NCC at a Glance: Who Belongs, What We Do, How We Work Together
Since its founding in 1950, the National Council of the Churches has been the leading force for ecumenical cooperation among American Christians. The NCC's member faith groups — representing a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, historic African American and Living Peace churches — include 45 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.
Member Communions
NCC member churches reflect the diversity of Christianity in the United States. They also vary greatly in size and in the geographic distribution of their congregations, their style of worship, even the architecture of their buildings. Each participating denomination brings distinctive faith traditions to the Council's common table. Protestant members include churches of British, German, Scandinavian and other European origin, historic African American churches, and immigrant churches from Korea and India. Orthodox member communions have roots in Greece, Syria, Russia, the Ukraine, Egypt, India and other places where Eastern and Oriental Orthodoxy have long histories.
Reflecting the rich variety of its members, the NCC believes that genuine unity demands inclusivity and a respect for diversity, and strives to embody this belief in its programs, decision-making and staffing.
Climate Change and Global Warming is . .
Scientists tell us "global warming is real; the science is sound; and the effects are likely to be severe." We add: "this is a religious issue!" We are called to care for all of God's children, especially the most vulnerable, and to protect and restore God's creation. Climate change is a threat to all people and all of creation.
God's Gift of Air
As people of faith, we understand our responsibilities to protect the sacred gifts given by God and to heal a world torn by brokenness and human strife. Air pollution and global warming, like all human-induced environmental degradation, is a sign of this brokenness. The NCC has sponsored an Eco-Justice Working Group for 25 years. Its Global Warming Initiative has staff in 16 states. It is also deeply involved in water quality, Western land policy, rural and agricultural development and chemicals in the environment.
For more information about. the Council's Eco-Justice Programs contact: Ms. Cassandra Carmichael, NCCC 110 Maryland Ave. NE Washington DC 20002, 202-481-6928 or cassandra@toad.net or go to www.ncccusa.org or www.faithfulamerica.org. |