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Why donate to Cathedral of Hope?
† We are Reclaiming Christianity as a faith of extravagant grace, radical inclusion, and relentless compassion. Saving it from those who would use it to control, manipulate and exclude God's children.
† Our congregation daily impacts lives of LGBT and heterosexual people alike, working person by person to change minds, end religious bigotry, and help those in need. Our senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Scott Jones shares these stories as examples of our impact.
"Last month as the worship service concluded, I was standing at the front doors greeting guests as the exited. One young woman, a first time visitor, stopped to talk with me. She said she had to confess that she was here for a school project; she had been assigned the task of going someplace outside her comfort zone, someplace she would not normally go, and to write about the experience. A regular church go-er, she decided to attend our predominately LGBT congregation. At this point she started crying and told me, “I’ve never been to a church like this. I go to church all the time, but you have changed my mind. I had never really thought it about it before.” Crying, she embraced me and said she had to tell her friends about her change of mind.
Or there was the call I received the next week from a young man at Oklahoma Baptist University. He had just come out and was struggling with his faith and his sexuality. Fortunately one of his professors had referred him to me. This was the result of years of my developing and maintaining relationships with OBU so that I might serve in this very capacity as a minister to those in need."
† We are a community of care, serving the larger community, and we are asking for your support.
Recently we launched our new Health & Wellness Ministry. We sent Judy Hey, a retired nurse, to receive training from Catholic Charities in order to coordinate this vital ministry. Already Judy has helped individual church members with their health needs by gathering information and resources. We have organized a health fair, an exercise program, and an upcoming seminar on relationships.
Last November we worked with the Health Department to provide free flu shots for anyone, not just our members; we invited the entire community. One day we even set up a flu shot clinic at the Gold Dome during a Diversity Business Association meeting.
Our annual Christmas baskets project for those living with HIV/AIDS has ministered to hundreds of people the last seven years.
† Our projects reach the broader community in a way that confronts prejudice and inequality.
For example, we have adopted our neighborhood school, Wilson Elementary. Every summer we provide thousands of school supplies. In the fall we deliver boxes of tissues. And every winter we sew scores of scarves. The school officials love us and welcome our gifts enthusiastically. Each time we give, we meet the children’s needs and we help to confront prejudice.
Last summer(2007) we sponsored a lecture on the LGBT history of Oklahoma that later aired on KGOU as part of their coverage of the Oklahoma centennial. That broadcast reached thousands of radio listeners with a powerful message.
We are public advocates for justice and equality. We have demonstrated community leadership in the Stop Hate Coalition that formed in response to the murder last fall of Steven Domer and was mobilized this last week to respond to Rep. Kern.
This follows a history of advocacy and leadership on the library book segregation issue, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Student Handbook bullying and discrimination policy, the Soulforce Equality Ride direct action campaign, and the Stop Hate in the Hallways Conference.
Our work serves to liberate ALL people.
Won’t you help us carry on this vital work?
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