At this time when democracy in the United States is precarious, we come together as local Christian congregations across America to pledge our commitment to democracy. We stand up together to say what we believe both as those who love the Lord, and love America enough to defend it.  As local congregations, we practice democracy in our own congregations through parish councils, vestries, sessions, governing boards, councils of elders, and other forms of decision-making. We are practiced in democracy.

As we move towards the November 3rd election, the WCC is relaunching our Loving Your Neighbor in an Election Season campaign with additional focus on election protection and democracy defense. We have seen the continued attacks on our election system and recognize that part of loving our neighbors is ensuring that they can vote safely and that their vote is counted. As Christians, we believe we are called to participate in the public square and the means we engage in our democracy and help protect it in a time when democratic systems and norms are under attack. 

Thanks to generous funding from community partners, the WCC is bringing contractors on board for two key roles supporting our Faith and Democracy efforts. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and those hired can begin immediately.

Earlier this summer, Faith Food Action Network Project Director Eyon Biddle Sr participated in an Open House at the St Mark AME Community Garden in Milwaukee. Among the discussions he had with those organizing the planting were conversations about what was being planted where, and why certain plants were being planted together. This provided a quick glimpse into the world of companion planting.

Imagine a person sitting in the Racine County Jail. They were booked on a criminal charge, like anyone else in the jail. But attached to their file is something most inmates do not have: a 48-hour immigration hold, requested by the Department of Homeland Security. When their criminal case ends — whether they are released on bond, complete a sentence, or have charges dropped — they will not simply walk out the door. The jail will hold them up to 48 additional hours so that Immigration and Customs Enforcement can take custody.

For that person, two entirely separate legal worlds have collided. And the ordinary supports our justice system provides are built for only one of them.

“The times are urgent, we need to slow down.” We took a breath. We started talking. We asked questions.

Our hearts are certainly heavy in this season as we grieve the death of Corey Ruiz, who was shot and killed by Madison police. In the wake of this tragedy, the intersection of Williamson and Baldwin Streets has transformed into a sacred space of community mourning, lament, and protest. 

A Black man was murdered, and there are flowers.

Rest in peace, Corey Durell Ruiz. Rest in power.

I first heard about spiritual direction in seminary. The idea sounded interesting, but not essential, so it quickly went to the back burner.

Years later, while attending a retreat, I noticed that spiritual direction was offered as an optional add-on. I was in the midst of discerning an emerging ministry opportunity, so I signed up, not quite knowing what to expect. What I encountered was an invitation to slow down and pay attention—to notice what was bringing life and energy, and what was not. The experience brought clarity, and I left feeling deeply seen and understood. Years later, spiritual direction remains one of the practices that has sustained me in ministry and, more importantly, helped me continue loving God through challenging seasons.

On Tuesday, July 7th, Wisconsin clergy in Eau Claire, Milwaukee, and Madison spoke in solidarity as part of a national day of action to “Protect Our Vote.” The day included 15 press conferences held across the country following a letter signed by 2000+ clergy, including 265+ in Wisconsin. 

Campaign signs are popping up in neighborhoods across the state as we move towards the fall elections. This year we are facing an August primary and a November election that includes highly contested congressional elections, state offices that could shift the control of the state capitol - including electing a new governor, constitutional amendments, and other local issues.

On Tuesday, June 9^th, the Clergy Emergency League and the Wisconsin Council of Churches presented a workshop for faith leaders across the country, to provide context and resources for planning worship on July 4^th weekend that resist the pervasive narrative of Christian Nationalism. You can find resources collected from the presenters and participants below and watch the full workshop recording here.

As we approach the beginning of summer, the WCC’s youth engagement is gearing up. Over the past few years, summer break has been a time that youth from Wisconsin (and sometimes beyond) engage with the work of the Council.

Earlier this year, Linda Ketchum, Executive Director of Just Dane, joined us for a Taking a Faithful Stand webinar about how local municipality budget shortfalls impact vulnerable communities. The recording has become our most watched video of the year on YouTube.

Earlier this year, FFAN Project Director Mr. Eyon Biddle, Sr. and Director of Ecumenical Innovation & Justice Initiatives Rev. Breanna Illéné visited the three congregations participating in the project and recorded conversations with nearly two dozen people. During those conversations, they encouraged participants to tell stories about times when the church helped people in the past, and to imagine ways the church can help in the present and future.

In WI we know freedom, safety, justice, & joy belong to ALL of us - when they are taken from one of us, it's a danger to all of us.  Mr. Sarsour was targeted. It we don't stand up it will keep happening. #BringHimHome

Despite what seems to be some uncertainty across our country right now, in Wisconsin we remain steadfast that freedom, safety, justice, and joy belong to ALL of us. And we know that when those rights are withheld from one of us, it's a danger to all of us. The WCC is one of 40+ WI orgs calling on our Congressional Delegation to take action.  We want #ActionForSalah now.  Stay tuned for actions we can ALL take to make it happen. #BringHimHome

Do you want to learn to use social media for good? Apply to join our faith, freedom, and the common good influencer cohort.

This 6-month cohort led by Rev. Elizabeth Riley (@therevriley on social media) will bring together people from around the country for coaching and collaboration.  Application deadline is May 1st.

The Wisconsin Council of Churches expresses its solidarity with the Islamic Society of Milwaukee (ISM) and the family of Mr. Salah Sarsour, its president, in the wake of his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Monday, March 30th outside his home.

“Using the Swiss cheese model” or layered mitigations is a concept the WCC has been using for years. It was part of our recommendations during the COVID pandemic, and we’ve also used it to talk about gun violence prevention. Now, we invite you to use it to consider your role in responding to an ongoing crisis: caring for vulnerable neighbors.

In recent years, many Christians have embraced Matthew 25:31-46 as Jesus’ call to action. Churches have recentered service to “the least of these” as a way to serve God. And it is my perception that the church folk do a pretty good job of acknowledging their duty to the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick…but less so with the incarcerated. Maybe it is because the incarcerated are out of sight behind locked doors.