention to the estimated 122,00 people who are held for 23 hours a day in solitary confinement in U.S. prisons and jails.  

 

The webinar will feature leaders of WISDOM, a Wisconsin network of faith-based organizations, whose members have been leading these vigils as they work for racial and economic justice. 

 

To help spread the word about the June 18 webinar with your faith community, here is the public registration link: https://bit.ly/June18-2025Webinar 

 

You can view the full recording from of the April 9 NRCAT “How to Become a Lifeline,” on the NRCAT YouTube channel.Share it with others in your faith community who may also be interested in participating in the Lifelines to Solitary pen pal program. 

NCCC Hosts Legislative Seminar June 4 

Join NCCC for the Legislative Seminar in Charlotte, where faith and policy come together to build a more just North Carolina. Whether you are new to advocacy or have been involved for years, this seminar offers a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with key public policy issues shaping the 2025 General Assembly’s long session. By examining legislation through the lens of faith, we can foster conversations that inspire meaningful action and change. 


The session will explore topics like LGBTQ+ rights, democracy, immigrants’ rights, and affordable housing through expert-led workshops. 

 

The keynote address will be delivered by Christy Clark, Mayor of Huntersville and a longtime advocate for gun violence prevention. She will speak on the urgent need to address gun violence in our state, offering both policy insight and personal passion.  Rev. Dr. Rodney S. Sadler Jr. will offer a powerful sermon grounding our day in justice and hope. 

 

Their Faith Active in Public Life Award will be presented to Jennifer Watson Roberts, former Mayor of Charlotte and tireless advocate for democracy, equity, and environmental justice. 

 

Scholarships are available for students. If cost is a barrier to attending, please email info@ncchurches.org for assistance. 

NCC Mourns the Passing of Annapurani Pillay 

The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA joins the World Council of Churches and the broader Christian community in offering condolences to the WCC General Secretary, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, in the passing of his mother, Annapurani Pillay. Please keep him and his family in prayer. 

 

The funeral was held on May 14 at the Linden Presbyterian Church in Johannesburg, SA. 

 

The services are available to view on YouTube

Ending Racism Sponsors ‘Racism and the Rich’ Webinar, Monday, May 19 

Join Ending Racism USA for a conversation with labor historian and author Sam Pizzigati, exploring the deep connections between racial injustice and economic power in America. 
 
Drawing from his acclaimed book The Rich Don’t Always Win: The Forgotten Triumph Over Plutocracy That Created the American Middle Class, 1900–1970,” Pizzigati will offer insights into how average Americans once overcame the dominance of the ultra-wealthy — and how those same forces have quietly returned. 
 
Facilitators will examine the legacy of America’s “plutocrats,” the rise of the top 0.1%, and how economic inequality and racism are intertwined systems of oppression. This is a must-attend for anyone committed to justice, equity, and reclaiming the American dream. 
 
Learn more about this event and register to attend on ERUSA’s website. 

 

Support One Home One Future 

Join One Home One Future for access to a FREE Native Species & Healthy Creation resource, along with hundreds of other creation care resources on many topics.   

As we celebrate mothers this month, take time to appreciate Mother Earth and her natural ecosystems and species! 

Employment Opportunities

NCC is seeking a dedicated Program Director to lead our MOSAIC program, a national storytelling initiative focused on capturing and sharing Christian narratives through diverse media formats. This full-time role involves program development, staff supervision, partnership cultivation, and project execution across documentary production, digital storytelling, social media marketing, and event coordination, including a storytelling film festival. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in program management, storytelling, and faith-based initiatives, with the ability to drive strategic growth, engage communities, and measure program impact. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits while providing an opportunity to shape a transformative storytelling movement.


Location: Washington, D.C. (Remote Work with monthly travel to the D.C. area for meetings)

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume to mosaicjobs@nationalcouncilofchurches.us


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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS NATIONAL ORGANIZER

WSCF-US May 5, 2025

The World Student Christian Federation - US seeks to hire a National Organizer to lead a Student Christian Movement in the United States that connects US Christian students with one another and with Student Christian Movements globally through the networks of the World Student Christian Federation. Our mission is to build a radically inclusive, ecumenical, globally engaged, and social-justice oriented US community of students, campus ministers/chaplains, and alumni rooted in the prophetic Biblical and theological tradition that affirms that all are beloved children of God, called to a life of faith and action, toward a vision of a New Heaven and a New Earth.
Click here for full job description

• • • • •

Disciples Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries

Disciples Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries is seeking to fill the following positions with qualified professionals:

 • • • • •

ELCA Position Openings

Access the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) list of United States and global service opportunities here.


Send your communion or organization's position openings to newsletter@nationalcouncilofchurches.us.

  • • • • •

           

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