MAY/JUNE 2025

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Dear Michelle,


"When we learn to serve, our every gesture of attention and care, every expression of tenderness, every work of mercy becomes a reflection of God’s love. So in this way, let all of us – each one of us – continue Jesus’ work in the world.” – From Pope Francis' Homily on October 20, 2024

 

As members of the Conclave gathered in Rome, many Catholics, like myself, took time to reflect on the legacy of the late Pope Francis. Being educated in the Jesuit tradition, I was very proud to see the first Holy Father from the Jesuit order. 

 

I am grateful that Oregon Public Broadcasting's Think Out Loud opened a spot for me to comment on the passing of the Pope (listen to the May 2 broadcast, "The legacy of Pope Francis"). Throughout the segment, I thought of the Pope's smile and how his example of being like Jesus was remembered throughout the world. From Pope Francis' acts of humility in washing the feet of inmates to the sharing of joy with comedians, he sought to humanize his role in the spirit of service of Jesus, not in power. The late Pope sought to have the faithful reflect more on how we live out our lives. How do we judge less and bless more? How do we show love and kindness to those who are poor or running from danger? 

Photo: Recording the May 2 "Think Out Load" segment on the legacy of Pope Francis featuring (from left) Dave Miller, OPB; Frank So; and Suzanne Thiel, a bishop ordained by the Roman Catholic Womenpriests.

There are many qualities that I admired about the late Holy Father, from his aperture in increasing the role of women in positions of authority to ensuring that we continue to move away from condemnation and instead welcome and become more inclusive. For so many LGBTQ Catholics, this was a breakthrough. 

 

I leave you with a request to not only pray for our next Pope, but that we ask ourselves how we can be more like Jesus in service to others. 

 

Ad Mejorem Dei Gloriam,

Frank So

Executive Director

READ THE SPRING ISSUE OF EMO's VOICE NEWSLETTER

The theme of the spring issue of EMO's VOICE newsletter is "providing shelter" in some form or another. Read articles about "providing shelter" for immigrants at sanctuary congregations, Afghan refugees, homeless high school students and survivors of domestic violence.

INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY

On April 29, 158 constituents attended the 2025 Oregon Interfaith Advocacy Day and met with 45 legislators! Participants shared their values and priorities with Oregon legislators by urging their support for legislation for immigrants/refugees, houseless youth, the right to a healthy environment, and unlocking underutilized land for affordable housing. The faith community demonstrated to the Oregon Legislature that there is power in knowledge and strength in numbers! View more images on EMO's Facebook page.

UPCOMING EVENTS

To learn more about upcoming EMO events and faith community events, visit our Event Calendar.

A Call to Justice: How faith communities can support LGBTQIA2S+ rights

May 29, 7 p.m., Pendelton Center for the Arts (virtual option available).

At EMO’s 2025 Collins Lecture, we will explore the duty and responsibility of faith leaders to protect the human rights of all people and what that looks like specifically for our LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors. Our guest speakers from the faith community will share their unique perspectives on LGBTQIA2S+ rights (view speakers). Following a brief presentation from each speaker, they will engage in a facilitated question and answer session. Learn more and register.

Celebrating Juneteenth Freedom Day

June 14, 1 p.m., Allen Temple CME Church, 4236 NE 8th Ave., Portland.

Join the Episcopal Diocese of Western Oregon and Allen Temple AME Church for a Juneteenth Celebration. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Portland and EMO board member. This gathering is a time for community, reflection, and celebration as we honor the meaning and legacy of Juneteenth. All are welcome.

Save the date for EMO's annual Love in Action Gala!

Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Sentinel Hotel Portland.

Reception at 5:30 p.m. Dinner, Live Auction & Awards begin at 6:30 p.m. Learn more.

2025 UCC Northwest Regional Women's Retreat

Nov. 7-9, Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, Wash.

The Pacific Northwest & Central Pacific Conferences of the United Church of Christ join together every three years to offer a spiritual and motivational women’s retreat. The retreat theme for 2025 is “Embrace Joy” and registration is OPEN! This open and affirming gathering warmly welcomes all who identify as women. Our aim is to create a supportive and empowering environment where everyone feels valued and included. The planning committee is excited to have Rev. Andrea Cano joining us as the keynote speaker and Rev. Danáe Ashley joining us as our worship leader. We have fabulous workshops lined up to help you embrace joy through movement, music, creativity, nature and more. Come and take time just for yourself. Breathe deeply, relax fully, and explore, enrich, and rekindle your spirit. This is a retreat created for YOU. Learn more about the retreat and register.

Stay Connected with EMO

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