Rev. Fleck’s journey
Read about Rev. Fleck’s personal journey to No Hate in the Heartland.
Painting: Kemit Amenophis, 1986
Courtesy of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Fleck + Michael eric
Owens podcast
Listen to Rev. Shannon Fleck and Michael Eric Owens discuss No Hate in the Heartland, OCC's new theological statement on Race and Anti-Discrimination, and why we need people of faith to speak out. Check out this One Mic One Voice episode now.
white privilege: let’s talk
OCC is offering an online experience to help our community understand white privilege. Space is very limited! See registration details here.
HB1775 panel Discussion
Check out this important conversation about a controversial new law in Oklahoma and its implications. It’s archived on our Facebook and YouTube, so you can watch it any time!
Immigration and faith
Check out this discussion of how immigration policies affect certain communities of faith, what it's like to be targeted because of your faith, and how faith communities can help their neighbors around this issue.
the black church: faith and trauma
The Black church has always been a place of refuge for a community dealing with a legacy of trauma. From slavery to the modern Civil Rights Movement, the Black church has played a key role in empowering downtrodden people. In the post-George Floyd era and a looming pandemic, trauma is at an all-time high. Join us to discuss the roots of historical trauma in the Black community and the many ways the church has taken the lead in addressing these issues.
Faith and race panel
Watch this community conversation on Faith and Race in Oklahoma, hosted by the Religions United Committee at OCC and featuring Senator George E. Young, Sr., Rev. Shannon Fleck, Rabbi Vered Harris, Masood Abdul-Haqq, DeBorah Boneta, and Adam Soltani.
young voices of color panel
Oklahoma Conference of Churches, in conjunction with New Leaders Council - Oklahoma, continue the conversation around racial identity and injustice in America by amplifying young voices of color. Join us as we listen to the next generation as they share their experiences, ideas, and the future they want to see.
white privilege news coverage
The Oklahoman ran a front-page story on the No Hate campaign and our upcoming trainings to bring awareness around white privilege. The article gained a lot of positive interest, showing that many Oklahomans of faith are ready to grow in love and understanding. It also garnered some negative interest, illustrating the dire need for learning and growth experiences around race. You can read the article by clicking here.
No Hate in the heartland gala featuring dr. cornel west
We are thrilled to announce that our 50th Anniversary Gala will feature Dr. Cornel West as the keynote speaker. 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. Sponsorship details are available here.
Faith and the death penalty
Join us for an honest theological dialogue about the death penalty, addressing the morality surrounding the death penalty, why it's not conducive with theological teaching, and some issues going on in Oklahoma specifically.
Theological statement
Read the statement in its entirety here.
Theological statements are developed with the unanimous cooperation and agreement of OCC Communion Leaders.
oklahoman coverage
Check out the Oklahoman article about the new theological statement and response from the community.
What the Bible Says and Doesn't Say about Homosexuality
"If you want to discriminate against gay people, it's your choice, but you can't use the Bible to do it." -- Rev. Dr. Lisa W. Davison, Professor of Hebrew Bible. No Hate in the Heartland is proud to present this lecture which addresses scriptural context and history, human sexuality in the Bible, and a direct examination of the scriptures that have been used to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community.
Mothers’ perspective on violence
OCC continues the community discussion on race and privilege with this special panel conversation. Life is short, and cherishing our love ones is so important. Loss is part of life; however, when you lose a child, it is devastating. Tune in to this conversation and hear directly from those impacted by the loss of a child by violence. Not only do they live with this loss, but they are still fighting for justice. Join us for this life-changing experience.
Rev. Dr. Fleck responds to
anti-crt rhetoric
After State Secretary of Education Ryan Walters posted a videocongratulating Oklahoma for passing a law to ban Critical Race Theory in schools, Rev. Dr. Fleck shared an open letter calling for an accurate and inclusive teaching of America's history.