With the ashes, we tell the truth of our sin and mortality.

With the oil, we tell the truth of our belovedness.

With the sign of the cross, we tell the truth of Christ, the one who makes it possible for us to be both broken and beloved.

SCO Reaffirms Commitment to Transforming Justice System for First Nations

On February 27, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) reaffirmed their commitment to transforming the justice system for First Nations people ahead of Indigenous Justice Awareness Day, on February 28. Indigenous Justice Awareness Day was established as a response to the fatal police shooting of John Joseph “JJ” Harper that occurred in 1988 in Winnipeg. JJ Harper was a 37-year-old member of the Wasagamack First Nation in Manitoba. The death of Mr. Harper and the 1987 trial for the murder of Helen Betty Osborne in The Pas were the two tragedies in Manitoba used to support the 1988 Public Inquiry into the Administration of Justice and Aboriginal People, now referred to at the Manitoba Aboriginal Justice Inquiry. “Justice is not just about legal outcomes—it is about healing and respecting the traditions and values that have always guided the Anishinaabe and Dakota people,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “The Southern Chiefs’ Organization continues to work towards transforming the justice system to ensure it is rooted in respect, accountability, and a shared commitment to healing and reconciliation.”

Lord God, we pray for justice in our laws and in the carrying out of those laws.  We thank you for stumbling steps toward justice. We pray for healing, for respecting traditions and values. Lord, as we seek to strengthen our systems and our governance, we pray that we might perpetually be entangled in your love and grace. 

Israel halts all aid to Gaza as ceasefire falters

Israel said Sunday that it had stopped all aid from entering the Gaza Strip, a move that threatened to plunge the territory back into war as Israeli officials accused Hamas of rejecting a U.S. proposal to extend the first phase of a weeks-long ceasefire. The decision by Israel to block aid to Gaza came as Palestinians there began observing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. “We have decided to block all entry of goods and supplies into Gaza,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday before meeting with his cabinet. “If Hamas continues to stand firm in its position and does not release our hostages, there will be further consequences.” The ceasefire went into effect Jan. 19 and was envisioned as a three-phase deal, with the first stage lasting 42 days. During that period, Israel and Hamas were supposed to begin talks to negotiate phase two, along with U.S., Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Those negotiations would address some of the thornier issues, including Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza. The first six weeks also saw the release of some Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, as well as a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Denying food aid to the suffering and starving, Lord – it is, at the very least, a grave act of inhumanity. We pray you work in the hearts of those denying food to the starving, and open up pathways for nourishment.

Trump Administration and U.S. Climate Policy

The current US administration has severely damaged the government’s ability to fight climate change, upending American environmental policy with moves that could have lasting implications for the country, and the planet. With a flurry of actions, President Trump has gutted federal climate efforts, rolled back regulations aimed at limiting pollution and given a major boost to the fossil fuel industry. He is abandoning efforts to reduce global warming, even as the world has reached record levels of heat that scientists say is driven largely by the burning of fossil fuels. Every corner of the world is now experiencing the effects of these rising temperatures in the form of deadlier hurricanes, floods, wildfires and droughts, as well as species extinction. To achieve such a wholesale overhaul of the country’s climate policies in such a short time, the Trump administration has reneged on federal grants, fired workers en masse and attacked longstanding environmental regulations.

Lord, be close to those who have lost jobs this week.  Empower those in states, cities, and around the world who can pick up the slack and care for your world with the tenderness it so desperately needs.  Help us to care for the places you have placed us.

Markets slide as President Trump confirms tariffs 

Long-threatened tariffs on Canada and Mexico will go into effect Tuesday, as will increased levies on China, President Trump confirmed. The tariffs are expected to trigger a trade war with the three largest U.S. trading partners, one that could raise prices for American consumers on a broad range of products. Canada and Mexico will each face 25% tariffs on their exports to the U.S., while Chinese exports will receive an additional 10% tariff on top of the 10% Trump already imposed earlier this year. The Canada and Mexico tariffs were imposed in early February but postponed for a month, pending negotiations. President Trump said Monday that time was up. Financial markets, which were already weaker on gloomy economic news tied to tariff fears, took a leg down after Trump confirmed the levies were coming. The S&P 500 was 2% lower in the last hour of trading, and at the lows of the day. The U.S. dollar surged, particularly against the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso.

God, there is much uncertainty. We pray for those who will bear the brunt of these tariffs – ordinary, everyday Americans, Mexicans, and Canadians. We pray for wisdom from Washington. 

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

U.S. Immigration Guidance for Churches

The CRCNA’s position statement on immigration reminds us that civil governments have both the right and the responsibility to oversee immigration policies and that this duty must always be carried out in a way that upholds human dignity and recognizes every person as created in the image of God. Thrive has received numerous inquiries from Christian Reformed congregations across the U.S. whose members have been affected by recent decisions regarding immigration enforcement and refugee resettlement. In response to this expressed need, we offer this resource as one tool that congregations can use as they seek to minister faithfully in complex and shifting circumstances. This resource is available in English, Spanish, and Korean, and is offered for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Review Resource »

Action Alert: Re-Extend Canada's Commitment to Welcoming Refugees

Join World Renew and the Centre for Public Dialogue in encouraging the Canadian government to re-extend its commitment to welcoming people seeking refuge. Support refugee advocates and agencies in their shared call for an increase to the number of refugees resettled in Canada this year, and in the years to come.  Take action here.