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 - Ecumenical Christian
MinistriesThe Wisconsin Council of Churches utilizes the collective gifts of the thirteen member denominations to minister to important needs of the people of Wisconsin: Affordable Housing Program The Wisconsin Council of Churches, along with faith communities and housing agencies statewide, supports efforts to make affordable housing more widely available in Wisconsin. WCC is a member of this Wisconsin Collaborative for Affordable Housing, which presents the annual "A Home for Everyone Conference" (for information on this year's conference, click here. We also advocate for affordable housing legislation; visit our Legislative Alert Center and click on "Issues" to check for current legislative priorities. From 2002 to 2004 the WCC worked with its partners to identify unmet needs, encourage collaboration, make resources known and available to encourage expanded participation by faith communities in Wisconsin. For more on this program click here. Becoming Welcoming Communities - Immigration Reform More on this important initiative soon. Care for Creation Protecting the environment that sustains us and all other forms of life has become one of the most pressing public issues of our time. As people of faith. we know this to be God's call to be caretakers of our precious home, the Earth. See more on Care for Creation initiatives at the Council. Commissions The Wisconsin Council of Churches has three program commissions that oversee the work of the Council. The Commissions are described in greater detail here. Community Investment Program The Community Investment Program is for individuals, congregations and member denominations investing in a brighter future for Wisconsin's low income families and communities. The Council offers a unique opportunity to local church members, congregations and its member denominations to invest in selected community development institutions (CDFI's) throughout Wisconsin. The CDFI's help distressed communities, low and moderate income people and minority populations to develop housing, employment and business opportunities. To view or print a description of this program in PDF format click here. Death Penalty Initiatives This area is under construction. Educational Events for Clergy & Lay Persons The Council holds more than a dozen workshops and conferences annually, including the Washington Island Forum, the Annual Board Meeting and seminars held throughout the state designed with clergy and lay people in mind. For a listing of current and future events see our online Events page and online registration by clicking here. Faith Partners This area is under construction. Friends of the Council The Council is in the process of forming a "Friends of the Council" initiative to assure that the legacy of the Council continues by forming leaders, empowering public witness and equipping the missional church. More on this in September, 2010. Health Care for All Visit the WCC web pages set up to help residents learn more about the problem and the various state and federal programs created to improve affordable health care clicking here. Hunger on Our Doorstep Hunger on Our Doorstep is a new resource from the Wisconsin Council of Churches to help congregations learn about – and respond to – hunger in their communities. Food is one of the most basic human needs. Without dependable access to food for a safe and nutritious diet, no one can lead a happy and productive life. Yet there are many people in our communities who do not have enough to eat, or who worry about where their next meal is coming from. Caring for the poor and feeding the hungry is a basic responsibility of God’s people (see, for example, Proverbs 22:9). For more on this initiative, including a resource guide, click here.Public Witness Ministry The Council is placing considerable effort into establishing a statewide, ecumenical grassroots advocacy network focused on issues of social and economic justice. This ministry has held legislative briefings to increase state support for the school breakfast program, has successfully advocated for legislation to provide Treatment Instead of Prisons for first time, nonviolent drug offenders, opposed legislative efforts to reinstate the death penalty in Wisconsin, and opposed legislative proposals to enshrine spending caps in the state constitution that would harm our schools, communities and most vulnerable neighbors. For additional information about this work of the Council contact Dr. Peter Bakken (608) 837-3108 or bakken@wichurches.org, or refer to the WCC Advocacy web page by clicking here. Torture is a Moral Issue The Council has joined the National Religious Campaign Against Torture in advocating for the elimination of the use of torture by U.S. military forces and clandestine operatives. Learn more about this important issue and what can be done about it. Unity and Relationships The WCC Unity and Relationships Committee (formerly Faith & Order) is made up of representatives from each member judicatory. The Committee keeps abreast of the most important national and international dialogues leading to greater unity within the Church. Believing that prayer is the soul of the ecumenical movement, the Committee also encourages ecumenical worship and prayer. In addition to its work promoting unity and renewal in the Church, the Committee participates in and encourages dialogue with other religions through the Interfaith Committee. For more information click here. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an important expression of ecumenical activity at the local level. The theme and text for each year’s observance of the Week of Prayer are chosen and prepared by representatives of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and representatives of the World Council of Churches. The events are usually scheduled for the third week of January each year. The international texts are developed, adapted and published for use in the USA by the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute www.geii.org . For more information click here. How Can I Participate? Familiarize yourself with issues, pray about them, and discuss them with friends and family. Take issues to your congregation, attend public meetings, and write letters to the editor. Consider taking a part in WCC program activities, joining the WCC Peace and Justice Committee or the Stewardship of Public Life Committee. WCC Contact Information If you have questions about any of the Council's programs contact us at (608) 837-3108 or email us at: wcoc@wichurches.org. |  |
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity |