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Theological Arm

Justice & Advocacy Commission
Social Advocacy

Public Policy
Voice and presence at the State Legislature

Governor Strickland has proposed $2.4 billion in cuts in the biennial budget.
The 2010 Ohio Ministries Convocation will be held on January 25 and 26.
January 25 and 26 at the University Plaza Hotel.
The 2010 OMC: Spiritual but not Religious: Problem or Opportunity?
It appears that today, a major general concern is that healthcare in America costs too much for individuals and keeps milions from enrolling.
In 2009, the Ohio Council of Churches celebrates 90 years of rich history.
Lakeside Theological Convocation, September 8-10, Lakeside, Ohio.
9th Annual Interfaith Week - August 9-15 at Lakeside, Ohio.
An Interfaith Peacebuilding Conference, October 25 and 26.
Projections report that if healthcare reforms are not enacted this year, the cost of health care for business could double within 10 years.
Saturday, August 1st 10:00-4:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 2nd 2:00-6:00 p.m.
A conference on Ecology, Spirituality and Living Economies, June 12-14, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH.
"From Inspiration to Illumination: an Introduction to The Saint John’s Bible”, starting on Friday, July 10 7:00-9:00 PM.
Ohio Interfaith Power and Light has some projects that might be of interest for your congregation.
Lobbyist for the racetrack owners are trying to convince legislators that millions can be added to the next budget.
The Budget is only halfway to the finish line.
Great Lakes Theological Academy, July 27-31, 2009,
What is the OCC about?
Photos of the April 29th Ecumenical Advocacy Day.
Highlights:  90th Anniversary of the OCC, pictures of the 09 Ohio Ministries Convocation, dates, theme, etc for the 2010 OMC.
A program that provides free education, publications and assistance to Ohioans.
Study resource on land stewardship issues.
Ecumenical Publications
Updates from April 30, 2009 Meeting of the Board of Directors.
What can you do? How might you prepare?
"Many Faces, One Community:  Valuing Multiculturalism and Diversity" - August 1-2, 2009.
Frank Gates Service Company (Avizent) is pleased to offer their annual Ohio State Fund Worker's Compensation seminars.
Upcoming "Cool Congregations" workshops in the Columbus area.
The Ohio Chapter of the Alliance of Baptists joins the Council as an Observer.
...that could restore voters clout on election day!
Easy to use directory.
Helpful films challenging us.
http://global-warming.accuweather.com/media/Earth Day celebrated around the globe.
The Interfaith Committee of the National Council of Churches encourages use of these valuable documentaries.
Educational and art resources.
December 3-9, 2009 - Melbourne, Australia.
Highlights:  Black History Month, New OCC officers, Alvin Hadley's passing, Legislative Advocacy Day.
Features:  Good Stewardship of Creation, Recap of the 08 OMC, National Ecumenical Advocacy Days.
Features:  Vote NO on Casino Gambling, Digital Television Transition, Welcome and Farewell to Bishops & Executives.
Highlights:  Immigration, Farewell and Welcome to Bishops, Action for Children, Ohio Interfaith Power and Light, Registration to the 2009 Ohio Ministries Convocation.
Penn National gambling campaign named "Ohio Jobs and Growth Development."
The budget appears to be $993 million short of the necessary funds to fully fund the education plan.
Al Staggs performs one-person characterizations.
How to support the critical hunger programs in Ohio.
Questions to Ponder about the theme of the 2010 Convocation.
..... if the State Toughens the Seat Belt Law! - March 6, 2009.
It is estimated that Ohio's share would total $8.2 billion.
Webpage available now.
Governor Strickland unveiled his 21st Century "transformational" plan to change how schools are funded.
The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is scheduled to expire on March 31, 2009.
Governors have asked President-Elect Obama for $100 billion to help with day-to-day operating costs.
Look for further information in these links.
Learn Best Practices to use when screening volunteers working with children.
US Together, Inc needs your assistance.
How we can better help those amongst us who suffer from hunger.

A living peace church initiative for returning military personnel.

 

 

A ministry of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches, New York City.
Information from the Ohio Deparmtnet of Commerce for organizations that offer shelter.
The lame duck session is named after legislators who lost their bids for re-election or are term limited.
The Hunger Network of Ohio received as a new Related Organization.
Printed materials to be available through their website.
Issue 5:  Payday Lending     Issue 6:  Casino Gambling
Ohioans are already aware that their state lags far behind most other states in recovering from financial recessions.
700 billion bailout measure asked from the governemnt checkbook.
Nearly 1.5 million Ohioans are living at or below the poverty level.
Members thanked for faithful service.
A booklet available for compiling information before one's death.
Advocacy does make a difference in confronting hunger.
Vote NO on Issues 6:  Stop Casino Gambling.  Vote YES on Issue 5:  Stop 391% Loans.
Seven principles for Christian political involvement in the world:

A religious response to climate change.
Imagine a future free from gun violence.
Join Bob Erickson for Tuesdays at the Statehouse.
Vote NO on Issue 6 - Stop Casino Gambling!
A grassroots movement for education in Ohio.
Save money on Workers' Compensation Program by virtue of membership in the OCC.
medical-symbol.jpgWays to receive affordable health care for all.
Visit http://www.oikocredit.org to learn how Oikocredit is investing in people.
A campaign to recognize Creation Care sermons by clergy or faith community leaders in Ohio.
Connect with ecumenical organizations and seminaries around the state.
Created by Governor Strickland to help eligible low and moderate-income Ohioans claim tax credits and public benefits.
OCC adopted this policy on May 24, 2002 and is now available for wider church use.
Re-invigorating ecuminism in the 21st Century.
A look at the moral and ethical dimensions of the human applications of current biotechnologies.
Highlights:  "A Journey Toward Understanding",  Creation Care Resources, Changing Ohio's Dismal Education Results.
Steps should be taken to eliminate gun violence against all persons in our society.
DOV logoOvercoming Violence - Churches Seeking Reconciliation.
Articles that summarize the Environmental Justice situation.
United States Department of Veterans AffairsLinks to resources to assist present or past military members and their families.
Working together to create and promote a sustainable and healthful food and family system.
What might the picture look like for churches to support one another?
Suggestion put together by the North Carolina Council of Churches.
This site provides information about working with refugees.
Human health and the environment.
Sustainable energy.
The Council has historically opposed the use of the death penalty.
Congress has finally voted favorably on a Farm Bill reauthorization.
The Governor shocked Ohio citizens by announcing his intention to begin Keno gambling in bars, clubs and restaurants throughout Ohio.
Another Casino Preoposal Brings More Half-Truths and Misrepresenations!
Throughout 2007, Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle maintained a committment to reauthorizing the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) this year.
Picking a running mate for Vice-President, is it more important than what a tie a candidate should wear in a presidential debate?
Other links and Presentations.
A recap of the initial beginning in Ohio.
A book about ecumenism in Ohio,1968-1992.
A book on religion across Ohio, published for the 2003 bicentennial.
Are Low Gas Prices Really In America's Best Long-Term Interest?
Digital Television Transition: Are you prepared?
Senator Obama correctly points to our Constitution that has at its core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law that promises its people liberty and justice.
The Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (GOFBCI) works to strengthen the capacity of faith-based and community organizations committed to serving Ohio's most vulnerable citizens.
Ten simple steps we can take in our homes,work and neighborhoods to help stop global warming.
Links related to Public Policy.
This Institute offers educational opportunities for those who desire an ecumenical search for spiritual truth and a deeper relationship with God.
What is Faithful Reform in Health Care?
Local Non-Profit Agencies' links.
Look at some possible activities.
Bread for the World (BFW) works on behalf of those who are hungry.
Discount card available in Franklin County.
What can you do about hunger?
Equality has been a struggle for all races and ethnic groups. Racism plays a key role in every aspect of our history.
Children are compassionate and nurturing, but at the same time, vulnerable because they are completely dependent upon us.
The Ohio Council of Churches is concerned about violent acts against persons or any act that demeans a group of people or makes a mockery of their beliefs.
The Ohio Council of Churches has long recognized the immorality of the death penalty.
The Ohio Council of Churches is concerned for justice, responsibility, and compassion to be seen in the world economic sphere.
Educate all students for full participation in the multicultural and multiracial life of our world.
The Ohio Council of Churches is concerned about the consumptive use of resources that affect the health of our environment and the people of our region, state, nation and world.
The Ohio Council of Churches believes that health care ministry is vital to the mission and ministry of God's Church on earth.
All citizens will need to become more educationally involved concerning the power of the medium that is central to our lives.
In the fourth commandment, we are directed by God to honor those generations that have gone before us.
The Christian Church hopes for world peace
We oppose on moral grounds the United States taking further military action against Iraq at this time.
The scriptures repeatedly proclaim equality among the people of God.
Poverty is a deprivation of life's essentials.
A Resolution in support of theTaco Bell Boycott.
Where does one go to find green clothing?
The NCC's Eco-Justice Program offers a new "green" building guide.
Learn what denominations have said about environment.
Learn what the Center is doing nationally.
The Ohio Council of Churches prepares its priorities for the next biennial budget.
The Ohio Council of Churches opposes slot machines and casinos.

Historical fact:

Ohio Council of Churches Foundation

Early in its life, the Ohio Council of Churches organized its own Foundation to serve its future financial needs.  The Foundation, a separate legal entity, began in March 22, 1962, to be in charge of the oversight of the Council’s fiduciary responsibilities. The Foundation has since been responsible for engaging professional investment advisors and choosing socially responsible investments; it has also helped in the establishment of Gift Annuities and the development of short and long term financial goals for the Council.  The Foundation continues to be vigilant over investments in these trying times.  Total assets as of December 31, 2008, were $408,026.

 


 

  

  • Why, in a culture known world-wide for its active religious presence, are growing numbers — especially young adults — identifying themselves as “spiritual but not religious?
  • Why are so many alienated from organized religion and increasingly see the term “spiritual but not religious” as a badge of pride?
  • What can we do to honor earnest spiritual seeking, yet show that organized religion is essential to maintain society’s core values?

Find the answers to these questions by participating in the 2010 Ohio Ministries Convocation on January 25 and 26.  SAVE THE DATE!

Our Mission
The Ohio Council of Churches seeks to challenge our members to learn from our diversity, to witness our faith, and celebrate our oneness with the Body of Christ.

To accomplish this we will:

  • Share theological understanding in dialogue and worship;
  • Identify common concerns, while understanding and respecting the theological and structural differences;
  • Advocate for social policies, seeking justice for and with those with no voice;
  • Nurture dialogue and common efforts among judicatory executives/bishops
  • Communicate with and among regional ecumenical bodies in Ohio, creating opportunities for dialogue and partnering.