Despite Portland’s reputation as “one of the most Godless cities in America,” faith-based organizations in our city have long engaged in social work, helping our communities address issues like poverty and hunger. Their potential --and sometimes contested role-- as partners in civil society is one that Portlanders need to engage critically. Churches, synagogues, mosques and other faith groups and networks may play a central role in helping address persistent social problems such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, racism, inequality, and even climate change. The question that emerges for Portlanders as we craft an inclusive, pluralist society for the future is how do we ensure that even as we engage faith groups in municipal problem-solving, we are dismantling injustice rather than reinforcing systems of exclusion and oppression?

In this conversation, we’ll hear about ongoing efforts across our community and put our heads together to brainstorm ways we can support diversity, inclusivity, and access to opportunity for all Portlanders. This will be a discussion about civic engagement for healthier communities and improved local government outcomes. Most importantly, this will be a conversation about the kind of city we want Portland to be and how we can harness our resources and empower our people as practical problem-solvers.

Host: Pastor Matt Huff, Portland Central Nazarene Church

Panelists: Katie Scheider; Zakir Khan; Pastor Jelani Greenidge; Rev. Lynne Smouse Lopez.