Today in the Mission Yearbook - Report: Asian American women have fewer church leadership opportunities

Witness, Share and Evangelize: Today in the Mission Yearbook - Report: Asian Amer...: Men and women disagree on why, according to the National Survey of Asian American Congregational Practices July 31, 2024 The Rev. Dr. Young ...

WCC invites all to observe Nuclear Prayer Day

Pray, Praise and Worship: WCC invites all to observe Nuclear Prayer Day: The World Council of Churches is inviting all people of goodwill to participate in the Nuclear Prayer Day, to be held 6 August. In the eveni...

WCC news: WCC urges respect for human life as Middle East violence escalates

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed grave concern over the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. “The situation has deteriorated significantly following the attack on Golan Heights, the subsequent Israeli attack in Beirut, and the assassination in Tehran on 30 July,” he said. “These attacks have not only intensified the conflict but have also entailed violations of the sovereignty of multiple nations.” Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 31 July 2024 Pillay urgently called for political dialogue and negotiations. “The current cycle of violence serves only to deepen the threat and the suffering of all people involved,” he said. “We call for an immediate cessation of all military actions and urge all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at restoring peace and stability.” He acknowledged that the Middle East region urgently needs peace. “The people, especially the most vulnerable, deserve to live in dignity and security,” he said. “The youth of the region, who represent the future, need hope and opportunities to realize their full potential in a stable, secure, and prosperous environment.” Pillay, on behalf of the global fellowship, called on all parties involved to cease all attacks, respect human life, adhere to international law, and engage in dialogue. “We appeal to the international community to support efforts for peace and justice in the region,” he said. “It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to foster an environment where human dignity, rights, and justice are upheld.” The WCC, he added, remains committed to advocating for peace and reconciliation, and stands ready to support any initiatives that contribute to these goals. “Our prayer is that all hostilities and violence in the region would cease, and that political leaders and others would dialogue and work together for the good of all people in this context,” he concluded. Read the full statement See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

WCC news: WCC condemns attacks on St Porphyrius Church in Gaza and Golan Heights

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay condemned two recent attacks on 27 July in Golan Heights and a 29 July attack on the St Porphyrius Church in Gaza, where people have for many months been taking refuge from bombardments. Albin Hillert/WCC 31 July 2024 The most recent attack resulted in the collapse of two walls on the upper floor of the building and in the dining room, next to an area where displaced people have taken shelter. Some who were near the collapsed walls got injuries. “It is with profound sorrow and deep concern that we have received the news of the attack on St Porphyrius Church in northern Gaza, resulting in injuries to several individuals,” said Pillay.  St Porphyrius, believed to be the world’s third oldest church, was also hit by a bombardment on 20 October 2023 in an attack that killed at least 16 people. Once again, this sacred site, space of refuge for civilians, has become a scene of tragedy, pain, and despair,” said Pillay.  Last Saturday, at least 12 people, including children, were killed when a rocket hit a village in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, Israeli officials said, in an attack that has raised fears of a major escalation in the long-running conflict.  The attack on Golan Heights and the St Porphyrius Church is a stark reminder of the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and a sustainable and just resolution to the conflict in Gaza,” said Pillay. “We stand in solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy and pray for the swift recovery of the injured.” “We unequivocally condemn these attacks on civilians. These actions not only harm innocent people but also exacerbate the already dire situation faced by the people of Gaza and Golan Heights, further fueling the cycle of violence. Governments have the responsibility of protecting and securing the rights of all civilians." See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

Presbyterians for Earth Care - Webinar recordings available & Season of Creation

JULY WEBINAR RECORDINGS NOW AVAILABLE The recordings and resources from the Presbyterians for Earth Care July Webinars are now available.  Please share the information with your congregation, family, and friends! Review of 226th General Assembly Biennial Meeting and Impacts on PC(USA) Earth Care - July 11, 2024 Developing Community Solar Projects - July 16, 2024 IRA Funds for Church & Individual Green Energy Projects - July 23, 2024

Season of Creation Webinar - Hosted by One Home, One Future and Creation Justice Ministries The Season of Creation was started back in 1989 as a time to renew our relationship with our Creator by renewing our relationship with creation. For some congregations, it has become a meaningful annual celebration. Yet there are still many in the wider church who have either not heard of the season or don't know where to start integrating into their church's worship.   Creation Justice Ministries in partnership with One Home, One Future, a coalition effort of US faith denominations and organizations for visible and collective creation care and climate action by faith leaders, will be hosting a webinar to introduce the Season of Creation and show efforts that churches and denominations are making to celebrate the season as a central part of the liturgical calendar. We will also be highlighting the Faith and Climate resource produced by the SALT Project to use as a possible guide throughout the season.   Join us August 1st at 6pm eastern for this informative and engaging conversation.

REGISTER HERE

Interfaith Power & Light presents the Faithful Voter Reflection Guide for 2024 The reflection guide is intended to spur discussion and discernment. Whether you use it at a kitchen table, in a house of worship, at a community forum, or at an event with policymakers and political candidates, we hope it helps you navigate the urgent moral questions raised by this election.  The Faithful Voter Reflection Guide is now available for free download. FREE WEBINAR Voting: A Metter of Faith Preaching on the Importance of Voting Join IPL board member, Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb in a conversation with Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center's Imam Naeem Baig, Sojourners' Rev. Moya Harris, and Siena College's Father Jacek Orzechowski about encouraging our faith communities to vote by preaching on the importance of voting through the lens of faith. Register now for the August 8 webinar, "Voting: A Matter of Faith - Preaching on the Importance of Voting." We'll also share nonpartisan resources to help you in developing these messages and having the confidence to conduct election-related activities within the bounds of federal rules and regulations.

How can we help you care for God’s creation?  Drop us an email and let us know at presbyearthcare@gmail.com Help us grow! Please let us know if there is anyone we should add to our list!  Just reply to this email.  Thank you! Please help us to continue to assist individuals and churches in creation care work by donating to PEC through our website by CLICKING HERE.  Thank you!

Copyright (C) 2024 Presbyterians for Earth Care. All rights reserved.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - Without passages on justice for the poor, the Bible is a very slim volume

Witness, Share and Evangelize: Today in the Mission Yearbook - Without passages o...: ‘Lift from the bottom, and everyone rises,’ the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis says on the ‘New Way’ podcast July 30, 2024 The Rev. Dr. Liz Theohari...

WCC news: Global churches unite for Feast of Creation and climate action

The World Council of Churches (WCC) joined ecumenical partners for an online meeting titled “Assisi Reunion and Next Steps of Feast of Creation.” The event brought together faith leaders to discuss ongoing initiatives and plans for promoting the Feast of Creation, highlighting the critical role of faith communities in environmental stewardship and climate justice. 30 July 2024 “I am glad that many people are committed to making the vision of a Feast of Creation also in the western churches become true,” said Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, WCC moderator.  “The Nicaea anniversary year 2025 could give these efforts a big push,” he added, referring to the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, which gathered the whole of Christendom to seek consensus on the central meaning of Christian faith. “We have two Christ feasts, Christmas and Easter, and we have Pentecost as the feast of the Holy Spirit,” said Bedford-Strohm. “A global Feast of Creation would be a  wonderful liturgical place to also praise God the creator for the work of creation and to renew our commitment to till and care for the earth.” Pacific Conference of Churches general secretary Rev. James Bhagwan delivered a reflection from the Marshall Islands, highlighting the severe impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. He stressed the profound interconnectedness of all creation, stating, "We need to act together for creation care. The Feast of Creation reminds us of our connection with creation and the creator, and the urgent need for collective action." The meeting included a review of the Assisi report, a comprehensive booklet documenting the outcomes of the first Assisi seminar, which underscored the theological and liturgical significance of the Feast of Creation. Bishop Bedford-Strohm outlined the WCC’s ongoing and planned initiatives, noting that the Feast of Creation is integral to the Living Planet economic and ecological justice programme. Dr Louk Andrianos, WCC consultant for Care for Creation, Sustainability, and Climate Justice, highlighted the collaborative efforts of various church denominations in celebrating the Feast of Creation, aiming for a global culmination on 1 September 2025, coinciding with the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council at Nicaea. Cosponsored by the WCC, the Laudato Si’ Research Institute, and other major ecumenical partners, including the World Communion of Reformed Churches, Lutheran World Federation, and Anglican Communion, among others, the meeting served as a global platform for sharing reflections and strategies following the initial Assisi seminar in March. Assisi report: A liturgical opportunity; an ecumenical kairos: an emerging consensus to enhance the “feast of creation” and honour the creator “Feast of Creation” seminar explores and inspires toward global ecological transformation (WCC News Release, March 2024) See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

WCC news: WCC stands in solidarity with Ethiopian people in wake of deadly landslides

In a letter to churches and people in Ethiopia, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed solidarity in the wake of deadly landslides. Albin Hillert/WCC 30 July 2024 “The news of the landslides in the southern part of your country, which have claimed the lives of over 200 cherished souls, fills our hearts with grief,” wrote Pillay. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by this tragedy.” Pillay reflected on the resilience and strength of the Ethiopian people. “Your courage and unity in these challenging times inspire hope,” said Pillay. “We are moved by the tireless efforts of the rescue teams who continue to work with dedication and compassion, bringing relief and support to those in need.” Pillay shared the thoughts and prayers from the global fellowship. “May you find comfort in each other and strength in your unwavering spirit,” he wrote. “Let us hold on to hope, knowing that brighter days lie ahead.” Read the full letter See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland