Civil Dialogue -- Can the Churches Show the Way?

Kentucky church leaders, both lay and clergy, are warmly invited to the 2013 annual event of the Kentucky Council of Churches, where we will explore the biblical theme, "Instead, speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). What are the dynamics affecting the ways Christians and citizens express our differences? How have Christians contributed to the problems? What different way are we called to show?

Please save these dates: October 24-25, 2013, and plan to be present at Kentucky Dam Park in western Kentucky's Gilbertsville. This is a beautiful site situated on an enormous lake.

Our keynote speakers will be KET's Renee Shaw, and professor Kathryn Johnson of Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. Our workshops will cover a range of important topics such as skills for dialogue, ecumenical dialogue, conversations with Muslims, the role of social media, the experience of "The Moral Side of the News," and the restorative justice movement's use of dialogue in situations between victims and offenders. Our worship will feature leaders who serve Western Kentucky churches. A flier is available to download here.

Registration begins on Monday July 15th!

Restoring Voting Rights

Supporters of restoring voting rights to ex-felons
The Council is working to help former prisoners integrate to society as full citizens. An important part of such work is the restoration of voting rights. Because Kentucky does not make that an easy and transparent process, many groups are advocating a constitutional change that would make restoration automatic for almost all ex-felons. Contact us for more information! 

Churches Address Health Issues

The Council's 2012 assembly addressed health issues, centering on Jesus' statement that he came "that they might have life, and have it abundantly." Read all about it at this part of our site. Pictures are there too!

AMEZ Bishop Starnes names priorities

Bishop Darryl and Missionary Supervisor Camille StarnesAddressing an overflow crowd at Hughlett Temple AME Zion Church on August 17th, Bishop Darryl Starnes and his wife Camille expressed gratitude for the faithfulness and vitality of the Midwest Episcopal Area. Bishop Starnes, who said his parents originally met in Louisville, also set out his priorities: "We want to learn together, lead together, and live together. We will discern God's vision for us through prayer." Coming to this new position of leadership from a history in the denomination's evangelism work, Bishop Starnes is well known and met with a warm welcome.

KET Interview About Council Now Available Online

Prefer to hear and see and not just read? Take 30 minutes to hear an overview of much of the Council's work!

The Connections program of Kentucky Education Television (KET) did a 30-minute interview with Marian M. Taylor, the Executive Director of the Kentucky Council of Churches. In it, host Renee Shaw's good questions and Taylor's answers combine to provide you with a great introduction. Please click here.