Upcoming Events
Please note: All times are Central Standard Time
Storytelling for Change and Imagining a More Just Future
What does it look, sound, and feel like to examine the stories we tell that shape our narratives and build worlds? What could be different if we radically imagine a different way of being and existing and then co-creating it? Join leaders and practitioners in grounding our understanding of narrative building and storytelling for change.
Immigration & Faith Communities Preparing and Protecting Organizations
January 28th, 2:00pm Central, online
Join the Wisconsin Council of Churches and the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin for a co-sponsored webinar to resource local faith communities and similar organizations to consider and plan for the potential concerns and risks related to potential changes to immigration policies. This webinar will share the current landscape of immigration in Wisconsin– changes to previous practices and policies, the impact of Wisconsin specific laws, etc – share available resources for people directly impacted by potential mass deportations (including immigrant clergy), and then provide leaders with a variety of questions to consider as they determine how they will do ministry in this important area.
Note: This webinar will NOT be recorded.
This webinar will be led by:
Dr. Melinda Brennan, Executive Director, ACLU-WI
Rev. Tina Itson, Director of Development & Engagement, ACLU-WI
Rev. Breanna Illéné, Director of Ecumenical Innovation and Justice Initiatives, Wisconsin Council of Churches
Donations fund the work of the WCC so that we can continue to offer support to respond to justice issues in our state.
Immigration, Congregations, and Ministry in 2025
As the new administration takes power in 2025, immigration issues are going to affect clergy and congregations across our nation. Whether your congregation has undocumented persons, ministers to immigrant families, or would like to help but is unsure how to begin, this interactive online workshop is for you! Our panel of experts in immigration ministry, rights, and legal issues will offer important information and guidance for how to effectively navigate the changing landscape in 2025.
Taking a Faithful Stand for Equity
Rev. Joe Jackson of MICAH/WISDOM, will lead us in a reflection on what it means to live and act as "The Beloved Community" in the specific time and place we live. What does this ideal, which was lifted up by Dr. King, have to do with immigration policy? With prisons? With school funding? Health care? After hearing Rev. Jackson's reflection, we will break into groups to talk about what it means to us. We'll discuss: "What do we, who are trying to build the Beloved Community, need to work on in 2025?" and "What tools do we have for doing that work?
Churches as Centers of Justice and Community Care - Annual Meeting
The Wisconsin Council of Churches’ Annual Meeting which includes keynote conversation with can-do leaders panel, welcoming new members, lunch and connections, friends/colleagues meetup, praying & singing together, examples of holy imagination, learn from each other and be encouraged.
Depolarizing Congregations and Communities During the Election Season and Beyond
Divisiveness isn’t new, but it feels bigger and more pervasive than ever, with no signs of slowing down. Our families, communities, congregations, and our country are strained by the intense polarization that limits our ability to move towards real solutions together. This webinar will focus on tools and strategies that anyone can use to foster civility, appreciate difference, and find common ground without compromising our core values. If we truly believe that all humans have value and that everyone can be part of the solution, we need to operate in ways that align with those beliefs and amplify the best of what is possible. Join us to build resiliency in our relationships, our organizations, and our communities in the midst of the election season and beyond.
Preparing for Faithful Nonviolent Resistance This Election Season
How can we empower ourselves and our people for faithful action this election season amidst the rising tides of white Christian nationalism and authoritarianism? The Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas will share time-tested civil resistance strategies along with theological and Biblical frameworks for collective struggle to equip us to contend together for our democracy.
Politics, the Media, and the Church’s Role in Truth-Telling in an Election Season
This panel will discuss the challenges of preaching, teaching, and pastoral care when misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda are shaping the opinions of parishioners. Panelists will share biblical, theological, and practical guidance for clergy and congregations for navigating complex social and political landscapes while maintaining a commitment to integrity and Christ-centered teaching.
Leading Change Around Affordable Housing: Local Advocacy in Eau Claire
Join Dr. Susan Wolfgram to hear about the organizing work done through JONAH (Joining Our Neighbors Advancing Hope)'s Affordable Housing Task Force. The taskforce has successfully made change on the local level, impacting the housing landscape in Eau Claire and beyond.
Discovering Your Congregation’s Theologies of Conflict during an Election season
This session will explore the unspoken assumptions that people of faith can have about the relationship between God and our human disagreements and skirmishes. Is it possible to be in conflict and yet remain connected? How do we assess our “theologies of conflict” to understand ourselves and our faith more fully?
Screenings of "Bad Faith" Documentary
The Wisconsin Council of Churches, WISDOM, Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee, and Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice are cosponsoring screenings of the film “Bad Faith” on Monday, September 9.
BAD FAITH is a vital and timely documentary that tells the disturbing story of the rise of Christian Nationalism in the US and how some are twisting religion to achieve their political goals.
Motivations Behind the Assault on DEI and the Larger Implications
We are delighted to welcome back Professor Gloria Ladson-Billings, who will explore the motivations behind the assault on DEI, and the larger implications for countering racism and white Christian nationalism.
2024 US Supreme Court Decisions: How They Affect Us
Jim Santelle, former United States attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin will present on the impact of this year's US Supreme Court decisions as a part of our Taking a Faithful Stand for Equity July meeting. Click here for more information about Taking a Faithful Stand for Equity and to sign our pledge.