July 27, 2011

Mission: Living in Unity, Working for Justice
Christian Unity Commission

? The Commission is planning to invite Rev. Michael Kinnamon, Executive of the National Council of Churches for a special engagement for the CCC and area clergy on Christian unity and ecumenical relations on October 27-28, 2011.
? The CCC is involved in planning an Interfaith service for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in the evening on September 11, 2011 to be held at St. John’s Cathedral.
? Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks – Although the offering was lower this year, the Council still has donated 10% of the offering to two homeless shelters in Colorado.

Justice Commission

? Immigration: We are working with Immigration Integration Initiative with the Colorado Trust to help integrate immigrants into their communities and promoting Immigration reform including a theological rationale. We are not taking any specific position. A goal is to treat everyone with compassion regardless of their status and to seek the greatest justice for all. A “Clergy Presence Network” is being organized to provide a presence at immigration deportation hearings to speak up for those being detained who have not violated the law in any way.
? The Council heard from Liane Morrison from Great Futures Colorado and Great Education of Colorado and are supporting the effort to place Senator Rollie Heath’s proposal on the next ballot which would increase revenue for a five year period to provide more funding for K-12 and Higher Education in Colorado
? We, as the Council participate with Housing Justice and Hunger for Justice which have merged to promote low income housing and hunger programs
? We are engaged in an Immersion Event: Health Care Immersion with Faith Leaders around the State called “Engaging Faith Leaders in Health Care Reform.” We, the Council, have developed four religiously grounded principles for supporting health care for all, particularly lower income people and children as well as more affordable health care for all.
? We are partnering with the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence to provide additional information and education to prevent domestic violence.
? The Council did not take a position on the Civil Union bill before the legislature. The bill was not passed.
? The Council is in the process of developing an Anti-Bullying Curriculum from a faith-based perspective to be used in churches and possibly private schools in local communities.

Visioning Task Force

? A Long Range planning process is moving along to insure the future leadership and financing for the Council. I am one of six on the task force. Denominational Executives are heavily involved in the planning along with the task force.

I am happy to speak further about any of these issues or the Council in general.

Respectfully Submitted
Rev. Gordon J. Kieft
Colorado Council of Churches Secretary

2010 Colorado Council of Churches Report

2009 Colorado Council of Churches Report

2008 Colorado Council of Churches Report