Newsletters
Statements & News
Statement from Heads of Church of LGBT Affirming Churches Attacked
August 2, 2024
"Over the weekend of July 27-28, 2024, five Massachusetts congregations of the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and the United Church of Christ (UCC) were attacked and vandalized. It appears these congregations were targeted because of their clear and explicit welcome of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer siblings in Christ. We have offered pastoral care and support to the affected congregations and have been working with the FBI and local authorities to respond to these crimes. "
Statement from the Massachusetts Council of Churches on Violence at Five Churches
August 2, 2024
"As the Executive Board of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, we are particularly heartbroken that Christians would physically attack one another. Our Savior Jesus Christ calls us to be one. Religious violence is never a solution to theological difference."
REQUEST FOR DAYTIME GATHERING SPACE AT LOCAL CONGREGATIONS & VOLUNTEERS
February 14, 2024
Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston/Ten Point, Boston Faith & Justice Network, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, Massachusetts Council of Churches and Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI) need congregations in greater Boston to provide physical space for a minimum of 30 people, for a minimum of two weeks, any days between Monday through Friday, during the hours of 9:30am-4:30pm.
The Christians of Palestine
December 12, 2023
On Tuesday December 12, 2023 join local Palestinian Christians living in Massachusetts, pastors who have served in the region, scholars, and journalists for a panel discussion about the longing and lament of those with close ties to the region. Hear what you can do to be in solidarity and prayer.
This event is jointly organized by The Huffington Ecumenical Institute at HCHC and The Massachusetts Council of Churches.
Press Release: First Church Somerville Statement on Recent Fire
June 14, 2023
On Sunday June 11th, immediately following a joyful Pride worship service, a fire was set in our beloved Sanctuary.
Invitation to Church leaders for Active Shooter Training Sat June 10 in Dorchester
June 5, 2023
Join Global Ministries Christian Church, the Boston Police Department and MAMLEO to provide an ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING at 670 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA. 02124 on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 12:00 PM. to 1:30 PM. Registration information at the link.
Thursday February 9, 2023 7pm: Prayers for Syria and Turkey
February 7, 2023
His Eminence + Mor Dionysius John Kawak, Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar of the Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church for the Eastern USA, and the Massachusetts Council of Churches invite all people to a service of prayer for all those affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. We will gather on Thursday February 9 at 7pm at St. Matthew Syriac Orthodox Church, 149 Park Street in West Roxbury, MA.
How to Make Welcome Kits for Asylum Seekers
October 14, 2022
We are in the midst of housing & immigration crisis across the world. Here in Massachusetts, many people are arriving seeking safe shelter. We invite you to help welcome these neighbors by gathering items to restore dignity while they seek housing, work, and stability.
REVEALING THE CALL TO REST & RENEWAL A Message from the Working Board of the Massachusetts Council of Churches
January 13, 2022
As a second pandemic winter takes hold, the Working Board has decided to grant a one-month, paid “sabbatical break” to both the senior staff, Rev. Laura Everett (February 2022) and Rev. Kenneth Young (January 2022).
An Open Letter to the Leadership of Gordon Conwell Theological School
July 8, 2021
We write with our concerns about Gordon Conwell’s actions against a dear colleague and critical institution following the firing of Rev. Dr. Emmett Price. To sign the letter yourself, visit:
https://forms.gle/mJ8xD9keX25T2QidA
Press Release 07.08.21: MCC Receives Funds for COVID Community Grants
July 8, 2021
The Massachusetts Council of Churches (MCC) has received a major grant of federal funds as part of the Baker-Polito Administration Vaccine Equity initiative.
Second Update on Clergy + COVID-19 Vaccinations
January 27, 2021
The most recent update from the Massachusetts Council of Churches about equity and access to COVID-19 vaccinations for those engaged in ministry across Massachusetts.
Update on CLERGY AND COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
January 22, 2021
An update from the Massachusetts Council of Churches about the timeline for COVID-19 vaccinations for those engaged in ministry across Massachusetts.
A Christianity that Kills: White Domestic Terrorism and the Church
January 12, 2021
A statement from Massachusetts Council of Churches staff following the armed attack and attempted coup at the Capitol on 01/06/21.
"This insurrection was not theologically void, but soaked in Christian imagery, with the name of our one Savior Jesus Christ held high, along with weapons of war."
Massachusetts Council of Churches 2020 Year in Review
December 16, 2020
The Massachusetts Council of Churches leads work that no single denomination or local church could do on its own, to build a more faithful future of communal resources, mutual necessity, and shared joy. Read more in our one page year in review.
10/27/20 PRESS RELEASE: New England Church Leaders: “Soaked in Suffering,” Call for Communal Lament, Mental Health Support for Clergy
October 27, 2020
Responding to increasing distress and despair among pastors and across congregations, Church leaders from all six New England states call today for communal lament and focus on mental health. #LamentAndLive
Election Preparedness for Houses of Worship
October 26, 2020
Election Preparedness strategies for Houses of Worship in Massachusetts, from the Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston, Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, and Massachusetts Council of Churches
Weds 8/5/20 MCC Press Release: Divine Justice Requires Strong Policing Reform- Mass. Council of Churches supports AME ministers
August 5, 2020
Sending a letter to the six Conference Committee members, Mass. Council of Churches leaders wrote, “we write to you as Christian leaders convinced that God and history will judge us by the decisions and actions of public leaders at this moment. You who write laws can bend the arc of justice with your pens.”
MONDAY 7/20 11am: African Methodist Episcopal Church Pastors call for immediate police reform
July 20, 2020
Pastors from the twelve A.M.E. churches across the Commonwealth representing over 4000 members in Massachusetts (the oldest continuously existing Black denomination in the country), will respond to the Massachusetts House of Representatives police reform bill and call on them to pass strong police reform, including fixing qualified immunity, limiting use of force, and the creating a POST system, at a press conference Monday, July 20 at the Massachusetts State House.
Boston Black Memorial for George, Breonna + Ahmaud Order of Service
June 7, 2020
Order of Service for interfaith #BostonBlackMemorial for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor + Ahmaud Arbery
MEDIA ADVISORY George Floyd Memorial Service to Be Held in Boston on Sunday
June 5, 2020
Clergy United, a coalition of faith-based organizations, will hold an interfaith memorial service for George Floyd and other African Americans who were unjustly murdered on Sunday June 7, 2020.
Church Building Reentry Press Release
May 18, 2020
On Monday May 18, 2020, the Rev. Laura Everett, Executive Director, and Rev. Jennie Barrett Siegal, President of the Massachusetts Council of Churches issued the following statement in response to the phased economic reopening plan which included new minimum safety standards for reentry to houses of worship:
One Church Fund Press Release
May 1, 2020
Press Release: Launch of the One Church Fund to Support Black, Immigrant, Homeless Churches
Media Advisory 4/25/19 - Remembering Sri Lanka: An Interfaith Vigil in Boston
April 23, 2019
Responding to terror in Sri Lanka and the killing of over 320 people, the Sri Lanka Association of New England and the Massachusetts Council of Churches will gather for #RememberingSriLanka: An Interfaith Vigil in Boston Thursday April 25, 2019, 6pm. Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common.
Prayers of the People: Remembering Sri Lanka
March 26, 2019
For use in your congregation as you remember Sri Lanka. These prayers were led by Rev. Anoma Abeyaratne at the Remembering Sri Lanka vigil on Boston Common.
A Joint Statement from Boston Area Religious Leaders
August 16, 2017
A Prayer After Charlottesville
August 16, 2017
A Letter to Massachusetts Jews and Christians
August 15, 2017
"We have failed to sufficiently name and denounce the anti-Semitism among us."
Responding to Charlottesville
August 14, 2017
Verdict in the Lasalette Shrine Case Announced
March 23, 2017
Read more to understand the verdict and the part we played in advocating for churches across the Commonwealth.
MCC Media Guide for Local Church Pastors
February 20, 2017
A Post-Election Message from the Massachusetts Council of Churches
November 22, 2016
Into Uncharted Waters: A Move in Our Future
October 24, 2016
The Massachusetts Council of Churches will likely be moving. Help us define the values of our office space, and learn more about the move.
2016 Ecumenical Ballot Issue Guide
August 31, 2016
A Prayer in Response to the Orlando Attack
June 16, 2016
A prayer offered by the Rev. Laura Everett, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches.
Announcing Our Newest Colleague
May 25, 2016
Religious Autonomy Before the Courts
April 1, 2016
Massachusetts Council of Churches files an Amicus Brief: Government attempt to divide houses of worship is “not right and not possible.”
Big News: Staffing Changes as the Massachusetts Council of Churches
March 11, 2016
The Massachusetts Council of Churches's announces plans to implement a new staffing structure.
Anthony Barsamian Becomes First Armenian Head of Mass. Council of Churches
February 11, 2016
Mirror-Spectator article about the installation of Armenian-American lawyer and political activist Anthony Barsamian as president.
A ‘Popeapalooza’ at Doyle’s Cafe in JP
September 24, 2015
Boston Globe article covering an MCC event that brought some 30 clergy, activists, and lay people from across denominations together to listen to Pope Francis address a joint meeting of Congress.
The Whole Body of Christ
July 7, 2015
A reflection from 30 Seconds or Less on networking across the whole body of Christ.
Churches Expand Ministries in Unique Ways
April 4, 2015
Boston Globe article covering nontraditional ways churches are building new communities.
Copley Square Service Marks Anniversary of Genocide in Turkey
March 24, 2015
Boston Globe article describing the ecumenical vespers service held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Boston Breaks Snow Records
March 16, 2015
Video from the Weather Channel depicting Bostonians' responses to the record-breaking snowfall in 2015.
A Hard Season fo Ecumenism
March 15, 2015
Christian Century blog post discussing the challenges of ecumenical work today.
