Follow NCC on Social Media! | | | | | NCC Joins Faithful Advocates to Demand End to Anti-Muslim Hate | | Ahead of the 25th anniversary of September 11, and in light of America’s 250th, faith leaders gathered on Capitol Hill to read aloud a joint statement signed by more than 200 faith leaders and over 70 religious organizations denouncing the hateful rhetoric from politicians and to reaffirm our commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the pursuit of religious freedom, respect, liberty, fairness, and equality for all. Photo courtesy of Jack Gordon.
Submitted by Keith Swartzendruber
National Council of Churches A diverse group of faith leaders gathered at the United Methodist Building on Wednesday to release an open letter organized by the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign expressing support for the Muslim Community. Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland, NCC associate general secretary, joined in reading the letter. A rise in anti-Muslim sentiment, most disturbingly from elected officials, was a primary concern addressed in the letter. This stands in contrast to efforts by many public officials following the 9/11 attacks to express their support for Muslim communities. It goes on to call on all people of faith and good conscience to hold fast to the values of human dignity, freedom of religion, loving neighbors, and rejecting anti-Muslim hate. Shoulder to Shoulder was founded in 2010 by a diverse group of faith leaders from the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions, including numerous leaders of NCC's member communions. | | | CUG 2026 Room Block Now Open! | | Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District 400 Arch Street • Philadelphia, PA 19106 | Join the National Council of Churches (USA) for the annual Christian Unity Gathering (CUG), October 12-16, 2026, in Philadelphia, PA. Registration for this year's gathering and the hotel room block are now open.
The Christian Unity Gathering offers space to deepen relationships, discern strategic priorities, and define shared goals for collaborative action and advocacy. This year's gathering will focus on Religious Freedom, providing an opportunity for church leaders, ecumenical partners, scholars, and emerging theologians to explore the vital role of religious liberty in advancing justice and peace.
We invite you to join us for a meaningful week of fellowship, dialogue, worship, and collaboration as we engage this important theme together.
URLs for Registration and Hotel: Registration: https://bit.ly/CUG26REG Hotel: https://bit.ly/CUG26Hotel | | | | Download the NCC Voter Empowerment Guide | | | | | Op-Ed: Is Ecumenism Worthwhile? A Seminarian’s Reflection on NATI-RETI | | By Joshua Matthan Brown September 9, 2026 Many Orthodox Christians are wary of ecumenical spaces. Some believe ecumenism is a great heresy, erroneously equating it with religious syncretism. Still others believe the project is completely pointless. In the early years of the ecumenical movement, many worked in joyful anticipation that, by God’s grace, the numerous fractures and schisms in Christianity might finally be healed. Now, however, the dream of full eucharistic communion between disparate Christian communities seems increasingly unrealizable. The upshot is that many Orthodox Christians struggle to see the value of ecumenism. Many ask, ‘Is ecumenism worthwhile?’ This question was at the forefront of my mind when Fr. Bartholomew Mercado, the chaplain at Hellenic College Holy Cross (HCHC), encouraged me to participate in a new ecumenical initiative. A program co-sponsored by the World Council of Churches, the Canadian Council of Churches, and the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. The initiative I’m referring to is the North American-Turtle Island Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute (or NATI-RETI). The program's ambitious goal was as follows. From August 3–16, NATI-RETI would gather together a cohort of emerging theologians from various Christian communities in the United States and Canada. Phase one would take place in Detroit and phase two in Toronto. The participants would live in a tight-knit community for two weeks and undergo an intense, immersive study program focused on the overarching question, ‘Where Now for Visible Justice?’ I chose to attend NATI-RETI because I was intrigued by both the program's unique format and the timely topics it would address. Importantly, I also hoped I might discover an answer to the vexing question posed above: ‘Is ecumenism worthwhile?’
| | CJM Announces First Virtual Course | | Creation Justice Courses is a new online learning platform for anyone wrestling with what faith asks of us in a warming world, what the church's role is in this moment, and what it truly means to be called to steward creation. Rooted in the wisdom of Black, Indigenous, and other often marginalized traditions, we are building a home to explore perspectives, deepen understanding, and help contextualize the road ahead. In the powerful book Is a River Alive?, Robert Macfarlane spends years on three rivers on three continents, asking: Can a river be alive, and who speaks for it? "We will never think like a river," he writes, "but perhaps we can think with them."
CJMs inaugural course asks a further question: "Is a River Sacred?" Led by Derrick Weston, CJM's director of theological education and formation, and Fr. Pete Nunnally of Water and Wilderness Church, will use the book as a springboard to explore ideas of the sanctity of Creation and the ways that humans have experienced that sanctity both through the Biblical tradition and through indigenous ways of knowing. Participants will also explore what the sacredness of rivers might mean for spiritual leaders and activists who are dedicated to protecting access to the Divine in nature. How It Works Is a River Sacred? meets live at 7 p.m. ET on Zoom on September 21 and 28 (with both sessions recorded and available later). We’ll provide supporting resources, guide the discussion, and engage in smaller interactive groups to work with the material. All participants will also be registered for an exclusive online screening and panel discussion of the documentary film Riverkeeper, which highlights the struggle for environmental justice for Atlanta’s South River. The screening will take place on October 5, from 6–8 p.m. ET. Whether or not your congregation is observing Season of Creation this fall, this course will deepen how you think about water, wilderness, and what we owe to both. Note: It is highly recommended but not required to read Macfarlane’s Is a River Alive? before the course begins.
| | COP Sends Letter to
All Members of Congress | | Circle of Protection circulated a letter to every member of Congress, highlighting major issues affecting people in poverty that Congress will address this month and in the lame-duck session. COP developed this letter through several discussions among Circle members in August. It conveys a near-consensus perspective among Circle members and will guide the organization’s collective advocacy.
The letter can be viewed online at the link below, or on the Circle's website. | | | DCC Benevolent Association Accepting Applications for
Incubate Partners | | The National Benevolent Association (NBA, the health and social services general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is accepting Incubate Partner applications from Disciples health and social service organizations.
Being in partnership with NBA involves a multi-year relationship that includes a specialized menu of resources and support for your young ministry/organization.
Applications will be accepted from September 1 - November 1. (Note: this is a change from previous years generally, in light of learnings from the application/interview timeline earlier this year.)
Interested applicants are required to connect with NBA’s Social Entrepreneurship team prior to starting the application process; contact the NBA Director of Social Entrepreneurship, Rev. Darnell Fennell, for more information or visit the NBA website. | | Converging 2026; Sing Through It!, October 7–10, Louisville, Ky. | | The Convergence Music Project invites pastors, worship leaders, singers and songwriters, and seminarians to attend this year’s annual conference, Converging 2026: Sing Through It! Oct. 7-10 in Louisville, Kentucky. Featured speakers will include Cole Arthur Riley, the Rev. Otis Moss III, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson, and Jim Wallis. Attendees will experience joyful, inclusive worship and compelling workshops, and will have the opportunity to connect with peers from across the country. The Convergence Music Project is an online source of new music for congregational singing that congregations committed to justice, compassion for the poor, inclusive language, creation care, LGBTQ+ affirmation, and expansive theology can trust. Learn more and register here. | | Freedom Churches to Launch
'Every Church, a Freedom Church' | | | Blessed Tomorrow to Host Virtual Climate Ambassador Training,
September 26
| | Register now for the LIVE Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador Training on September 26, with breakouts by faith tradition. Explore practical, hope-filled ways to put your faith into action. This free, interactive training will equip you with trusted resources, effective communication strategies, and practical steps for congregations and communities. Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. ET | 8:30–11:30 a.m. PT Faith Partners: 12 denominations leading breakout rooms | | | | Churches Uniting in Christ to Host Community Worship Service, September 15 | | The Churches Uniting in Christ community worship service will be held on Wednesday, September 16, at 6:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive CME Temple in Memphis, Tennessee.
The CUIC Communion liturgy is being updated for the event, and several Heads of Communion and other representatives will help with leadership. Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Jr. of the CME Church will be the preacher. | | | NY Protestant Churches to Host
Annual Chaplain's Conference | | Annual Chaplains Conference October 6-8, 2026 Holiday Inn and Suites, 400 7th N St., Liverpool, NY 13088 Full Conference Registration includes a one-year membership in the
NYS Protestant Chaplains Association. Register by September 21, 2026!
More Information Here | | | | NBA to Host ‘Older Adults Leading in Climate Action’ Webinar | | How can older adults foster hope in a climate-changed world while helping church and community grow in equity and resilience?
Join the National Benevolent Association on Wednesday, September 30, at 12:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m. CT for “Older Adults Leading in Climate Action,” a free webinar that explores this question and shares stories about meaningful intergenerational climate ministries, projects, and experiences. Be inspired with program ideas, small-group discussion, and resources!
| | | | Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC
A webinar on September 16, “Care of the Elderly: Challenges and Opportunities in an Aging World,” will be hosted by the WCC, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican) St James’ Settlement on Elderly Care, and St John's Medical College, Bengaluru. Learn More Here…
| | Blessed Tomorrow Lunchtime Series: Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities! | | Join Blessed Tomorrow for six lunchtime screenings of the film series: Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities, each Wednesday from September 2 — October 7, 2:00 pm- 2:45 pm EST/ 11:00 am-11:45 am PST. This is a 7-part film series for congregations to build knowledge, have deep discussions, and then engage in creation care and climate solutions. The series highlights over 30 powerful voices of Christian, Muslim, Indigenous, Baha’i, and Jewish faith leaders from 14 states, including clergy, youth leaders, and interfaith organizers, who are leading with hope, compassion, and courage. They share inspiring stories and hope for our shared future. Watch the introductory film (above), To Tend and to Keep: People of Faith Caring for the Earth. Screening Schedule September 2, Called by Faith: How Will You Answer?
September 9, Seeds of Fire: Building Resilient Communities
September 16, Holy Water: Protecting What Connects and Sustains Us September 23, Climate Justice: Sacred Voice Rising September 30, Healing Creation: Honoring Nature and Each Other October 7, Young Leaders: Creating Hope for the Future
| | | WCC, Korean Prime Minister Explore Renewed Pathways for Dialogue and Peace on Korean Peninsula | | World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay met with Prime Minister Han Seongsook of the Republic of Korea on September 11 in Seoul, where they discussed how churches and the wider ecumenical movement could help reopen pathways for dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula. Photo: Office of Protocol for the Prime Minister The meeting took place during the 2026 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, held in Seoul from 9-13 September and jointly organized by the WCC, Christian Conference of Asia, and National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK).
Pillay was joined by Peter Prove, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs; Rev Jung Eun Grace Moon, general secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia; Rev. Park Seung Ryoul, general secretary of the NCCK; the Hon. Melissa Parke, executive director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons; and other ecumenical partners.
Discussions focused particularly on the current absence of effective channels for inter-Korean dialogue and on the potential role of churches in creating spaces where contact and trust might gradually be rebuilt.
Read more here. | | 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 | | September 13 – 19..................................Ghana, Nigeria September 20 – 26 ...............................Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay September 27 – October 03............Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru October 4 –10............................................Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela October 11 – 17 ..........................................Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua,
Panama October 18 – 24........................................Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico October 25 – 31.........................................The Caribbean November 1 – 7........................................Canada, United States of America November 8 – 14 ....................................Oceania: American Samoa, Cook
Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (Maohi
Nui), Kanaky, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua
New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu November 15 – 21 ...................................Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia November 22 – 28.................................East Timor (Timor Leste), Indonesia,
Philippines November 29 – December 5 .........Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore December 6 – 12......................................Myanmar, Thailand December 13 – 19....................................Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam December 20 – 26..................................Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and
the Mainland of China December 27 – January 2..................Japan, North Korea, South Korea | | | 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… | | | | | Courage Is Contageous: An Evening
with Bishop Mariann Budde, October 8 | Her sermon during the 2025 inauguration lasted only minutes. But Bishop Mariann Budde’s example of bravery in speaking truth to power endures. “Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”
Her keynote address on October 8, “Courage Is Contagious,” will explore how we can all learn to be brave. All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will benefit the Maine Council of Churches.
Bishop Budde’s sermons have been published in books and journals, and she has authored several books, including How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, adapted into a young adult book, We Can Be Brave, and a picture book for children, I Can Learn to Be Brave.
Run Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with no intermission.
| | | | Tuesdays, Sept 29, Oct 6, Oct 13, Oct 20 Noon - 1 p.m. / Online “Love’s On The Ballot: Voting Our Faith” is a 4-part lunch and learn series brought to you by the NC Council of Churches, Christians Against Christian Nationalism NC, Pastors for NC Children, and People of Faith for Public Schools. NCCC's Faithful Voter Guide is about Seven Spheres of Influence. This series of four Lunch and Learns will make the seven spheres practical as we face the midterm election on November 3.
How do we take action to engage the seven spheres of influence at the ballot box this fall and beyond to build beloved community? Join one or all four interactive, live conversations.
Please note: The teaching portion will be shared later, but the conversations and Q&A will not be recorded.
_____________________Webinar: The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Reducing Community Violence Wednesday, September 16, 11:30 a.m.
Online Faith-based organizations play a vital role in strengthening community safety and reducing violence. This webinar will highlight how some faith-based groups are engaging in this work, the approaches they use, and why their presence is essential. Hear directly from leaders who support healing, connection, and long-term community well-being to reduce violence. NCCC Executive Director, Jennifer Copeland, and PHW Senior Associate Director, Carrilea Hall, will be presenting.
Click here to join the WebEx webinar. _____________________Tuesday, September 15 - Thursday, September 17
Daily from noon - 1 p.m. / Online As voters prepare for the upcoming election, how can faith shape the way they reflect, engage, and participate in public life? Join this three-part webinar series designed to introduce faith leaders, congregations, and community members to the Faithful Voter Guide and Companion Toolkit, and a brief introduction to our Multifaith Adaptation Guide. Rev. Susannah Tuttle, director of strategic partnerships, will lead the series, guide participants through the resources, offer practical insight into how to use them, and create space for reflection and conversation about faithful engagement in public life.
Register Here _____________________
WEBINAR: How to Spot a
Pro-Public Education Candidate Thursday, October 8, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Join Pastors for NC Children & People of Faith for Public School's director Rev. Suzanne Parker Miller and Save Our Schools NC co-founder Susan Book for a practical conversation about how to identify pro-public education candidates on your ballot this election season.
This non-partisan discussion will provide tips and things to look for on candidates' websites and social media, and demystify the language often used around education to see where they really stand on supporting public schools.
Click here to register. | 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, September 22, from 4:00–5:00 p.m. on Zoom. Join A Peals for Peace: Monday, September 14 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. Monday, September 14, will be the second weekly bell ringing, which continues every Monday until the Monday before Election Day. Join the Sound. Register your congregation, organization, or household to participate. If you have already signed up, take photos and videos of your bell ringing and send to Rachel Baker, Communications Director, at rachel@ncchurches.org so we can highlight our impact!
| | | New Resources for Loving Our Neighbor
in an Election Season As we move toward the November 3rd election, the WCOC will relaunch the Loving Your Neighbor in an Election Season campaign with an added focus on election protection and democracy defense. In a recent webinar, Rev. Kendal L. McBroom, the Director of Civil and Human Rights for the United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society, said, “...Christian public witness is not principally about acquiring political dominance. Rather, it is about becoming visible and an alternative to a set of social relationships. Jesus imagines a people whose common life makes another order perceptible.” This order involves leaning into the second greatest commandment: loving our neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40) this election season. To do this work, the WCC is busy preparing resources for churches and congregations, set to be released Sept. 9. These include: Resources for Love Your Election Official Sunday (October 18th) Theological reflections on three constitutional amendments on the November Ballot Bulletin inserts with voting information A Church Democracy Defense Pledge An email list specifically focused on elections and democracy A poll chaplain program - Sign up now! Ways to engage in rapid response
We see these resources as a starting point and pledge to continue listening in this election season. If you encounter specific needs or have ideas, please reach out to set up a conversation. (wcoc@wichurches.org)
Faith and Democracy Contract Positions Available Apply Now for Communications Lead and Organizer Roles Thanks to generous funding from community partners, the WCC is bringing contractors on board for two key roles supporting our Faith and Democracy efforts. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, and those hired can begin immediately. Timeframe. Now through mid-January, with intense work periods in late October/early November and early January. Work is online – phone, Zoom meetings, emails, and social media, with documentation of contacts. Physical location matters less than your personal network and ability to connect. Communications lead will produce a faith and democracy e-newsletter and original social media content. Organizer will recruit poll chaplains and volunteers, signers for our faith and democracy pledge, and gather information about local ministries.
Information on deliverables and compensation is available on the WCOC web page. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and samples of your work (for a communications position) to wcoc@wichurches.org. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled with the intent to start immediately. | | | | | | | | | | | | | Purchase the NCC 75th Anniversary
Commemorative BIble and Save 20% Discount Code: NCC2026 | | | More from Friendship Press… |
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