CUIC Statement

Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC) is a group of denominations in relationship to one another, acknowledging one another’s ministries, and working together to proclaim Christ and the good news in word and service. It is a primary way we connect with and relate to the historically African American denominations in North America. Last June, they held their conference in the Dallas area, and Bishop Gronberg was joined by Bishop Eaton to take part in the activities of that weekend.

The CUIC leadership has released the following statement addressing white supremacy and white nationalism. While the events of Charlottesville were a motivator for getting this statement published, white supremacy, institutional racism, and white nationalism continue to be issues our communities of color face and our anglo communities must address. The church is to be a voice for justice and peace. We cannot be silent in the face of hate and injustice.

CUIC Statement on White Nationalism and White Supremacism

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After Charlottesville

From our friends at Alban at Duke Divinity School:

Last month, faith leaders around the United States addressed their congregations who had watched the news coming from Charlottesville, Virginia. They had the privilege — and challenge — of helping people understand and interpret our society through the convictions of shared faith.

It is not the first time clergy and other congregational leaders have had to respond to a significant event as it was still unfolding. Each time it happens is an incredible responsibility, one that requires the clarity of conviction in the midst of the confusion of circumstances. Sermons that have been written have to be rewritten. Educational classes become public conversations. Worship becomes confession and lament, and we together recommit to work for justice, equality, and peace.

The issues that two days in Charlottesville again laid bare within our society — white supremacy, racism and injustice, violence and intimidation — these issues are not new. And they will not be quickly healed or remedied. Congregational leaders will, tragically, have many more opportunities to confront them and to address them from the heart of faith. Congregational leaders will be given the opportunity to remind their congregations of God’s deep hope for the world and our responsibility to be partners in pursuing it.

Our colleagues at Faith & Leadership have been collecting stories and learnings from Charlottesville and from other parts of the country, and we offer these resources to you to spark your imagination and remind you that you are not alone.

Jesus is calling us to pick up our cross (Sarah Thompson)

Resources for leading amid tragedy and crisis

Reclaiming the power of lament (Dominique D. Gilliard)

Changing the way the church views racism (Drew G.I. Hart)

With love from C’ville (Elaine Ellis Thomas)

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Volunteers Needed

MDHA YOUTH COMMITTEE
COUNT ME IN DALLAS 2018

WHO: As members of a Street Outreach Team, YOU will help gather statistics on the LGBTQ youth vulnerable population.

WHAT: We will be following a method developed by Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS), in congruence with Housing & Urban Development (HUD) requirements; this method
proved successful in Austin.

WHEN: There will be two weekends, in conjunction with the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA) Point in Time (PIT) count
(1) Thursday, January 18 – Saturday, January 20
(2) Thursday, January 25 – Saturday, January 27

WHERE: Dallas County (e.g. Entertainment districts; strategic radiuses based off DISD’s homeless youth; DART stations)

WHY: This information will help formulate a strategic plan to connect our youth with better services and support.

HOW: To be a volunteer, e-mail countmeindallas@gmail.com for more information. Training begins in October!

Featured Resources for September

Lutheran Disaster Response of the ELCA brings God’s hope, healing and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. Find resources for you and your congregation to get involved, spread the word, and help raise money for people affected by disasters. There are bulletin inserts, prayer guides, anniversary updates, situation reports, and more!

See this recent Living Lutheran article. After the media leaves, Lutherans stay: What does disaster response look like years later?

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Save the Date

Recent Blog Post

Pr. Totzke:

Blessed!

(https://www.ntnl.org/blessed/ – published Sep. 17)

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Where in the world is?

Bishop Gronberg:

• Sep. 25-29 – Conference of Bishop meetings, Chicago, IL
• Sep. 30 – Preaching the Funeral for B. I. Dahl, Trinity, Clifton
• Oct. 1 – Reformation Commemoration at Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas
• Oct. 1 – Installation of Jim Graeser as Senior Pastor, King of Glory, Dallas

Pr. Totzke:

• Sep. 25-27 – First Call Theological Education Fall Retreat, Camp Chrysalis
• Oct. 1-7 – Vacation

Pra. Bañales:

• Sep. 25-26 – Louisiana Interchurch Board Meeting, Alexandria, LA
• Sep. 28 – Meeting with African American congregations, Mount Olive, Dallas
• Sep. 30 – Stewardship Team “Venture Training,” Briarwood