Learn to do good, seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. - Isaiah 1:17
Our public policy advocacy activities are rooted in the moral teachings of the Bible and the diverse religious traditions of our members and interfaith partners. In collaboration with our faith partners, we advocate for the common good and for the well-being of all Oregonians. We believe that a healthy society provides for the well-being of all, particularly the poor, the young, the old and those who are ill. We strive to live out the words of Jesus: “... whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
The common good is dependent upon well-functioning democratic institutions, a strong, well-funded safety-net, and an ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, violence-reduction, and the advancement of peace, justice and human dignity.
Our policy work is guided by a “Statement of Social Principles and Concerns.”
Legislative Priorities 2027-2028
Welcome the Stranger
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon continues to advocate and partner with groups to welcome refugees and immigrants. Our coalition’s renewal and expansion of the Welcoming Refugees Bill ensures funding for crucial supports for Oregonians to access health care, education, employment and other services they need to start new lives.
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- Increase funding for immigration legal services.
- Increase funding for case management and other supports for refugees.
- Prevent refugees from losing SNAP and Medicaid under HR 1.
View Refugee-Immigrant Bills Archive
Sheltering the Houseless
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is leading efforts to increase funding for services and housing for the roughly 3,700 Oregon youth who are homeless and separated from their families. The unaccompanied homeless youth population is disproportionately comprised of marginalized identities and provides the opportunity to confront systemic inequities. Students tend to separate from their families due to domestic violence, family housing instability, and rejection from the home if the youth identifies as LGBTQIA+.
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- Increase funding to address and prevent youth and family homelessness.
- Catalyze the development of affordable housing on church and nonprofit land.
Supporting Survivors
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon offers support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault (DVSA) in Slavic communities, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion or immigration status. Immigration to a new county increases the risk of domestic violence, as individuals may find themselves isolated, financially and emotionally dependent, and subject to severe stress and mental health problems.
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- Defend against cuts to DVSA programs.