OCC's Religions United Committee Releases Statement of Interfaith Commitment

This week marks World Interfaith Harmony Week as recognized by the United Nations since 2010. The Religions United Committee of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches would like to take this opportunity to recognize the following:

  • As a committee we are dedicated to promoting interfaith understanding and collaboration in Oklahoma.

  • Now, more than ever, the people of our state need safe spaces, such as the ones we offer, to have open and honest dialogue about faith.

  • Our country is currently in the process of grieving and healing and we want to assist by nurturing respectful unity amongst diverse faith communities that can play an active role in the process.

  • No individual or group should ever be the target of hate, animosity, or restrictive policies based on their religious affiliation or lack thereof, as protected by the fundamentals of religious freedom as enshrined in the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

Together we will continue to work towards a better future for us all.

If you are interested in joining the Religions United committee, email us at okchurches@okchurches.org.

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New Micro-grant Opportunity for Faith Communities

Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for grants from the Oklahoma Conference of Churches (OCC).  Founded in 1972, the Oklahoma Conference of Churches has a long history of ministry to the people of Oklahoma, organizing disaster response solutions, cooperating with government agencies to educate people on specific needs, and hosting events designed to inform and promote understanding and unity.  OCC touches the lives of people from all socio-economic ranks. Comprised of Christian denominations, Interfaith houses of worship, and community organizations, OCC connects the voices and efforts of many groups for meaningful results.

OCC and its mission continue to grow by nurturing relationships with the Interfaith community and community-based partners. We invite you to partner with us on this mission of faith, care, and justice.

We are pleased to announce new micro-grant opportunities for faith-based organizations to provide support for opioid and stimulant prevention and recovery, to include outreach, programs, and/or education addressing addiction. Grants will be awarded up to $5,000. These grants must fall into the following 2 categories: 

1.    Ministry-Based Grants

2.   Community Outreach Grants

Ministry-Based Grants:

These grants help faith-based organizations identify, equip, and support specific areas of ministry addressing substance use disorder within their community, the marketplace, and the world. These grants can be used to create a new ministry, expand an existing ministry, purchase or create resources to maintain a ministry or partner with other faith groups to launch interfaith ministries.

Community Outreach Grants:

These grants assist faith-based organizations in addressing substance use disorder in their local communities. Grants are issued to support the work of social and criminal justice, mentoring or youth engagement, substance abuse prevention, faith education and inclusion initiatives, community events and gatherings for the purpose of building strong communities.

Inquiries:

Email OCC at okchurches@okchurches.org with the following:

– Organization name, purpose & mission

– Identify the grant category 

– A description of the initiative

– The cost of the project

– Grant amount being sought

– Major sources of financial support (including that of your organization)

An OCC staff member will respond to your inquiry and, if your project is eligible for consideration, will send you a grant application form to complete.

 

The application form includes:

– Background Information

– Project Summary / Purpose of Grant

– Project Timeline

– Organization Involvement

– Project Budget

– Governing Board Members

– Organization’s Point of Contact