“Brethren, our game is strong…and the story ain’t over yet!” This call to action from Richard Newton heralded the start of Christian Citizenship Seminar (CCS) 2016. Each year CCS brings together high school youth to learn about a social justice issue and put their faith into practice through political advocacy on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Advocacy
Brethren Letter Urges US to Take Part in Nuclear Disarmament Talks
The Church of the Brethren’s interim general secretary Dale Minnich has sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry urging the United States to participate in international talks about nuclear disarmament.
Special Events, Vigils Mark Second Anniversary of Chibok Abductions
Here is information about some of the special events and prayer vigils planned to commemorate this anniversary, including a first-ever memorial event at the school in Chibok for the parents and families that will integrate both Christian and Muslim faiths:
Newsline Special: Marking the Second Anniversary of the Chibok Abductions
1) Still no definitive answers: What Brethren should know on this second anniversary of the Chibok abductions
2) Special events, vigils mark second anniversary of Chibok abductions
3) ‘Long Journey Home’ video updates Brethren about the Nigeria Crisis Response
4) Fellowship tour to Nigeria is planned for August
5) United Nations notes sharp increase in use of child suicide bombers
6) Live your life in the hand of God: An interview with Rebecca Dali
Christian Churches Together Holds 10th Annual Convocation
At the 10th annual convocation of Christian Churches Together in the USA (CCT), held in early 2016 in Arlington, Va., member churches and organizations deepened their work on racism and other issues of common concern.
Congregational Life Ministries and ADNet Extend Agreement to Work Together
In January 2016, Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) and the Church of the Brethren Congregational Life Ministries extended an agreement to work together to advocate for persons with disabilities in the church. Since 2014, the Church of the Brethren has had a representative serving on the ADNet board of directors and has worked in cooperation with ADNet’s mission to “support Anabaptist congregations, families, and persons touched by disabilities to nurture inclusive communities.”
Churches Invited to Take Part in Bread for the World’s Offering of Letters
As part of our call to work toward ending global hunger and poverty, the Office of Public Witness invites congregations to participate in Bread for the World’s 2016 Offering of Letters. This year’s theme, “Survive and Thrive,” focuses on the impact of malnutrition on women and children.
Church of the Brethren Signs Letter Urging Federal Action to Aid Flint
In response to the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Mich., the Church of the Brethren and a number of other Christian groups who represent Creation Justice Ministries, the former National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program, have signed onto a letter praising the charitable actions of faith groups while also urging Congress and the Obama administration to take action to resolve the situation.
Flint Church of the Brethren is a Water Distribution Center During Crisis
The following report from Bill Hammond of First Church of the Brethren in Flint, Mich., was received Feb. 2. He reports on the water crisis in Flint and the role the Brethren there are playing in helping to serve the community:
Church of the Brethren Among 500 Groups Signing Letter in Support of Syrian Refugees
The Church of the Brethren, through action of general secretary Stanley J. Noffsinger and the Office of Public Witness, has signed on to a letter to the US Senate in support of Syrian refugees. The letter also expresses opposition to a piece of legislation being sent to the Senate by the House of Representatives, the “American Security Against Foreign Enemies” (SAFE) Act of 2015 (H.R. 4038).