The Decentering Whiteness Task Force of the Southwest Conference of the UCC will be present at the 2025 Annual Meeting in Albuquerque. We will be offering a workshop titled "Calling People In," a method designed to address problematic behaviors or statements, especially those rooted in racial bias, with compassion and education rather than public shaming. In the context of racial justice and decentering whiteness, this approach fosters accountability while recognizing that everyone is on a learning journey, prioritizing understanding and growth over punitive measures. This seeks to create a safer space for dialogue, particularly for those from marginalized groups, by fostering a learning environment where individuals can recognize and correct their biases, thus shifting away from a culture that protects white comfort at the expense of addressing systemic inequity. Additionally, we will host a table with various resources to support churches in their quest for decentering whiteness, both personally and within their congregations.
Read MoreSunday, April 13, 4:00 pm in Douglas, AZ
You’re invited to join us on April 13th from 4pm to 6pm, in Douglas, Arizona, at the border (near the border crossing) for a healing circle dedicated to fostering peace and unity. In a space of shared respect and compassion, we will come together to offer prayers, meditations, and reflections for healing the divisions that affect our communities. This gathering aims to create a moment of connection, understanding, and hope, emphasizing our shared humanity. All are welcome to participate in this call for peace and unity.
We will meet at 3:45 pm in the Walmart Parking lot, 199 5th St, Douglas, AZ 85607.
RSVP
Read MoreToo often, our theology of God’s power has been shaped by images of dominion and control, mirroring human systems of exploitation and extraction. But Scripture reveals a different kind of power—one that flows through relationships, nurtures life, and brings healing to both people and planet. Creation Justice Ministries has released a new resource in time for Earth Sunday that explores life-giving theologies in conversation with those leading at the grassroots of a faith-rooted movement. In this webinar, we will hear from the lead author of the resource along with two of the faith leaders profiled in it. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time of 1 pm ET on Wednesday, April 9th, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now to join us!
Read MoreCHHSM, UCC Wellness Ministries, and the UCC DC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy are hosting a Medicaid and SNAP Advocacy Week April 21-25, where registrants from around the country will have in-district meetings with their members of Congress in support of Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP.
Register here for the advocacy week and to sign up for two 1-hour trainings, which will walk you through how to (1) set up a meeting with your senators and representatives and (2) prepare for that meeting. You will also receive meeting request scripts, talking points, and other materials that will walk you step by step through how you can lift your voice in support of these critical programs. No experience necessary!
Deadline for registration: April 1, 2025. Click through for details.
Read MoreThursday, March 27, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Arizona Capitol - House Lawn
1700 West Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007
Arizonans are united in their love for Public Lands and Waters, but special interests, seeking short-term profits, are working behind the scenes to make it easier to sell our public resources to the highest bidder.
Arizonans are uniting to fight back. Defending our American freedoms to hunt, fish, hike, and camp is more urgent than ever. We need to speak up to protect it.
Arizonans from across the state are gathering at the 2025 Arizona Rally for Public Lands to call on every elected official – from Phoenix to Washington, D.C. – to protect our access, wildlife, public workforce, and keep our public lands and waters in public hands. If you need transportation to the event, buses will be available from Tucson to Phoenix.
INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION
Read MoreWednesday, March 12, 6:30 - 8:00 pm MST via Zoom
With ongoing changes to immigration policies, it is more important than ever for our communities to be informed and prepared. Join clergy, faith leaders, and community advocates for this second essential rapid response training, designed to empower individuals and families facing increasingly strict immigration enforcement and provide updates on legal and advocacy efforts to challenge current policies.
This training will include:
✅ Know Your Rights – Key legal protections for individuals and families facing immigration enforcement.
✅ Legal & Advocacy Updates – The latest statewide and federal immigration policies and how we can take action.
Faith communities play a vital role in protecting and advocating for immigrant rights. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen our collective commitment and learn how to respond with compassion and action.
This training is hosted by: Corazón AZ, Arizona Interfaith Network (Valley Interfaith Project, Pima County Interfaith, Northern Arizona Interfaith), and Arizona Faith Network.
RSVP FOR ZOOM INFORMATION
If you are interested in tracking bills that faith-based environmental organizations are tracking, you can check out this legislative tracker from the NM Interfaith Power and Light here.
Read MoreRegardless of your citizenship or immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Join this webinar to learn your rights if you are approached by law enforcement – including local and state police, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and Border Patrol. The presentation will be given in English, with the option for live captions in Spanish.
Sign up here.
Hosted by ACLU of Arizona
Read MoreThe UCC is currently launching its first chapters of the UCC Climate Hope Affiliates program in Allentown (PA), Hanover (NH), Framingham (MA), and Freemont (CA). The goal is to create the political will to address the twin, intertwined crises of climate change and societal injustice. Chapters will take monthly actions to develop long-term relationships with their members of congress and local media.
Let us know if you are interested in starting a chapter where you live.
Read MoreThe Immigrant Legal Resource Center has “Know Your Rights” Red Cards available. These cards are a reminder of the rights and protections provided to all people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, and are useful when confronted by immigration enforcement. The Red Cards are available as free downloadable files to print for your congregation and community.
Learn more.
Read MoreThe Interfaith Immigration Coalition invites faith-based organizations and faith leaders to sign onto a letter urging the Trump Administration to resume refugee resettlement and restore humanitarian assistance to recently arrived refugees.
The Sign on Letter, Sign on Forms for Faith Leaders, and Sign on Form for Faith Organizations can be signed using the respective links.
The deadline is February 13, 2025.
Read MoreOver and over again, the Bible tells of prophets who confronted rulers and the rich with an eye toward justice. Today, the ultra-rich hold enormous political power in the United States, and the implications are many, especially when it comes to the pursuit of climate justice. As the world’s richest man and as someone once hailed as a climate savior, Elon Musk has told the President that “we don’t need to rush” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As people of faith, what are we to make of this situation in which a small number of wealthy individuals have a tremendous influence over the future well-being of humanity and all of God’s creation? More importantly, what are we to do? Join us as a panel of speakers helps us address these questions.
Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register today!
This webinar is at 11 am AZ/NM/EP time on Wednesday, February 12.
Read MoreToday, and in the days to come, know that you are loved, you are valued, and who you are and how you show up in the world, no one gets to decide anything about it.
Read Moreby Dr. Kristina “Tina” Campbell
Few would argue that we are living in a time when we long for symbols of hope in our weary and conflicted world. Several congregations and the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ have found hope in supporting the work of Centro de Esperanza in Sonoyta, Mexico.
Read MoreThe Department of Labor now wants to know whether the public supports its proposal to phase out the Section 14(c) program and stop allowing employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage.
As Christians, we know that all human beings are created equal in view of God’s loving kindness, no matter what differences their bodies and minds may exhibit. To properly follow Jesus Christ’s call to love all, we must ensure every worker, including those with disabilities, receives a fair wage that enables them to live with dignity. We have a chance to support this critically needed proposal from the Biden administration—and let the incoming Trump administration know how important it is to make sure this rule goes into effect.
That is why the UCC DC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy, as part of the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition, sent a letter signed by multiple faith denominations and organizations to the Department of Labor in support of this critical rule. Now YOU have a chance to submit your comment by January 17th, for consideration by the Department.
It’s time to eliminate this discriminatory policy and implement stronger, fairer protections for all workers. Send your comment today!
Read MoreOn Monday, January 20th, Arizonans and New Mexicans will join in the national celebration of the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Arizona Faith Network shared notable celebrations in their recent newsletter; we've added some New Mexico events as well.
Read MoreWednesday, February 12, 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza
1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Join with the Sierra Club, Chispa Arizona, Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, AZ Youth Climate Coalition, AFN and many other groups for the annual lobby day at the Arizona Capitol. Meet with your legislators, hear from great speakers, and connect with others who are doing advocacy work both inside and outside the Arizona Legislature. RSVP so that there will be enough materials & food, and so that you can be added to a team for legislative meetings. A bus transportation option is available for those from Tucson.
RSVP here
Read MoreFrom the national setting and Global H.O.P.E.:
When disaster strikes, the United Church of Christ responds. Together, we can show God’s love in action.
Thank you for standing with California’s communities during this time of unreal hardship. Your generosity will make a difference as 100% of your donation will go directly to disaster relief efforts.
The fires destroyed the buildings of Altadena Community Church, United Church of Christ. See the update on their Facebook page. Please keep them in your prayers as well as their 15 members and close associates who have lost their homes.
To support the long-term recovery of those affected by the California Wildfires, click here.
Or use our SWC portal.
You can also mail a check payable to the Southwest Conference United Church of Christ, PO Box 44968, Phoenix AZ 85064-4968. Please be sure to note "California Wildfires 2025" in the memo section of your check. Our EIN: 86-0200170
100% of your donation will go directly to disaster relief efforts. Every gift matters. Please give today.
Read MoreTake five minutes to fill out our audience survey so the DC Office can learn more about the issues you care about most, the communities you’re a part of, and how we can collaborate deeper with our network.
Read MoreAs we enter a year of critical importance in the struggle for climate justice, the UCC is holding a Climate Action Commissioning Service. Gather with us as we faithfully prepare ourselves to take action in the coming year. The theme for this service and for the UCC's 2025 Climate Hope Campaign is "Planting Seeds of Hope." Our preacher will be the Rev. Michael Malcom, the Executive Director for Alabama Interfaith Power & Light and the People's Justice Council. Register to join us!
Read MoreIn the fight for justice and equality, creativity is a powerful tool. Art is more than beauty—it’s a voice, a protest, and a way to inspire change. This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let’s come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy through reflection, creativity, and connection.
🎉 Join Rev. Derek for the FREE Virtual Paint for Peace Party!
🗓️ Date: January 20, 2025 Noon-1:30pm ET
💻 Where: Online via Zoom (link emailed to registrants on Jan 19) Click here to Register!
🎨 Cost: FREE and open to all ages!
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