UCC News
12
Three Conferences Vote to Unite
Delegates from the Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts Conferences of the United Church of Christ met in Springfield June 15-16. All three conferences voted to unite in ways which will allow them to share resources, better meet the needs of local churches, and speak with a stronger voice. The three conferences have already been working together in many ways, including Super Saturdays and the sharing of our Minister for Racial Justice.
The Massachusetts delegates passed a resolution of witness “On Becoming An Immigrant-Welcoming Conference.” Massachusetts passed a similar resolution last year, which called upon the national church to encourage the welcome of immigrants. The resolution passed at General Synod, and calls to conferences and churches to become immigrant-welcoming. This year’s resolution is the MACUCC response. The resolution resolves “to encourage the development of U.S. policy dedicated to facilitating the respectful welcome and inclusion of all immigrants” and “recognizes that addressing the concerns of immigrants and refugees is central to living the love and justice of Jesus.” Central to the resolution are the biblical calls to welcome the stranger and to love your neighbor as yourself.
First Church was recognized as a Green Congregation Level One, and received a framed certificate and a “green” stole at the recognition luncheon. Marieke Burt, Mary Friedman, Susan Kennedy and Pastors Pam and Marisa represented First Church at the annual meeting.