| | | | ARE YOU FOLLOWING NCC ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Check out our social media accounts for NCC updates! | | NCC Statement of Concern for the
Situation in the Republic of Armenia | The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA expresses deep concern for what is currently taking place within the Republic of Armenia regarding the recent arrests of high clergy by the government for false accusations of oppression against the government. An Armenian bishop and at least 12 other priests were detained on Wednesday in a criminal investigation that the Armenian Apostolic Church linked to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s continuing campaign against its top clergy. Additionally, two other Archbishops were arrested earlier, one of whom was recently sentenced to two years in prison.
As the world’s oldest Christian Church, the clergy of the Armenian Church have historically ministered to her people through war, genocide, and Soviet oppression. Throughout all those episodes, spanning more than seventeen centuries, the government of Armenia has shown nothing but support and encouragement for her National Church and clergy. Additionally, in the aftermath of the 2023 displacement of the ethnic Armenians from the land of Artsakh, which they occupied for over 2,000 years, twelve men who served the Artsakh government remain imprisoned, undergoing severe physical abuse. | | Archiepiscopal Encyclical
Prayer for Peace in the Middle EastOctober 15, 2025 “Καρπὸς δὲ δικαιοσύνης ἐν εἰρήνῃ σπείρεται τοῖς ποιοῦσιν εἰρήνην.” (Ἰακώβου 3:18) “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18) My beloved sisters and brothers in Christ,
In recent days, the attention of the world has once again turned toward the Middle East. With profound relief and heartfelt thanksgiving, we learned the news of a ceasefire agreement and exchange of hostages, marking an end to the devastating bloodshed in the region. Coming as it does near the second anniversary of the tragic events of October 7, 2023, this development marks an initial yet decisive step toward what we fervently pray will lead to lasting peace in the Middle East. For this, I call upon all our communities to lift our hearts in thanksgiving to the Almighty God.
We echo the words of the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, who recently declared: “In this spirit, we join with our fellow Christians and others of goodwill around the world in giving thanks to the Almighty for leading us to this auspicious moment, even as we realize that the work of peacebuilding has only just begun. May God grant us all the grace to rededicate ourselves to this vital task, shepherding us toward that golden age of peace so long envisioned by the prophets and sages of old—and for which our Lord Jesus Christ himself gave up his own life, rising to new life beyond the grave.”[1]
Needless to say, the needs of the people remain immense. The call for humanitarian relief and reconstruction is urgent and undeniable. For this reason, in my new capacity as Chair of the Governing Board of the National Council of Churches, I have also called upon all humanitarian agencies within our member communions—including the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)—to renew and coordinate their efforts to bring relief and healing to Gaza. Moreover, I take this opportunity to highlight the Archdiocese’s collaboration with Churches for Middle East Peace through the Let Children Live campaign, which seeks to safeguard and uplift children in Gaza and the West Bank—innocent victims who bear the heaviest burdens of war.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As we welcome these seeds of peace with thanksgiving, let us remain steadfast in prayer and compassion. The suffering of the region is far from over, and the wounds of generations will not be healed overnight. Yet, as Orthodox Christians, we are called to be ministers of reconciliation and instruments of divine mercy. Let us, therefore, continue to pray and strive for a just and enduring peace, one that embraces all peoples of the Holy Land — Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike — so that harmony, justice, and mutual respect may prevail.
May the Prince of Peace, our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us to be peacemakers and co-workers in His Kingdom.
With paternal love in the Christ, | | Chair of the Governing Board National Council of Churches of Christ
1https://en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/website-announcements/statement-on-the-recent-ceasefire-hopefully-signaling-the-end-of-the-gaza-war/ | | Oct. 17 Legislative Update Available
on NCC's Website | Visit NCC's website to read the October 17 Legislative Update, " A Faithful Voice for Justice in a Time of Crisis."
The update will tell you: Click the link below to read the latest update in its entirety. | | | Bishop McKenzie Honored at Black Women's Agenda's 48th Annual
Symposium & Awards Luncheon | WASHINGTON, PRNewswire — The Black Women's Agenda, Inc. (BWA) once again drew a sold-out crowd to its 48th Annual Symposium Town Hall and Awards Luncheon, held September 27 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C., during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference.
"The Symposium and Awards Luncheon is more than an event — it is a reflection of our mission to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements of Black women and their families," said Gwainevere Catchings-Hess, President of BWA. "This year's theme speaks to the urgency of protecting our democracy and elevating issues like women's health that shape our communities' futures. We are proud to honor these trailblazers whose lives and work embody resilience, innovation, and hope."
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie was one of nine awardees for 2025.
The BWA Symposium is a premier convening during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, attracting more than 1,500 attendees annually. It provides a platform for dialogue on issues impacting Black women and their families and for honoring leaders who move the community and nation forward. | | CJM Announces New Faithful Resilience Program Director: Dr. Katerina Gonzales | | Creation Justice Ministries has announced a new Faithful Resilience Program Director.
Dr. Katerina "Kat" Gonzales is a climate resilience practitioner, scientist, writer, and eco-spiritual preacher whose work focuses on building community resilience at the intersection of climate and faith. She brings an exceptional blend of federal climate expertise, academic research, and grassroots leadership to this work—helping faith communities turn their hope into action.
With a Ph.D. in Earth System Science from Stanford University and a passion for community-based, participatory methods, Kat’s leadership will strengthen our mission to help churches become hubs of resilience—spiritually, socially, and ecologically. As she steps into this role, Kat will guide the Faithful Resilience program, which equips congregations to prepare for the physical and spiritual storms of the climate crisis through workshops, story maps, and the Faithful Resilience guide series. | | | | OCC to Host Retirement Celebration for Executive Director, Rev. Jack Sullivan, Jr. | | | | RNS to Host 'God, Government and the Algorithm: The New Rules of Belief and Power', October 22 | | Religion is being reshaped—by political polarization, technological disruption, and shifting cultural norms. Join Religion News Service (RNS) on October 22, for a free, one-day event that dives into the big questions: Who has the power to define belief today? And what comes next?
For nearly a century, RNS has reported on faith with depth and independence. In October, we’re bringing together some of the sharpest thinkers—journalists, scholars, activists, philanthropists, and spiritual leaders—for bold conversations on the future of religion in public life.
Click the button below for more information and the speaker line-up
Seats are limited, and the lineup is still building. Save your spot today! | | | Peace Fellowship Church Calls Prayer Guard to Surround DC with Prayer! | | | | Minnesota Council to Host 'Moving Toward Healing," with Dr. Anton Treuer | | Ojibwe scholar Dr. Anton Treuer will deliver a prophetic truth-telling message on “Moving Toward Healing" in partnership with MCC Racial Justice Truth & Reparations on October 21. | Join the Minnesota Council of Churches for an inspiring evening with Dr. Anton Treuer—Ojibwe scholar, celebrated author, and renowned racial equity educator—as he explores pathways to racial justice through truth-telling, cultural humility, and community healing. Drawing from his deep experience in Native American history, language revitalization, and equity work, Dr. Treuer will challenge participants to move beyond reforming broken systems and instead build new frameworks of liberation and fairness for all.
This event is free and open to the public; pre-registration is required. Note: Parking at Metro State University is $8.00. Musical guests will set the stage for this conversation. Dr. Treuer will have books available for sale. Anton Treuer (pronounced troy-er) is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and has a B.A. from Princeton University and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Minnesota. He is building an Ojibwe teacher training program at Bemidji State University, and his work in equity, education, and culture has put him on a path of service across the nation and the world. | | | | News from Friendship Press | | | | Nicaea is now available!
Earlier this week, Friendship Press launched Nicaea: The Council and Creed That Defined Christianity at the Christian Unity Gathering in Boston! This new book from Faith and Order celebrates the history, significance, and ongoing relevance of the Nicene Creed.
Special thanks to the panelists, editors, and contributors who made this book possible and put on an excellent launch event in Boston. If you did not get to purchase a copy at the event, visit friendshippress.org to place an order.
Regular price: $24.99 Also available at Amazon.com
More Friendship Press Books | | | Friendship Press Launches
The People's Book Podcast | | Listen to the new Friendship Press podcast, The People's Book, available now on Apple Podcasts. | | | | | NRCAT Joins 'Journey to Justice' Bus Tour | | The National Religious Campaign Against Torture has begun the Journey to Justice Bus Tour, which launched September 4. Initiated by Unlock the Box and Look2Justice, this unprecedented national tour is co-sponsored by NRCAT and blends education, connection, activism, and art, all aimed at galvanizing the public around the imperative to end solitary confinement.
Check out the list of remaining tour stops below and share them with your family and friends along the route. Visit the Journey to Justice Bus Tour website for more details on the events at each tour stop.
Oct 20: Buffalo, NY
Oct 22: Bedford Hills, NY
Oct 23: New York City, NY
Oct 25-26: Philadelphia, PA
Oct 29: Baltimore, MD
Oct 30-31: Washington, D.C.
| | CCA to Hold Asian Ecumenical Women’s Conference in November 2025 | | Chiang Mai, Thailand—Ten years after consistent engagement with Asian women through the Ecumenical Women’s Action Against Violence initiated in 2015, the CCA is now organizing an Asian Ecumenical Women’s Conference (AEWC-2025), which will be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from November 11–15.
AEWC 2025 will convene Christian women leaders, theologians, ecumenical church representatives, and women’s rights advocates across Asia to strengthen advocacy, amplify collective impact, build a united commitment to end violence against women, and promote gender justice.
The deadline for receiving applications at the CCA Secretariat is October 2, 2025.
For the Application Form and more details about the Asian Ecumenical Women's Conference (AEWC) 2025, please click the following links: | | | NCCC’s Partners in Health and Wholeness Sponsor One-day Summit, October 21 | | Join the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative for a one-day Summit, where faith and behavioral health will intersect to address mental health, substance use, trauma, and resilience. Behavioral health encompasses the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of well-being, and this gathering will explore how faith communities can provide compassionate support and practical tools for healing and wholeness.
Registration is $20.
Tuesday, October 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, Boone
131 Big Valley Street, Boone, NC | | | WCC Seeks Support for
Thursdays in Black
| | Help WCC extend the reach of Thursdays in Black.
First, PLEDGE to stop sexual and gender-based violence through advocacy, awareness-raising, and activism.
Each Thursday, wear black to demonstrate your commitment to end SGBV, and POST your selfie (or an advocacy note) to social media. And remember to PRAY for victims, survivors, and perpetrators for trauma transformation and healing from woundedness that results in victimizing others.
PREPARE your own Bible studies for online usage. Or share liturgies you’ve prepared for community events.
The work doesn’t stop on Thursdays; WCC aims to heighten awareness at every opportunity.
Visit the website for more information and resources. Share your ideas to PROMOTE the campaign with at nas@wcc-coe.org. | | Applications Open for 2026–2027 Ecumenical Institute at Bossey | | The chapel of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC
The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, part of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and attached to the University of Geneva, is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 academic programs in ecumenical studies. These internationally recognized programs offer unique opportunities for theological formation, intercultural exchange, and ecumenical engagement.
Four distinct study options are available: Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Ecumenical Studies Complementary Certificate in Ecumenical Studies (CC) Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Ecumenical Studies Intensive English Summer Course (EC)
Application deadline: November 30 | | | Congressional Black Caucus Annual NREI Summit, November 1 | | Come to New Orleans to commemorate five years of the National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI)! The 2025 NREI Summit will bring together thought leaders, advocates, and changemakers committed to advancing racial equity across the justice and education systems. Come and explore transformative solutions that center Black communities and reimagine pathways to opportunity and justice. From dynamic conversations to community-focused engagement, the Summit will offer space to reflect, strategize, and build power. 📌 Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details on programming and registration. | | | NC Council of Churches Prepares for
90th Anniversary Celebration | | This November, the North Carolina Council of Churches will celebrate 90 years of prophetic witness, faith-rooted advocacy, and ecumenical partnership. We invite everyone to celebrate with us for a day of worship, community, and joy!
NCCC invites congregations and organizations to join this historic milestone by becoming a sponsor for the event. Sponsorship will offer a unique opportunity to support our continued work for justice while also receiving exclusive benefits, including:
VIP access to a private reception with the Right Reverend Michael B. Curry Reserved seating during the worship service, where Bishop Curry will deliver a powerful message, followed by a live podcast recording of Everything Happens with Kate Bowle
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