Public Policy Statements

The New Hampshire Council of Churches directs its efforts towards addressing crucial challenges confronting the residents of the Granite State. Presently, it has articulated public policy statements on eight priority issues. If you wish to receive additional information or actively participate, kindly complete the form and join us. Don’t forget to subscribe to our email list to stay informed about these significant matters.

1.  Death Penalty:  Because each human being is created in the image of God and therefore enjoys the gift and possibility of redemption, the use of capital punishment “is unacceptable”; its use and expansion should be condemned.  Full copy available here: NHCC Anti-Death Penalty Statement 2010

2. Expanded Gambling:  Calls for rejecting the establishment of casinos and legalized video lottery (slot) machines, which have been shown to be particularly addictive and thereby diminishing the worth and dignity of human beings and their communities.  Expanded gambling is a seriously inappropriate solution to our state’s financial problems.  Full copy available here:  NHCC Anti-Expanded Gambling Statement 2010

3. Immigration: Scripturally ground a faith-based call to welcome and stand with “the stranger” regarding our legal actions, policies and personal support.  Full copy available here:  NHCC Immigration Statement 2010

4. State Budget:  Calls on residents and legislators to pay attention to issues of morality when planning the state budget, especially the welfare of those who are mentally, physically or developmentally disabled, the elderly, children or unemployed, as well as care for the environment.  Full copy available here:  NHCC Budgeting Statement 2010

5. Prison Privatization: Read the NHCC statement: Joint Statement Prison Privatization

6. Joint Statement on Gun Violence: Read the statement: Joint Statement on Gun Violence January 2013

7. Stewardship of Creation Policy Statement: As good stewards we are called to take actions on behalf of creation that we might honor God, preserve Earth and its rich variety and bio-diversity, and find delight in this place we call “home.” On June 16, 2016, the Council released our Stewardship of Creation Policy that reinforces our desire for action.

8. Substance Use Disorder and Recovery: We recognize that many of our churches either already engage in their own recovery ministries, partner with outside recovery groups, or desire to begin ministering to people with Substance Use Disorder. We also recognize here are also many churches that have not yet found paths to serving those with Substance Use Disorder, and we also seek ways to help them find meaningful and effective ways to do so. Read the joint statement approved on December 17, 2020.