Page 33 - First Churches 2019-20Annual Report.docx

addition, First Churches continued to be represented on several interfaith groups by Peace and Justice members.
Continued support for environmental justice and clean energy included
· Signing a letter to Congress calling for Legislation to Address the Urgent Threat of Climate Change
· Submitting a comment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) concerning the proposed Columbia Gas Reliability Project
· Hosting a forum on the Columbia Gas Reliability Project
· Cosponsoring the Earth Day Forum on a Green New Deal
Continued work for a Nuclear Free Future included
· Publicizing the historic Pledge for a Nuclear Free Future that was signed by candidates on the steps of Northampton City Hall on July 14, 2018. Those candidates include Representative James McGovern as well as Lindsay Sabadosa and Jo Comerford, all of whom were reelected or elected in November.
· Supporting and educating about a resolution based on the Northampton City Council Resolution about nuclear weapons which was passed by our congregation at First Churches Annual Meeting on September 23, 2018
· Rev. Peter Kakos’s work to get a similar resolution passed at the UCC National Synod on June 24. We are very proud of and thankful for Peter’s continued efforts towards ensuring a nuclear free future.
Continued Support of/Membership in Pioneer Valley Interfaith Refugee Action Group · October 28 Program: Muslim Women in Politics: Shaping Narratives, Shaping Perspectives
· April 28 Program: The Refugee’s Journey to the Pioneer Valley
Continued Support of/Membership in Interfaith Sanctuary and Solidarity Network · Participated in Jericho Walks in Springfield in support of immigrants’ rights
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