NCC Offers Easter Reflection
Picture it. Thirty-five young adults ecumenically gathered, representing global diversity, cramped into the NCC conference room, engaging in contextual Bible Study on Marks 4:3-9 - the story of the woman who breaks open the jar and anoints Jesus. They are preparing to participate as a unified witness in the United Nation's 57th Commission on the Status of Women where the priority theme is "the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls." Comments spring forth and bounce around the room as they deeply examine the Biblical context and how it connects to their own context. Even though the woman in the Biblical text does not speak a word, her actions loudly voice the need for change that can heal. Jesus, having been ministered to by the women, declares, "Truly I tell you, whenever the Good News is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her."
NCC to consolidate operations in Washington, D.C.
In a move aimed at streamlining operations to “free up the Council to be about the priorities that the churches set together,” the National Council of Churches will consolidate its operations in Washington, D.C. NCC Transitional Secretary Peg Birk will move her office to Washington. The NCC will remain in New York through “satellite offices” for three senior program staff.
President Lohre offers prayers to newly elected Pope Francis
The president of the National Council of Churches USA has expressed prayers and good wishes for the newly elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church. “I know my sisters and brothers in thousands of congregations related to our 37 member communions are joining me in praying for Pope Francis and the 1.2 billion Catholic Christians he leads,” said Kathryn M. Lohre, NCC President. She said the election of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, as the first non-European pontiff in more than 1,000 years, suggests winds of change in the Catholic Church.
Obama invites NCC, other leaders, to immigration confab
In an off-the-record meeting at the White House March 8, President Obama heard the concerns of the NCC President Lohre and other religious leaders about the issue of immigration reform. Mr. Obama has called for a four-point reform of immigration. Kathryn M. Lohre, National Council of Churches president, elicited a smile from Mr. Obama when she said, "I am here representing 37 Protestant and Orthodox churches, or 45 million Christians, including - I dare say - you, Mr. President.”
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A Message from Kathryn Lohre, NCC President
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus the Christ! For over sixty years, the National Council of Churches has told the story of the One who embodies God’s gift and promise of unity: Jesus Christ. This unlikely story of God incarnate never ceases to amaze.
May 29, 2013 12:54
Check out this story of Baptists and Episcopalians worshipping together.
Baptists and Episcopalians celebrate season of combined worship
The Rev. John Paddock and the Rev. Rodney Kennedy, far left, are joined by a combined choir of both congregations for the first worship service together. Photo/Greg Sexton
May 22, 2013 19:43
Seventy-four Members of Congress, led by Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA), Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Trent Franks (R-AZ), and Mike Pompeo (R-KS), urged the State Department to prioritize the release of two kidnapped Archbishops in a letter to Secretary Kerry yesterday.
74 Members of Congress Urge State Department to Prioritize Release of Kidnapped Archbishops in...
Seventy-four Members of Congress, led by Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA), Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Trent Franks (R-AZ), and Mike Pompeo (R-KS), urged the State Department to prioritize the release of two kidnapped Archbishops in a letter to Secretary...
May 2, 2013 12:23
Will you join the White House in prayer?
Presidential Proclamation -- National Day of Prayer, 2013 | The White House
Americans have long turned to prayer both in times of joy and times of sorrow. On their voyage to the New World, the earliest settlers prayed that they would "rejoice together, mourn together, labor, and suffer together, always having before our eyes our commission and community in the work." From t...