MCC News

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. "

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."

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.

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.

June 14, 2023

On Sunday June 11th, immediately following a joyful Pride worship service, a fire was set in our beloved Sanctuary.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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

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

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.”

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.

June 7, 2020

Order of Service for interfaith #BostonBlackMemorial for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor + Ahmaud Arbery

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.

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:

May 1, 2020

Press Release: Launch of the One Church Fund to Support Black, Immigrant, Homeless Churches

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.

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.

August 16, 2017

August 16, 2017

August 15, 2017

"We have failed to sufficiently name and denounce the anti-Semitism among us."

August 14, 2017

March 23, 2017

Read more to understand the verdict and the part we played in advocating for churches across the Commonwealth.

February 20, 2017

November 22, 2016

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.

August 31, 2016

June 16, 2016

A prayer offered by the Rev. Laura Everett, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches.

May 25, 2016

April 1, 2016

Massachusetts Council of Churches files an Amicus Brief: Government attempt to divide houses of worship is “not right and not possible.”

March 11, 2016

The Massachusetts Council of Churches's announces plans to implement a new staffing structure.

February 11, 2016

Mirror-Spectator article about the installation of Armenian-American lawyer and political activist Anthony Barsamian as president.

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.

July 7, 2015

A reflection from 30 Seconds or Less on networking across the whole body of Christ.

April 4, 2015

Boston Globe article covering nontraditional ways churches are building new communities.

March 24, 2015

Boston Globe article describing the ecumenical vespers service held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

March 16, 2015

Video from the Weather Channel depicting Bostonians' responses to the record-breaking snowfall in 2015.

March 15, 2015

Christian Century blog post discussing the challenges of ecumenical work today.