Since the Apartheid-Free campaign launched in early June, 146 groups – congregations, communities of conscience, and organizations – have taken the pledge to be apartheid-free. The list of signers thus far includes a broad swath of the religious spectrum: Baptist, Buddhist, Quaker, Jewish, Methodist, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Catholic, Muslim, Unitarian, Episcopalian, and United Church of Christ. Noticeably missing, not surprisingly, are Christian Zionist groups. To see the list of signers as of August 10^th, go here and scroll down.

To date, six UCC entities have taken the pledge: the national UCC, UCC PIN, the Central Pacific Conference UCC PIN, and three congregations: Ainsworth UCC, Portland, OR; Meriden Congregational Church, Meriden, NH, and Shalom UCC, New Haven, CT. 

A priority for UCC PIN this year is to help grow the list of UCC congregations, and hopefully also conferences, that take the apartheid-free pledge. The apartheid-free campaign dovetails well with the action steps of the UCC’s 2021 General Synod resolution and provides a timely and concrete opportunity for congregations to bear witness to their commitment to the human rights and equality of all, inclusive of Palestinians.

For congregations wanting and ready to engage in a discernment process about taking the pledge, check out the Apartheid-Free website resource page here. UCC PIN is also at the ready with materials and strategies to support congregations as they study the pledge and, for those who take the pledge, as they live into it. Wanting support from UCC PIN or to be connected with congregations considering the step of pledging to be apartheid free? Contact us at info@uccpin.org.