UCC PIN’s inaugural Solidarity Circle launched this past November when 12 UCC activists - congregational leaders, both lay and ordained - hailing from 8 different states and 10 conferences, first gathered. Our group, which by design has become an affinity group, covenanted to meet monthly for a total of six 90-minute sessions to encourage and equip one another in the long-haul work of Palestine solidarity. We have had two sessions so far.

Together we are exploring ways to strengthen our individual and congregational solidarity and to build broad alliances that contribute to a growing movement for collective liberation.

To date our discussion queries have centered on: What does faith-based solidarity mean to you? What risks have you encountered when engaging in Palestine solidarity work? What push-back have you received from your congregation or community? What risks do our Palestinian partners take?

In addition to insightful discussions, we have shared in each session: liturgical and advocacy resources; Palestinian poetry and music; study about UCC historical presence and witness in the Middle East; and prayer.

In upcoming sessions, we plan to map out our personal circles of Palestine solidarity; identify the most effective talking points for difficult conversations; examine the Nakba and Palestinian diaspora experience; and learn new ways to publicly witness as apartheid-free congregations/communities.

Our goal is to empower and support one another in leading our congregations to act on the bold and prophetic calls of the Declaration for a Just Peace Between Palestine and Israel(General Synod 33). UCC PIN will be organizing additional Solidarity Circles to follow this inaugural one and recruiting participants. Interested? Please contact one of our facilitators: Marla Schrader here or Eric Fistler here.