WCC News: WCC condemns attack on synagogue in Manchester

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay condemned an attack on a synagogue, Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, in Manchester, in northwestern England on 2 October where two people were killed outside the synagogue in a vehicle ramming and stabbing attack on Yom Kippur.  Photo: Albin Hillert/Life on Earth 03 October 2025 The attack occurred in an area of Manchester that is home to many Orthodox Jews. About 30,000 Jewish people live in Manchester, the largest number in the United Kingdom outside of London.  "The assault is an egregious and unacceptable act of terror against innocent people gathered for a holy day,” said Pillay. “We extend condolences and prayers for all those who lost loved ones and who were traumatized by this senseless act.” Pillay added that “The international community must continue to support peacebuilding and reconciliation across the world. We must reject extremism in all its forms and join in prayer and action for justice, healing, and lasting peace.” 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 356 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

WCC NEWS: WCC explores partnership with Philippines climate campaign challenging fossil fuel finance

The World Council of Churches (WCC) met with Philippines climate advocate Angelica Dacanay on 26 September in Geneva, Switzerland, to explore partnership on climate litigation and frontline campaigns. Dacanay, from the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development, presented a three-year campaign to protect the Verde Island Passage—called the "Amazon of the ocean"—from fossil gas expansion financed by major banks. Photo: Gloria Charles/WCC 02 October 2025 Frederique Seidel, WCC senior programme lead for Children and Climate, shared  how WCC supports churches on legal action about financial institutions harming communities and ecosystems. The Verde Island Passage spans five provinces in the Philippines. It draws 2.6 million overnight tourists annually and supports fishing communities across the region. "Sixty percent of the known shark and fish species are in the Verde Island Passage," Dacanay said. The area was recently designated a Hope Spot for its marine biodiversity. Six fossil gas power plants and two liquefied natural gas terminals now operate there, with additional projects proposed. Fisherfolk report sharp declines since the plants began operating. "Before they said they were getting 15 to 20 kilos of fish in one catch," Dacanay said. "Now on a lucky day, they could get like a maximum of five kilos." Communities describe "a very strong plastic smell every time the gas power plant is operating" and "very loud noise from the gas power plant that causes them sleepless nights." Angelica Dacanay from the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED). Photo: Gloria Charles/WCC The campaign sheds light on the harms caused by banks directly through shareholder meetings and formal complaints. Community leaders have spoken at UBS and BNP Paribas shareholder meetings. Campaigners filed a complaint with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, which financed one of the liquefied natural gas terminals. The campaign also conducts independent air and water quality monitoring to counter industry data and is building a regional network across Southeast Asia to challenge similar fossil gas expansion in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The campaign has already had some tangible success. One proposed liquefied natural gas terminal was cancelled.The Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources must now establish water quality guidelines and designate "non-attainment areas" where polluting projects would be barred. Photo: Gloria Charles/WCC Seidel described WCC's expanding work on financial accountability and climate justice. "We help churches to save children’s lives through climate litigation, with a focus on financial actors," she said, supporting churches in filing a soft law complaint and "developing  two to three hard law cases by churches about financial institutions." The programme aims to "sensitize on this blind spot for many people who have not imagined that they're harming children through their bank accounts." WCC and the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development discussed how to connect member churches with campaigners across Southeast Asia, where similar fossil gas expansion threatens coastal communities. They also talked about documenting harms to children and vulnerable populations for advocacy campaigns and legal challenges. Churches’ Commitments to Children Save Children's Lives Hope for Children Through Climate Justice  Sustainability and Economy of Life 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 356 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

Truth and Action Roundup 9.26.25

View this email in your browser Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, your reliable weekly source of information, inspiration, and opportunities for action during the second Trump administration.  Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it. This Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who insists on being called the “Secretary of War,” and President Donald Trump gathered military leadership for an unprecedented speech. During this address, armed forces leaders were informed that protections for service members, such as anonymous reporting and strict adherence to a code of ethics, were no longer priorities for the current Secretary of Defense. Following this, the Commander in Chief announced that the military would be a key part in targeting the “enemy within” and cited Chicago specifically as a “training ground” as an example of the “dangerous cities” where they’ll play a “big part.” The response to this speech has been chillingly muted among civic leaders. Congress’s failure to avert a government shutdown, and the ongoing fallout from recent high-profile political violence continues to dominate headlines. These are essential issues that are critical to the care and safety of our neighbors. We must, however, stay clear-eyed in connecting the neglect of our neighbors, seen in the removal of public resources, and the violence tearing apart our communities from mass shootings, with a political leadership now calling on the military to prepare to “apply force” against people in the United States. What these issues highlight is a fundamental rejection of the Christian commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. Since the buildup to the call for the military to use cities in the United States as “training grounds” has also included weeks of the military carrying out strikes in the Caribbean on civilian vessels culminating in Trump unilaterally declaring the country is in “armed conflict” with civilians in the Caribbean, we must now understand why we are required to stand up for our neighbors as we would for ourselves. We now see the true purpose of asking us to turn away from the hungry and sick when we’re being told our neighbors are an “enemy from within.” We also witness the tragic results of people accepting such messages, as shown by the repeated displays of violence that seem to follow one another. As Christians, we understand that this is not the inevitable future for our society. We recognize that we must oppose any politics that calls us to abandon the core principle of our faith, which is to see and honor the divine in every person. By demanding resources and care for every person, we can build a vision that makes space for us all. We must stand firm in our faith and spread love by protecting and caring for our communities. It is through this work that we create a vision of society that truly reflects our faith. - Rev. Moya Harris and Chad Stanton, Sojourners In the News 1. The Trump administration continued its authoritarian overreach while facing some signs of pushback: • A new national security memorandum from Trump will likely double the size of the FBI’s domestic terrorism watchlist from 5,000 to 10,000 by expanding domestic terrorism indicators such as “anti-capitalist,” “anti-Christian,” and “anti-American.” • The Supreme Court allowed Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook to remain in office while the case deciding whether Donald Trump can fire her continues, with a ruling expected sometime before next June after oral arguments in January 2026. • Pete Hegseth’s enforcement of stricter shaving rules and “male-based test standards” for fitness is likely to disproportionately penalize Black and female troops. Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PSB), colloquially known as razor bumps, is a painful skin condition that affects at least 60 percent of Black men and can lead to permanent scarring. The military has had exemptions to daily shaving for people who suffer from PSB in place for decades prior to Hegseth’s order. 2. The Trump administration continues to pursue its cruel deportation regime: • We continue to see cases of ICE detentions that separate family members from each other. Advocates allege that these family separations are by design and implemented as a retaliatory measure to coerce migrant people into leaving the country. • Pope Leo criticized the administration’s “inhumane treatment of immigrants in the United States,” suggesting that supporting the administration’s cruel immigration policy while opposing abortion is not a consistent pro-life stance. 3. The federal government partially shut down this week after Republicans and Democrats failed to pass a temporary funding bill: • Trump warned that he can use the shutdown to make “irreversible” cuts to social safety net programs and has also repeatedly threatened to use the shutdown as a pretext for mass layoffs of federal workers. • Democrats have pushed to include an extension of tax credits in the funding bill that would keep health insurance premiums more affordable for the 24 million Americans who get their coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces. Without the extension of these tax credits, premiums are expected to rise an average of 114% next year for this group. 4. There were troubling developments in several conflict areas around the world: • The Trump administration’s proposal to end the war in Gaza faces uncertain prospects, with Hamas’ leader in Gaza reportedly opposed to its provisions requiring Hamas to disarm and play no role in Gaza’s future governance, as well as the potential for Israel’s continued military presence in parts of the strip. • The Israeli military intercepted vessels in the flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining hundreds of activists, including Greta Thunberg. • The civil war in Sudan continues to create widespread suffering and death, with the city of el-Fasher under a particularly horrific siege. • A drone strike in Haiti killed at least eight children last month, while the alleged target of the strike escaped unharmed. The Haitian government task force that conducts the drone strikes is reportedly being advised by Vectus Global, a private security firm owned by Blackwater founder Erik Prince. Take Action • We’re calling for a boycott of Chevron for its partnership with Israel as the genocide against the people of Gaza continues. We also demand that Congress make the District of Columbia the 51st state in the country. • On October 18th, there will be another nationwide No Kings Day protest. SojoAction is supporting as an organizational sponsor. What We’re Reading “Chicago Faith Communities Say ‘Joy’ Is Key to Resisting the Feds” | And as I was praying for them, they started shooting at me, and they pelted me with exploding balls of chemical munitions, hitting me, aiming for and hitting me on the head, in the face.  (By Tate Young) “Looking at Life Through the Eyes of Gaza” | If we are all speaking out about Palestine, they can’t put us all in jail. (By Josiah R. Daniels) “We Aren’t The First Christians to Face a Kairos Moment” | If we follow the example of our South African siblings, we in the U.S. need to articulate a prophetic theology that refuses to be neutral or apolitical, and is committed to explicitly naming and condemning the powers that prohibit justice. (By Adam Russell Taylor) Deep Breaths  When Justice Feels Delayed The onslaught continues. It is easy in this moment to feel hopeless or to be overwhelmed with anger. Our senses are under an assault that is not normal. We are at the beginning of another government shutdown. We’ve been here before, but this one feels different. The sinister undertones cannot be ignored. Politicians are playing chess with people’s livelihoods, chasing after the best soundbite. It is downright depressing. In times like these, I turn to the prophets. Habakkuk once cried out: “O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you, ‘Violence!’ and you will not save? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law becomes slack, and justice never prevails. The wicked surround the righteous; therefore judgment comes forth perverted.” -Habakkuk 1:1-4 Aren’t we asking the same questions? Aren’t our senses taking in the same grief? What then shall we do? Like many, I have felt helpless and discouraged. But Habakkuk shows another way. Though destruction was before his eyes, he declared: “I will stand at my watchpost and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me and what he will answer concerning my complaint.” Habakkuk 2:1 That is our call too. Stay alert. Keep listening for God’s voice in the chaos. Each of us has an assignment—yours may look different from mine, but each matters. And then God’s charge to Habakkuk: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time… If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:2b-3 Writing itself can be an act of discernment. Whether one word or many pages, putting pen to paper clears the fog and steadies the spirit. Sometimes the words make sense, sometimes they don’t. But something happens when we write. Words carry power. Words can shift worlds. And sometimes, God might speak through the pen. This week, write one word—or a whole vision—and watch how God meets you in it. Rev. Moya Harris, Senior Director of Programs, Sojourners The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff: President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson Digital Content and Community Specialist: Kassandra Tapia Chief Program and Impact Officer: Bryan Epps Political Director: Chad V. Stanton Senior Program Director: Rev. Moya Harris Digital Education and Outreach Specialist: Cortnie Brooks Policy and Action Assistant: Trinity Williams Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims Donate Subscribe Copyright © 2025 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842

MLP October 2025 Newsletter!

In This Issue *Staff Update: A note from Claudia and Jesy *Upcoming Events-Join us in PITTSBURGH! *A word from our partners: Q&A, A Queer Question for Korean Churches *MLP Merch! *Donate Today

From Director of Engagement: Claudia Aguilar Rubaclava

Fall is upon us. After a season of growth and bearing fruit, nature decides to take a time to rest, gather energy, and reset. It is impossible to continually do the grinding and the hustling of surviving our current situation without a time to breathe and be, whether you are a bear, a tree, or a human. So we carved this space for y’all and we are having a retreat in April of 2026. No agenda, no meetings, just time to be with your community in worship and renewal, inspired by the poet June Jordan’s famous quote: “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”    Now, you may have some questions, and I may have some answers: When is this retreat? April 17-19, 2026 (right after Easter!) Who is this retreat for? This is a space exclusively for our LGBTQIA+ siblings and the MLP board, which will be holding its semi-annual in-person meeting before the retreat.  Where is this retreat? Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock, AR Why there? Because the LGBTQIA+ community in Arkansas has been suffering and Ferncliff has become a safe haven for our queer siblings and they need our support. Our presence in Arkansas is an act of resistance and defiance to an unjust system. What are you doing to ensure our safety? We are arranging direct transportation from the airport to Ferncliff (only 23 miles away).  What is the cost? We are finalizing details on this, but the MLP board just approved scholarships that will cover 50% of the registration fee for all participants, which includes lodging, meals, and transportation to and from the airport.  How big will this be? Since we want to ensure everyone gets privacy, we can accommodate 44 participants in single-occupancy rooms.  When will registration open? We are hoping to open registration in November, so that everyone can start planning their continuing education time and money. How can I help? Your donations and annual dues help us fund this work. Please consider giving to MLP. -Claudia

From Director of Operations: Jesy Littlejohn

What does being a part of More Light Presbyterians mean to you? Whether you are part of an MLP congregation or just support us as an organization, what does it mean to you? What do you feel when you see the MLP logo on a website? What emotions go through you when you see that we are sponsoring an event, or when you encounter us at a conference? October is LGBTQIA+ History Month, and we will highlight the ways that MLP has shaped our denomination over the past 50+ years. But our history isn't just the past. Our ancestors are those who came before us, those with whom we engage today, and those for whom we work to create a flourishing future. How has MLP impacted your life? How can we continue to shape the future? Where are we needed today? I would love to hear from you! Feel free to email me at Jesy@mlp.org. -Jesy

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming up!!   October 13: More Light Monday — Why Pronouns Matter. Use the link below to register October 22: The PC(USA) advocacy hour will focus on LGBTQIA+ current issues. We will have a panel of wonderful speakers. Click here to learn more and register. October 17-20: the MLP board will be gathering in person in Pittsburgh. Join the board and staff of MLP on Sunday, October 19th at 5:30 pm at Walters BBQ Southern Kitchen. Email hello@mlp.org your questions and to let us know you are coming! Nov. 18-20: National Queer Gathering!

Sign up for our second conversation with MLP Board member, Shani McIlwain (she/her) and Director of Operations, Jesy Littlejohn (they/them) on the topic of Why Pronouns Matter! Sign Up Here

2025 NATIONAL QUEER PRESBYTERIAN GATHERING Join folks from across the PC(USA) Nov. 18-20, 2025, for three days of interactive workshops and community building as we gather queer Presbyterians in love, restoration and power. Together, we will: Explore the needs of our community Determine the actions we need from our churches, leaders, and General Assembly and; Strategize on a collective plan to move the Presbyterian denomination forward. Where: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Center 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY Registration: Visit pcusa.org/nqpg Fees (event only): $75 (Waived for BIPOC and trans/GNC folk) Click the link to register: https://pcusa.org/nqpg If you have any questions, contact: Mikyle Johnson, mikyle.johnson@pcusa.org

Welcome our Newest MLP Ministries

Rejoice with us as we welcome new ministries to the MLP network! At the end of each quarter, we will list our newest members so you can shower them with love.  Cary Presbyterian Church, Cary NC.  Kenmore Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, NY First Presbyterian Church, Jeffersonville, IN Marshall Presbyterian Church, Marshall, NC Christ Presbyterian Church, Madison, WI Balmoral Presbyterian Church, Memphis, TN Dunn's Corners Community Church, Presbyterian, Westerly, RI

A Word from Our Partners!

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord, We are Q&A, a grassroots Christian non-profit organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ justice within the church in Korea. Our mission is to create churches that are safe, inclusive, and affirming with LGBTQ+ people. Q&A was born out of urgency following the church trial of Rev. Donghwan Lee, who was brought before a church court and excommunicated by the Korean Methodist Church simply for offering a blessing prayerbat the Incheon Pride Festival. This heartbreaking event revealed a deep crisis: that just being kind to LGBTQ+ people can still cost someone their ministry in Korea. From that moment, we committed ourselves to building a movement to resist the anti-LGBTQ+ theology and policies in our churches. Today, we support LGBTQ+ Christians by worship gatherings, counseling, and community-building programs. We also host global conferences and develop affirming liturgical and theological resources to help churches grow into places of true welcome and justice, advocating for reform of discriminatory church policies.  We need your help to continue this struggle. We are facing a severe financial crisis. Most churches in Korea remain hostile to LGBTQ+ inclusion and often punish even the smallest gestures of support. As a result, we receive little to no institutional support, and must rely almost entirely on individual donations and unpredictable funding sources. In this climate of fear, our work continues only because of the courage and generosity of allies like you. We continue to trust that God can transform and redeem the churches that continue to harm the LGBTQ+ community, and we are committed to doing our part to make this change happen. We believe the church can change — must change — and that transformation begins with faithful, justice-centered action.  We humbly ask for your support and solidarity in making these changes possible. Your gift - of any amount - will help sustain this vital work of affirming faith, resisting injustice, and nurturing a church of solidarity with those on the margins, where everyone is welcomed, just as they are. Thank you for standing with us — for hope, for justice, and for a future where the body of Christ embraces all its members. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our organization or the situation facing LGBTQ+ Christians in Korea, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to share more with you. If you feel moved to support our work, you can do so through the PayPal link below. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/qnaforchurch   Rev. Lee Dong Hwan Secretary-General Q&A, A Queer Question For Korean Churches qnaoffice2021@gmail.com

Our collective wisdom and knowledge can take us farther than what we can do on our own. You can help us this month in a few ways: *Has your congregation paid dues this year? If not, you may submit them here.Your dues help us do this work. *Donate! We educate individuals and congregations, offer pastoral care to queer people and the ones who love them, we guide congregations as they seek to discern best steps, we advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in our denomination and in the public arena. We can’t do it without your help. *In light of recent political developments, the number of LGBTQIA+ couples seeking to get married has increased. More Light Presbyterians is compiling a list of queer and queer-affirming clergy willing to officiate wedding ceremonies and preach at MLP congregations on short notice. Please spread the word widely within your networks. If you are in need of an officiant, please contact us at hello@mlp.org indicating your location and the date of the ceremony.  *Do you have pictures of various LGBTQIA+ related events that you or your congregation have participated in? Let us highlight them! Keep them coming! Please email them to hello@mlp.org  *We are trying to collect a list of all of our former board members to create an MLP alumni group. Have you served on our board or do you know someone who has served on our board? Send us an email or fill out this form and someone will be in touch soon.

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