Learn, witness, celebrate

Challenge our members, learn from our diversity, witness to our faith, celebrate our oneness within the Body of Christ.

Mission Statement

Ecumenical

“ek-you-men-i-kl”

OIKOUMENE - the whole Christian Church around the world

Active faith in Jesus Christ Cross as common symbol Authority and use of Bible Lord’s prayer Baptism as initiation into Christian life

Singing of Christian hymns Promise of eternal life

Commonalities

John 17: 20-21:“…that they may all be one. As you, Father,

are in me and I am in you…”

Psalm 133 “ …how good and pleasant it is when kindred

live together in unity.”

“Not an option”

17 denominations, 27 judicatories (regions)

Ohio Council of Churches

6,000 congregations, 3 million members Began in 1919 Office in Columbus www.ohcouncilchs.org

OCC

Governing Board Leadership

Bruce Ough,President

Tim Philabaum,Treasurer

Bill Schnell,Vice-President

Deb Oskin,Secretary

Legislative testimony Annual Legislative Day

Public Policy

Issues: GamblingHeath care Payday lending 7 paid sick days plan Redistricting Food stamps KENO Chronic disease State children’s health insurance program

Meeting with the Governor

The Healthy Families Act Farm Bill Social Security and Medicare Federal Budget and Ohio

School Funding

Bi-monthly Legislative Brief

Provide theological forums Co-sponsor educational events Resource

Faith & Order Commission

keynoters, worship, workshops2008 – Religion and Politics2009 – The Next Church: Envisioning

Christians of the Future

Ohio Ministries Convocation

Spiritual But Not Religious: Problem or

Opportunity?

January 25-26

University Plaza Hotel, Columbus

2010

Dr. John C. Green,Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, University of Akron, Senior Fellow, Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life

Dr. Linda Mercadante,B. Robert Straker Professor of Theology, Methodist Theological School in Ohio

Keynoters

Emphases: Develop policy statements – Older Adults,

Capital Punishment, Racism… Address environment, climate change,

education for children Respond to disasters and crises

Justice & Advocacy Commission

Partnering: Faith-based communities Ohio Interfaith Power & Light Ohioans for Health, Environment & Justice

Resource and network

Environmental Stewardship

Coalition of Ecumenical Staff Partnerships –

◦ Second Harvest Foodbank,◦ Have a Heart Ohio, ◦ UHCAN (Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio), ◦ Consumer Voices for Health Care Coverage

Building Relationships

Executives/Bishops

Related organizations Church Women United Church World Service Hunger Network in Ohio Interfaith Center for Peace Ohio Campus Ministries Ohio State Chaplain’s Association

Other connections -

Observer

Fellowship Witness Address concerns (i.e. legislation, together) Network and connect with one another re:

models, resources (educational), community concerns

Way that we give visible unity to one faith Show our common life in Jesus Christ

Why be together?

“Try to understand others even as you hope to be understood.”

Golden rule of ecumenism

6230 Busch Blvd., Suite 430, Columbus, OH614/885-9590 www.ohcouncilchs.org

Music: A Day in the Life, Danny Wright

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