Wisconsin Council of Churches latest news and information.
In a collaboration between the Wisconsin Council of Churches and Worker Justice Wisconsin, we are launching a new study-action guide focused on worker justice. This four session study-action guide will look at: Faith & Labor 101: What is “worker justice”? Why is it a crucial issue for people of faith? The Struggle for Workers’ Rights & the Crucial Role of…
Historically, during Labor Day weekend (and throughout the month of September), faith leaders participate in this program by sharing a reflection or sermon on worker justice with their respective communities during a worship service or education session. Your support of worker justice is crucial. When faith allies stand with workers, you give moral legitimacy to their efforts and a crucial…
Courage to Close: Reframing the Conversation Rev. Libby Howe, Congregational Support Coordinator for Peace & Justice Ministries “Vilas is upset,” some in-the-know church council members told me. When I inquired as to why they simply said, “because of the building project.” I was still a pretty new pastor and hearing that one of my people was upset was, well,…
Persisting to Demand an End to Gun Violence By: Rev. Breanna Illéné, Content Curation and Ecumenical Innovation Coordinator You may have noticed that there have been a lot of articles in our ENEWS about gun violence lately, and you are right. Gun violence has been at the front of our minds because this is an issue that is affecting so…
Tell the Truth about Mental Health and Gun Violence Rev. Libby Howe, Congregational Support Coordinator for Peace & Justice Ministries May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I have a mental illness. Along with me, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 Americans can say the same thing. Except for the occasional violent thought toward a dangerous driver that puts…
WCC Justice and Witness Coordinator Dr. Peter Bakken to Retire After 18 Years Honoring His Contributions to Advocacy and Civic Engagement With joy for a longtime colleague and his family and gratitude for his ministry among us, we announce the upcoming retirement of Dr. Peter Bakken, the Justice and Witness Coordinator for the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Let us soften…
Madison Safe Surrender Events The United States has a gun problem because so many people have been duped into believing guns will make us more safe by those who stand to profit from gun sales. We are joining with churches across the country to dismantle unwanted firearms. We believe as a church, we can affirm Isaiah’s call to beat our swords…
Injustice in Action: Hasty Passage of Bills that Affect the Most Vulnerable Dr. Peter Bakken, Justice and Witness Coordinator “…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Leviticus 19:18, Mark 12:31 As Christians, we seek to follow Jesus’ way of equity and grace for all of God’s beloved children. Loving God, we care for neighbors not only through acts of…
Preventing Deaths from Gun Violence Using the Swiss Cheese Model Rev. Daniel Schultz, WCC Community Health Program Director The vast majority of gun-related injuries and deaths in the United States do not involve mass shootings. But tragedies such as the recent shootings in Nashville put the phenomenon of gun violence in sharp focus. The WCC has long engaged the issue of gun violence. In…
