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April 2026 Newsbriefs

Global Christians challenge war in Middle East

The World Council of Churches, Middle East Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches, World Methodist Council, Mennonite World Conference, Christian Conference of Asia and ACT Alliance joined to voice concern about the humanitarian and social impacts of conflict in the Middle East, and the threat it poses to the peace and security in the region and world.

"Having endured years of complex political, economic and social challenges, Iran's 92 million people now face the conflict and an uncertain future," they said. "Humanitarian risks and suffering will escalate the longer the conflict continues."

The groups are concerned about violations of international humanitarian law in the military operations.

"As a matter of moral and legal obligation, all conflict participants must protect civilians from harm and refrain from targeting civilian areas and infrastructure," they said. "We fear the conflict may lead to prolonged violence and instability."

"Along with society in Iran and the region, churches and Christian communities face dangers," they add. "The joint Israeli and U.S. attacks are illegal under international law."

The partners urge Israel and the U.S. not to create desolation and call it peace. They must take responsibility for their actions and the future of the Iranian people whose freedom they claim to promote.

As Christians, they do not recognize any divine license to kill, destroy, displace or occupy, they affirm that "war is incompatible with God's nature and will for humanity and against Christian principles."

They lament the absence of morality and legality, the arrogance and ideologies of power and the replacement of conscience with political utility. "We proclaim the God-given human dignity and rights of all people, equally and without discrimination and reject the brutal logic of war and domination. We seek the gift of peace."

WCC dialogue looks at risks, possibilities of AI

In February, the World Council of Churches (WCC) hosted an online discussion on "The risks of artificial general intelligence: how should faith communities respond?" The dialogue involved 200 scientists, ethicists and theologians who focus on risks of AI. They examined risks of an AI arms race between the U.S. and China, whether an international rules-based order can limit these developments and how faith communities can respond.

Stavros Kofinas, moderator of the WCC Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing, said AI already affects "health systems, research, governance and people's daily lives. These developments should not be dismissed lightly."

Peter Kuhnert, co-chair of the Working Group for Faith and Science, of the WCC Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing, asked "How do you understand this time in the history of humanity's development of technology—and how might faith traditions respond?"

Max Tegmark, president and cofounder of the Future of Life Institute, likened the question, "Are we for or against technology?" to asking if "we are for or against fire, noting, "We're for fire to feed the hungry and we're against fire if it burns down a house." He said the question is: "Can we provide leadership to make sure technology is used for good not evil?"

Antje Jackelén, former archbishop of the Church of Sweden, said, "if we see technology as helping the blind see, the lame walk and the deaf hear, it may be a mark of the messianic age.

"We should welcome technological progress that alleviates suffering, but technological progress is not morally neutral," she said, asking, "Who benefits from a certain technological advancement in the short run, and who in the long run?"

Directory updates, support are coming in

Support of community partners, advertisers and donors is coming in for The Fig Tree's annual Resource Directory, a comprehensive source of information on organizations and people serving other people in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

"We expect to print 22,000 copies depending on income, which we are still confirming," said Malcolm Haworth, directory editor and ecumenical liaison.

"I enjoy compiling the data, preparing the pages and delivering copies as a way to give back, make a difference, network organizations and transform lives based on 19 years in this role since January 2027," he said.

"We are the only ones in the region doing a directory with our level of expertise," he commented. "Some groups start a directory on one service but eventually realize there is already our directory. We now can help focused service group reprint small sections for clients."

Malcolm added that the Resource Directory is not a siloed or niche effort but covers the broad scope of faith, nonprofit and social service agencies.

"Not only do we publish the data, but also we respond to several referrals a week of people looking for resources to fill their need," he said.

As other Fig Tree staff attend and cover community events, they help keep data current.

For information, call 535-1813 or email resourcedirectory@thefigtree.org.

Group plans Way of the Cross pilgrimage

Christians and others will join a group reflection and action walking to places in Spokane where violence has been experienced as part of The Way of the Cross, a Spokane Pilgrimage.

Participants will meet at 4 p.m., Friday, April 3, at Salem Lutheran, 1428 W. Broadway, and process less than a mile, reflecting on the stations of the cross in the current local context.

At 5 p.m. the group will gather at the Rotary Fountain in Riverfront Park for lament, prayer and witness.

While the event is on a Christian holy day, Good Friday, and will use Christian texts, it is open to people of any faith.

The event will focus on injustices and violence recently imposed on immigrant and refugee neighbors. Organizers said it seeks to build awareness that Jesus' followers refused to ignore Christ's suffering.

"We see Christ in our immigrant neighbors. We will not ignore their suffering now," said organizers.

In case of bad weather, the event will be held indoors. Participants should rsvp so they can be informed of changing plans.

The ecumenical gathering is hosted by Bethany Presbyterian, Westminster United Church of Christ, Salem Lutheran, St. Mark's Lutheran, the West Central Abbey, Grace Commons and Faith Action Network.

For information, email dilts@fanwa.org or rsvp at https://tinyurl.com/GoodFridaySpo.

Habitat welcomes another new homeowner

On March 26, Calvin and his family entered a new home he helped build with Habitat for Humanity Spokane in the Airway Heights Highland Village.

For 15 years, the single dad dreamed of owning a home. Even though it seemed out of reach, he applied to Habitat, started saving for closing costs, took classes and completed the partner hours. He is the first Habitat-Spokane homebuyer to receive down payment assistance through the Washington Covenant Homeownership Program.

Habitat-Spokane has seen how stable, safe, affordable homeownership changes a family by making housing costs predictable so parents can focus on work and education, children can thrive in school, and families experience better health and well-being, said Michelle Girardot, CEO of Habitat-Spokane.

In today's housing market, stability is rare. The cost of a first home in Spokane County averages $400,000, out of reach for many working families, she said. Through the Habitat Homeownership Program, homes are built and sold at cost. Monthly mortgages are no more than 30 percent of a buyer's income, making homeownership accessible to buyers earning below 80 percent of the area median income.

"Habitat home dedications celebrate extraordinary work and commitment," said Michelle. "Stable, safe, affordable homeownership is how families can build a different future."

Calvin's family is one of 36 homebuyers Habitat-Spokane is walking with to purchase homes by June 2026.

Michelle said every closing represents years of hard work by homebuyers, volunteers, staff and partners. Since it was founded in 1987, Habitat-Spokane has completed more than 450 homes.

For information, call 863-6759 or visit habitat-spokane.org

FailSafe for Life marks 10th anniversary

FailSafe for Life's Spring for Hope 10th anniversary event will raise funds and awareness from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 24, at the Centennial Ballroom of the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Sabrina Votova, a licensed mental health counselor and educator on suicide prevention and intervention, founded FailSafe for Life to build hope and promote resiliency by training individuals and organizations to learn how to connect better with the goal of ending suicide in the community.

FailSafe for Life educates professionals, parents and community members on suicide prevention, warning signs and resources.

A virtual auction begins Monday, April 20, and ends April 24.

For information, call 475-7334 or email info@failsafeforlife.org

Yom HaShoah theme is 'Courage and Resistance'

The 2026 Spokane Community Observance of the Holocaust on the theme "Courage and Resistance" will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, at Temple Beth Shalom, 1322 E. 30th Ave.

The annual Holocaust remembrance will include reflections Dutch Holocaust survivor and educator 102-year-old Carla Peperzak will share in a conversation with Raymond Sun, professor of history at Washington State University in Pullman. The focus of his research and teaching has been on Holocaust and genocide studies, rescue and resistance and the history of the World Wars and Nazi Germany.

Awards will be presented to the middle and high school student winners of the Jessica Stein Memorial Art Contest, held in partnership with the Seattle Holocaust Center for Humanity. Their art will be on display.

The service will include a candle lighting ceremony and music from the Ferris High School and Peperzak Middle School orchestras and the Spokane Jewish Community Choir.

The Holocaust Remembrance Day or Yom HaShoah is a day to honor the 6 million Jews killed by Nazis and their collaborators in World War II. Since 1995, Temple Beth Shalom has invited Jewish and non-Jewish residents to the annual Spokane Community Observance of the Holocaust.

For information, visit spokanetbs.org/yomhashoah

PJALS organizes several events during April

Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane (PJALS) will host several training events in April leading up to their Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, April 23.

These include 1) People Power: Organizing Against Authoritarianism 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 4; 2) Nonviolence in Action: Peacekeeping and De-Escalation Skills for Protests and Events 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 18; 3) Protesting 101 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday April 22, and 4) Nonviolent Direct Action 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25.

"Connecting for Community," PJALS Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, April 23, will be a time for members, volunteers, partners and supporters to gather, share a meal, connect across work and reflect on the current moment.

The annual meeting will include updates from program areas and campaigns, connections with members and organizers, small group conversations about the work ahead, financial and organizational updates, and celebrating accomplishments.

For information, visit pjals.org. PJALS provides the time and place of events to those who register.

Refugee group holds art, music festival

Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane (RICS) and Spokane Public Library will hold Hope in the Community: An Art and Music Festival Celebrating Community, at 6 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at Spokane's Central Library, 906 W. Main.

Families may bring young artists for a watercolor painting activity. The evening includes music and a guided Paint & Sip led by local artist Nicki Coburn.

There will be information on Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane's work to support refugee and immigrant communities.

"We're in a difficult season, and refugee and immigrant communities are impacted," said Renee Kenney, development director for RICS. "This is why it is more important than ever to come together as a community. We believe everyone belongs, we are stronger together and shared experiences unite us. Music and art have the power to connect and uplift, and we invite everyone to experience that with us."

For information, call 209-2384 or visit ricspokane.org.

NAACP seeks to build restorative communities

NAACP Spokane Branch Initiative Building Restorative Communities (BRC) is holding several events in April.

There will be a book conversation on The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer, with conversations led by Indigenous educator Tamika LaMere from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m., Mondays, April 20, 27 and May 4, 11 and 18, at 808 E. Sprague Ave.

This is an opportunity to explore the vision for how to orient lives around gratitude, reciprocity and community, based on lessons of the natural world.

"A Circle Centering Hope" takes place from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, at The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague.

A "Language of Life," on non-violent communication (NVC) practice group meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesdays, at Liberty Park Library or 12:30 to 2 p.m., Fridays, on Zoom.

Sessions foster connection, compassion and understanding by shifting focus from blame to shared human needs, helping people resolve conflicts, improve relationships and create collaborative solutions through honest expression and empathetic listening.

Groups meet weekly to learn and practice ways to express feelings and needs clearly, hear others' feelings and needs and have more fulfilling interactions.

For information, email BRCspokane@gmail.com

Partnering for Progress will visit Kenya

Partnering for Progress (P4P) is offering an immersion trip from May 29 to June 6 for a community experience in rural Kenya for people who want to expand their understanding of Kenyan culture, community development and partnership-building.

P4P has worked for nearly two decades alongside rural Kenyan communities through long-term, relationship-based development in health, education, water and economic development. The trip is an opportunity to see sustainable community partnership in action—as a learner, not a tourist.

There will be opportunities on the trip to visit and interact with P4P programs that uplift community, to learn how dignity-centered collaboration works through P4P's local team members and community volunteers and to explore community culture, strengths, resilience and opportunities that emphasize a hand-up rather than a hand-out.

For information, email info@partneringforprogress.org

KSPS sets spring series on documentaries

The first KSPS PBS Indie Lens Pop-up screening on March 27 at the Magic Lantern Theater included a panel discussion with Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson, Black Lens Editor April Eberhardt, Aerius Franklin of Disability Action Center NW and Kiantha Duncan, KSPS PBS board member and Spokane NAACP leader.

"The Inquisitor" was the first of three "Docs with KSPS PBS" with discussion by local leaders. 

The documentary highlights Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan's influence on U.S. politics and struggles with her intersectional identity as a Black woman in politics, a hidden lesbian and person with disabilities. Her intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics as she demanded accountability from Nixon's impeachment to civil rights.

"For her, knowledge was not simply power, it was a responsibility," says April. "She believed if one sought to challenge injustice, they must understand the structure, rules and mechanisms of systems. Becoming an expert in law, she showed that transformative change requires moral courage and intellectual preparation. She changed the face of who could hold power in America—an unapologetic challenger who did not ask for permission."

Two other films in the series are 1) "Make A Circle" on Wednesday, April 22, following childcare providers determined to change how society values educating young children, and 2) "The Grocery List," on Wednesday, May 27, following "Top Chef" contender Chrissy Camba on a trip to five international grocery stores in the U.S.

For information, visit ksps.org

Committee presents Black Earth Day

Duaa-Rahemaah Hunter, Black Earth Day Committee chair is collaborating with Carl Maxey Center and Growing Neighbors to present Black Earth Day: Seed to Soul from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 500 S. Stone.

"Black Earth Day highlights the unique environmental challenges and leadership within Black communities. It calls for an inclusive environmental movement that centers Black experiences, addresses disproportionate impacts from pollution and climate change, and honors traditions of land stewardship," said Duaa-Rahemaah.

There will be interactive workshops, hands-on activities, free seeds, gardening information and advocacy opportunities.

Black Earth Day is a space to learn, connect and cultivate power through food, sustainability and community, said Duaa.

Agencies and individuals can participate as vendors, volunteers or donors.

For information, visit carlmaxeycenter.org/blackearthday

INUUC partners to explore 'meta-modernity'

With a grant from the National Unitarian Universalist Church in America (UUS) to explore new faith projects, the Inland Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church (INUUC) will host a "Metamodern Spirituality" study and practice group, partnering with Clear Sky Meditation and Study Center in Cranbrook, BC.

The INUUC embraces people of many backgrounds, orientations and identities. Its members draw from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan and other traditions committed to love, justice and peace, said Mariah McKay, a member of the INUUC.

Clear Sky Meditation Center is a retreat center in the British Columbia Rockies dedicated to conscious community and contemplative practice. Founded by Achariya Doug Duncan (Qapel) and Catherine Pawasarat, it offers retreats, teachings and programs grounded in Buddhist and cross-traditional wisdom.

When Mariah sought new sources of inspiration to speak to "the issues in our times," she found a global network of theorists and practitioners in "meta-modernity," about people holding multiple truths at once.

As a lifelong UU member, she saw similarities in practices explored in these circles and at the Clear Sky Retreat Center.

To introduce these perspectives to faith audiences in Spokane, Mariah wrote and received a "New Communities Partnership" grant from UUA for INUUC and Clear Sky to support a project named Lighthouse Spokane.

She described this experimental collaborative as a monthly "study and practice group" to explore techniques such as the "metacrisis," irony and play.

The series started in March with visiting Buddhist teacher and author Catherine Pawasarat Sensei, co-founder of Clear Sky, speaking of weaving spiritual traditions together across a common set of values.

For information, call 939-0015, email mariah.mckay@gmail.com, visit inuuc.org or clearskycenter.org.

GU president's panel tackles higher ed issues

A Gonzaga Presidential Speaker Series panel discussion, "Caring for Our Common Home: Turning Local Action into Global Impact," is being hosted by Gonzaga President Katia Passerini at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, at Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, 211 E. Desmet Ave.

It will explore how Catholic universities can drive meaningful societal change.

The featured speakers from the Catholic University of Portugal are sustainability scholar Wayne Visser, professor at the business school, where he directs the Catholic Center for Thriving Futures, and Isabel Braga da Cruz, president of the university's Regional Center and an associate professor in biotechnology.

As higher education faces increased scrutiny, U.S. universities are wrestling with such questions as: Are institutions reinforcing elitism or helping overcome class divisions? Are they overly politicized or not engaged enough? Are they agents of capitalism or catalysts for a better society? Are they enabling dialogue or are they reinforcing silos?

These tensions shape how Catholic, Jesuit, humanistic institutions like Gonzaga consider their role in confronting climate change, advancing sustainability and addressing social inequities.

"The challenges facing our world require universities to tackle questions on how we can best prepare our students to understand and engage with challenges," Katia said. "Our guests will remind us that Catholic higher education is uniquely positioned to lead in this educational endeavor."

She will moderate the panel, which will also include Brian Henning, director of Gonzaga's Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment, and Jim Simon, director of Gonzaga's Office of Sustainability.

Wayne and Isabel will explore how universities can become powerful drivers of social and environmental transformation, not only through teaching and research, but by scaling partnerships, cultivating innovation, and reaching out to interconnected networks of local and global communities.

A screening of Wayne's film "Closing the Loop" will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 9, in Hemmingson Auditorium.

For information, call 313-2787 or visit gonzaga.edu/ticketcenter

Partners Inland NW opens new building

Volunteers who sort food, stock diapers, hang clothing and greet families who access services at Partners Inland Northwest recently joined a behind-the-scenes tour of the new building that opened in March at 17002 E. Sprague in Spokane Valley.

The new location doubles their capacity to provide food, clothing and diapers.

The expansion into a 60,000-square-foot former Ziggy's store allows them to increase efficiency, serve more families and create a better experience for both clients and volunteers.

"This building isn't just square footage. It's growth. It's dignity. It's hope," said Cal Coblenz, executive director.

For information, call 927-1153, email admin@partnersinworg or visit partnersinw.org.

Shalom Ministries seeks new location

Shalom Ministries celebrated its ministry at its annual St. Lucy's Breakfast in March at the Rockwood Retirement Communities with guests sharing stories of how the program has changed their lives.

For 32 years Shalom Ministries' Dining with Dignity has served breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Mondays to Fridays, and a 4:30 p.m. Monday dinner to vulnerable people downtown.

"We are grateful for our supporters providing radical hospitality to women, men, teens and children who have found tools to rebuild their brokenness to gain a sense of worthiness," said event organizer Deidre Jacobson.

The board is looking for a new home to keep their doors open because New Community Church, at 518 W. Third Ave., is selling the building.

Shalom Ministries invites financial support, prayers and volunteers so it can keep serving more than 84,000 meals each year. Volunteers from those served receive job and life-skill training, case management, mentoring, housing assistance and a monthly stipend.

For information, visit shalommeal.org

St. Mary's announces Art Walk on April 26

St. Mary Catholic Parish will host an Art Walk from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 25 and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, April 26, at 304 S. Adams Rd. in Spokane Valley.

Entitled, "Portraits of Our Mother in Sacred Art," the art walk includes dozens of prints of famous works of art, an I-Spy game and crafts for kids, an exhibit of rosaries and a display about major Marian shrines from around the world—including two Lego models—a walking labyrinth and a catalog of exhibited art visitors can take home.

For information, call 928-3210 x 111, email mbricher@dioceseofspokane.org or visit stmaryspokane.org

UGM celebrates 75 years serving Spokane

As Union Gospel Mission celebrates 75 years of serving the Spokane community, they honor men and women who worked tirelessly to begin the ministry, investing in a vision bigger than themselves.

UGM was among the first in Spokane to address homelessness, the first to open a women's shelter. It is one of the longest-serving nonprofits in the city.

From the beginning, UGM has not waited on government solutions or accepted government funds but relied on God's provision through supporters.

UGM was founded in 1951 by a group of businesspeople to provide food, shelter and individual ways out of homelessness for men, women and children.

It includes addiction and trauma recovery, legal and financial services, jobs and job training and one-on-one counseling and is based on the belief that only God can change a life.

For information, visit uniongospelmission.org/75years

Be the Change 509 plans groups to honor

Be the Change 509: Eastside Gladiators, which celebrates the good things ordinary people are doing, is holding an Earth Day Celebration to recognize people at the Department of Ecology who protect the environment.

The group will gather at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, at the Department of Ecology, 4601 N Monroe St., followed by a rally from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the corner of W. Wellesley and N. Monroe.

In addition, the East Side Gladiators is supporting survivors of domestic violence with a tour at 3 p.m., Friday, April 10, at Mujeres in Action (MIA), 318 E. Rowan Ave. From 4 to 5 p.m., they will hold a peaceful sidewalk rally at E. Rowan and N. Division. Participants may donate sheets and towels.

MIA began in 2018 when founder Hanncel Sanchez began offering culturally responsive services to Latine families.

For information, visit mobilize.us/indivisible/event/875670

Gonzaga hosts conference on AI responsibility

Gonzaga University's Institute for Informatics and Applied Technology will host the Value & Responsibility in AI Conference for regional and national leaders from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 23, on campus.

Business leaders, technologists, policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurs will discuss innovation, leadership and responsible AI adoption.

The conference looks at how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and the need for ethical standards and economic responsibility, said Jay Yang, director of the institute. "The Inland Northwest has an opportunity and a responsibility to shape AI's future in our region with purpose and benefit for all," he said.

For information, visit Gonzaga.edu/AIConference

Native Project has April camp

The Native Project in planning the 2026 Native Youth Leadership Camp for American Indian/Alaska Native middle and high school students April 17 to 19 in Medical Lake.

The 2026 focus is on basketball and volleyball, healthy active lifestyles, cultural revitalization and immersion, suicide prevention, drug and alcohol abuse prevention and unifying tribal communities by challenging young people to see themselves as warriors, nurturers, community activists and scholars.

For information, visit thenativeproject.org

 

 

 

Copyright@ The Fig Tree, April 2026
 



 

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