Follow NCC on Social Media! | | | | | | | CUS Broadens the Conversation
on Responsible AI | | Submitted by Rev. Dr. Tammy Weins
NCC Director, Christian Education and Faith Formation Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how organizations write, publish, teach, and communicate. For churches, the question is not simply whether AI can complete tasks faster, but how its use affects human creativity, vulnerable communities, and our shared world. Representatives of the Committee on the Uniform Series Executive Committee—John Hill, Sinclaire Sparkman, and Foluke Ola—have joined Brian Sigmon of Friendship Press and Adwoa Rey, Olivia Cloud, and Tammy Wiens of the National Council of Churches to develop “Standards for the Responsible Use of AI in Christian Publishing.”
The task force began by asking which aspects of curriculum development must remain under meaningful human creative control, and which tasks might appropriately benefit from AI assistance. Several members broadened that conversation this week at the ecumenical AI and Church Summit. Presenters explored AI’s potential contributions to science, healthcare, and ministry, as well as concerns about data centers, Native lands, energy, water, labor, resource extraction, and the unequal distribution of technological benefits and burdens. The summit sharpened our questions. We must ask not only, “How was AI used?” but also, “What human-authored, copyrighted, confidential, or sensitive material was placed into the system?” Responsible use cannot be measured by efficiency alone. CUS will seek guidelines that preserve human authorship and theological discernment while keeping faithful stewardship, human flourishing, and the greater good at the center of its continuing work. To learn more about the ecumenical partners who sponsored the AI and Church Summit (2026), please visit the Church AI Toolkit site. | | | 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 | | | | | WISC to Host 'Drawing Hope' | | Washington Interfaith Staff Community (WISC) will host their next exhibit and opening panel discussion with Drawing Hope this September. The Drawing Hope Project involves youth from various parts of the world, each with their own unique histories of conflict, cultures, and languages. They imagine themselves crossing and transcending these barriers to meet and share messages of greeting, peace, and reconciliation. The project launched its international exhibition in 2023 in Los Angeles and has since traveled to Belfast, Cape Town, and the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Drawing Hope is more than an art display—it represents personal greetings from children to children they may never meet. Opening Night Reception and Panel
(Wednesday, September 9) RSVP: bit.ly/DrawingHopeDC RSVP to attend the opening night event on September 9. Refreshments will be served from 3:30 - 8:00 pm. The panel discussion begins at 6:00 pm. Please email the church with the subject line “Visit Drawing Hope” at office@washingtoncitycob.org to arrange a time to visit the exhibit while it is on display September 9-25. There will also be an Instagram post. | | UCC Global Hope Appeals for
Nepal Flood Relief
| | Flash flooding of the Bhote Koshi River, triggered by a catastrophic glacier collapse in the Himalayan mountains, caused devastation along the Nepal/Tibet border. Thousands were forced from their homes as entire communities were washed away. The scale of destruction is overwhelming: More than 1,250 lives lost. Nearly 5,000 people remain missing in Nepal and China. More than 12,000 people have been directly affected. The UN estimates that approximately 65,000 people need emergency water, sanitation and hygiene support.
You can be a source of hope, healing and strength for our neighbors in Nepal and Tibet. Please consider making a gift today. Your generosity will provide critical relief to those facing unimaginable hardship and help communities rebuild for the long term. We are launching this urgent appeal to deliver critical life-saving aid to help meet immediate humanitarian needs while supporting long-term recovery efforts. The Global HOPE team is in active communication with our ecumenical partners through Global Ministries and ACT Alliance to accompany those who have been directly affected by this tragedy. We are working to support these efforts to strengthen immediate relief capabilities. We ask you to pray for those affected as they grieve losses and begin the difficult journey toward recovery. Your compassion and support are a powerful witness to God’s love in action. | | | National Taskforce on Election Crises Hosts Webinar: "Two Months to Go: What to Expect Before, During, and After the 2026 Midterms" | | With the 2026 midterm elections just two months away, voters may have questions about what to expect this election season and what changes, if any, could affect the voting process.
The National Task Force on Election Crises hosted a webinar featuring election experts who provided a nonpartisan, fact-based overview of election preparations, what voters can expect at the polls, safeguards in place to support secure elections, and how election results are certified.
Task Force member and former Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson joined election experts Tammy Patrick (National Association of Election Officials), Celina Stewart (League of Women Voters), and Wendy Weiser (Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law) to tackle the questions voters, advocates, and reporters ask—what to expect at the polls to why some results may take longer to count. Key Highlights Election officials are preparing for every scenario. Tammy Patrick, Chief Programs Officer at the Election Center, described the approach this way: “The plan is not to have contingency A and B, but also D, E, and F.” Across the country, election officials are preparing now for a range of possibilities so voting and counting can continue even when unexpected challenges arise. Vote early if you can. Celina Stewart, Chief Executive Officer for the League of Women Voters, encouraged voters to make a plan and vote as early as possible—especially if they plan to vote by mail.
| | | 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. | | | | | 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
| | | | | Photo: DCA/ACT Alliance
WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed profound sorrow over the catastrophic flash flood that struck the Nepal-Tibet border region on August 26.
“We have followed the reports with shock and sadness: several hundred people have died, with the toll still rising, and close to a thousand more - residents, security personnel, hydropower and border workers, and hundreds of foreign pilgrims and travelers from many nations - remain missing or unaccounted for,” wrote Pillay in a pastoral letter sent to the Christian Conference of Asia. “Many more have been injured, displaced, or have lost their homes, land, and livelihoods.”
Whole villages, bridges, roads, and places of pilgrimage have been swept away in a matter of minutes.
“Our hearts are heavy, and we hold this tragedy before God in lament,” wrote Pillay. “We grieve with you.”
Many families are still waiting for news of the missing: a parent, a child, a pilgrim son or daughter, a foreign traveler far from home. "We pray that search and rescue teams may yet bring answers, and that God's presence may hold you through the anguish of not knowing,” Pillay wrote. “To the injured, and to those who have lost their homes, their land, their animals, and their livelihoods in these remote mountain valleys, we assure you that you are not alone and not forgotten, however far from the world's attention your villages may seem.”
Pillay expressed solidarity with the government and people of Nepal, with the National Council of Churches of Nepal and its member churches, and with the WCC’s ecumenical partners across the region, including the Christian Conference of Asia.
"We also hold in our prayers the communities across the border in the Tibet Autonomous Region, who share with us in this same disaster and this same sorrow,” he wrote. “We give thanks to God for the courage and endurance of the first responders — the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police; the pilots and crews of the helicopters that have flown into treacherous mountain terrain; and the volunteers, health workers, local leaders, and ordinary neighbours who, often at great personal risk, have searched the debris, carried the wounded, and comforted the grieving.”
Pillay urged that the people and communities of remote mountain valleys must never be neglected. “We encourage our member churches, and all people of faith and goodwill, to act together in response to the needs of these communities, building on the God-given agency present in every person,” Pillay wrote. “May our response help rebuild trust - trust in one another, trust in our shared humanity, and ultimately, openness to faith and trust in God.”
Read the full letter here...
READ: CCA General Secretary offers prayers and solidarity following deadly Nepal-Tibet floods (CCA news release, August 27) | | Ecumenical Officers Exchange Experiences on Churches’
Climate Work | | The third drop-in session of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Officers Network, held on 3 September, focused on churches’ engagement with climate justice and the Season of Creation. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC Ecumenical officers are designated WCC member church officials appointed to encourage, assist, and resource Christian unity. They work to build relationships, organize joint community initiatives, and foster theological dialogue between different Christian denominations.
In a short opening presentation, Dr. Louk Andrianos, WCC consultant for Care for Creation, Sustainability, and Climate Justice, traced the history of Season of Creation, an annual ecumenical period, from September 1 to October 4, during which Christians are invited to celebrate, pray and act for the care of God's creation.
“Season of Creation reminds us that care for creation is not an optional concern for the churches, but an expression of our Christian faith. In the face of the ecological crisis, we are called to unite across our traditions, renew our liturgical life, and place creation care and eco-justice at the heart of our common Christian witness,” underlined Andrianos.
Rev. Dr Protopresbyter Nicolas Kazarian, from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, shared the efforts in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to move from liturgical celebration to practical, parish-level stewardship of creation.
Participants from various churches reported on their churches’ initiatives, challenges, and the need for new paradigms linking climate, justice, and economic transformation.
Dr Ann Riggs, from the Religious Society of Friends: Friends United Meeting, argued that new ways of thinking are needed to address today’s interconnected economic, environmental, and social challenges, and that the WCC could provide important leadership in developing these new approaches.
"For me, this is one of the biggest hurdles. There is a lot of will, but I think we are using old paradigms, and we’re just going around in circles if we don’t come up with a new paradigm that meets the current situation in reality,” she said.
The discussion also highlighted the connection between Season of Creation and the WCC's Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action. The regular annual online meeting of the WCC Ecumenical Officers Network is scheduled for October 27–28.
Links to More Climate News… | | Joint Working Group Deepens Friendship, Cooperation Between WCC, Catholic Church A communique issued at the close of the plenary meeting of the Joint Working Group between the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church explains the mandate of the working groups, marks the 80th anniversary of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, and expresses gratitude. Read More Here… WCC Leads Climate Justice Workshops at ECEN Assembly The World Council of Churches (WCC) led workshops at the Assembly of the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) in Brussels, Belgium, held from August 29 to September 2. The sessions focused on the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action (2025–2034) — the WCC's ten-year commitment, launched in 2025. Read More Here… New Webpage Invites Churches to Join WCC Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity WCC has launched a new webpage dedicated to the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity, offering churches, ecumenical organizations, and communities a comprehensive collection of resources for walking, praying, and acting together. Read More Here… Christian Schools in Jerusalem Urge Return of Students In a statement, the Christian Schools in Jerusalem urged the renewal of permits for teachers and staff so that students can attend school safely. Read More Here… Bossey Alumni and Staff: Striving for Unity
Is Worth the Work As part of the commemorations of its 80th anniversary, the WCC Ecumenical Institute at Bossey held a webinar on September 1, bringing together alumni, former teaching staff and the institute’s current academic leadership to reflect on Bossey’s contribution to global ecumenism. Read More Here… WCC Congratulates to President-elect of Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil WCC Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay extended heartfelt congratulations to Rev. Dr Mauro de Souza, who was elected as president of the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil, beginning in 2027. Read More Here… Patriarch Bartholomew Calls for
Global Ecological Solidarity His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew marked the beginning of the ecclesiastical year and the Day of Prayer for the Protection of the Natural Environment on September 1 with a message describing the ecological crisis as "a crisis of human freedom, of our religion and philosophy, of our ethos and our culture." He called on humanity to build a shared "body of common fundamental values" rooted in solidarity. Read More Here… Dialogue Highlights Human Rights Concerns
of Tanzanian Churches, Communities A human rights dialogue hosted by the WCC and the Lutheran World Federation, featuring Tanzanian faith-based actors, highlighted the concerns of Tanzanian churches and communities. Tanzania has been through three Universal Periodic Reviews. In 2026, an interfaith coalition offered formal input for the fourth Universal Periodic Review. 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 6 – 12....................................Benin, Ivory Coast, Togo 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.
| | | WEBINAR: Living Water: Community Development
and the Flourishing of Creation Friday, September 4, 12 - 2 p.m Join Christians around the world in observing the Season of Creation through a meaningful time of worship, prayer, learning, reflection, and action. Whether you are already incorporating creation justice into your work or are simply curious about how a deeper relationship with creation can shape your ministry, neighborhood, or community development practice, this gathering is for you. Click here to register. 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 candidate's 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 7 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 7, will be the start of our weekly Monday bell ringings, which continue 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 towards the November 3rd election, the WCOC will be relaunching the Loving Your Neighbor in an Election Season campaign with additional focus on election protection and democracy defense. We have seen the continued attacks on our election system and recognize that part of loving our neighbors is ensuring that they can vote safely and that their vote is counted. As Christians, we believe we are called to participate in the public square and the means by which we engage in our democracy and help protect it in a time when democratic systems and norms are under attack. 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 3 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 do not hesitate to reach out to us 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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