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Dear Michelle,
The World Oregon 2024 International Speaker Series wrapped up on June 10 with Paul Rusesabagina, the real-life inspiration for the film "Hotel Rwanda." I had the pleasure to speak with Mr. Rusesabagina and listen to his personal story. He shared what it was like to be in situations when the fear of imminent harm to himself and his wife was so near, and yet he kept to his morals and spoke up for others.
During our time together, I learned that Mr. Rusesabagina was incarcerated by the government who took power after the genocide—a government that continues today and many think of as saviors. Mr. Rusesabagina’s story is powerful. He brought truth to ideas we have only read about or seen in a movie. What is also intriguing is what drives him to continue to go into dialogue and conversation about the difficulties of post-genocide Rwanda, seeking to dispel conspiracy theories and false narratives and discuss the truth found in the gray.
|  | Photo above (from left): World Oregon President Derrick Olsen, Paul Rusesabagina and his wife Tatiana Rusesabagina, and Frank So. | |
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Respectful discussion and dialogue are especially important during this U.S. presidential election year. We know we cannot learn by listening about things we already know. We must broaden our perspectives and perhaps accept that our knowledge is not quite complete. I am proud of our ongoing conversations with Common Table faith leaders and a joint "Interfaith Statement of Unity" we have drafted (read statement below).
This week, EMO brings two speakers to Oregon for the 2024 Collins Lecture. They bring distinct perspectives about their faith in their leadership and unique political circumstances. EMO and our partners know the importance of engagement and not cancelling out voices, but rather asking the right questions to better learn and better serve. EMO is committed to creating spaces for voices to be heard.
I also look forward to our 50th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 30, where we will lift up those who put love in action and celebrate the commitment to be open, inclusive and of value to Oregon (see details below). I hope you can join us!
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Frank So
Executive Director
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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon will release our "Voters' Guide to the 2024 Oregon Ballot Measures" in early October.
For 50 years, EMO has used our voice to advocate for policies and legislation that help create an Oregon that works for everyone, not just those at the top. Releasing our “Voters’ Guide” is an important part of this work. We’re privileged to provide thoughtful guidance to people of faith and goodwill and help connect current ballot initiatives to deeper values. The "Voters' Guide" will be included in the fall 2024 issue of EMO's VOICE newsletter and will also be available as a free download.
Available now is the National Council of Churches (NCC) "Voting Matters 2024 Election Empowerment Guide."
Voting is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union. Protecting the right to vote can protect the future for our families, communities and country. Faith communities can play a pivotal role in educating and encouraging each voter to make a plan to vote and make their voice heard. NCC’s Voting Matters 2024 Empowerment Guide was designed to share critical voting information and promote action on the congregational level each month until Election Day. The guide includes theological grounds for voting, scriptures, critical IRS information for churches, outreach activities and tips for navigating conversations about elections.
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Interfaith Statement of Unity | |
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As we enter into a contentious election period, members of Common Table have drafted a joint Interfaith Statement of Unity. To date, over 80 faith leaders have signed the statement. If you are a faith leader who would like to add your name to the statement, please contact Taylor Silvey at tsilvey@emoregon.org. The text of the statement is below, or you may view a PDF with signatories listed.
Oregon’s faith communities stand for love, justice and harmony. We do not believe that any form of violence will solve the issues facing our community. We work together to foster understanding, combat hate in all its forms and promote love for all people.
As leaders in Oregon’s faith communities, we commit ourselves to be peacemakers in this time of heightened violence and fear. Violence in the world is now overflowing into communities within the United States, and many are feeling threatened—both physically and emotionally. We abhor the hatred and bias that leads to such violence. We oppose rhetoric and false information that inflame hostilities.
Despite our differing political and religious views, we call on ALL people of conscience to stand against hatred, bigotry, and discord and to be the peacemakers that God calls us to be.
We encourage our fellow citizens to practice tolerance and to build bridges based on our common values of love, justice, harmony and mutual respect. We urge our civic and elected leaders to foster environments for dialogue and understanding, to overcome animosity and to promote peace.
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To learn more about upcoming EMO events and faith community events, visit our Event Calendar. | |
2024 Collins Lecture, “Faith and Politics in a Divided World.”
Aug. 8, 7 p.m., University of Portland, Buckley Center Auditorium.
Two leaders from the Global South will engage us in conversations around leadership, faith and politics from their unique perspectives. Rare is the opportunity to sit in conversation with global leaders of this stature. EMO is excited to provide this opportunity to learn and to create space for dialogue in our community. Reserve tickets at EMOregon.org. Scholarship option available.
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A Weekend with The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow
Aug. 10, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., at Westminster Church, 3737 Liberty Rd. S, Salem; & Aug. 11, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Salem, 770 Chemeketa St. NE, Salem. The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow is a writer, speaker, pastor and podcaster. On Aug. 10, he will speak on "What It Means to Be a Welcoming Church" and "How Do We Talk Faithfully About Politics." On Aug. 11, he will follow up with First Presbyterian's summer-long study of his newest book, Everything Good About God Is True, in which he encourages each congregation to consider that “we can no longer abdicate the Christian story to hate, violence and oppression. Those of us who occupy this more loving, just and extended version of the Christian story must do a better job of claiming, articulating and speaking the heck up.” Both events are free. Register now.
Community Awareness Forum for the Coming Election (non-partisan)
Aug. 17, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at Allen Temple CME Church, 4236 NE 8th Ave., Portland. Portland City Council has changed into a new form of government, and the November election will bring a different method of selecting candidates for electoral office. The Albina Ministerial Alliance (AMA) invites you to attend this FREE forum to learn about the new form of city government and new election selection process. The forum will include a panel of experts who created the new structure and selection process. To learn more, email allentemplepdx@gmail.com.
Jazz Fundraiser
Aug. 17, 6:30 - 9 p.m., at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock, Portland. The Portland Peace Corps Association presents an evening of music and dancing with The Sellwood Jazz Band with David Stone. This fundraising event, which includes a silent auction, will benefit two groups: the Yakote Women Farmers Project and the PPCA Refugee Support Fund. Tickets are $50 per person, and each ticket includes two drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and sweets. (This event is for guests age 21 or older.) Purchase tickets now.
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EMO's Love in Action Gala
Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Sentinel Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave., Portland, Ore.
At this year’s annual fundraiser, we will celebrate EMO’s 50th anniversary! The gala supports our vital services for the most vulnerable in our communities: refugees and immigrants, people experiencing food insecurity, low-income people living with HIV, unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness, and survivors of domestic violence. We will also honor extraordinary individuals and organizations whose courage, moral vision and commitment to action have contributed profoundly to making Oregon, and the world, a better place. Reserve tickets. Learn more about Gala Sponsorship opportunities.
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Join Jesuit Volunteer EnCorps | |
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Are you interested in discovering a vibrant faith group that serves our local community in meaningful ways? Jesuit Volunteer EnCorps will support you in your commitment! Members of Jesuit Volunteer EnCorps are ages 40+ who meet monthly in-person to explore their commitment to shared values: social and ecological justice, community, simple living and spirituality. JV EnCorps also assists group members to explore volunteer options in our community.
The program begins in September. Apply by Aug. 31 to be included in the opening retreat. Applications are accepted throughout the program year. If interested, email Sarah Thompson, jvencorps@jvcnorthwest.org, or apply at jvencorps.org.
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Career Opportunities at EMO | |
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Join EMO's talented team making a difference in Oregon! EMO offers a generous benefits package. Visit our careers page for more details about the positions below and how to apply.
EMO has been named one the 2023 "Top Work Places" by the Oregonian.
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