Oregon faith movement

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) brings together diverse communities of faith to learn, serve and advocate for justice, peace and the integrity of creation.

About Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO)

Mission
Committed to mutual respect and understanding, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon brings together diverse communities of faith to learn, serve and advocate for justice, peace and the integrity of creation.

Vision
Striving for unity in Jesus Christ and seeking to honor our sacred traditions, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon envisions communities of faith in ministry together creating a more peaceful, just, sustainable and compassionate world.

History
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon traces its roots back to 1917 with the formation of the Home Mission Council, established to promote evangelism among the churches of Oregon and to provide a means for the churches to cooperatively work together. In 1919, the Portland Council of Churches was established by 25 Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox congregations of Portland. EMO was founded in 1974, following the merger of the Oregon Council of Churches and the Portland Council of Churches. EMO remains one of the longest established ecumenical organizations in the United States.

Learn more about EMO by watching a short video with EMO President Jan Musgrove Elfers. (SoundView Recording & Films)

The Coronavirus and Our Communities: We are in this together

We recognize now more than ever our need for one another.

At Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, we are making the necessary adjustments to preserve the safety of our staff, volunteers and clients, as we continue to keep our direct service programs open for our community. These services provide food and other essential services at a crucial time for our most vulnerable neighbors. Our support staff is also working remotely, as we try to manage as best we can the greater demands for our vital programs with the uncertainly of the financial impact this crisis will have in both the sort and long term.

Our Northeast Emergency Food Program has shifted from shopping style to food boxes prepared in advance, and are using a drive-by or walk-up hand-off. We continue to serve breakfast and lunch to HIV Day Center clients (now take-out only) and provide meals to Patton Home residents. We are also working hard to keep up with home deliveries for Daily Bread Express, providing in-home meal delivery for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. Our SOAR Immigration Legal Services team continues to provide legal consultations for immigrants and refugees.

We can only continue this work with generous support from our donors. To keep these vital services running, please consider making a secure online donation.

In times like these, it is essential that we work together with great kindness for the protection of all in our community.

Read “The Coronavirus and Communities of Faith”: Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s counterpart in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Council of Churches, has compiled the information and resources on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for communities of faith.
Multnomah County Health Department
Oregon Health Authority
Centers for Disease Control
Coronavirus information for immigrants and refugees (includes language translation)

advocacy & action

We bring the faith community’s voice to the policy-making process at the Oregon Legislature to ensure a life of possibility for all Oregonians. Learn more

community service

Our diverse direct service programs offer hunger, nutrition and social support; affordable housing opportunities; and refugee and immigration services. Learn more

creation justice

We connect, inform and empower people, congregations and religious institutions to work for care and renewal of the earth through education and advocacy. Learn more

education & dialogue

We offer opportunities that celebrate Christian unity, foster interfaith relations, and explore ethical and moral issues with workshops, lectures and prayer vigils. Learn more