Thank you to all the faith communities who joined us, in ways large and small, for End Gun Violence Sabbath during Nov. 15-17, 2019. We’ve heard great reports from across the state about the Sabbath events that were held! Lincoln City held a rally for Ending Gun Violence with 20 participants, receiving very positive responses … Continue reading End Gun Violence Sabbath
Standing strong against hate
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:14-15 Daily, a war is raging within our country. Hateful words are leading to violent deeds. The Galatians text rightly warns … Continue reading Standing strong against hate
To the Trump Administration: Stop dismantling the refugee resettlement work, America’s greatest faith-government partnership!
Last week’s news, if not a surprise, was a shock. President Trump set the refugee limit at 18,000 for the coming year, advancing the administration’s sustained effort to dislodge faith communities from their historic involvement in refugee resettlement. As Galen Carey, vice president of government relations for the National Association of Evangelicals has said, this … Continue reading To the Trump Administration: Stop dismantling the refugee resettlement work, America’s greatest faith-government partnership!
The Prophetic edge, mutual accompaniment and the Common Table
Portland’s most recent showdown between Antifa and the Proud Boys wasn’t as violent as perhaps it could have been. But the lead up made it clear to many of us that Oregon is now nationally known for this particular kind of political performance art. This presents us with an open question: what actually changes when … Continue reading The Prophetic edge, mutual accompaniment and the Common Table
Words Do Matter
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela “You cannot reap … Continue reading Words Do Matter
Reflection on the Fourth of July
“Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.” Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall Dear Friends, On the Fourth of July, we take time to celebrate our country’s birth with family and friends. My hope is that we … Continue reading Reflection on the Fourth of July
Faith Leader Letter to help prevent gun violence – sign on today
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon invites Oregon faith leaders from all religious backgrounds and all parts of our state to sign onto a letter in support of two bills currently being considered in the Oregon Senate. Read the letter we wrote with our partners at Lift Every Voice Oregon to express support for two important measures that … Continue reading Faith Leader Letter to help prevent gun violence – sign on today
Youth Justice bill passes – hooray!
EMO is encouraged by the news that today our State Senate passed the important reforms of SB 1008, the Juvenile Justice sentencing bill. Below is the press release from Senator Jackie Winters, sponsor of this important bipartisan legislation: Oregon Senate Passes Legislation Giving Youth Offenders a Second Look SALEM, Ore. – Today, the Oregon Senate … Continue reading Youth Justice bill passes – hooray!
Keep acting for justice!
Upcoming Justice Events and Trainings – Spring 2019 Catholic Prison Ministry Coalition – April 3, 2019 – Webinar Training Series on Prison Ministry – “Recruiting Volunteers to Ministry to the Incarcerated and their Loved Ones” Restorative Dialogue Facilitator Training – April 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 – City of Beaverton, Beaverton Center for Mediation and Dialogue Roman … Continue reading Keep acting for justice!
EMO supports Justice Reinvestment Accountability and Equity Act
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon supports the Accountability and Equity Act (HB 3064). As we state in our public testimony on the bill, here’s why: Justice Reinvestment has been a success, saving the state funds, advancing public safety, and investing in local victim services. Importantly, it has reduced the number of lives impacted by imprisonment. The … Continue reading EMO supports Justice Reinvestment Accountability and Equity Act