July 29, 2011

In preparation for the 10th anniversary of September 11, the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ, has released a pastoral letter calling for people of faith to leave behind fears and prejudice and chart a new course towards peace, reconciliation and understanding.

The letter, which is part of a special 9/11 remembrance page, urges the United States to turn to God in "beginning anew our work toward God's just and peaceful realm" on earth.

"My prayer is that we [recognize] that our national understanding of and response to terrorism have been inadequate thus far," said Black in the letter. "My hope is that we use this anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on these 10 years … and begin to chart a new direction."

In addition to the pastoral letter, the new web page – "9/11 plus 10: Between memory and hope" – contains worship and educational resources for Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011; resources from the UCC's ecumenical partners; and prayers and reflections on the aftermath of September 11.

"The 9/11 remembrance page has resources aimed at helping UCC members create worship services, and explore the many issues related to a just peace that have arisen in the decade since September 11," said Florence Coppola, the UCC's executive for national disaster ministries.

Read the letter and find resources at http://www.ucc.org/911remembrance/.

United Church of Christ News Service