Announcing the launch of No Hate in the Heartland, a new campaign addressing discrimination through a moral lens.
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Following the release of the new 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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In the latest video, Rev. Dr. Robert Turner from Historic Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church discusses the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre and how the city of Tulsa will commemorate this event throughout 2021. To learn more about events and activities commemorating the centennial, visit www.tulsa2021.org.
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The Oklahoman ran a front-page story on the No Hate campaign and our upcoming trainings to bring awareness around white privilege. The article gained a lot of positive interest, showing that many Oklahomans of faith are ready to grow in love and understanding. It also garnered some negative interest, illustrating the dire need for learning and growth experiences around race. You can read the article here or click below:
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It's that time of year! Here are some of our favorite bills proposed in this legislative session.
Show them some love and let's get them heard!
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This week marks World Interfaith Harmony Week as recognized by the United Nations since 2010. The Religions United Committee of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches would like to take this opportunity to recognize the following:
- As a committee we are dedicated to promoting interfaith understanding and collaboration in Oklahoma.
- Now, more than ever, the people of our state need safe spaces, such as the ones we offer, to have open and honest dialogue about faith.
- Our country is currently in the process of grieving and healing and we want to assist by nurturing respectful unity amongst diverse faith communities that can play an active role in the process.
- No individual or group should ever be the target of hate, animosity, or restrictive policies based on their religious affiliation or lack thereof, as protected by the fundamentals of religious freedom as enshrined in the First Amendment to the US Constitution.
Together we will continue to work towards a better future for us all.
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Micro-Grant Opportunity - Apply Now! |
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OCC is 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? |
This spring, 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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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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Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial
It's been 100 years since the Tulsa Race Massacre. Check out all the events and activities throughout 2021 at www.tulsa2021.org.
Looking for more about the Tulsa Race Massacre? You can find more info here, including details on a documentary airing on PBS on February 8.
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The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song is a moving four-hour, two-part series from executive producer, host and writer Henry Louis Gates, Jr. It will air on PBS on February 16 & 17.
The documentary reveals how Black people have worshipped and, through their spiritual journeys, improvised ways to bring their faith traditions from Africa to the New World, while translating them into a form of Christianity that was not only truly their own, but a redemptive force for a nation whose original sin was found in their ancestors’ enslavement across the Middle Passage.
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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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Rural Faith Leaders Workshop Series
Empowering Faith Leaders to Help Persons with Substance Use Disorder
Join the Partnership Center for this first in a series of four workshops for rural faith leaders to support individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). Organized by the White House Office of Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), each workshop will have a specific focus to assist faith communities to be both first responders, communities of hope, and support for people and families struggling with addiction.
SERIES OBJECTIVES:
- Increase the Faith Leaders' understanding of substance use disorder and how to connect faith to prevention, treatment, and recovery.
- Build the capacity of Faith leaders to take action by providing information to help get leaders and their congregants ready to provide the support needed to assist individuals with substance use disorder.
- Help Faith Leaders to find their lane and empower faith communities to put initiatives in place to help in the area(s) where they can make the most difference.
REGISTRATION:
RSVP to Betty-Ann Bryce at MBX.ONDCP.RuralAffairs@ondcp.eop.gov. Please include your name, title, organization, and contact information. Registered participants will receive the details to join the event closer to the event date.
RSVP early as space is limited!
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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.
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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