1. Learn, witness, celebrate

2. The mission of the Ohio Council of Churches is to make visible the unity of Christ’s church, provide a Christian voice on public issue, and engage in worship, education, and service.

3. “ek-you-men-i-kl” OIKOUMENE - the whole Christian Church around the world

4.  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

5.  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.”

6.  18 denominations, 28 judicatories (regions)

7.  6,000 congregations, 3 million members  Began in 1919  Office in Columbus  www.ohcouncilchs.org www.ohcouncilchs.org

8. Otha Gilyard, President Steve Salt, Treasurer Raafat Zaki, Vice-President Charles Tyler, Sr., Secretary

9.  Legislative testimony  Annual Legislative Day Issues: Gambling Heath care Redistricting Gun control Death penalty Education Funding

10.  State Budget  Ohio School Funding  Health Care  Gambling  Death Penalty  Immigration

11.  Provide theological forums  Co-sponsor educational events  Resource

12.  keynoters, worship, workshops 2010 – Spiritual But Not Religious: Problem or Opportunity? 2011 – Faith and Race: New Opportunities 2012 – The American Dream or God’s Dream? 2013 – Being Church in a New World: Why? How? Who? Me? 2014 – Building an Inclusive Movement to Resist Human Trafficking

13.  Develop policy statements – Older Adults, Capital Punishment, Racism…  Address environment concerns, climate change, education for children, immigration reform  Respond to disasters and crises

14. Partnering with:  Faith-based communities  Ohio Interfaith Power & Light  Ohio Alliance for People and Environment Resource and network

15.  Coalition of Ecumenical Staff  Partnerships – ◦ Second Harvest Foodbanks ◦ Have a Heart Ohio ◦ UHCAN ( Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio) ◦ Consumer Voices for Health Care Coverage ◦ Faithful Reform in Health Care

17. Related organizations  Church Women United  Church World Service  Hunger Network in Ohio  Ohio Campus Ministries  Ohio State Chaplain’s Association

18.  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

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

20. 6230 Busch Blvd., Suite 430, Columbus, OH 614/885-9590 www.ohcouncilchs.org Thank you for watching. Please click the screen to exit.