Oklahoma City -- Faith leaders from across the state joined a cadre of trainers from the United Church of Christ and Oklahoma Conference of Churches Saturday at First Christian Church of Oklahoma City, to tackle the issue of white privilege and racial justice. The 45 clergy and lay leaders of a diverse group of denominations … Continue reading Faith leaders gather to tackle issue of white privilege
Journalism
Churches tackling white privilege
The Oklahoma Conference of Churches is inviting churches across the state to join them in tackling the issue of white privilege, but there has been some resistance to the idea of opening that conversation. “Every time we start to publicize this event, we get a lot of pushback,” said the Rev. Shannon Fleck, executive director … Continue reading Churches tackling white privilege
From Okinawa to Vietnam and back: Retired sailor recalls career that spanned three wars
Writer's note: I enjoyed meeting this fellow Sailor and hearing his incredible story of service in three wars. But, what made the greatest impression on me was his befriending Japanese soldiers not long after the Battle of Okinawa and the end of the war. "They had a job to do, just like we did," McCray said. … Continue reading From Okinawa to Vietnam and back: Retired sailor recalls career that spanned three wars
‘It’s our baptism that calls us’
An interview with the Sisters of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ WICHITA, Kan. — In the not-too-distant past, a trip to the hospital in Enid, Okla., could be as much a spiritual journey as a physical one, with nurses equally ready to tend to matters of medicine and faith. St. Mary's Regional Medical … Continue reading ‘It’s our baptism that calls us’
“No good comes of war” Birthday memories of D-Day
ENID, Okla. — Ernest Leierer's 22nd birthday started out like any other day at his Army Air Corps Base in England. By the end of that day, Leierer was in France, in Eisenhower's "Great Crusade" to liberate Europe. Leierer, now 97, of Enid, Okla., found himself in the war the same way as many other … Continue reading “No good comes of war” Birthday memories of D-Day
Muslim community ends Ramadan with message of peace and charity
Oklahoma's Muslim community celebrated the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan this morning with prayer services around the state, ushering in the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr with a message of peace and charity. Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and "other sensual pleasures" from … Continue reading Muslim community ends Ramadan with message of peace and charity
Battling opioids from the pulpit
Oklahoma City -- State officials are partnering with faith leaders to spread education about the opioid crisis, and to break down stigma surrounding drug addiction and treatment. The Rev. Shannon Fleck, executive director of Oklahoma Conference of Churches (OCC), said the ecumenical organization recently launched a partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and … Continue reading Battling opioids from the pulpit
‘ALL ABOUT CHRIST’ — Group extends grace to current, former inmates
ENID, Okla. — Each Sunday morning, 20-30 men and women gather at Grace Place, an annex of Emmanuel Enid, to have Bible study, sing contemporary worship songs and learn practical ways to apply biblical messages to everyday life. The worship service isn’t unlike many other church groups in Enid, with one exception — almost all the worshipers … Continue reading ‘ALL ABOUT CHRIST’ — Group extends grace to current, former inmates
OPENING A DOOR: Episcopal and Orthodox congregations sharing space in new collaboration
ENID, Okla. — East meets West in a new collaboration between faith traditions, with members of a local mission parish of the Russian Orthodox Church meeting for worship services in a chapel at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. An expanding service The Russian Orthodox congregation held its first service and fellowship dinner at St. Matthew’s, 518 … Continue reading OPENING A DOOR: Episcopal and Orthodox congregations sharing space in new collaboration
This side of conversion therapy: Survivor, pastors, mom give diverging views on faith and LGBTQ sexuality
Katrina Kalb describes herself as being on a journey back into her Christian faith — a journey she almost didn’t live to take. Today, Kalb, in her early 40s, is interim president of Free Mom Hugs, a nonprofit that advocates for unconditional love of and equality for LGBTQ people. But, in her 20s, Kalb was … Continue reading This side of conversion therapy: Survivor, pastors, mom give diverging views on faith and LGBTQ sexuality
James R. Neal 