Press Statements

Washington, DC – July 18, 2020 – The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) joins the nation and world in mourning the loss of Congressman John Robert Lewis, even as we honor the gift that he was and celebrate a life well-lived. He was not only a 17-term member of Congress but also a civil rights icon and American hero whose life exemplified servant leadership and faithful public witness. He inspired generations with his courage and optimism, and worked tirelessly to steer our nation to live up to its most noble ideals. Indeed, by his many sacrifices and bold activism, Congressman Lewis bent the long arc of the moral universe toward justice.

Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, co-chair of NCC’s Racial Justice Task Force, shared her thoughts on Congressman Lewis’ legacy. “I owe a debt of gratitude to Congressman John Lewis. He gave new meaning to the ways we work for racial justice and his words always energized me to try to do something for the cause of building the beloved community,” she said.

For Congressman Lewis his activism was motivated by his faith: “The civil rights movement was based on faith. Many of us who were participants in this movement saw our involvement as an extension of our faith. We saw ourselves doing the work of the Almighty. Segregation and racial discrimination were not in keeping with our faith, so we had to do something.” And do something he did. Congressman Lewis was arrested more than 40 times and spent his life advocating for civil and human rights for all people. He was one of the first Freedom Riders and encouraged others to get into “good trouble” in the pursuit of justice. In 2016, he even staged a sit-in on the House floor in an effort to force a vote on gun control.

“For some making ‘good trouble’ meant walking across the bridge in the face of horrifying opposition. His life inspired me to become a bridge to help connect people to fight against racism with my body, mind and soul,” said Rev. Girton-Mitchell, who is also the Founder and President of Grace and Race Ministries, Inc., an ecumenical ministry to help foster racial understanding, healing, and reconciliation.

Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, NCC Governing Board Chair and President and General Minister of the United Church of Christ, said, “A giant and a hero has left us. I mourn his passing, but give thanks for his courageous and exemplary life at the front lines of Justice and celebrate his eternal rest with his beloved Jesus.”

Born to parents who were sharecroppers, Congressman Lewis knew at an early age that segregation was wrong. He was so inspired by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that he became involved in the Civil Rights Movement. As the chair of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), he was the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington. Congressman Lewis organized and helped lead numerous nonviolent protests, including the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama for voting rights. During this march, known as “Bloody Sunday,” Congressman Lewis was brutally beaten and had his skull cracked. Not to be deterred, Congressman Lewis and Dr. King planned another march across the bridge. This time they contacted the NCC’s Commission on Religion and Race for help. Numerous NCC clergy and other faith leaders traveled to Selma and walked with Congressman Lewis, Dr. King and many others across that bridge with the world watching.

NCC’s Commission on Race and Religion would strengthen ties with SNCC following the protests in Selma, including helping with voter registration efforts. In 1965, when Congressman Lewis was chair of SNCC, he narrated a film about the NCC’s Delta Ministry in Mississippi. Called, “We Mean to Stay,” the film showcased the work of the ministry, which was initiated as a long-term program of community development for the poor in the state.

NCC President and General Secretary Jim Winkler, said, “John Lewis was a hero of mine. As a trustee of the Faith & Politics Institute I had the opportunity to accompany him on a Congressional Pilgrimage through Alabama and across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. I saw the respect and affection his Congressional colleagues had for him which was based on his experience in the movement, his ironclad commitment to justice and peace, and his integrity and honor. We will all miss him.” said.

The work for voting rights and for racial justice remain. We will honor Congressman Lewis’ life and legacy by redoubling our efforts to end racism and encourage voter registration and participation while fighting voter suppression in all of its forms. By doing this, we know his life and work will not have been in vain but will have been a catalyst for lasting change in our nation.

“As we question monuments made of concrete and mortar, Congressman Lewis’ life was a living monument to exemplary prophetic witness in the public square. His life was a reflection of what God requires of us from Micah 6:8, ‘do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God,’” reflected Rev. Aundreia Alexander, NCC’s Associate General Secretary for Action and Advocacy.

“We have lost a great warrior for justice, a kind and gentle soul and humble servant of God,” said Rev. Alexander.

Congressman Lewis’ family, friends, and colleagues remain in our prayers during this difficult time. May his memory be eternal.

The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) celebrates the life and ministry of Rev. Cordy Tindell (C.T.) Vivian, who labored tirelessly to bring justice to our nation. As a civil rights leader and fearless advocate of nonviolence, he embraced the peace teachings of his faith tradition. He continued to advocate for racial justice and peace until his death.

“Rev. C.T. Vivian dedicated his life to justice and peace. He was tireless in his efforts and fierce in his pursuits, while upholding his faith and maintaining his belief in nonviolence. We are forever grateful for how his ministry has positively impacted our lives and nation,” said Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, NCC Governing Board Chair and General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.

Rev. Vivian’s earliest involvement in peaceful protests began with sit-ins at restaurants in Peoria, Illinois in the 1940s because they would not serve Black people. He later became an important leader in the Civil Rights Movement, serving as one of the lieutenants for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and organizing protests, developing strategies and otherwise pushing the movement forward. He was one of the first Freedom Riders and his actions challenging the sheriff in Selma, Alabama gained national attention, eventually leading to the marches across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. In this incident, Rev. Vivian was hit in the mouth by the sheriff for speaking out against voter discrimination. After being hit, Rev. Vivian stood up and continued calmly advocating for the right to vote. He was hit so hard that his mouth required 11 stitches before arresting officers took him to jail. The incident was captured on film and widely broadcast on national television bringing attention to the brutality of racial discrimination and injustice in the nation.

According to NCC President and General Secretary Jim Winkler, “Rev. Vivian exemplified the kind of courage we all hope to have when it matters the most. He set a high standard with his insistence on nonviolent direct action that is still relevant today.  His more than 60 years of ministry and advocating for justice has made our world a better place.”

A committed Christian and clergy leader, Rev. Vivian pastored numerous churches while continuing his justice work. He founded an organization in Alabama called VISION which helped low-income students prepare for college. This program would later become Upward Bound and expand into colleges and universities across the country. In addition, Rev. Vivian served as one of the leaders for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for many years.   

In 2005, Rev. Vivian contacted the National Council of Churches after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast of the United States. He wanted to start a program called Churches Supporting Churches, where churches devastated by the hurricane in the region would receive help in rebuilding from churches outside of the region. His dedication and organizing abilities helped bring resources and build support for pastors and churches in Louisiana and Mississippi at a critical and vulnerable time for the region.

“I had an opportunity to work with Rev. Vivian when I was one of the staff assigned to NCC’s Special Commission on the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast. It was a joy and a privilege to work with him. He was persistent, compassionate and kind. His dedication to the Churches Supporting Churches effort came through in every meeting and phone call I had with him and his laugh was contagious,” Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune, NCC’s Chief Operating Officer, remembered fondly.

Rev. Dr. Tammy Wiens, NCC’s Director of Christian Education, also reflected on her life-changing interactions with Rev. Vivian.

“As a graduate student intern, I vividly remember Rev. Vivian in 1991 when he led a race awareness workshop on the campus of North Carolina State University. A weekend under Rev. Vivian’s leadership set me on a path of discovery and I will always credit him with awakening me to the harsh realities of race, white privilege, and the systemic injustices embedded throughout American society,” said Dr. Wiens.

Because of Rev. Vivian’s steadfast commitment and love for God’s people, our nation is a more just place. We owe him a debt of gratitude. While we are saddened that he is no longer here to offer his wisdom and insights regarding the continued struggle for justice and equality in our nation, we rejoice in our shared belief that Rev. C.T. Vivian, a good and faithful servant, is received into the arms of our loving God.

At this time of loss, our prayers extend to his family and to the many people who loved him. May his memory be eternal.

The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA decries the decision of the Turkish Government to convert the Hagia Sophia from its long-term status as a museum to a mosque.  It was a political decision made just this past Friday, July 10, by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a decision that was fueled by nationalist zeal that reflects his disregard for religious tolerance, and his cynicism in manipulating the Muslim majority in his country to support him. 

The NCC joins the Orthodox Churches worldwide, the Vatican, the World Council of Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, and people of goodwill everywhere in lamenting this turn of events.  The NCC also joins the Islamic Society of North America, one of our Muslim-Christian dialogue partners, in condemning the action as a threat to global Muslim-Christian relations that both communities have nurtured over the last decades in the US and around the world.

The Hagia Sophia, built in the 6^th century AD, and the center of world Christianity for nearly 1,000 years, remained a symbol of Christianity after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (1453) for the next 500 years, and this even though it was used as a mosque during that period.  A Byzantine wonder in terms of architecture and art, in 1934, the Turkish government, by now secular, converted the building to a museum to reflect its shared civilizational legacy.  We therefore urge President Erdogan to reverse his decision.   

While we lament this decision, it is not lost on the NCC that this action coincides on the same weekend, July 11-13, with the world’s commemoration of the 25^th anniversary of the Genocide committed against Muslims in Bosnia.  What occurred in Srebrenica in 1995, when some of our own faithful were likewise compromised by political leaders through nationalistic fervor to commit one of the most horrific atrocities of the 20^th century, is forever imprinted on the Christian conscience.

Taken together, these two events recall historic tensions between peoples, tensions that are overcome only through dialogue.  It is our prayer that the healing of memory take place, and that such tensions are no longer inflamed through political, nationalistic – and senseless – actions. 

Related Links:

WCC – https://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/wcc-letter-to-president-erdogan-to-keep-hagia-sophia-as-the-shared-heritage-of-humanity

MECC – https://www.mecc.org/mecc/2020/7/11/the-middle-east-council-of-churches-the-turkish-governments-decision-to-convert-the-hagia-sofia-church-into-a-mosque-is-violation-of-religious-freedom-and-coexistence

Vatican – https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-07/angelus-pope-remembers-seafarers.html

Orthodox Churches – https://www.ecupatria.org/2020/06/30/ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-about-hagia-sophia/

Archbishop of Albania on Hagia Sophia: This decision turns us back to dark times

Patriarch of Alexandria: Turkey adds a big thorn in the peaceful coexistence of religions

They have treated the wound of my people carelessly,

saying, “Peace, peace,”

when there is no peace.

-Jeremiah 6:14, New Revised Standard Version

Washington, DC – June 3, 2020 – The United States is in crisis. Racism has again driven people to the streets to demand an end to the destructive and deadly consequences of racial hatred, white supremacy and unconscious bias. As we consider events of the last few months, we know that our nation is in desperate need of healing, hope and justice for the senseless deaths of unarmed Black people at the hands of law enforcement and their surrogates.

In the wake of the murders of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, KY, and Ahmaud Arbery near Brunswick, GA, as well as countless others that have not made the news; the National Council of Churches USA calls upon all people of faith to turn to the task of ending racism with increased fervor and commitment before more lives, and the soul of the nation, are lost.

It does not escape our attention that this crisis of racism intensifies just as we face another crisis, the coronavirus global pandemic, that has infected millions and taken the lives of more than 105,000 Americans, and over 375,000 people worldwide. This pandemic has amplified disparities already integrated into American systems, particularly health care, education and the economy.

As protesters march through cities across the country, we pray that change is on the horizon. We recognize that non-violent protests have led to many of the changes in our nation that we celebrate today. We also acknowledge that a convergence of stressors, bad actors, and other factors have led to demonstrations becoming disorderly and unsafe, further escalating tensions. We urge all protesters to persist in their efforts for non-violent demonstrations to ensure the safety and well-being of all who are lifting their voices to stand for justice.

Additionally, the NCC must join the outcry by our member denominations for the troubling display in the nation’s capital on June 1. It can never be acceptable for the military to be deployed at the order of the U.S. Attorney General against peaceful protesters to violently move them out of the way using tear gas, rubber bullets and other weaponry in order for any elected official, much less the U.S. President, to take a blasphemous photo-op with a bible in front of a church. This was spiritual manipulation and a disgraceful mockery of our sacred text on sacred ground.

At times like these, society looks to public officials to lead, console and unite. Instead, today we see and hear from some government leaders only what leads to hostility and more division. Rather than calm tensions, they seem to be provoking them. But, the church is not closed, absent or silent. We ask church leaders to fill in the gaps of leadership that our nation is now experiencing. We know what it means for the brokenhearted to be healed, for those who mourn to be comforted and for those who are bound to be set free. This is a moment for us as the Church to stand as witnesses—to be light and salt to our country and the world. And, we urge Christian leaders throughout our nation to stand in the gap in leadership, to be available to those who are hurting and to be diligent in pursuing peace, advocating for justice, and helping to heal our nation.

For more information on the NCC’s A.C.T. Now! to End Racism initiative and to access a list of resources, click here.

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name
Put their trust in you,
For you, O Lord, have not 
forsaken those who seek you.

~Psalm 9:9-10

Washington, D.C., May 29, 2020—The National Council of Churches USA is outraged by the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer who mercilessly pinned him down with his knee on his neck until Floyd died. Floyd, who is Black, could be heard repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe,” to the officer, who is white. Onlookers also begged the four officers on the scene to let Floyd up from the ground, video footage showed. Floyd was handcuffed at the time.

This incident adds to a string of occurrences in the last few weeks and too many incidents to count in the U.S. over hundreds of years, where racism and bias coupled with policing are a lethal combination for Black people. Deplorably, while the coronavirus has infected the U.S. and been the cause of death for more than 101,000 people in less than three months, racism has infected this country since its beginnings and this virus has seeped into every aspect of American life. There is still no vaccine for the racism and white supremacy that is so pervasive in our society. There is still no cure. As people of faith, our fight and struggle against this evil that has all of us bound continues.

As the investigation into what happened continues, NCC urges swift and decisive action to bring justice to George Floyd and his family, including prosecuting officers for their egregious disregard for human life. 

We are aware that riots have now broken out in Minneapolis and protesters in Louisville were shot by unknown assailants while rallying against the death of Breonna Taylor, who was killed in her bed after officers entered the wrong home. The words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ring loudly: “Riots are the language of the unheard.” Our nation needs healing but there can be no healing without justice.

NCC also calls on member congregations to be beacons of light in their own communities by addressing racism where they are, acknowledging the trauma experienced by those in the Black community and working tirelessly to end racism and white supremacy once and for all.

“In a moment like this, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘silence is betrayal,’” said Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, NCC Chair and president and general minister of the United Church of Christ. “We must not sit in our privilege or comfort zones but do everything in our power to end this evil that infiltrates our nation.”

In addition to the A.C.T. Now! to End Racism initiative, predominantly white churches within the NCC have also been working together to do their part to end racism and white supremacy, including agreeing on a definition of what white supremacy is. 

“We are all responsible for doing the hard work to end racism and white supremacy, especially white people. The burden cannot always be on our African American brothers and sisters. These are not just ideologies or individual opinions. These are the systemic issues at the core of American society and it is deadly, said Jim Winkler, NCC President and General Secretary.

According to Rev. Aundreia Alexander, NCC’s Associate General Secretary for Action and Advocacy and the staff person to the Racial Justice Task Force, “The stain of racism that pervades our systems and structures continues to be most horrifically expressed in state sanctioned murder and abuse. It is long overdue for us to put an end to police brutality targeted at Black people. We’ve had enough and all of us have a responsibility to speak, to act, and to work for justice for the people who’ve lost their lives brutally and unnecessarily.”

For more information on the NCC’s A.C.T. Now! to End Racism initiative and to access a list of resources, click here. 

The National Council of Churches USA is urging churches to exercise extreme caution when deciding whether or not to open its doors for services Memorial Day weekend and in the near future. Churches have been reported to be a source of outbreaks of the coronavirus and opening prematurely could have deadly consequences.

Close contact of congregants and even congregational singing are ways the virus has been known to spread in churches. Asymptomatic carriers of the virus could also unknowingly spread it, particularly to the elderly and other vulnerable populations. Without enough testing or proven treatment for those who contract the disease, it does not seem wise or sensible for churches to re-open as if it is business as usual.  

“We have found new and creative ways to worship online and to meet virtually, said Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, NCC Chair and President and General Minister of the United Church of Christ. “It makes sense for churches to continue in this vein until we are confident it is safe for us to gather again in-person.”

NCC is particularly concerned about churches re-opening as a virtual memorial service is planned for Sunday, May 24 at 6 p.m. to remember those who have died from COVID-19. The service, “A Time to Mourn: An Ecumenical Memorial Service for the Lives Lost to COVID-19,” includes a broad spectrum of Christian denominational leaders and will broadcast on YouTube, Facebook Live and the NCC website on Sunday. Nearly 2,000 people have already registered to be a part of the service as the death toll nears the tragic milestone of 100,000 lives lost to this horrible disease.

“As we set aside time on Sunday to remember the many lives lost to this virus, it is almost cruel to imagine churches would rush to re-open and put so many more at risk of dying,” said Jim Winkler, NCC President and General Secretary. “From the reports we’ve received, our churches have been among the most responsible in the nation in handling this global pandemic and we do expect that to continue.”

Rather than hastily go back to having church in-person, NCC urges congregations to make sure they have a solid strategy for opening safely. Taking every precaution is essential, including wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands frequently, avoiding congregational singing and leaving doors open during worship services. Still, these measures are no guarantee that no one will become sick or contract the virus. This means the most loving, noble and sacrificial thing to do is to worship from home until gathering in-person is safe.

Too much is still unknown about how the coronavirus spreads and how it can be treated. While some locations are just beginning to experience a downturn in cases and deaths, it is too early to rush back to church. As Christians, we have a responsibility to care for one another and look out for those most at risk of getting sick or losing their lives from this virus. In most cases, that will mean churches should continue online services for the time being.

The National Council of the Churches of the United States of America (NCCCUSA) has been consistent in its history regarding the affirmation of peace with justice and reconciliation among peoples and countries, including Venezuela.  We are outraged at the recent reports of mercenary groups entering Venezuelan territory to commit violent acts against the people of that country. We are appalled that these people hold United States (U.S.) citizenship and that they were allegedly motivated by religious ideals. These violent actions contradict Jesus’ teaching to love and respect our neighbors. The foreign policy measures that the U.S. has implemented against the Venezuelan people remain a deep concern. At a time when countries around the world are allocating resources to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. has expanded economic sanctions against Venezuela and deployed Navy ships under the pretext of fighting drug trafficking.  These actions have endangered U.S. service people and have impacted Venezuela’s ability to address the COVID-19 crisis in this hour of need.  

Given our solidarity with the people of Venezuela and our commitment to peace with justice:

1. We condemn any military intervention in Venezuela, directly or indirectly promoted by the U.S. or through third nations. Such actions defy the right of the Venezuelan people to self-determination and worsen their infrastructure and livelihoods. We call on the U.S. government to heed the call for a global ceasefire from the United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General, Dr. Antonio Guterres, who said: “It is time to put the armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives.”  
2. We urge the government of the U.S. to eliminate all economic sanctions imposed against Venezuela.  These strategies will not serve any purpose other than to harm those who are already suffering, and who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19. The economic sanctions will also negatively affect the political and social environments needed for a peaceful solution to the crisis in Venezuela. 
3. We urge the international ecumenical movement—all churches and faiths in the U.S. and around the world—governments, the U.N., and all people of goodwill, to come together to reject any military intervention against Venezuela, to eliminate economic sanctions against this country and to affirm its right to self-determination and sovereignty.  

We call on churches in the United States and around the world, as well as all people of goodwill, to increase prayers and acts of peace, justice, and reconciliation for the people of Venezuela. They are our neighbors and we stand in solidarity with them.   May God guide us into that endeavor.  

The National Council of Churches (NCC) is grieved and deeply disturbed by the acts of violence that have been perpetrated against two unarmed African American men reported this week, even as most of the nation has remained at home sheltering in place. These incidents have reinforced the urgent need for us to address racism and white supremacy. The evil that results from racial hatred is exactly this: Black bodies lying dead in the streets.

NCC calls for justice in the death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, a young man shot dead by two white men while jogging through a neighborhood just outside Brunswick, Georgia. While we acknowledge the arrests of the two men implicated in this case, we are deeply concerned that it took a public outcry for the wheels of justice to begin turning. We continue our calls for justice to be served in this modern-day lynching.

“It took two months after the killing of Ahmaud Ambery for his killers to be arrested and face charges,” said Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, Chair of the NCC Governing Board. “I am outraged. You have to be some kind of racist not to be. When two white men park up the road and wait to kill an unarmed black man and it’s on tape and they aren’t in jail – we have all the evidence we need of racism at work.”

As protests were taking place on Thursday over this killing, Dreasjon (Sean) Reed, 21, was shot and killed by Indianapolis police who fired 13 bullets, most after he fell helplessly to the ground. This horrible incident was streamed as it was happening on Facebook, where one of the detectives can be heard taunting the dying Reed, saying, “Think it’s going to be a closed casket, homie.”

According to Jim Winkler, NCC President and General Secretary, “Our history is marred with 400 years of slavery, racism, and lynchings that include far too many incidents like these. Now, we have these unprovoked and grotesque murders in broad daylight. We demand justice.”

The NCC will remain vigilant in addressing these issues and calling out these situations when they occur, and will be following these cases to ensure that justice prevails. We join with the families in mourning the loss of Ahmaud’s and Sean’s lives and surround them with prayers for comfort as we work for a world free of racism.

…learn to do good;
seek justice,
rescue the oppressed,
defend the orphan,
plead for the widow.

-Isaiah 1:17 NRSV