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Second Sunday after the Epiphany Invited  This story is one to which I often refer when giving the prayer at a wedding reception. I like to remind us that Jesus was present with those who gathered to celebrate a wedding banquet. His presence allowed for an unexpected blessing to occur: the first miracle of Jesus’ […]

Martin Luther King Jr. Day holds profound significance for Black immigrants, serving as both a reflection on justice and a call to action. Inspired by Dr. King’s legacy, immigrants can honor his dream by advocating for equality, engaging in service, sharing their stories and standing in solidarity to create a more just and inclusive future. Martin Luther King Jr. Day ... Read More

For many RCC members, the hardest aspect of entering the DeRose-Hinkhouse Memorial Awards may just be determining what projects to enter into which categories

The United Church of Canada awaits partners’ perspectives on proposed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

(Portions of this prayer are adapted from the Moravian Book of Worship, Liturgy for Christian Unity, pages 122-126, Used by permission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication) The Watchword for the Week: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5 Loving […]

[Episcopal News Service] Episcopal leaders and Episcopalians are affirming the church’s long-standing public policy positions and emphasizing Jesus’ Gospel message of love for neighbor, while praying for peace and unity as the Unites States prepares for President-elect Donald Trump to take office for the second time on Jan. 20. The church’s Washington, D.C.-based Office of Government Relations has said it remains committed to advocating at the federal level for policies adopted in 650 General Convention and Executive Council resolutions. In addition, church leaders at all levels are affirming the Christian call to “welcome the stranger” as Trump vows to expedite a program of mass deportations. Other Episcopalians are discussing ways to support transgender and nonbinary people who fear increased attacks on their rights and safety. And a day after Trump’s inauguration, the new president and his vice president, J.D. Vance, are expected to attend an interfaith and ecumenical worship service organized by Washington National Cathedral at 11 a.m. Eastern Jan. 21. Washington Bishop Mariann Budde will preach at the Episcopal cathedral’s event, “A Service of Prayer for the Nation.” National Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith also will participate, along with the Rt. Rev. Ann Ritonia, The Episcopal Church’s bishop suffragan for armed forces and federal ministries. The service also will be joined by leaders from a diverse group of faith denominations, including Protestant, Mennonite, Mormon, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist leaders. Participating musicians will include the United States Marine Chamber Orchestra. The post-inauguration service will be a slight departure from the cathedral’s historical practice: it has hosted 10 official inaugural prayer services for various presidents of both parties. Unlike in the past, however, its Jan. 21 liturgy was not planned in conjunction with the Presidential Inaugural Committee, and rather than focusing on an individual, it is offered for the country at large. The service is not open to the general public because of security concerns but will be livestreamed on the cathedral’s YouTube channel. “We have held a service at the cathedral the day after the inauguration since 1933 and the inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt,” Hollerith told ENS in a written statement. “We have a lot of work to do in the years ahead, and as a new administration comes into office, I think it is important that we gather in thanksgiving for our democracy and remind ourselves of God’s command to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God.” Plans for the service were announced in October, before Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in November to win the presidency. He is only the second president voted out of office to then return to power four years later. President Joe Biden had intended to run for election but instead ended his campaign last year amid age-related doubts about his health and vitality. Also in the nation’s capital, The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations leads a range of nonpartisan advocacy campaigns following positions adopted by the church’s governing bodies. The office’s staff monitors legislation, coordinates with partner agencies and other denominations, develops relationships with lawmakers and encourages Episcopalians’ activism through its Episcopal Public Policy Network, or EPPN. That work is focused on five primary areas: anti-poverty, migration and refugees, climate and environment, racial reconciliation and justice, and human rights and peacebuilding. “Regardless of the makeup of Congress or the administration, we work with members of Congress from all political parties in our advocacy,” Rebecca Blachly, who leads the office as the church’s senior director of public policy and witness, said in a written statement for this story. “We look forward to working with the 119th Congress and the new administration to advance legislation and policy wherever our positions align. Where they do not, we will work to protect the vulnerable in our communities. “We will continue to lift up and join with the voices of all who will be impacted by harmful policy changes and legislation. We will join with others to try to stop or mitigate harm.” Blachly’s office also mobilizes Episcopalians through its action alerts and provides other tools and resources for them to engage with the same issues. Her office also holds weekly network calls at 1 p.m. Eastern Thursdays. “We invite Episcopalians to join the Episcopal Public Policy Network to become a part of a community of advocates taking action to push for policy change in line with our values,” Blachly said. “We will all be more effective if we join our voices together.” – David Paulsen is a senior reporter and editor for Episcopal News Service based in Wisconsin. He can be reached at dpaulsen@episcopalchurch.org.

The United Methodist Sunningdale Circuit in Zimbabwe collaborated with the government to offer free health screenings and information.

The Scottish Government has laid out its proposed spending plans for 2025–26, the last full financial year of this five-year Scottish Parliament session

The Texas Supreme Court heard arguments to determine if Southern Methodist University could change its articles of incorporation without a United Methodist jurisdiction’s approval.

In a pilgrimage amidst deadly war, Episcopal Archbishop Ezekiel Kondo of Sudan, undertook a pastoral visit to Khartoum, where he witnessed full churches and thriving ecumenism.