No Hate in the Heartland
A campaign addressing discrimination through a moral lens
|
|
Following the release of the OCC Theological Statement on
Race and Anti-Discrimination, we're embarking on an ongoing initiative called "No Hate in the Heartland." We'll continue to add new content throughout the year and beyond.
The statement begins:
We believe in the equality and equity of all God’s children, without exception, and that no person should experience discrimination regardless of their sex, religion, race, immigration status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age, gender identity/gender expression, ability, or socio-economic status. We will advocate for the rights of every person to live as they are, to the point that it does not affect another’s rights to live as they are. We affirm that all people are beloved by God, and should be treated as such, in cohesion with the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
OCC seeks to empower faith communities and people of faith to live out this statement with the "No Hate" campaign. We will offer digital content surrounding the work to prevent hate in Oklahoma, and to help Oklahomans engage with one another as people of faith based in morality for the absolute love of neighbor.
We're so excited to continue this important work with all of you!
|
|
Interested in becoming a sponsor for this once-in-a-lifetime event? Email us at okchurches@okchurches.org! |
|
Our latest video, this incredible talk from Dr. Lisa Davidson, has been viewed almost 900 times and has received only positive feedback. We are encouraged by its impact in spreading an important message for people of faith in our state. Change is coming!
No Hate in the Heartland is proud to present this lecture by The Rev. Dr. Lisa W. Davison on "What the Bible Says and Doesn't Say About Homosexuality." This is a sensational presentation, which addresses scriptural context and history, human sexuality in the Bible, and a direct examination of the scriptures that have been used to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. We hope that this content will provide meaningful starting points for dialogue around holiness, scripture, inclusivity, and love for ALL people from the biblical perspective.
To quote Rev. Dr. Davison, "If you want to discriminate against gay people, it's your choice, but you can't use the Bible to do it."
We would love to see some Sunday school classes view this video and discuss it!
|
|
Our Role in Addressing the Substance Abuse Epidemic |
|
Since the pandemic started, substance abuse has increased significantly as people cope with stress, loss, and anxiety. Overdose deaths are on the rise in every state, including Oklahoma.
Join us, August 31, 2021 at 6:30 PM CST for International Overdose Awareness Day. We will have an in depth panel discussion on the signs, prevention and treatment of people suffering with substance abuse. Whether you are a person of faith or not, addiction affects us all. Tune in for this important discussion.
|
|
It's our favorite event of the year! We'll be doing the Tour virtually again this year, since it allows us to move around the state and "visit" smaller faith communities that aren't possible in person. Plus, adults and students from all over can participate!
This year, we are featuring:
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Hindu Temple of Oklahoma
Masjid Mu'min
Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Baha'is of Norman
While we're not all getting together, we encourage youth groups and Sunday school classes to gather at your church to view and discuss together!
This year, we are asking for a suggested donation of $15 per participant. This will help with costs associated with producing this event, as well as to continue similar work at OCC. If you are a student, or if this is a hardship, please register even if you are unable to donate at this time. To help ensure youth groups and others can participate, we are offering a sponsorship opportunity:
Sponsoring organizations will receive a discounted “price” for participants, and will be gratefully acknowledged in the OCC newsletter and on our social media.
For example:
$250 donation = 25 “seats” for the Interfaith Youth Tour + a group discussion guide + No Hate in the Heartland stickers
$100 donation = 10 “seats” for the Interfaith Youth Tour + a group discussion guide + No Hate in the Heartland stickers
We are excited for the chance to expand this event and bring even more young Oklahomans into a deeper understanding of diverse faith experiences and consequently, of their neighbors.
|
|
Do you know a family that would
benefit from this program?
|
|
This spring and summer, OCC piloted a new program called Strengthening Families. This 14-week program has been shown time and again to improve outcomes for at-risk families, including reduced teen pregnancy and substance abuse, as well as increased family bonding and communication.
We'll be starting new cycles in faith communities and community organizations this year. If you're interested in getting trained to be a paid group leader, or getting your church involved (at no cost!), email us at okchurches@okchurches.org.
|
|
Sign up for Advocacy Alerts |
|
Want to get updates about opportunities to engage in advocacy with OCC?
Click here to stay informed!
|
|
|
Partnership Conference on Domestic & Sexual Violence, Stalking
The annual, multidisciplinary Partners for Change conference brings current and innovative trainings to Oklahoma in support of a coordinated community response comprised of allied professions who are involved in addressing this important issue, including faith leaders. The conference is an important part of a community continuum to enhance safety for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking (trafficking must involve an element of domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking) and end violence in our state.
OCC is thrilled to be on the planning committee, as we find this a pressing issue for faith communities. Register for this event and see a schedule of topics and speakers here.
|
|
Assemble Welcome
Backpacks for Refugees
In the coming months, tens of thousands of refugees will make their way to the United States after years of waiting. They will have the opportunity to join family members and communities as they restart and rebuild their lives.
Church World Service Welcome Backpacks are a new part of the process - providing unaccompanied minors and families with the essentials for their transition: food and water, children’s activities, a blanket, basic hygiene items, and PPE.
You can help extend welcome by assembling backpacks or sponsoring a backpack to be assembled.
They are hosting a backpack assembly here in OK on August 27-28. Learn more here.
|
|
UCO’s Interfaith Fair gives the campus community an opportunity to learn more about the diverse set of beliefs and traditions across campus and around the Oklahoma City area. Each year, participation is diverse and provides a platform for allowing people to understand new systems or search for ideas that add depth and meaning to their own experience. This event will be taking place on Thursday, August 26th from 11am - 2pm. |
|
How Technology is Shaping You and Your Relationships
Our increasing digital invasion shapes us and our relationships by profoundly impacting our marriages and families. Learning to coach and counsel families in navigating digital age technology is crucial. This workshop will assess the impact digital technology has on familial bonds and the unique challenges parents face today. Parents should be encouraged and equipped to reclaim conversations within the home to strengthen their attachment bonds; they will need the strength of their relationships to instill boundaries on their family’s technology use.
|
|
Medicaid Expansion is here!
More than 113,000 Oklahomans will have health coverage starting next month through Medicaid expansion, and 17,591 are people who had never applied before!
Share this info with those who may qualify.
|
|
Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN)
FAN - Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN) program is a free online resource from the University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center. The FAN Online Training includes 8 self-paced, interactive weekly lessons that can be completed in about an hour. The program also includes 12 months of free materials and resources to help your church launch FAN and sustain it over the first year.
FAN is an evidence-based program to help churches create environments that support physical activity and healthy eating. It is included in the National Cancer Institute’s Evidence-Based Cancer Control Programs.
With funding from the CDC, they are able to share this training with churches across the United States at no cost.
Interested churches can complete an interest form and find additional information at this site.
|
|
Free Suicide Prevention Training |
|
Most people are surprised to learn that they’re much more likely to encounter someone who’s thinking about suicide than someone who needs CPR, and that suicide is preventable. With the right skills, anyone can help save a life. In as little as one hour online, this interactive training program will give you the skills and knowledge to keep family, friends, co-workers, and others safe from suicide.
|
|
Vigil for Immigration Justice |
Join the weekly prayer vigil for immigration justice, now being held in person and on Zoom every Thursday at noon at https://zoom.us/j/157544370.
To receive more information about this important coalition or the in-person vigil, email Rev. Lori Walke.
|
|
Help us reach our goal of adding 5 monthly, recurring givers each month.
Gifts of any size help support and sustain OCC.
Recurring givers will get a "No Hate" sticker as a small thank you for supporting OCC!
Click below to start your monthly gift of $10, $20, or $40.
|
|
|
Follow OCC on Social Media |
|
|
301 N.W. 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 525-2928
The Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck
Executive Director
|
|
Your gift is tax deductible. OCC is a 501(c)(3) organization. |
|
The Oklahoma Conference of Churches connects, motivates, and empowers the witness of communities of faith and individuals throughout Oklahoma on issues of faith, care, and social justice. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
