No Hate in the Heartland
A campaign addressing discrimination through a moral lens
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Following the release of the OCC Theological Statement on
Race and Anti-Discrimination, we're embarking on an ongoing initiative called "No Hate in the Heartland." We'll continue to add new content throughout the year and beyond.
The statement begins:
We believe in the equality and equity of all God’s children, without exception, and that no person should experience discrimination regardless of their sex, religion, race, immigration status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age, gender identity/gender expression, ability, or socio-economic status. We will advocate for the rights of every person to live as they are, to the point that it does not affect another’s rights to live as they are. We affirm that all people are beloved by God, and should be treated as such, in cohesion with the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
OCC seeks to empower faith communities and people of faith to live out this statement with the "No Hate" campaign. We will offer digital content surrounding the work to prevent hate in Oklahoma, and to help Oklahomans engage with one another as people of faith based in morality for the absolute love of neighbor.
We're so excited to continue this important work with all of you!
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Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Fleck! |
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Many of you probably know that Rev. Fleck has been working on her doctorate for several years. She has now completed a Doctor of Ministry with a focus on Leadership and Community Witness from Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Her graduation is set for mid-May in Atlanta.
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Check out this upcoming panel from our Religions United Committee.
You can watch it live May 20 at 7pm on OCC's Facebook and YouTube, or catch it later once it's archived.
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Conferees to contact for HB 1794:
Chad Caldwell chad.caldwell@okhouse.gov
Marilyn Stark marilyn.stark@okhouse.gov
Dean Davis dean.davis@okhouse.gov
Jadine Nollan jadine.nollan@okhouse.gov
Trish Ranson trish.ranson@okhouse.gov
Cynthia Roe cynthia.roe@okhouse.gov
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A Reflection for Earth Day
Rev. Dr. Mark Davies engages in advocacy and activism in the areas of peace, social justice, and ecological sustainability. Locally this is expressed through his work with the Human Community Network, to create non-violent systemic change for a just, flourishing human and ecological community.
“We are living in a time of fierce urgency to do something about the climate crisis. Our actions and our policies today will determine whether we head down a path of climate chaos or begin the sacred work of healing our ecological community.”
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"No Hate" merch now available!
It's here! Many of you have asked for No Hate merchandise to proclaim this message loud and proud, and we're thrilled to now offer a WIDE variety of products with the No Hate message through our Redbubble shop. We want everyone to know that there are Oklahomans of faith who will not stand for discrimination or hatred toward any of our neighbors.
There are six designs - click "Shop all products" to see what products are available under each design. They have everything from mugs to phone cases to pillows! Let us know if there are other designs or products you want to see.
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Micro-Grant Opportunity - Apply Now! |
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OCC is still accepting inquiries for a micro-grant opportunity to help faith communities provide support for opioid and stimulant prevention and recovery. Ministry options could include prevention efforts, educational work, or addiction recovery.
Want to know more about this issue? Our virtual conference is designed for you to go through at your own pace, at your own convenience. We hope you will return to revisit some of the material, and that you share this information with your networks.
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Would your faith community benefit from the Strengthening Families program? |
OCC is working with ODMHSAS to bring the Strengthening Families program to Oklahoma churches. This evidence-based curriculum gives families tools to implement at home, and has shown amazing outcomes in improving communication, bonding, and other parenting skills, as well as providing coping skills to prevent suicide and substance abuse.
If your church is interested in being a host site at no cost to you, contact us!
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We've started with our first church host site and are looking to expand!
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Sign up for Advocacy Alerts |
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Want to get updates about opportunities to engage in advocacy with OCC?
Click here to stay informed!
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Interfaith National Day of Prayer
Tomorrow, May 6, 7pm on Facebook Live: Annual Interfaith Day of Reflection Program with Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry and Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma
Speakers include Reverend Rodney Goss (Christian, Morning Star Baptist Church, Tulsa), Aliye Shimi (Muslim, Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry), Reverend Joseph Caldwell Alsay (Christian, St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, OKC), and Rabbi Vered Harris (Jewish, Temple B'Nai Israel, OKC). Look for it on their Facebook pages.
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The Centennial Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre is fully underway, culminating in many events over May 30-31.
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Spread the Word About the EITC
OKC Tax Help is an accessible network of free tax help that works to get you the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refund the government owes you. The EITC is a tax credit for individuals between 25-64 in households that earn $57,000 or less a year. And while thousands of working Oklahomans qualify for it, they aren’t claiming it. The average credit per Oklahoma tax filer was $2,577 for the 2019 tax year! The amount of the refund increases depending on the number of children, and goes up to $6,000 for a qualifying household. One in five eligible households do not claim the EITC. Find out more at OKCTaxHelp.org.
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This Shoulder-to-Shoulder training equips community and faith leaders to reduce and to counter anti-Muslim bias, discrimination, and violence in the United States. This online course brings together video content, online self-guided learning modules, and in-person sessions to connect with each other, the speakers, and the Shoulder-to-Shoulder team. The course offers weekly gatherings and self-guided learning in between these live sessions.
Sign up with your community and friends for the most impact by clicking here.
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Living with chronic pain can be devastating, and effective pain management is important to getting your life back. It is essential that you and your doctor discuss treatment options, carefully considering all of the risks and benefits. Some medications, such as prescription opioids, can help relieve pain in the short term but also come with serious risks and potential complications—and should be prescribed and used carefully. |
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Free Suicide Prevention Training |
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Most people are surprised to learn that they’re much more likely to encounter someone who’s thinking about suicide than someone who needs CPR, and that suicide is preventable. With the right skills, anyone can help save a life. In as little as one hour online, this interactive training program will give you the skills and knowledge to keep family, friends, co-workers, and others safe from suicide.
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Vigil for Immigration Justice |
In the meantime, consider this report released by New American Economy in partnership with the City of Tulsa, which highlights how immigrants are both essential to Tulsa’s rapid response efforts and especially vulnerable due to gaps in our federal relief package, language access barriers, and increased risks of infection associated with frontline and essential work.
To receive more information about this important coalition or the in-person vigil, email Rev. Lori Walke.
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Help us reach our goal of adding 5 monthly, recurring givers each month.
Gifts of any size help support and sustain OCC.
Recurring givers will get a "No Hate" sticker as a small thank you for supporting OCC!
Click below to start your monthly gift of $10, $20, or $40.
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Follow OCC on Social Media |
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301 N.W. 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 525-2928
The Rev. Shannon Fleck
Executive Director
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Your gift is tax deductible. OCC is a 501(c)(3) organization. |
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The Oklahoma Conference of Churches connects, motivates, and empowers the witness of communities of faith and individuals throughout Oklahoma on issues of faith, care, and social justice. |
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