Community Conversation with Dean Robert Willis
The Very Rev. Dr. Robert Willis is a theologian, hymn-writer and pastor. He served as Dean of Canterbury, running the mother church of the Anglican Communion and the King’s School, Canterbury, (the world’s oldest school, founded by St Augustine in 597) and advising three archbishops, government and the crown from 2001 to 2022.
Dean Willis will be visiting Oklahoma, and speaking to us on cultivating hope, progressive faith, and the dangers of extremism.
Dean Willis is most recently well-known for the broadcasts of Morning Prayer that he and his civil-partner of 22 years, Fletcher Banner, made every day for 26 months during the COVID-19 pandemic, which attracted and still attracts millions of views from all over the world of people of all faiths and none (www.youtube.com/@GardenCongregation). Conservation and wildlife are close to his heart and have resulted in Dean Robert being nicknamed “the Green Dean” by many.
Legislative Advocacy from a Faith Lens
What's the most effective way to advocate from the values of your faith? Check out this panel, featuring:
Senator Mary Boren, Oklahoma Senate
J'Shawna Smith-Hayes, The H.O.P.E. Foundation
Rev. Dr. Lori Walke, Mayflower Congregational Church
This is another great panel brought to you by the Religions United Committee at OFN.
Interfaith Impact Lunch
Oklahoma is lucky to be home to a diverse faith population, many of whom know and work closely for religious understanding and cooperation in our state. This year, on February 20, 2024 these organizations will unite to host the Interfaith Impact Lunch at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.
Join our wonderful hosts and sponsors for an afternoon of community and collective action with interfaith partners around the legislative session. The luncheon program will consist of a panel discussion around the separation of church and state, an issue that is vital to maintaining religious freedom in our state and country.
Advance registration is required. Lunch will be provided. Tickets start at $10*. Space is limited, so register now!
*This fee reserves your spot at the event. Ticket proceeds will be donated to the Regional Food Bank after the event.
Organizations interested in sponsorship can contact info@okfaith.org for more details.
Security will be on site for this event.
Deep gratitude to our sponsors for making this event accessible:
Phillips Theological Seminary
Respect Diversity Foundation
Diverse Holiday Celebrations
We know all about Christmas, but many of our neighbors in Oklahoma celebrate other holidays! Join us for a fun interfaith conversation to learn more about our friends of diverse faiths and traditions, including:
Hinduism
Islam
Judaism
Tuesday, December 5 at 7pm
OFN Facebook and YouTube (available on our YouTube afterward)
This is another great panel brought to you by the Religions United Committee, which seeks to promote interfaith collaboration and understanding in Oklahoma.
Mental Health First Aid Training
In order to better serve the needs of Oklahomans, the Oklahoma Faith Network is hosting a free Mental Health First Aid Training, courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact and overviews appropriate supports. This 8-hour course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect people to the appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care. The program also teaches common risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia.
Oklahoma Faith Network Annual Dinner
We hope that you will join us for this celebration Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Renaissance Waterford Hotel in Oklahoma City at 6:30 p.m. We will look to our present and our future, particularly with regard to our community programs.
Learn more about this special evening, get tickets, or sign up for sponsorship here.
Rex Friend Interfaith Youth Tour
For the past 15 years, Oklahoma Faith Network has become known for a project with a focus on middle/high school youth education — in the form of the Interfaith Youth Tour. As part of this tour, students visit diverse houses of worship to gain understanding and appreciation for other faith communities.
We are excited to continue this important program this year with the following communities:
First Americans Museum
East Sixth Street Christian Church
Masjid Mu'min
Go early and visit this world-class museum (opens at 11am), or have brunch at their sensational restaurant, and then meet us at the mound for the beginning of the tour.
Participants will transport themselves to and from each site.
In-person ticket: $15 (includes swag item* + discussion guide + Coexist sticker)
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 OFN newsletter and on our social media.
For example:
$300 donation = 25 spots for the Interfaith Youth Tour + swag items* + a group discussion guide + Coexist stickers
$150 donation = 10 spots for the Interfaith Youth Tour + swag items* + a group discussion guide + Coexist stickers
*Those registering after August 27 can't be guaranteed swag items, but we'll try!
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.
OFN Religions United Committee
Connecting with Ancestors Panel
Hear how different traditions integrate connection with ancestors into spiritual beliefs and practices. We'll be joined by practitioners of indigenous African religions, pagan traditions, and Buddhism.
Tuesday, April 11 at 7:00pm
OFN Facebook page + YouTube channel
This is another great panel brought to you by our Religions United Committee, whose mission is to bring about interfaith understanding and collaboration.
https://fb.me/e/5EfZcVMxB
Opioid and Stimulant Faith Response Conference
Register today for the Opioid and Stimulant Faith Response Conference!
This powerful event will be offered at no cost. Come hear and learn from leaders, practitioners, and others in the field. Whether you are dealing with substance abuse or have a loved one that is struggling with addiction, this conference is for you. We will also be offering Continuing Education credits for those who need them.
2023 Opioid & Stimulant Faith Response Conference Agenda & Schedule
9:00 - 9:30 am - Participant Registration & Check-In
9:45 – 11:00 am – Conference Breakout Sessions I
*1-Hour Workshop with 15-minute Discussion/Question/Answer
Prevention Methods & Best Practices
Treatment Community Resources
Providing Support for a Loved One Dealing with Addiction
11:15 am – 12:15 pm – LUNCH
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm – Conference Breakout Sessions II
*1-Hour Workshop with 15-minute Discussion/Question/Answer
Prevention Methods & Best Practices
Treatment Community Resources
Providing Support for a Loved One Dealing with Addiction
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm Keynote Speaker including Question/Answer portion
2:45 pm - 3:00 pm Closing Remarks and Announcements
![No Hate in the Heartland 50th Anniversary Gala](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5acd0495e17ba38cfab1776c/1626466384591-21A1GDHIFPTXBB54UAIU/Gala+%231.png)
No Hate in the Heartland 50th Anniversary Gala
We are thrilled to share in the excitement with you as we celebrate 50 years of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches. Our golden anniversary is especially significant this year, as the Conference not only celebrates its incredible past but a bright future focused on the work of faith communities to make Oklahoma a more just, loving, and prosperous state.
We hope that you will join us for this celebration November 4, 2022, at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City at 6:30 p.m. We will look back on 50 years of history, but more importantly, look to our present and our future, particularly with regard to our No Hate in Heartland initiative. To honor this work, the Rev. Dr. George Young will preside as our honorary chair and emcee for the evening. Pastor, former board chair, state senator and Oklahoma justice crusader, Dr. Young will help us set the stage for the work to follow. The work of loving our neighbors. All of our neighbors.
We are also excited to share that Dr. Cornel West, professor, theologian, and pastor, will be our guest speaker for the evening. It will be an incredible opportunity to hear two men who have dedicated their lives to creating a just and equitable society through faith and determination.
We hope you will join us and consider a sponsorship to the event. Your contributions ensure the work moves forward. Whether it is in supporting our churches and congregations, our families and communities, or our partner organizations driving change, money raised at our 50th Anniversary Gala will underwrite diverse initiatives that strengthen Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Conference of Churches bases its work on care for communities. In light of our commitment to loving others, we recommend gala attendees be vaccinated, test negative for Covid, and/or mask indoors. We thank you for helping us care for one another.
Formal attire
Join us for an evening to celebrate No Hate in the Heartland!
Deep gratitude to our sponsors:
Respect Diversity Foundation
James and Joyce Mauldin
We the People Consulting, LLC
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Norman
Poor People’s Campaign of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church
First Christian Church of Edmond
Jeff Champeau
Friends of Friends of Friends
Peggy Momsen
Rev. Dr. George Young
Women’s Diversity Initiative of Oklahoma, LLC
Friends of Chelsey Branham
Black Lives Matter OKC Faith Initiative
William B. Moorer
CAIR-Oklahoma
Jamie Guinn and Olyvia Miller
Markus Smith Real Estate Team
Cooperating Baptist Fellowship of Oklahoma
Julius Jones Coalition
OKC First Church of the Nazarene
Lori and Collin Walke
Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck
Oklahoma Disciples Foundation
Jim and Elaine Gragg
Milard Law, PLLC
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2022 Interfaith Youth Tour
For the past 15 years, Oklahoma Conference of Churches has become known for a project with a focus on middle/high school youth education — in the form of the Interfaith Youth Tour. As part of this tour, students visit diverse houses of worship to gain understanding and appreciation for other faith communities. Register here!
We are excited to continue this important program this year with both an in-person and online experience! We hope this will also enable students to join us from anywhere in the state.
IN-PERSON EXPERIENCE
Those gathering in-person will remain at Temple B'nai Israel in OKC for the entire event. While there, we will enjoy video tours of:
Temple B'nai Israel
First Unitarian Church of OKC
Islamic Society of Norman
These will be followed by a live Q&A with those faith leaders, moderated by Adam Soltani (CAIR-OK), as well as time for snacks and fellowship.
** COVID safety ** The health of our communities is extremely important to us. For those gathering in person, masks will be required, seating will be distanced, and the snacking + fellowship will take place in the Temple's lovely covered patio area. The Temple also provides the opportunity to sit in an adjacent room or outdoor space while watching what's happening in the main room, for those uncomfortable gathering in a large crowd.
ONLINE EXPERIENCE
We will stream the whole event using Zoom those who can't travel to OKC.
Adults are welcome to join in for the online experience!
We encourage those watching from afar - such as youth groups and Sunday school classes - to gather at your church to view and discuss together.
In-person ticket: $20 (includes t-shirt or bag + discussion guide + No Hate sticker)
Online ticket: $10 (includes discussion guide)
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:
$300 donation = 25 in-person seats for the Interfaith Youth Tour + a group discussion guide + No Hate in the Heartland stickers
$150 donation = 10 in-person seats for the Interfaith Youth Tour + a group discussion guide + No Hate in the Heartland stickers
$200 donation = 25 virtual seats for the Interfaith Youth Tour + a group discussion guide + No Hate in the Heartland stickers
$75 donation = 10 virtual 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.
OCC Religions United Committee
2021 Interfaith Youth Tour
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! Register here.
This year, we will be hearing from:
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Hindu Temple of Oklahoma
Masjid Mu’min
Baha’is of Norman
Substance Abuse in our Communities
Since the pandemic started, substance abuse has increased as people cope with stress, loss, and anxiety. Join us for a panel 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.
Is America a "Fundamentally Racist Nation"? A Faith Perspective
Join us for this important discussion about the passing of HB1775 last month in the Oklahoma legislature. To learn more about this new law, click here.
This panel, facilitated by Adam Soltani (CAIR-OK), will feature:
Lawrence Ware, Professor of Philosophy at OSU and co-director of the Center for Africana Studies
Rep. John Waldron, Oklahoma House of Representatives
Alicia Priest, President of the Oklahoma Education Association
Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck, Executive Director of OCC
This panel is brought to you by OCC's Religions United Committee, which seeks to bring more interfaith understand and collaboration to Oklahoma.
Immigration and Faith Communities
This panel is brought to you by OCC’s Religions United Committee, which seeks to broaden interfaith understanding and collaboration in Oklahoma. Watch it live, or later after it’s archived!
Earth Day Reflection
Join us for this Earth Day reflection on our Facebook page or YouTube channel! Tuesday, April 20 at 7:30pm.
Rev. Dr. Mark Davies engages in advocacy and activism in the areas of peace, social justice, and ecological sustainability. Locally this is expressed through his work with the Human Community Network, to create non-violent systemic change for a just, flourishing human and ecological community.
“We are living in a time of fierce urgency to do something about the climate crisis. Our actions and our policies today will determine whether we head down a path of climate chaos or begin the sacred work of healing our ecological community.”
Faith vs Politics Panel
This panel will provide the perspectives of elected officials who are people of faith, on how faith and politics intersect. Panelists are Rep. Mauree Turner, Sen. George Young, and Rep. John Talley. This panel is hosted by our Religions United Committee, which is dedicated to promoting interfaith understanding and collaboration in Oklahoma.
![OCC Spiritual Toolkit](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5acd0495e17ba38cfab1776c/1603137055298-UDT3QFT3078BK6LYNHJ4/Spiritual+Toolkit+-+cropped.png)
OCC Spiritual Toolkit
In lieu of our traditional Annual Dinner fundraiser, we are gathering spiritual resources and videos to create what we are calling the OCC Spiritual Toolkit. We will have interfaith offerings, reflections from faith leaders, meditative rituals, Ignatian spiritual practices, content for children and teens, musical performances, and MORE! This toolkit will benefit individuals and groups alike, and is something you can revisit to help bring light into a dark season.
![Diverse Holiday Celebrations](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5acd0495e17ba38cfab1776c/1604948820902-20QKZM4LI9E9Z0GQKV9I/Faith+%2B+Holidays.png)
Diverse Holiday Celebrations
We're entering a season of celebrations and ritual with significance to many of Oklahoma's faithful. Join us to learn about holiday observances from a wide range of faith communities.
Featuring:
Adam Soltani on Muslim traditions
Rev. Chebon Kernell on Seminole + Muscogee (Creek) Nations traditions
Emmah Eastwind on Pagan rituals and traditions
Michael Korenblit on Jewish holidays and traditions
Kwame Mboya on Kwanzaa and its African cultural traditions
Streaming live on OCC's Facebook page and YouTube channel, or watch it afterward at your convenience!
![2020 Interfaith Youth Tour](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5acd0495e17ba38cfab1776c/1596743817715-GRQ792YYSH29CQCKT3G6/2020+ITY.png)
2020 Interfaith Youth Tour
For the past thirteen years, Oklahoma Conference of Churches has become known for a project with a focus on middle/high school youth education—in the form of the Interfaith Youth Tour. As part of this tour, students visit diverse houses of worship to gain understanding and appreciation for other faith communities.
We are excited to continue this important program virtually this year! This allows us to expand our locations outside of the OKC metro, and to add more faith communities to our tour. We hope this will also allow students to join us from anywhere in the state.
This also means that adults can join in on the fun!
This year, we are asking for a suggested donation of $15 per participant at secure.qgiv.com/for/2iyt/event/817941/. 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 anything 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 + acknowledgment
$100 donation = 10 “seats” for the Interfaith Youth Tour + acknowledgment
This year's tour will include:
- Dharma Center of Oklahoma
- Stillwater Mosque & Islamic Center
- Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church
- Emanuel Synagogue
We’re thrilled to expand this event and bring even more young Oklahomans into a deeper understanding of diverse faith experiences and consequently, of their neighbors.
Thank you for your work to promote interfaith understanding and collaboration in Oklahoma!
![Opioid Summit for Communities of Faith](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5acd0495e17ba38cfab1776c/1596743028009-1RO2ZPFZNCBOOG3L5U6B/Opioid+Summit+FB+cover-4.png)
Opioid Summit for Communities of Faith
Join us as we discuss this growing epidemic in our country and in our churches.
![UNITY Reflection](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5acd0495e17ba38cfab1776c/1585786135502-0XIX9TDEIIXCGRH6N3GL/2020+Unity+Reflection.png)
UNITY Reflection
Many have observed that these unprecendented times will either divide us or bring us together. We welcome this opportunity to sincerely reflect on the world we want to see after this is over.
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2019 Annual Dinner & Fundraiser
Join us for an evening of "Inspired Stories" as we celebrate the ministry of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches.
We will join together to share stories of the past and present of OCC, as well as dream about the future of our ministry together. You, our partners, inspire the ministry that OCC undertakes on behalf of the people of Oklahoma. Come and be a part of sharing stories and connecting with your neighbors.
Our 2019 Annual Dinner & Fundraiser speaker is New York Times Bestselling Author, Georgia Hunter.
We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter, is inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive—and to reunite—We Were the Lucky Ones is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds. An extraordinary, propulsive novel, We Were the Lucky Ones demonstrates how in the face of the twentieth century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can endure and even thrive.
Georgia will share with us what inspired her to follow her family's story and pursue the research of her history. We are excited to welcome Georgia to our evening of "Inspired Stories".
We are grateful to Temple B'nai Israel - OKC and the Respect Diversity Foundation for partnering with us to bring this incredible speaker.
We hope you will save the date, November 7, 2019, for this exciting event!
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS
![Interfaith Youth Tour](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5acd0495e17ba38cfab1776c/1557949367352-XP6ORTIV1D0A7AZ2FACL/Untitled+design+%281%29.png)
Interfaith Youth Tour
For the past eleven years, OCC has become regionally known for a project with a focus on children and youth education—in the form of the Interfaith Youth Tour. As part of this tour, students visit three diverse houses of worship to gain understanding and appreciation for other faith communities. Please plan to be a part of this year's experience!
This year's locations:
Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma
Nithyanandeshwara Vedic Temple of Oklahoma
OKC First Church of the Nazarene (Event Host)
REGISTRATION INCLUDES: event entry, event t-shirt, and snack
NOTE: An ADDITIONAL $10 for each person needing transportation. Due to increased charter bus prices, if you are able to provide your own transportation for the tour that would be appreciated.
The event will begin at 1:00 pm @ OKC First Church of the Nazarene
Annual Partners: Don't forget - you get a discount on all OCC programs and events! Use your discount code when you checkout. Not an Annual Partner? Click here to become one today!
![White Privelege Awareness: Train the Trainer](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5acd0495e17ba38cfab1776c/1562596494968-J5DWYSVVY1JUAC608TQS/Image+2019-07-03+at+9.16.49+AM.png)
White Privelege Awareness: Train the Trainer
White Privilege: Let's Talk - A Resource for Transformational Dialogue
Come and be trained on how to facilitate conversation on this topic. $40 per participant, lunch not included (but a break will be provided)
Training will include:
The Spiritual Autobiography Told Through the Lens of Race
White as the Norm: Five Loci of Insights on the Binary of Light/Dark and Black/White
The Cash Value of Whiteness or Whiteness as a Tax-Exempt Status
On Becoming an Ally
"We don’t promise that this will be easy to discuss. It will challenge basic assumptions about race that help white communities maintain a system of privilege that, while prevalent, often goes unnoticed by even the best-intentioned of white advocates for justice. Nonetheless, the work we do to deepen our awareness of how privilege is made manifest, and the commensurate work of unmasking and dismantling that privilege, is among the most important work we white leaders can commit to."
Space is limited to 30 participants, so reserve your spot today!
![OCC Night @ Panera](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5acd0495e17ba38cfab1776c/1557949624294-DU6K2NFZX6GHVODT866Z/57111745_2134082679979266_4869223652043784192_o.jpg)
OCC Night @ Panera
Eat some awesome food. Gather with OCC friends and supporters. Support OCC! #winwin
YOU MUST HAVE THE OCC FLYER (printed or digital) FOR IT TO COUNT TOWARDS OCC FUNDRAISER!
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Fast Breaking Dinner
OCC is honored to join with the Dialogue Institute for a Fast Breaking Dinner. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan. This year Ramadan will start on Monday, May 6 and will end on Monday, June 3. Ramadan is not only a time of fasting, but it is a time to reach out and build friendships with our neighbors. We hope that you will join the Oklahoma Conference of Churches and Dialogue Institute for this meal. Dinner and conversation will start around 7:00 pm.
Painting for a Purpose: An Evening of Connecting & Fun with OCC
Come hang out with other supporters and partners of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches. Come hear from Rev. Shannon Fleck, Executive Director, about the vision of the future of OCC. Come paint and have fun with other lovely, amazing people.
Light snacks will be provided. Cash bar (wine & beer) will be available.
All proceeds benefit OCC ministry.
Registration deadline: April 15
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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Revealing Ramandan
Join us on May 7, 2019 in the Nabeel Khan Hall of the Mercy Mission Building as we welcome the month of Ramadan for our Oklahoma Muslim community. Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar where Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. A traditional Ramadan-inspired meal will be served. Register below to attend!
This event is hosted by CAIR Oklahoma, Oklahoma Conference of Churches Religions United Committee, Dialogue Institute of Oklahoma City, Surraya Anne Foundation Oklahoma City and the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City.