February 20, 2017
A Statement of Concern regarding Immigration and Related Matters
May 2, 2015
The International Council of Community Churches
A Statement of Concern regarding Racial Reconciliation
We are deeply disturbed by the recent events that have befallen Baltimore Maryland and by similar events elsewhere in the United States. Since 1950 the International Council of Community Churches (ICCC) has stood for harmony, reconciliation and justice for humanity. The widespread violence and murder among African American men are injustices toward God and humanity.
While the vast majority of police officers act within their sworn oath of allegiance to protect and serve their communities, there are issues of integrity among law enforcement. Therefore, the ICCC supports the ongoing review of policies and procedure of Baltimore Police Department. The Council applauds the Department of Justice’s role as a dispassionate third party in its investigation of this matter.
As people of faith we believe that it is our duty to speak out against injustice and to seek ways to bring all humanity into harmony. Micah 6:8 states, “He has shown you O man what is good, and what the Lord requires of you. To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” To the churches and all the citizens of Baltimore: as you move toward reconciliation, we stand in solidarity and in readiness to assist you as you seek healing in rebuilding your community.
April 29, 2015
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY CHURCHES
The Board of Trustees
A Statement of Concern Regarding Divisive Discourse
While we affirm the protection of free speech, we call on the members of our own congregations, on all people both people of faith, and those of no faith at all, to join us in opposing intolerance; to take a stand in the face of divisive rhetoric; to embrace our diverse voices; to stand in solidarity with those who might otherwise be alienated; and thus to effect positive change.
We call upon all people to be aware of name-calling, bullying, physical violence, and other forms of harassment, and not to remain silent about such abuse, but to speak the truth in love. We call upon all to condemn inflammatory messages that seek to divide, stigmatize and incite prejudices. We call upon all to reject efforts to stereotype any tradition or community. We call on all to work for justice, reconciliation and unity within our own faith communities, in our vocations and economic life, and in the broader discourse within our cities and towns, our states and our nations.
August 28, 2014
A STATEMENT OF CONCERN FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY CHURCHES
As the Board representing the churches and ministry centers of the International Council of Community Churches, we grieve with the family of Michael Brown and with the community of Ferguson, Missouri as they struggle with their grief and with the tragedy of violence and its consequences. We pray for justice, and we also pray for both Divine and human mercy. We pray that by God’s grace, healing and comfort, all may find their way toward a reconciliation that does not ignore the past, but that instead transcends sorrow and bitterness and reaches toward peace.