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Greetings!

We find ourselves in a season where the moral compass of our nation feels under heavy interference of arrogance and hate. When executive power challenges the rule of law and the stranger is cast as an enemy, we are called to engage in what The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called “holy persistence.”  

In 1967, Dr. King asked the definitive question, "Where do we go from here?" 

It is a common mistake to view Dr. King’s writing as a finished chapter. We must understand that his words are not a historical relic intended only for the 1960s—they are a prophetic blueprint designed to echo through every generation that finds itself in a season of injustice. His vision is a living manual for our advocacy today. He knew that the struggle for human dignity is a recurring necessity. Dr. King taught us, "Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. … Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love." 

As executive director of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, I am not just a leader of an organization but also a witness to the profound resilience of the human spirit and the way love creates its own kind of power rooted in dignity and justice. Every day, EMO walks alongside those our society too often pushed to the margins:

• our immigrant and refugee neighbors, 
• unaccompanied homeless youth, 
• survivors of domestic violence, 
• individuals living with HIV/AIDS. 

Our mission must be "love implementing the demands of justice." Whether we are advocating for the rights of those living with HIV/AIDS, protecting the vulnerable youth on our streets or fighting for a world where immigrants are treated with dignity and can live free from violence, we are practicing the spiritual discipline of persistence.  

Dr. King’s words are not a memory of where we were, but a constant reminder of who we must be. Let us be the love that works to correct and bend that arc towards justice and seeks compassion. Let us know that change can and will happen and that we must not be tempted by extremes or easy rhetoric. Let us be the hope that persists so we can open dialogue with our neighbors on the values of who we want to be as a nation. 

And so I leave you with familiar words from Micah: let us do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly together today and into tomorrow. 

In peace,

Frank So

Executive Director

Jan. 9, 2026: EMO condemns shooting by federal officers on Jan. 8 and calls for unity in the face of violence

Coming the day after a fatal shooting in Minnesota by ICE Agents, many are feeling confused, angry and sad. Twenty-four hours after the shooting here in Portland, we are still unclear of the details of what happened yesterday in southeast Portland, but our hearts will always come back to the simple fact that two individuals are in the hospital with injuries caused by federal officers. Violence cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.

The enormity of what we are facing is not lost on us. Trust in our federal law enforcement agencies has eroded, and their tactics are doing more harm than good. Violence cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. This form of hate cannot continue. We are called to find our moral compass and look towards our common humanity.

We join with organizations and politicians throughout Oregon, calling for all ICE activities in Oregon to stop. Violence takes many forms, and while we may respond more vehemently to gunfire and loss of life and limb, the violence caused by fear is ongoing and damaging.

We cannot let state violence be normalized. All Oregonians are at risk if any of us are targets of violence. If we stand united, we will be able to ensure that every individual in Oregon, regardless of immigration status, can feel safe and know peace.  

Second Home Open House

Second Home held their first Social Hour on Thursday, Oct. 30, 5 to 6:30 p.m., at Valley Community Presbyterian Church (Fireside Room)! A direct service program of EMO, Second Home connects volunteer host homes with unaccompanied high school students experiencing homelessness. Guests mingled with staff, volunteers and fellow supporters, and they heard firsthand from a Second Home student and host home providers about the their experiences. In addition to delicious food and learning about Second Home, supporters raised over $5,000 through raffles, purchasing Second Home shirts and hats, and donations. Thank you to all who support Second Home!

Director of Community Health Ministries Andrea Omoja speaks to event attendees.

Thank you to Valley Community Presbyterian Church for hosting!

Part of the Second Home team.

In addition to lots of good conversations, attendees were able to hear from staff, a Second Home student and host home providers.

On Dec. 3, 2025, EMO"s HIV Services hosted its annual World AIDS Day Breakfast. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Our annual breakfast is a chance to share about the incredible work of the HIV Day Center and Daily Bread Express, hear from clients and gather in community.

Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared and served by HIV Services staff.

EMO's Luther Memorial Building was able to accomadate the packed event. We are so grateful to have this building and space!

So many people showed up to support HIV Services the line went around the door!

Chris Robinson, a client of the Day Center, shared his poetry with us. Other clients shared their experiences at the Day Center.

Church World Service has helped churches and other organizations across the United States host CROP Hunger Walks for over 50 years. EMO's Northeast Emergency Food Program (NEFP), along with several congregations in the Portland metro area, will come together to host one such walk on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Proceeds from the walk will benefit NEFP. Details are still being worked out, but save the date on your calendar!

If you or your congregation are interested in getting involved with the Portland CROP Hunger walk, you can reach out to NEFP Program Manager Jon Makler at jmackler@emoregon.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

For the most up-to-date announcements about events associated with EMO, our programs and our partners, we recommend following us on social media (Facebook or Instagram).

If you are hosting a spring event and you'd like to include it in the next FaithConnect, reach out to Frances King.

The Albina Ministerial Alliance welcomes all to a worship service in honor of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, Jan. 18, at Community AME Zion Church in Vancouver, Wash. EMO Executive Director Frank So will be a guest speaker during the service. Join us!

Frank will also be speaking at Congregation Beth Israel's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Shabbat Service and Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church's 20th Annual Drum Major “Empower the Dream” Service.

All are welcome join an ecumenical gathering of unity and solidarity on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at St. Andrew Lutheran Church (5607 NE Gher Rd., Vancouver, Wash.). The purpose of the event is to educate, awaken, connect and empower communities of faith to stand for justice, truth, the vulnerable in our community, and the common good. Learn more.

This virtual event will discuss the upcoming legislative session and how individuals can get involved. Panelists will include state elected officials, representatives from ACLU, Oregon Wild, Oregon Food Bank, and EMO's Director of Public Policy Advocacy, Britt Conroy. You can register here!

Amid division and despair, the Woolman Peacemaking Forum calls us to rediscover hope rooted in justice, presence and peace. This year’s theme, "A Light to the Nations," invites us to imagine how faith can illuminate the path toward restoration in a fractured world.

Stay Connected with EMO

(503) 221-1054 | emo@emoregon.org | emoregon.org