Learn, witness, celebrate
The mission of the Ohio Council of Churches is to make visible the unity of Christ’s church, provide a Christian voice on public issue, and engage in worship, education, and service.
“ek-you-men-i-kl” OIKOUMENE - the whole Christian Church around the world
Active faith in Jesus Christ Cross as common symbol Authority and use of Bible Lord’s prayer Baptism as initiation into Christian life Singing of Christian hymns Promise of eternal life
John 17: 20-21: “…that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you…” Psalm 133 “ …how good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity.”
18 denominations, 28 judicatories (regions)
6,000 congregations, 3 million members Began in 1919 Office in Columbus
Otha Gilyard, President Steve Salt, Treasurer Raafat Zaki, Vice-President Charles Tyler, Sr., Secretary
Legislative testimony Annual Legislative Day Issues: Gambling Heath care Redistricting Gun control Death penalty Education Funding
State Budget Ohio School Funding Health Care Gambling Death Penalty Immigration
Provide theological forums Co-sponsor educational events Resource
keynoters, worship, workshops 2010 – Spiritual But Not Religious: Problem or Opportunity? 2011 – Faith and Race: New Opportunities 2012 – The American Dream or God’s Dream? 2013 – Being Church in a New World: Why? How? Who? Me? 2014 – Building an Inclusive Movement to Resist Human Trafficking
Develop policy statements – Older Adults, Capital Punishment, Racism… Address environment concerns, climate change, education for children, immigration reform Respond to disasters and crises
Partnering with: Faith-based communities Ohio Interfaith Power & Light Ohio Alliance for People and Environment Resource and network
Coalition of Ecumenical Staff Partnerships – ◦ Second Harvest Foodbanks ◦ Have a Heart Ohio ◦ UHCAN ( Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio) ◦ Consumer Voices for Health Care Coverage ◦ Faithful Reform in Health Care
Related organizations Church Women United Church World Service Hunger Network in Ohio Ohio Campus Ministries Ohio State Chaplain’s Association
Fellowship Witness Address concerns (i.e. legislation, together) Network and connect with one another re: models, resources (educational), community concerns Way that we give visible unity to one faith Show our common life in Jesus Christ
“Try to understand others even as you hope to be understood.”
6230 Busch Blvd., Suite 430, Columbus, OH 614/ Thank you for watching. Please click the screen to exit.