Oregon-Idaho Conference Commission on Religion and Race accepting grant applications, seeking new members

As Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky has outlined dismantling racism as one of the top missional priorities for the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area, the Oregon-Idaho Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CORR) is eager to help churches in those efforts.

The grant application process is open  and churches that are working to dismantling racism through various efforts can apply.

Commission co-chair, Rev. June Fothergill, is looking forward to churches telling their stories of the work they’re doing.

“There’s a lot more interest in this work of dismantling racism, which is really exciting,” Fothergill said. “We’re looking for creative ideas that try to meet the goal of the grant.”

Fothergill said CORR doesn’t have substantial resources, but can provide grants potentially up to $2,000 for projects.

Recently CORR provided grant funds to Collister UMC in Boise to support the “Turning Pages” video project featuring Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) reading stories written by, or about, BIPOC people.

CORR also provided funds in recent years for a multi-cultural summer camp at Tabor Heights UMC in Portland.

In addition to seeking stories and grant applications, Fothergill said CORR is looking for additional members who want to assist with the intersectional justice work of race and religion. For more information on current members and how to get involved, email Fothergill at juneafothergill@gmail.com.

Current members include: Rev. Kalina Malua Katoa, Rev.Fungalei Taufoou, Gloria Marple, Rev. Jessie Connor, Rochelle Killette and Richard Flanagin.