The delegates to General Synod passed these resolutions of witness, encouraging our congregation to act. No congregation is called to do everything. Where in these resolutions do you hear God’s call to CUCC?
For the resolutions of witness where CUCC already is actively working, your help is needed to assist us in taking the next steps. If there is a resolution where you feel called to work but we are not yet working, talk with Pastor Lacey. She can assist you in connecting to a related CUCC group or to others who may share your interest.
Where CUCC has already begun
A Resolution Urging Planning for and Implementing Electrification
CUCC already has a plan for moving toward electrification (the Carbon Covenant for Our Buildings). The resolution urges us to go beyond our own buildings by assisting our community (especially those already experiencing environmental injustice) to move toward electrification. [Justice in a Changing Climate]
Article describing the resolution discussion here
Affirming Guns to Gardens and Other Gun Violence Prevention Ministries
CUCC financially supports local gun violence prevention programs and invites members to advocate for gun violence prevention via Just Show Up. We are not participants in the Guns to Gardens program, give away gun safes or locks, or pray regularly for those involved in gun violence prevention ministries. [Do Justice Ministry]
Article describing the resolution discussion here
CUCC already prohibits the use of styrofoam cups and purchases compostable disposable tableware when we can’t practically use washable tableware. Yet we continue to purchase and use other types of plastic products throughout our ministries. The resolution helpfully includes suggested actions we could take to decrease our use of plastic. [Justice in a Changing Climate]
Article describing the resolution discussion here
CUCC’s Racial Justice Project is working on various projects confronting white supremacy; the study guide mentioned in this resolution may be helpful to expand our work. [CUCC’s Racial Justice Project is a group within Do Justice Ministry]
Actively Affirming the Human Dignity of Transgender and Nonbinary Persons
CUCC’s Open and Affirming Congregation statement expresses our support of people of all genders; we demonstrate this support in the community by having a booth at Out!Raleigh Pride and by day-to-day full inclusion of people who are transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse. This resolution encourages us to go beyond that by providing “aid, comfort, and sanctuary to all who have been made refugees by hostile legislation” and working actively to promote legislation supporting full legal equality of people who are transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse. [Community Outreach Ministry]
Article describing the resolution discussion here
CUCC is not currently working in these areas (as far as I know)
Denouncing the Dobbs Decision and Proclaiming Abortion as Healthcare
This resolution calls on congregations to use the Our Whole Lives curriculum and to offer practical and financial support to those seeking and receiving abortions.
Article describing the resolution discussion here
This resolution calls on congregations to work with congregations that lack adequate internet and to advocate alongside them for expansion of access.
Article describing the resolution discussion here
Faithful Advocacy for Intersectional and Transformational Healing in Harm Reduction
This resolution focuses on partnership with people with lived experience of substance use. While CUCC hosts 12 step groups, we don’t currently have a focus in this area.
Article describing the resolution discussion here
A Resolution Supporting Public School Educators, Academic Freedom, and Equity Efforts in Schools
The resolution encourages congregations to “to use this resolution for the development of talking points for presentation in public arenas where such matters are being dealt with, including state legislatures, local school boards, parent-teacher associations, ministerial associations, community groups, and the like.”
Article describing the resolution discussion here
The resolution calls us to learn about past efforts to eradicate the Hawaiian language and culture, and to assist in raising funds for Hawaiian language education in Hawaii.
Article describing resolution discussion here
A Resolution Condemning Prolonged Solitary Confinement as a Form of Torture
The resolution calls on us to condemn and work to eliminate the use of solitary confinement in the US and around the world.
Article describing resolution discussion here
These resolutions of witness call for next steps to come on the denominational level
Article describing the resolution discussion here
A Resolution to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans
Article describing the resolution discussion here
This summary was compiled by Jane Smith, co-chair of CUCC’s Communications Committee, to assist the congregation in our collaboration with the denomination. smithjeg@mindspring.com