Minnesota Council of Churches

06/01/2026

At the Minnesota Council of Churches, our work is strengthened by people who are passionate about serving communities and building a more just and connected Minnesota.

We're excited to introduce the newest members of the MCC team. Some have recently joined us, while others will begin later this month. Together, they bring experience in refugee services, fundraising, communications, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership that will help advance our mission.

Join us in welcoming Bugondo "Blaise" Nitbonera, Micah Minnema, Zach Mueller, Ellen Burkhardt, and Cearah Hamilton.

Visit our website to learn more about the gifts they bring to our shared work. https://mnchurches.org/meet-our-new-team-members

05/29/2026

Discipleship, Democracy and a Movie! Your congregation can be a source of peace on America's 250th by hosting a screening of the Better Together Film Festival!

It’s July. It's Minnesota. It’s pretty hot out but people still want to gather, and perhaps make meaning of July 2026 as the U.S. turns 250 years old. You can help them cool off, engage, and grow in love by offering a thought-provoking film and discussion. Four sites have already shared interest...

05/26/2026

As this day comes to an end, we reflect on the 6th anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. We pause to consider what has changed, what remains the same, and what still calls us to action.

There has been greater awareness, more honest conversations, and renewed demands for accountability and justice. Yet many racial disparities in housing, education, healthcare, public safety, and economic opportunity remain deeply rooted. For many communities, the pain and trauma are still very present.

Remembering George Floyd is not only about looking back at a tragic moment in Minneapolis. It is also about asking ourselves what kind of society we want to build moving forward.

Racial justice work cannot live only in moments of protest or remembrance. It lives in how we show up every day — how we listen, vote, lead, learn, advocate, teach, hire, serve, and care for one another.

May we recommit ourselves individually and collectively to building communities grounded in dignity, equity, accountability, compassion, and belonging for all people.

05/19/2026

Bridging. Peacebuilding. Democracy. Depolarization. Dialogue. Discipleship.



Whatever language we use, it mattered deeply that nearly 200 people committed to strengthening relationships across difference gathered this spring in Shoreview.

Steering the Connect Imagine Ignite Minnesota Bridging Summit with secular and government partners was one important way Minnesota Council of Churches builds peace in our state.

05/19/2026

MCC CEO Elder Suzanne Kelly issued the following statement in response to the recent attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego:

“We must stop pretending that hateful rhetoric—espoused freely at all levels of government and amplified without restraint on social media platforms—does not plant and water seeds of violence and hate. And as we know, seeds that take root will eventually blossom.

Today, we mourn yet another violent attack on a place of worship, this time targeting a mosque in San Diego, CA. Sadly, this was not an isolated incident. Islamophobia is on the rise—not only elsewhere, but here in Minnesota as well.

The Minnesota Council of Churches stands with our Muslim brothers and sisters and call on people of all faith traditions to actively combat hate with love. We also support CAIR-MN in its call for vigilance, preparedness, and community care.

In light of recent acts of violence and growing concerns about the safety of our houses of worship and community spaces, we encourage community members, mosque attendees, volunteers, parents, youth, and leaders to participate in an important training being offered by CAIR-Minnesota (CAIR-MN).

This session will provide practical tools to strengthen safety, preparedness, and resilience within our institutions while fostering awareness, unity, and collective responsibility across our communities.The training is open to all, but registration is required."

More information can be found at

COMMUNITY SAFETY WEBINAR TRAINING Protecting Our Mosques, Schools, and Community Together CAIR-MN invites community members, parents, volunteers, youth leaders, mosque attendees, and school staff to join an important community safety webinar focused on practical ways every person can help strengthen...

05/15/2026

It’s pretty hot out but people still want to gather, and perhaps make meaning of July 2026 as the U.S. turns 250 years old. You can help them cool off, engage, and grow in love by offering a thought-provoking film and discussion.

It’s July. It's Minnesota. It’s pretty hot out but people still want to gather, and perhaps make meaning of July 2026 as the U.S. turns 250 years old. You can help them cool off, engage, and grow in love by offering a thought-provoking film and discussion. Four sites have already shared interest...

05/14/2026

In the last 3 years our state has seen more threats to local officials than any neighboring state. That is part of why our Director of Civic Dialogue will attend the Peace & Conflict track of the Religion and Foreign Policy workshop in NYC.

Sharing about how churches have responded with MCC Respectful Conversations and learning what works in other nations can help shape a state where public service is a safer calling. // Security Map - The Impact Project https://buff.ly/tG5UXng

05/11/2026

Join us TONIGHT for JRLC’s May webinar on navigating conflict and having productive conversations about difficult topics.

MCC is proud to support this important conversation featuring Community Mediation Minnesota, a statewide network helping Minnesotans resolve conflict through skilled mediation and dialogue.

🗓 Monday, May 11
⏰ 7:00–8:15 PM (CT)
💻 On Zoom

In a time of deep division, learning how to engage difficult conversations with compassion and clarity matters more than ever.

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/TN6OWvRrR3Cyb-knUuGuSg #/registration

Thank you to JRLC and Community Mediation Minnesota for offering this timely and valuable resource.

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: JRLC Webinar with CMM!. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

05/04/2026

Our thanks to the National Council of Churches for sharing the good work of the MCC Office of Civic Dialogue with faith-based peacebuilders across the country! // NCC Newsletter – May 2, 2026

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05/01/2026

On this May Day, we’re reminded that dignity, justice, and care are not abstract ideals—they are lived realities. From honoring the essential contributions of immigrants to standing with those who depend on compassionate healthcare, this moment calls us to truth, courage, and faith in action.

Read this powerful reflection from Elder Suzanne Kelly on why the Church must continue to speak, stand, and hope—together.

Dear Friends of MCC,Grace and peace to you on this May Day—a day that has long stood as a witness to the dignity of labor—and on this Day Without Immigrants, when the absence of so many makes visible what has always been true: immigrants are not a margin to our common life. They are essential to...