Ecumenical conversations in Wisconsin began in the early 20th century. Although the Wisconsin Council of Churches didn’t incorporate until 1947, we trace our organizational roots back to the early 1940’s with an inter-denominational ministry for young people. We now relate to church and para-church organizations representing approximately 2,000 congregations and over one million people of faith statewide. We are diverse people and organizations working together faithfully across difference to address critical issues with creativity and courage.

2019 Highlights

Faith & Gun Violence Initiative – The Council hosted two youth summits, gathering young people from around the state to share their true personal stories and perspectives, and begin imagining a changed future. Some of these youth storytellers joined in conversation at local churches, leading worship and educational forums. Their testimony is at the core of our new study-action guide, which will be released for Lent 2020. We also participated in advocacy days at the Capitol and public witness events associated with Wisconsin’s special session called to address gun violence legislation.

Allies in Advocacy – A webinar series, “Advocacy That Works,” provided information to faith-based advocates on how to speak truth to power in strategic ways. People of Faith United for Justice brought advocates to the Capitol to learn from experts and speak to their legislators on 3 key issues: clean, safe drinking water; access to BadgerCare, access to affordable, quality early childhood education. Throughout the year, we invited advocates into opportunities using our e-advocacy network, encouraging them to call, write and visit their representatives to register their perspectives on key issues that make our communities more just, whole and healthy places to live.

Educational Events – Our Winter Forum speaker was Austin Channing Brown, author of I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in A World Made for Whiteness. Combined with a panel discussion with local leaders in the African-American community about the impact of racism on their faith, and a time of reflection, prayer and commitment, this event gathered nearly 150 faith leaders from around the state. Our speaker at June’s Washington Island Forum was Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove, who led us in a discussion of A Revolution of Values: The Bible, the Poor, and a Moral Imagination for Faith in Our Common Life.

Visits for Support and Collegiality – When the Council’s staff makes an ecumenical visit to a congregation or judicatory meeting, we bear a simple message:

30 W. MIFFLIN ST, STE 602 MADISON WI 53703 • WICHURCHES.ORG • 608 837 3108

you are not alone. In your joys and your trials, we are honored to represent the ecumenical community, bearing witness to the presence of the wider church with you. In the past year, we have guest preached; brought greetings on ordinary days and days of celebration, and prayers of support during times of community and denominational crisis; we have staffed information tables, offered workshops and circulated in meetings. We want to help YOU reclaim Holy Imagination and imagine a more vital future.

30 W. MIFFLIN ST, STE 602 MADISON WI 53703 • WICHURCHES.ORG • 608 837 3108

Annual Meeting – We welcomed 1HOPE, an ecumenical ministry based in Kenosha, as an associate member. 1HOPE’s ministry includes feeding, mentoring, supporting foster care networks, and community-building.Our keynote speaker was Rev. Dr. Alton Pollard III, President of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. His talk on “God in the Wild,” urging the church to find the Spirit in vibrant youth-led movements, combined with lively music and other breakout sessions on community engagement, sent participants forth energized for ministry.

Vision, Identity & Administrative Changes – We began to align our programming and back-office functions to a strategic vision the board has been working on for the past two years. We moved Council offices from Sun Prairie to the Capitol Square in Madison, in order to better serve our strategic goals in equipping people for public witness and engaging with young adults. Our new staff structure includes a part-time position focusing on Ecumenical Innovation and curating content for our social media and newly renovated website. A new logo made its debut in 2019. Major donors also made it possible to transition to a significantly improved database.

Looking Ahead

Each year, the Board of Directors approves an ‘Ecumenical Directions’ statement and Public Policy Priorities to guide our work for the year. These are proposed by staff, in consultation with the Council’s program commissions. Here’s a brief summary of just some of what’s planned for 2020:

Interfaith Voter Engagement Campaign – The Council is collaborating with Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice on a major national grant. Bridging Faiths for A Stronger Democracy will be the public kickoff in February. We are seeking faith communities and individuals to work across religious and other divides in order to increase understanding, grow relationships, and civic engagement. Participating faith communities will be encouraged to be part of voter registration drives, get out the vote efforts, and other creative projects toward maximizing community participation that

makes for a healthy democracy. This is one of five projects funded across the nation, and we are part of a learning community with our national funders and other project leaders.

Faith & Gun Violence Initiative – We plan to continue sharing the learnings of the Faith & Gun Violence initiative by releasing the study-action guide for use on a pilot basis during Lent and a final edition later in 2020. WCC staff is available to visit churches for adult or cross+generational forums and preaching.

Immigration Through the Lens of Biblical Faith – We are delighted to be planning a fall young adult summit on the topic of immigration and faith. Using a similar model to the Faith & Gun Violence initiative, the proceedings of the summit will inform a second edition of our Immigration study-action guide, which was originally released in 2011.

Doctrine of Discovery – In 2020, the Council will embark on an initiative that has the potential to cross the work areas of all of its Commissions. We have been invited by members of several of Wisconsin’s tribal communities to consider our relationships with native peoples, and as a Council to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery. Our

30 W. MIFFLIN ST, STE 602 MADISON WI 53703 • WICHURCHES.ORG • 608 837 3108

Washington Island Forum speaker will be Kaitlin B. Curtice; her topic comes from her new book, Native: Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering God. Several of our member judicatories have recently taken significant steps in acknowledging harms and working toward healed relationships, and we plan to do some sacred storytelling around these acts. In focused work sessions throughout the year, and in conversation with invited guests, we hope to develop this project on a rapid timeline, bringing recommendations and resources forward for Annual Meeting this year.

Public Policy Priorities – This year, we are monitoring legislation and policy relating to poverty (especially child poverty), gun violence, and immigration. We are also attending to priorities identified by our Native American kin in Wisconsin and will work to support and amplify those messages. Our efforts are intended to help people reflect on the faith implications of various issues, facilitate engagement and equip people for advocacy wherever they are in their skill sets and topical interest.

30 W. MIFFLIN ST, STE 602 MADISON WI 53703 • WICHURCHES.ORG • 608 837 3108