Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon

06/01/2026

Here at EMO we celebrate our LGBTQIA2S+ clients, staff, and volunteers every day but this month we acknowledge the ongoing fight for equal rights and the harm some churches have played in denying those rights. We hope that all LGBTQIA2S+ people know there is, and always will be, a place for them at EMO.

05/30/2026

In exactly one week we will be holding the 2026 Collins Lecture with author and comedian John Fugelsang. Well, one week and two hours. Not that we're counting or anything.

We are so excited to announce this years Collins Lecture. John Fugelsang, actor, comedian and host of “Tell Me Everything” on SiriusXM Progress, will be coming to Portland on Saturday June 6, 2026 for a conversation on his New York Times bestselling book, “Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds.”

Fugelsang uses humor and biblical scholarship to challenge far-right Christian ideologies, such as Christian nationalism, and argues for a return to the core teachings of Jesus–love, mercy and service. He provides a toolbox for responding to Christian nationalism on the biggest issues that divide us today: immigration, LGBTQIA2S+ rights, poverty, gun safety, feminism, the death penalty, and more.

If you want to learn directly from John Fugelsang about his approach of using the scripture and Jesus’s teachings to challenge Christian nationalism and authoritarianism, join us at the 2026 Collins Lecture for “A Conversation on the Separation of Church and Hate.”

Link in our comments!

05/29/2026

SOAR Immigration Legal Services is hitting the road and will hold a free naturalization clinic in Jackson County. Space will be limited, so registration is recommended.

05/28/2026

Mark your calendars for this event supporting our program Second Home Oregon! Who doesn’t love a garden party in the summer?

SECOND HOME GARDEN PARTY
Mix and mingle with Second Home staff, volunteers, and supporters. Enjoy seasonal food and beverages, and enter a raffle for prizes and weekend retreats. Funds raised go towards sustaining Second Home's work with students. Please join us! RSVP with the QR code or visit: emoregon.org/event/garden-party
🌸🌻🌷🌼🌺

05/26/2026

On June 6th, 2026 EMO will be hosting comedian and author John Fugelsang at the annual Collins lecture. In the meantime, we decided to take his book, Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, out to see a little of Oregon. Let us know in the comments where you would take the book to see!

05/25/2026

EMO offices and programs will be closed today in observance of Memorial Day.

05/22/2026

We are so excited to share that the 2026 Collins Lecture will be moderated by Dr. Jessica Taylor.

Dr. Jessica Taylor is a strategic executive advisor, ordained minister, and founder of Leadership Training Initiative (LTI), where she partners with nonprofits, boards, universities, and social ventures to strengthen leadership and navigate crisis, transition, and institutional change. A former CEO, Chancellor, and university president, she specializes in helping leaders think systemically about revenue, relationships, and risk while aligning values, decision making, and organizational health in high stakes environments.

05/21/2026

Last week, volunteers, representatives from health share, and EMO staff gathered at Luther Memorial to celebrate the recently renovated kitchen! Daily Bread Express (DBX), our program that prepares and delivers meals and other nutritional support to folks living with HIV/AIDs, is already making meals there! This renovation couldn't have happened without volunteer support both financial and labor. Thank you!

05/20/2026

For decades, the Collins Lecture has brought in speakers from around the world to discuss topics related to religion and ethics. This year, we are so excited to be featuring John Fugelsang! Reserve your tickets soon because they are selling fast!