OFN Statement on Nicole Renee Good and ICE

As people of faith from many traditions, the Oklahoma Faith Network is bound together by a shared commitment to the inherent worth of every human being, the call to love our neighbors, and the moral responsibility to protect those who are most vulnerable.

We grieve and condemn the killing of Renee Nicole Good. Her death is a devastating loss and reflects a profound moral failure. No policy, practice, or government agency is justified when its actions result in the loss of human life and the spread of fear within already-marginalized communities. We mourn with her loved ones and honor her memory by speaking plainly about what has occurred.

We also reject and stand in opposition to the actions and practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that rely on intimidation, dehumanization, and violence. Our faith traditions teach us that every person possesses inherent dignity. Systems that treat people as disposable or expendable violate the ethical commitments shared across our religious communities.

Even in our grief and anger, we affirm that our response must be grounded in peaceful and nonviolent action. We call on people of faith and conscience to engage in prayerful witness, public accountability, and sustained advocacy that seeks justice without perpetuating harm. Silence is not an option, but neither is violence.

We urge communities across Oklahoma to stand together - to protect immigrant families, to demand transparency and accountability, and to work toward policies rooted in dignity, compassion, and justice. Our faith traditions call us not only to believe these values, but to live them in public and courageous ways.

With deep gratitude for your service and solidarity,
Tim Atkins
President, Oklahoma Faith Network

OFN Statement on SNAP benefits and affordable healthcare

Across our state and nation, children, families, seniors and folks working hard each day are facing a cruel truth: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - the key food-safety net for millions - is in jeopardy. We are hearing that tens of millions of Americans will not receive November benefits because of a protracted funding stalemate in Washington.

No child should go hungry. No parent should wonder how the groceries will be paid for. Yet we find ourselves at a crossroads where government stall-games risk turning hunger into an emergency. As people of faith, rooted in values of compassion, justice and community, we must issue this clear call: our elected leaders must sit down, talk with one another, negotiate in good faith - and do their job in ensuring every family has food on the table.

While urging those in the halls of power to act, we also know that our congregations, our churches and our faith communities can and must step in now. To all the churches across Oklahoma: please consider strengthening or starting a food-bank ministry or partner with your local food pantry. Even more: hold a fundraising drive rather than simply collecting canned goods. Why? Because your local pantry can purchase nutritious food in bulk and stretch every dollar far further than individual grocery shopping. A dollar given to the pantry often means many more meals for our neighbors.

Imagine a special Sunday when your offering is designated for your local pantry. Imagine your youth group, your religious education class, your hospitality team setting a goal: “$1 feeds a child today.” Let that become a concrete teaching moment: we don’t wait - when children are hungry, we act.

When one of us is hungry, we are all diminished. When we work together - calling our government to responsible action and our houses of worship to immediate service - we witness that dignity restored and community strengthened.

Let us be both advocates and neighbors, sure that our politicians talk until they act, and that our churches act while we wait. Because when children are fed, and when we don’t let hunger be a bargaining chip, our entire community is nourished - body, soul, and spirit.

With deep gratitude for your service and solidarity,
Tim Atkins
President, Oklahoma Faith Network