About Us
“The
Mission
We have a vision of Oregon transformed by a network of Christian citizens, rooted in the Word, active in the public arena, boldly proclaiming the fullness of Christ’s vision for humanity, and empowered to work together to shape public policy for the common good.
Board
Chair Karen Nettler, Non-denominational
Furlton Burns
John Calhoun, Presbyterian
Courtney Dillard, First United Methodist
John Griffin
Andy Harris, Trinity Covenant
Don Klosterman, Presbyterian
Naomi Lambertson
Adam Rose, Seventh-day Adventist
Shoshon Tama-Sweet, Evangelical
Stephanie Tama-Sweet, Non-denominational
Vicki Weld
Jon Zall, Mosaic
Staff
Laura Fisher, United Church of Christ
Administrative Assistant
Click here to read about OCCV’s Successes
History
The Oregon Center for Christian Values (OCCV) grew out of the energy and interest generated by Rev. Jim Wallis’s visit to Portland in April 2005. More than 2,000 people heard Rev. Wallis, author of God’s Politics, and his message of a fresh vision of faith and values in American life. OCCV was formed by local committed believers to give direction and purpose to this movement of energetic citizens.
A grassroots network was built up in the Portland area, focused on expanding Christian social issues in areas such as health care, poverty, the environment, and education. We saw that much of the Christian community needed to be educated on these issues, and trained in advocacy for the purpose of changing government policies – at both the state and local level.
In September of 2006, OCCV co-hosted Jim Wallis’s return to Portland, drawing over 800 Oregonians to his keynote speech and OCCV’s first annual Faith and American Values Summit, featuring local leaders and theologians. The summit advocacy training prepared members of the OCCV network to engage in action and dialogue around important issues in their communities, including support for bills in the Oregon legislature.
In February 2007, local Christian leaders participated in the Interfaith Advocacy Day, reminding lawmakers that their commitment is to serve the common good. Over 300 members participated during Oregon’s 2007 Legislative Session by meeting with and writing to their legislators, writing letters to the editor, phone banking, and testifying in support of bills addressing care for the poor, care for creation, and care for the sick. OCCV looks forward to engaging its network in the Oregon Legislature’s supplemental session in February 2008.
In April 2007, OCCV brought local Christians together to talk about a Biblical response to concerns about our relationship to God’s Creation. The day-long event featured Peter Illyn, founder of Restoring Eden, and offered workshops and panel discussions to over 100 participants who spent the day reflecting on the theological and ecological aspects of environmental stewardship.
OCCV hosted our second annual summit on “Poverty and Politics: Responding to God’s Call for Action” in October 2007. Dr. Ron Sider, author of Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, urged attendees to become involved as individuals and churches to address the root causes of poverty in our communities. Additionally in 2007, OCCV established partnerships with local churches, colleges, and nonprofits to begin education and advocacy training programs. OCCV plans several projects to expand our work with churches, colleges, nonprofits, local communities, and government representatives in 2008. New OCCV chapters formed in the city of Salem and in Washington County with plans for others in 2008.