United Action for Justice: We're Back!

The United Action for Justice Newsletter is back!   For The United Church of Canada’s Centennial Year, we are highlighting the justice and global partnership work we do—together.   Expect quarterly updates so you, your community of faith, and your networks can connect, accompany, and shape these efforts for the future.   During hot-button times for advocacy, we may send a Call-to-Action email blast—your voice at crucial moments can make all the difference!  At a Glance   Calls to Action: ArmsEmbargoNow and Cuba Petition Upcoming Events: Webinar: Succeed at Advocacy Updates on The United Church of Canada’s Justice and Global Partnership Work: International Development Week Campaign  Reflections from the Gathering on Human Sexuality and Gender Diversity in Africa Community of Faith Spotlight: Ecumenical Campus Ministry (ECM) at the University of Guelph partners with Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB)  Justice Connections: Explore other United Church Justice Networks  Calls to Action Saddam Hussein Iyad Mohammad Rajab, 10, was shot by an Israeli soldier during an incursion into Tulkarem on January 28 and is now in critical condition at a hospital in Nablus. The attack, caught on camera, has sparked outrage, highlighting the ongoing violence faced by Palestinian children under military occupation.   The ceasefire has not halted Israel's killing of Palestinians. Please call and write to your MP urging them to pressure Minister Joly to impose an immediate and comprehensive embargo on Canada's arms trade with Israel. Cuba is facing a worsening crisis—soaring inflation, food shortages, and a healthcare system in distress, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions. UNICEF now reports that a third of Cuban children live in poverty, and the country has requested emergency food aid for the first time.  Canadian churches, unions, and NGOs are calling on the federal government to increase food and medical aid to Cuba and urge the U.S. to lift its punitive sanctions.  Take Action: Sign this petition to demand urgent aid and diplomacy for Cuba.  Upcoming Events and Initiatives  Webinar: Succeed at Advocacy: Casting a Vision for a Better World   February 25, 2025, 7:00-8:30 p.m. ET  Your voice matters. In this interactive 90-minute webinar, learn practical advocacy strategies to effectively engage elected officials and amplify concerns raised by The United Church of Canada partners. Together, we’ll explore ways to build community for greater impact.  Register now and strengthen your advocacy skills!  Updates on The United Church of Canada’s Justice & Global Partnership Work In the first week of February, The United Church of Canada launched our International Development Week Campaign, where we celebrated the inspiring work of faith-driven partnerships tackling inequality, hunger, and climate change. As part of The United Church of Canada’s Centennial, we reflected on a century of advocacy and renewed our commitment to a just and sustainable future.  Through Mission and Service and Canadian Foodgrains Bank partnerships, we highlighted the following stories.  Feb 2 – United Church Celebrates Centennial with International Development Week  Feb 3 – Building Resilience in Zimbabwe  Feb 4 – Solidarity in Climate Action  Feb 5 – Mercury Justice for Grassy Narrows  Feb 6 – Clean Water & Renewable Energy in Guatemala  Feb 7 – United Church Celebrates Centennial with Global Impact: IDW 2025 Highlights  At a time when the very idea of international development is being questioned, these stories remind us of what’s at stake—and what’s possible when we stand in solidarity.  How did your community mark the week? Share your stories at justice@united-church.ca!  The Rev. Shane Goldie reflecting on the gathering on Human Sexuality and Gender Diversity in Africa The Rev. Shane Goldie shares their powerful experience at the Faith Leaders Consultation on Human Sexuality and Gender Diversity in Africa. Held in Mozambique, the gathering brought together voices from across the continent and beyond to explore inclusion, justice, and the role of the Church in supporting LGBTQIA+ communities. Shane reflects on moments of vulnerability, solidarity, and the urgent need for continued dialogue and action.  Read more about the consultation, the connections to Indigenous struggles in Canada, and the hope for a more inclusive future.  Community of Faith Spotlight: Ecumenical Campus Ministry   The Ecumenical Campus Ministry (ECM) at the University of Guelph is making an impact through its recent partnership with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB).  ECM invited the CFGB Ontario Representative Henry Reinders to share with students about global global hunger and justice issues. Students, over various sessions, learned about CFGB and The United Church of Canada’s joint sustainable development work, advocacy, and how they can contribute. Some students then painted the Guelph Cannon—a decades long tradition at the University—to highlight this important work.  ECM, led by Chaplain Andrew Hyde, is a great example of how local faith communities can be part of mobilizing for global change.  We would love to amplify the Justice work your community of faith engages. Email us about it here: justice@united-church.ca!  Justice Connections Follow United Action for Justice on Facebook, Instagram Follow United Church News and the Round the Table blog to stay updated on Justice and partnership work. For the Love of Creation is a national initiative that brings together faith bodies and faith-based organizations in Canada under a unified banner to mobilize education, reflection, action and advocacy for climate justice. Disability Ministries in The United Church Facebook Page United Church of Canada Anti-Racism Facebook Page United Church Intercultural Ministries Facebook Page We are creating a list of those who are willing to be engaged in future advocacy opportunities with the Canadian Government. Please complete the 2025 Advocacy Survey as it will help us plan education and communications that are relevant to you! Thank you for your commitment to justice! We look forward to continuing this journey with you. Questions or ideas? Reach out at justice@united-church.ca Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world!

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