Educate

Christians have a long and great tradition of caring for and serving those in need.  But what does it mean to advocate for the poor?

And why should we care?

OCCV is dedicated to educating people on why it is important to advocate public policy in Oregon. It’s simple, we want to advocate in order to build a community that reflects the priorities of the ministry of Jesus Christ.

We also work to make it easier for you to learn the legislative process and to let your voice be heard in Salem when it matters most.

We have a vision of Oregon transformed by a network of Christian citizens, rooted in the Word, active in the public arena, boldly proclaiming Christ’s vision for humanity and empowered to work together to shape public policy for the common good.

This commitment is our mission statement: Christians uniting to see God’s Justice in Oregon.

As an organization, OCCV gives voice to the values of Christians who feel that the current public and political face of Christianity has not represented their full reading of the Bible or their deeply held values. OCCV seeks to promote politics which transcend partisanship by placing a greater emphasis on the common good.

Find out why we actively advocate on these issues:

These issues all have both clear Biblical roots and a prominence in the ministry and teachings of Jesus Christ. We recognize that historically, the interests of individuals, families, and the community lose out to the more powerful interests.

If a sink is overflowing with water, for example, it is not enough to simply get a bucket. Someone has to turn off the faucet. Similarly, it is important and essential that we care for the poor. It is also imperative that we shut down the conditions that create poverty. No church, regardless of how godly or wealthy or righteous, can provide 117,000 children with health care or hospice for ¼ million elderly folks. Advocacy is a powerful tool for addressing the root causes of poverty.

Learn more on the following topics:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

— Proverbs 31:8-9