Northern California Interreligious Conference

NCIC Calls For Peace on Veterans' Day

2011-11-11T03:27:00.000-08:00

Northern California Interreligious Conference

4335 Virginia Avenue

Oakland, CA 94619

510 536-3700

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

November 11, 2011

Contact:

Jackie Wright,

415 525 0410

MAYOR JEAN QUAN JOINS NCIC PASTORS’
THANKSGIVING BREAKFASTWITH NOTED CLERGYMAN

DR. JAMES A. FORBES IN WAKE OF OCCUPY OAKLAND

Northern California Interreligious Conference “All Pastors Interreligious Breakfast”

Reminds Clergy of All Religions of their Role to Stand for Peace and Justice and

Calls Pastors to Pray for the Peace of Oakland as Doves Are Released.

Oakland, CA- The Northern California Interreligious Conference (NCIC) gathers on Veterans’ Day November 11, 2011 (9:30 a.m.) today at the Cathedral of Christ the Light Church in Oakland with Mayor Jean Quan, Dr. James A. Forbes, who in 1989 was the first person of color to head the famed Riverside Church, built in 1927 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. known as a “stronghold for activism and political debate,” Michael Livingston, Director of the National Council of Churches “Fighting Poverty With Faith” Initiative, and religious leaders from all faiths to call for justice and peace in Oakland.

“We can’t thank the Diocese of Oakland enough for their support of this breakfast as we gather all religions in the first Cathedral built in the 21^st Century,” said Reverend Greggory L. Brown Senior Pastor of Miracles of Faith Lutheran Church in Oakland and President of the NCIC Board of Directors. “When the violence broke out at Occupy Oakland it became evident that our breakfast which was planned to thank, inspire and encourage clergy, must take on the greater role of reminding religious leaders of our great role to stand for justice, pray for peace and to take action as peacemakers,” said Reverend Brown.

Mayor Jean Quan will be on hand to bring a proclamation that exhorts the Northern California Interreligious Conference for its over 110 year legacy of working for justice and peace. It notes NCIC’s call for justice in deaths of young people of Oakland including Brandon Morris, Oscar Grant, Darnell Barr and others; and commends religious leaders for their often unsung contributions and their impact for the good of society.

Dr. James A. Forbes, who is called the “Dean of Clergy” and founder of the Healing of the Nations Foundation will be the keynote speaker at the event. Michael Livingston, as Director of “Fighting Poverty With Faith” launched the second nationwide “Food Stamp Challenge” at Congress to live on $31.50 a week, will be a special guest. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who took on the “Food Stamp Challenge” which ends just as the “All Religious Pastors Thanksgiving Breakfast” begins, is an invited guest. Other highlights include Piano Virtuoso Ricardo Scales’ performance and the release of doves heavenward as prayers from different religions are spoken.

“On the backdrop of Veteran’s Day, when we commend soldiers for their service to our country and with the “Food Stamp Challenge” just ending, to hear from Dr. Forbes, who is the Emeritus Pastor of Riverside Church, the tallest church in America and the 24^th tallest church in the world, we are surrounded by symbolism that should spur us on to call ourselves and our nation to moral excellence,” said Phil Lawson, Director of Housing East Bay Housing Organization (EBHO) and NCIC board member. “We will not only speak peace in the walls of the cathedral, but we will ‘act peace’ by adjourning and going to the Occupy Oakland site to be with the people and perform our calling.”

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About Northern California Interreligious Conference

The Northern California Interreligious Conference is incorporated as a nonprofit in the State of California to advocate for Human Rights and present a unified voice of its members to speak truth to power and to inform the public of its responsibility to a higher calling of morality, service to mankind and ethics with respect of all religious faiths.

Established in 1914, NCIC seeks to create and sustain in Northern California an association of local and regional denominations, religious bodies, congregations, ecumenical and interfaith councils, faith-based advocacy organizations, and individuals of diverse religious traditions and backgrounds who share a common commitment to a vision of community that is based on peace, justice and the care of creation. NCIC HONORED.

Mayor Jean Quan Joins NCIC Prayer Breakfast as Pastors Pray for the Peace of Oakland

2011-11-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

Northern California Interreligious Conference

4335 Virginia Avenue

Oakland, CA 94619

510-536-6700

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

November 10, 2011

Contact:

Jackie Wright,

415 525 0410

MAYOR JEAN QUAN JOINS DR. JAMES A. FORBES AT NCIC ALL FAITHS PASTORS BREAKFAST CONVENED FOR HEALING IN WAKE OF OCCUPY OAKLAND VIOLENCE

Thanksgiving Breakfast Calling All Pastors of All Faiths Together unfolds

to Include Prayers and Release of Doves for Healing in the Aftermath of Occupy Oakland Violence.

WHO: James A. Forbes, “Dean of Clergy,” Founder of Healing of the Nations Church, Senior Minister Emeritus of Riverside Church, built in 1927 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1927; Mayor Jean Quan, Reverend Greggory Brown, Board President of Northern California Interreligious Conference (NCIC), Reverend Phil Lawson, NCIC Board Member, Director of East Bay Housing Organization, Reverend Michael Livingston, Director of the National Council of Churches’ Fighting Poverty With Faith Initiative (National Food Stamp Challenge), Invited: U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (unconfirmed) Pastors of All Faiths, and other invited dignitaries.

WHAT: All Pastors Interreligious Thanksgiving Breakfast to honor the unsung work of pastors and to inspire clergy to initiate healing prayers and action after the violence of Occupy Oakland. Doves will be released to symbolize the heavenward prayers.

WHEN: Friday, November 11^th 9:30 a.m. Media can interview from 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m. During the Keynote speech (approximately 10:25) and the prayers media are asked to not move around through the audience in respect to sacred activities. Interviews can resume at the end of the breakfast (11:00 a.m.) Pastors will be encouraged to go over to Occupy Oakland after the event.

WHERE: Cathedral of Christ the Light Church, 2121 Harrison Street, Oakland, CA 94612

WHY: All Pastors Interreligious Thanksgiving Breakfast is a call to action for leaders of all faiths to pray and take action for the good of all. The Clergy is part of the 99% of the Occupy Movement. The violence against protestors at Occupy Oakland who were assembled lawfully and who were exercising their “right to freedom of speech” October 25 and with the reported violence overnight have created a sense of urgency for clergy to perform their role to “call for justice and a call for peace.”

During these hard economic times, the clergy are at the forefront of bringing solutions to their neighborhoods. They are among the first to hear the cries of the people concerning food scarcity, foreclosure, and joblessness. NCIC is honored to have the highly respected “Dean of Clergy,” Dr. James A. Forbes Jr. speak to the conscience of clergy. NCIC supports Michael Livingston & the National Council of Churches Fighting Poverty with Faith Initiative that kicked off “Food Stamp Challenge” at Congress last week, encouraging lawmakers to survive on $31.50 a week ($4.50 a day) for food for their families. Congresswoman Barbara Lee took part in the challenge that ends today. Considering the crime statistics, they would be worse, if it were not for clergy 1) inspiring people to do good and 2) helping to rehabilitate those that have been incarcerated.

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NCIC 11-11-11 "Pastors of All Faiths Thanksgiving Breakfast & Occupy Oakland

2011-11-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Northern California Interreligious Conference

4335 Virginia Avenue

Oakland, CA 94619

510-536-6700

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

November 2, 2011

Jackie Wright

Contact:

415 525 0410

NCIC ALL FAITHS PASTORS BREAKFAST CONVENES FOR HEALING

IN WAKE OF OCCUPY OAKLAND VIOLENCE

Planned Thanksgiving Breakfast Calling All Pastors of All Faiths Together unfolds to Include Prayers for Healing in the Aftermath of Violence of Occupy Oakland.

WHO: James A. Forbes, “Dean of Clergy,” Founder of Healing of the Nations Church, Senior Minister Emeritus of Riverside Church, built in 1927 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1927; Reverend Michael Livingston, Director of the National Council of Churches’ Fighting Poverty With Faith Initiative (National Food Stamp Challenge), Reverend Greggory Brown, Board President of Northern California Interreligious Conference (NCIC), Reverend Phil Lawson, NCIC Board Member, Director of EBHO Housing, Invited: U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (unconfirmed) Mayor Jean Quan (CONFIRMED), Pastors of All Faiths, and other invited dignitaries.

WHAT: All Pastors Interreligious Thanksgiving Breakfast to honor the unsung work of pastors and to inspire clergy to initiate healing after the violence of Occupy Oakland.

WHEN: Friday, November 11^th 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Cathedral of Christ the Light Church, 2121 Harrison Street, Oakland, CA 94612

WHY: All Pastors Interreligious Thanksgiving Breakfast is a call to action for leaders of all faiths to pray and take action for the good of all. The Clergy is part of the 99% of the Occupy Movement. The violence against protestors at Occupy Oakland who were assembled lawfully and who were exercising their “right to freedom of speech” October 25 and with the reported violence overnight November 2 have created a sense of urgency for clergy to perform their role to “call for justice and call for peace.”

During these hard economic times, the clergy are at the forefront of bringing solutions to their neighborhoods. They are among the first to hear the cries of the people concerning food, foreclosure, and joblessness. NCIC is honored to have the highly respected “Dean of Clergy,” Dr. James A. Forbes Jr. speak to the conscience of clergy. NCIC supports Michael Livingston & the National Council of Churches Fighting Poverty with Faith Initiative that kicked off “Food Stamp Challenge” at Congress last week, encouraging lawmakers to survive on $31.50 a week ($4.50 a day) for food for their families. Congresswoman Barbara Lee accepted the challenge.

Considering the crime statistics, they would be worse, if it were not for clergy 1) inspiring people to do good and 2) helping to rehabilitate those that have been incarcerated.

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Related News-Interfaith Statewide Conference October 2012 in Sacramento

NCIC Thanksgiving Breakfast Signifies a" Call for Justice and Peace" In Wake of Occupy Oakland Violence

2011-11-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

All Pastors Interreligious Thanksgiving Breakfast is a call to action for leaders of all faiths to pray and take action for the good of all. The Clergy is part of the 99% of the Occupy Movement.

The violence against protestors at Occupy Oakland who were assembled lawfully and who were exercising their “right to freedom of speech” October 25 and with the reported violence overnight November 2 have created a sense of urgency for clergy to perform their role to “call for justice and call for peace.”

Northern California Interreligious Conference

Cordially Invites You to the
"INTERRELIGIOUS PASTORS'
THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST"
9:30 a.m. Friday,
November 11, 2011
at Cathedral of Christ the Light Church

With Special Guest:

The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes Jr.

Healing of the Nations Foundation Founder &

Pastor Emeritus of The Riverside Church,

New York, NY

Dear Friends,

We of the Northern California Interreligious Conference (NCIC) request the honor of your presence at the "Interreligious Pastors Thanksgiving Breakfast" on Friday, November 11th with Dr.Jim Forbes at 9:30 a.m. at Cathedral of Christ the Light Church, 2121 Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94612.

Special Guest will be Reverend Michael Livingston of the
National Council of Churches' Fighting Poverty With Faith.

Join NCIC as we break bread in unity of diverse religious traditions during the Thanksgiving season. We extend an invitation to clergy of all faiths. You are our guests. There is no cost to you. Feel free to share this invitation with your friends and colleagues in the clergy.

In the Spirit of "Giving Thanks Always,"

Reverend Greggory Brown
President,
NCIC Board of Directors

RSVP by November 8th to nciccares@gmail.com or 510 536-6700

http://ncic-justiceandpeace.blogspot.com

NCIC Stands with NCC, Congresswoman Lee and Fighting Poverty with Faith

2011-10-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 27, food stamp users gathered together with members of Congress, representatives of the Obama Administration, rabbis, priests, and reverends outside a Capitol Hill Safeway grocery store to kick off the Fighting Poverty with Faith (FPWF) Food Stamp Challenge.

NCC President Rev. Peg Chemberlin and other other faith leaders were joined by: White House Special Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett, Congresspersons Emmanuel Cleaver, Barbara Lee, Jan Schakowsky, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Donna Christensen, as well as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Dr. Kathleen Merrigan. They broke into teams and joined a shopping experience guided by local food stamp recipients, using the national average weekly food stamp allotment: $31.50. The event closed with an interfaith sending forth prayer.

This national Food Stamp Challenge kick-off event was the first of over 35 events nationwide planned by the 50 organizations that make up Fighting Poverty With Faith.

A joint effort co-chaired by the National Council of Churches, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and Catholic Charities, and involving 50 faith-based organizations, the Food Stamp Challenge is a component of Fighting Poverty with Faith's 2011 mobilization: "Working to End Hunger."

Click here to read more about the Food Stamp Challenge and sign up. (It's not too late!) You can also see whether there is a Fighting Poverty with Faith event happening near where you live. Finally, if you are a social media user, you can follow the action on Twitter at #foodstampchallenge or keep up with us on Facebook.

With Faith in an Abundant Future,

Michael Livingston

Director, National Council of Churches Poverty Initiative

email info@nccendpoverty.org

For Immediate Release

October 27, 2011

ContactKristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 or (202) 225-4783

Barbara Lee Joins Faith Leaders in Taking the Food Stamp Challenge 2011

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) joined national faith leaders from the Fighting Poverty with Faith coalition, senior members of the Obama Administration, and many of her Democratic colleagues at a Washington, D.C. supermarket to announce the start of the Food Stamp Challenge 2011.

The Food Stamp Challenge is a nationwide event intended to preserve funding for vital nutrition benefits during a time of record poverty and unacceptably high unemployment. Fighting Poverty with Faith challenges everyone to live for one week on the food budget of someone surviving on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or what is commonly called, food stamps.

The average benefit for an entire month is $133.79, which works out to $4.50 a day or $1.50 a meal. Participants are being asked to limit their entire food budget for the week of October 27 to November 3 to $31.50.

“I am again taking part in this challenge because I believe that it is unconscionable to make cuts to programs that feed America’s poor and our nation’s children during the height of an economic crisis,” said Congresswoman Lee. “We must fight against any efforts to balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable Americans. I hope that everyone will consider joining the Food Stamp Challenge and joining the effort to end poverty in America.”

As co-chair of the Congressional Poverty Caucus, Congresswoman Lee plans to introduce legislation next month to cut poverty by half in ten years. The bill would create an interagency working group tasked with developing and enacting a national plan to better coordinate anti-poverty and job creation programs.

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Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee

Details on how you can participate can be found at: http://fightingpovertywithfaith.com/

NCIC Supports Kaplan's Statement on Occupy Oakland Violence

2011-10-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

The Northern California Interreligious Conference supports Councilmember At-Large Rebecca Kaplan's statement concerning the violence against the protestors of Occupy Oakland. NCIC calls upon clergy to make a stand for social justice.

Kaplan Responds to Use of Force, Injuries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Overman
(510) 681-8641

OAKLAND, CA Oct 27, 2011 – Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan (At-Large) issued the following statement in response to recent events involving protesters and police action taken in Oakland:

"My thoughts and prayers today are with Corporal Scott Olsen, a veteran of the United States Marines – and I pray for his speedy recovery.

The head injury that Scott Olsen suffered, and deployment of dangerous projectiles, absolutely should never have happened – and I am committed to preventing such harms from happening again.

Next Thursday, the Oakland City Council will convene a special meeting to discuss these incidents and to evaluate next steps moving forward.

As Oakland’s citywide councilmember, I will be proposing to re-clarify city policy so that we do not allow the firing of dangerous projectiles into crowds of peaceful protesters.

Oakland should have learned its lesson in 2003, when antiwar protesters and bystanders at the Port of Oakland were injured by police projectiles. Former Police Chief Richard Word at that time announced stricter guidelines for use of force against demonstrators. The United Nations spoke out against excessive force and the City of Oakland paid out more than $2 million in settlement payments to injured demonstrators.

As is too often the case, those who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are condemned to repeat them.

We must learn from, and act to, prevent this type of incident from taking place.

Like so many of the 99%, I am appalled that big Wall Street banks have destroyed our nation’s economy, robbed so many of their life savings, engaged in deceptive lending and unjust foreclosures and stripped from people the hope they had for the American Dream.

And I have long argued that we must go after these big banks for their abuses.

That’s why I directed the City of Oakland, through legislation adopted in May, to begin levying fines of $1,000 per property each day that one of these banks leaves blighted a home that they’ve taken from an Oakland family.

As I’ve worked on this anti-foreclosure legislation, I’ve shared the frustration of so many people who took action peacefully to make sure that the world hears a very clear message: we won’t sit idly by and watch corporate malfeasance tear apart the hope of our communities and deny people jobs and economic opportunity.

We must seek a future of peace, justice and shared prosperity – including respect for free speech and prevention of harm to the public.

I look forward to discussing my proposal on preventing the excessive use of force and hearing others’ ideas as we move forward. You can join this discussion at the Special City Council Meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 3^rd in the Council Chambers of Oakland City Hall, located at 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612.

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Rebecca Kaplan represents the entire City of Oakland as its Councilmember At-Large. She has served Oakland as a citywide elected official for ten years, working to improve quality of life by enhancing economic opportunity, public safety and vibrancy in Oakland. Prior to representing Oakland voters on the City Council, she served as At-Large Director on the AC Transit Board of Directors. Councilmember Kaplan holds a B.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a M.A. from Tufts University and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.

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Paid for by Kaplan for Oakland City Council 2012 | FPPC ID #1341827
1611 Telegraph Avenue, Suite 804 | Oakland, CA 94612

Pastors' Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast-November 11, 2011

2011-09-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

Also, please share with your clergy friends and associates of all faiths.

Northern California Interreligious Conference

Cordially Invites You
to
ALL PASTORS' INTERRELIGIOUS
THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST
9:30 a.m. Friday,
November 11, 2011
at Cathedral of Christ the Light Church
With Special Guest:

The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes Jr.
Healing of the Nations Foundation
Pastor Emeritus of The Riverside Church, New York, NY

Dear Friends,

We of the Northern California Interreligious Conference (NCIC) request the honor of your presence at the "Interreligious Pastors Thanksgiving Breakfast" on Friday, November 11th with Dr.Jim Forbes at 9:30 a.m. at Cathedral of Christ the Light Church, 2121 Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94612.

Reverend Michael Livingston, Director of the National Council of Churches' Fighting Poverty With Faith Program will be a special guest.

Join NCIC as we break bread in unity of diverse religious traditions during the Thanksgiving season. We extend an invitation to clergy of all faiths. You are our guests. There is no cost to you.

In the Spirit of "Giving Thanks Always,"

Reverend Greggory Brown
President,
NCIC Board of Directors

RSVP by November 8th to nciccares@gmail.com or 510 536-6700

http://ncic-justiceandpeace.blogspot.com

NCIC Supports: JAZZ/BLUES/LATIN "SAVE OUR CHILDREN" PEACE CONCERT NEWS RELEASE

2011-09-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

Northern California Interreligious Conference

4335 Virginia Avenue

Oakland, CA 94619

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

September 3, 2011

Contact:

Jackie Wright

415 525 0410

NCIC Supports “The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz/Blue/Latin “Save Our Children” Peace Concert at Miracles of Faith Community Church” That Appeals to Women

& Launches Peaceful Path Public Service Announcements

Northern California Interreligious Conference & Community leaders will hold a free “Peace Concert” with area performers to celebrate Labor Day Weekend in the High Street Community making a special appeal for women to get involved on behalf of children.

Oakland, CA- The Northern California Interreligious Conference invites Mayor Jean Quan, the Oakland City Council, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, citizens of Oakland and the Bay Area to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz/Blue/Latin “Save Our Children” Peace Concert, September 4 at 3 p.m. at Miracles of Faith Community Church (ECLA), 4335 Virginia Avenue. Organizers are making a special appeal for women to get involved to speak out about the need for safety for their children.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz/Blue/Latin “Save Our Children” Peace Concert features Ricardo Scales and Band, Ron Stewart & the Bay Area Blues Society, Nicolas Beard, Rhonda Benin & Soulful Strut, Paula Harris, and Jazz Latin Salsa Performer Alexa Webber Morales. It is the offshoot of several community gathers over the year that was catapulted by the “Take Back High Street Block by Block” March, Clean UP and Community Outreach launched on January 21, 2011 in protest of the violence taking the lives of young people in Oakland.

In January, the neighborhood rose up in arms to begin a neighborhood cleanup and march that culminated with a community commemoration of the work of Dr. Martin Luther Jr. at the Miracles of Faith Church. It was sponsored by High Street Coalition, the Northern California Interreligious Conference and supported by Oakland City Council members: Desley Brooks, Rebecca Kaplan, Libby Schaaf, Larry Reid and Ignacio De. La Fuente and Oakland City Auditor Courtney Ruby, the launch event was themed: “Together We’re Cleaning Up, Reaching Out and Changing Our Neighborhood Hand in Hand.”

“Change has to happen at the grassroots rubber meets the road level to be most effective,” said Reverend Phil Lawson, Vice President of the Northern California Interreligious Conference, a housing and immigrant rights advocate who also serves as Director of the EBHO (East Bay Housing Organizations). “That is why we are gathering the community and also why we have launched a public service campaign to remind people that peaceful solutions sustain life and benefit everyone. We are appealing especially to women to get involved for the sake of our children.”

“It’s important amid all of the messages in media including video games, over the Internet and in text messages of our youth’s phones that we also remind people to ‘give peace a chance,’” said Reverend Greggory L. Brown, President of the Northern California Interreligious Conference. “We’re hoping the media will pick up the “Peaceful Path” public service announcements, which are in some cases direct and candid. As the media has to report on the negative realities we often face, media must also be responsible and use the airwaves in service of the public interest and report positive events and concepts.”

Beyond media, NCIC leaders hope the “Save Our Children” Peace Conference will be a catalyst for women to begin to implore law enforcement and government agencies to do something about the violence and killings in the streets. “We want mothers, grandmothers, aunts, nieces, sisters, cousin to make a demand on law enforcement and government agencies to help save God’s children,” said Reverend Brown, “The power of women has made a difference in other parts of the country. It is time that mothers in the Bay Area no longer bear the grief without crying out for change as too many of our young people die needlessly.”

Examples of the public service announcements can be found on the Internet at

http://ncic-justiceandpeace.blogspot.com/2011/08/ncic-appeals-to-media-to-give-peace.html

“We can’t just depend on the media to always do the right thing,” added Reverend Brown. “We must use the resources at hand and that is also why we will be seeking resources to develop a youth media center to serve the youth in the High Street area to develop peer to peer communication. In the meantime, we just ask the public to come and enjoy the phenomenal artists we have assembled for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Concert.”

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Editors Note: For day of point of contact, you can call Reverend Greggory L. Brown at 510 499-3700.

NCIC Supports: JAZZ/BLUES/LATIN "SAVE OUR CHILDREN" PEACE CONCERT MEDIA ADVISORY

2011-09-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

Northern California Interreligious Conference

4335 Virginia Avenue

Oakland, CA 94619

Media Advisory

For Immediate Release

September 3, 2011

Contact:
Jackie Wright,

415 525 0410

NCIC Supports “The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz/Blues/Latin “Save Our Children” Peace Concert at Miracles of Faith Community Church” That Appeals to Women to Get Involved & Launches Peaceful Path Public Service Announcements

Northern California Interreligious Conference & Community leaders will hold a free “Peace Concert” with area performers to celebrate Labor Day Weekend in the High Street Community and Appealing to Women to Help Turn the Tide on Violence in Bay Area Streets.

WHO- The Northern California Interreligious Conference; invited guests: Mayor Jean Quan, the Oakland City Council, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, citizens of Oakland and the Bay Area with a special appeal to mothers, grandmothers, aunts, nieces and all women who are willing to speak law enforcement and government agencies on behalf of children.

WHAT- The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz/Blues/Latin “Save Our Children” Peace Concert featuring Ricardo Scales and Band, Ron Stewart & the Bay Area Blues Society, Nicolas Beard, Rhonda Benin & Soulful Strut, Paula Harris and Jazz Latin Salsa Performer Alexa Webber Morales. Plus, Peaceful Path Public Service Announcement Call to Action. Examples of the public service announcements can be found on the Internet at http://ncic-justiceandpeace.blogspot.com/2011/08/ncic-appeals-to-media-to-give-peace.html

WHEN- Sunday, September 4, 2011 3 p.m.

WHERE- Miracles of Faith Community Church (ECLA), 4335 Virginia Avenue

WHY- The peace concert is the offshoot of several community gathers over the year that was catapulted by the “Take Back High Street Block by Block” March, Clean UP and Community Outreach launched on January 21, 2011 in protest of the violence taking the lives of young people in Oakland.

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Editors Note: For day of point of contact, you can call Reverend Greggory L. Brown at 510 499-3700. http://ncic-justiceandpeace.blogspot.com/2011/08/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-peace-concert.html

NCIC Supports: JAZZ/BLUES/LATIN "SAVE OUR CHILDREN" PEACE CONCERT

2011-09-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

It's Free! It's Fun! It's Family! It's Friends-Old and New!

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR A LABOR DAY.....

JAZZ/BLUES/LATIN "SAVE OUR CHILDREN" PEACE CONCERT

SAVE OUR CHILDREN

Jazz/Blues/Latin Peace Concert

LABOR DAY SUNDAY at 3P.M.

Miracles of Faith Community Church (ELCA)

(In the church’s parking lot, 4335 Virginia Avenue, Oakland)

FRUIT FLAVOR ICEES
HOTDOGS HAMBURGERS
CHIPS COOKIES POPCORN
CHILDREN'S PLAYLAND

FREE HAIR CUTS

Celebrating....

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

ALAMEDA COUNTY FAITH INITIATIVE OFFICE

Seating is available . Please feel free to bring your lawn chairs.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Concert Sept. 4 Labor Day Weekend

2011-08-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Northern California Interreligious Conference

4335 Virginia Avenue

Oakland, CA 94619

Media Advisory

For Immediate Release

August 27, 2011

Contact:
Jackie Wright
415 525 0410

NCIC Supports “The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Concert at Miracles of Faith Community Church” & Launches Peaceful Path Public Service Announcements

Northern California Interreligious Conference & Community leaders will hold a free “Peace Concert” with area performers to celebrate Labor Day Weekend in the High Street Community.

WHO- The Northern California Interreligious Conference; invited guests: Mayor Jean Quan, the Oakland City Council, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, citizens of Oakland and the Bay Area.

WHAT- The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Concert featuring Ricardo Scales and Band, Ron Stewart & the Bay Area Blues Society, Rhonda Benin & Soulful Strut and Jazz Latin Salsa Performer Alexa Webber Morales. Plus, Peaceful Path Public Service Announcement Call to Action. Examples of the public service announcements can be found on the Internet at http://ncic-justiceandpeace.blogspot.com/2011/08/ncic-appeals-to-media-to-give-peace.html

WHEN- Sunday, September 4, 2011 3 p.m.

WHERE- Miracles of Faith Community Church (ECLA), 4335 Virginia Avenue

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Editors Note: For day of point of contact, you can call Reverend Greggory L. Brown at 510 499-3700.

NCIC Appeals to Media to "Give Peace A Chance" via its Peaceful Path Campaign

2011-08-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

Northern California Interreligious Conference

4335 Virginia Avenue

Oakland, CA 94619

Public Service/Calendar Notice

For Immediate Release
August 25, 2011

Contact:

Jackie Wright,

415 525 0410

Peaceful Path Campaign

Air Dates: Now-September 4, 2011

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NCIC, Northern California Interreligious Conference is open to every religious or non-religious organization. Founded in 1919, NCIC is open to all interested in using peaceful methods to improve lives and create justice for all. Contact NCIC, Northern California Interreligious Conference at 510 536-6700 or NCICCARES@GMAIL (N-C-I-C-CARES@GMAIL) for details. It’s not about religion. It’s about life. Join the peaceful fun 3 p.m. Sept 4^th. It’s the Dr. Martin Luther King Jazz/Blues Peace Concert featuring Ricardo Scales and Band, Ron Stewart & the Bay Area Blues Society, Rhonda Benin & Soulful Strut and Jazz Latin Salsa Performer Alexa Webber Morales at Miracles of Faith Community Church, 4335 Virginia Avenue in Oakland.

: 30

Everyone has dreams of making it. The best way to make a dream come true is to help someone else with their dream. Treat others as you wish to be treated. You don’t have to fight and kill to make it. Find out how to make your dreams come true through non-violence. Call NCIC, Northern California Interreligious Conference at 510 536-6700 NCICCARES@GMAIL (N-C-I-C-CARES@GMAIL) for more information. It’s not about religion. It’s about life. Join the peaceful fun 3 p.m. Sept 4^th. It’s the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz/Blues Peace Concert featuring Ricardo Scales and Band, Ron Stewart & the Bay Area Blues Society, Rhonda Benin & Soulful Strut and Jazz Latin Salsa Performer Alexa Webber Morales at Miracles of Faith Community Church, 4335 Virginia Avenue in Oakland.

Run Dates: Evergreen, Now until further notice.

: 30

Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught non-violence for a reason. Peace is a powerful weapon to fight injustice. Whether you face a bully at school, in your neighborhood, or anywhere in your community, peaceful solutions can change things powerfully. Don’t let violence rob you of life and peace. For more information on peaceful power, contact NCIC, Northern California Interreligious Conference at 510-536-6700 NCICCARES@GMAIL (N-C-I-C-CARES@GMAIL). It’s not about religion. It’s about life.

: 30

Life is your most precious possession. Getting angry and picking up a gun, not only ends the life of the person you hurt. You end your life too. Whether in a man made prison or the prison of your mind, you pay with your life when you kill someone. For more information on the power of peace, contact NCIC, Northern California Interreligious Conference at 510 536-6700 or NCICCARES@GMAIL (N-C-I-C-CARES @GMAIL). It’s not about religion. It’s about life.

: 30

Are you angry because you didn’t get your way or respect? Picking up a gun and taking a life won’t help. Why do you think your wants and wishes are superior to someone else’s to the point that you would remove a life from the face of the earth? Use your power for peace to build life. Don’t destroy your life by taking a life. Contact NCIC, Northern California Interreligious Conference at 510 536-6700 or NCICCARES@GMAIL (N-C-I-C-CARES@GMAIL). It’s not about religion. It’s about life.

NCIC Shares Notice from Congresswoman Barbara Lee's Office

2011-07-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Pass it on! Don't come alone! Help take this viral!

This is a chance to tell sympathetic members of Congress just how the crisis
impacts you, your family, community and job.

Congresswoman Lee's Website-Click Here!

Lend A Hand Foundation Honors NCIC Board President

2011-07-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

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Northern California Interreligious Conference

4335 Virginia Avenue

Oakland, CA 94619

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

June 29, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jackie Wright

415-525-0410

wrightenterprises@sbcglobal.net

NCIC BOARD PRESIDENT REVEREND GREGORY L. BROWN WAS HONORED FATHER'S DAY BY LEND A HAND FOUNDATION

Known for community leadership, including Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. January 2011 with the community engagement campaign "Take Back High Street Block by Block March & Clean UP," Brown is among eight leaders to be recognized by The Lend A Hand Foundation June 19.

(OAKLAND, CA) Lend a Hand Foundation of Oakland, used the occasion of Father's Day to honor the Reverend Greggory L. Brown, President of the Board of Directors of the Northern California Interreligious Conference (NCIC) and Pastor of Miracles of Faith Community Church based in the High Street area of Oakland with it's "Our Humble Humanitarian Award."

Reverend Greggory L. Brown
The Lend A Hand Foundation Men of the Year Awards/ Gospel Extravaganza with its theme "Fulfilling the Needs of Others" was held Sunday, June 19 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland. Other honorees included: The Honorable Keith Carson, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Mr. Tom Guarino, Pacific Gas & Electric, Mr. Eathen Gums, Jr., Elmhurst Community Leader,Reverend Dr. Charley Hames, Jr., Beebe Memorial Cathedral, Mr. Larry Hendricks, Oakland Firefighters Random Acts, Bishop Bob Jackson, Acts Full Gospel Church, and Reverend Raymond E. Lankford, Healthy Communities, Inc. Also, Mecca Shrine Temple No. 20 were given the Organization of the Year Award and The Iron Souls will receive the Volunteer of the Year Award.

"Having walked arm and arm with Gregg in Phoenix during last year's protest against Arizona's inhumane immigration law, it's so rewarding to see that the community is recognizing him as a 'Humble Humanitarian,'" said affordable housing advocate, Reverend Phil Lawson, Vice President, NCIC Board of Directors and Interfaith Program Director for East Bay Housing Organization (EBHO).

"The Take High Street Back Campaign that garnered media attention as the Mayor of Oakland Jean Quan, joined with our NCIC President, Desley Brooks, Rebecca Kaplan, Libby Schaaf, Larry Reid, Ignacio De. La Fuente, Courtney Ruby, Krista Gulbransen and the community, is a growing example of Gregg's efforts to give voice to NCIC's mission to work for equality for all people no matter what religion or lack thereof," said Lloyd Hanson, Vice President, NCIC Board of Directors. "It's inspiring to see one of our own honored with so many great people who are giving of themselves to help others."

Rev. Brown with Dee Johnson
at the MOTY Awards

"I commend Dee Johnson (Lend A Hand Foundation, Founder and Executive Director) and the volunteers of the Lend A Hand Foundation for seeing the value in a man and organization that has given a voice of compassion and strength while asking for accountability in the cases of Brandon Morris, Oscar Grant, Darnell Barr, the first homicide of this year and others who have died too young and needlessly, " said Reverend Brandon Rheems, NCIC Board Member and Pastor of Center of Hope Community Church.

"This is a great honor and I thank Dee Johnson, the board and friends of Lend A Hand Foundation," said Reverend Greggory L. Brown. "I am humbled, encouraged and revitalized by this award to continue my service to our young people that has spanned my more than 40 years of work beginning with the Arthur Ashe Foundation's youth programs."

The Lend A Hand Foundation Men of the Year Awards/Gospel Extravaganza with its theme "Fulfilling the Needs of Others" was held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral Center, 4700 Lincoln Avenue in Oakland. Mistress of Ceremonies, Bay Area Radio Personality, Miranda Wilson orchestrated the flow of the program of awards with entertainment by the Scott Percy Trio, Dorothy Morrison, Pastor William Combs, Shailla Head, Anointed Expressions and other special guests.

(From left) Mrs. Mary Brown, Rev. Brown and Oakland City Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan

For more information visit http://www.lendahandfoundation.org call 510 553-1262 or email awards_gospelextravaganza@yahoo.com.

###

STAND FOR JUSTICE WITH NCIC

2010-10-26T09:52:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

Join us. There is a Place for You.

This fall as we see the headlines once again concerning the injustice of the Oscar Grant case and remember the actions of Arizona, and yet hear of the courageous actions of legislators like U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee working for faith-based ministries, know that there is a place for your voice and it is with the Northern California Interreligious Conference.

We are pleased to announce that we are gathering our people, people of faith, to come together around the great work of NCIC.As we look at the specters of injustice in the financial realm in the United States and across the world, as we see the State of Arizona's policies against the least, as we see the search for peace and justice in cases like the Oscar Grant death in the Bay Area, and as we see a void of the voice of the people of faith in the marketplace, the need for the Northern California Interreligious Conference is very evident.

If you stood with NCIC in the past, we ask that you rejoin the effort. If you have never been a part of NCIC, now is an exciting time to join. As we begin our initial steps back into the public discourse, the NCIC is supporting the work of the Reverend Dr. Ramona Tascoe as she serves the people of Haiti in their recovery effort, The NCIC will be represented in the march for Justice in Arizona next week and the NCIC is positioning itself to work with individuals and organizations who are in the forefront of the social justice cause.

I am humbled to be the new president of the Northern California Interreligous Conference and I am pleased to be working with a great board of directors The Reverend Bob Forsberg, Reverend Lloyd Hanson, Reverend Phil Lawson, Reverend Ramona Tascoe, and Reverend Sumner Walters, as we stand on the shoulders of former NCIC members who have left a great legacy for us to build upon.

We hope you believe in the prophecy as we do, "the latter house will be greater than the former house" and your commitment to NCIC will help us realize that great prophecy.

Thank you for considering joining with us.

Sincerely,

Reverend Greggory Brown

News Release: NCIC Stands in Solidarity in Protest of Arizona Law

2010-07-15T12:05:00.001-07:00

Northern California Interreligious Conference

4335 Virginia Ave

Oakland, CA 94619

(510) 536-6700

FOR IMMEDIATE ReLEASE Media contact:

June 8, 2010 Jackie Wright, 415 525 0410

NCIC Leaders Among California Black Clergy Stand

ground against Arizona’s discriminatory immigration law

Oakland- In the spirit of being vigilant for freedom and justice, Reverend Greggory Brown President of the Northern California Interreligious Conference and Reverend Phil Lawson, Vice President of the Northern California Interreligious Conference were among Black clergy that embarked on a four-day solidarity mission. The mission included a march with the Latino community in solidarity to the steps of the Arizona State Capitol in protest of the Arizona law SB 1070.

Reverend Brown (4th from left) Marches in to Protest Arizona Law SB 1070

Pastor of Miracles of Faith Church and President of the Northern California Interreligious Conference, Reverend Greggory Brown, a Civil Rights Movement veteran, known for his recent protest in the Bay Area of police treatment of Black males, was among the first clergy to speak out in the death of Oscar Grant who was shot by a BART police officer and with his church Miracles of Faith led a march in protest of the police leaving Brandon Morris’ slain body in the streets of Oakland for five hours. Reverend Brown says it’s important to remain vigilant, “‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,’ Dr. King warned. It was our moral imperative to go to Arizona and speak the truth. The legal threat to freedom by SB1070 has an impact on every American citizen. I continue to stand in solidarity with my brethren to say SB 1070 is unjust and could lead to repression for all.”

Black Clergy, Pastors Brian Woodson, Phil Lawson and
Greggory Brown Show Support in Arizona.

Rev. Phil Lawson, Founder, Black Alliance for Just Immigration and Interfaith Program Coordinator, East Bay Housing Organizations, Oakland, CA, Vice President, Northern California Interreligious Conference said of the historic social justice action held the last weekend in May, “SB1070 creates a mandate for harassment and abuse that not only will make communities less safe, but also harkens back to the worst times in our nation’s history. This law targets Latinos, but who will be next? The same legislature that passed SB1070 also passed a law requiring President Obama to show his birth certificate to be on the ballot in 2012; and we cannot forget that Arizona long refused to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I firmly believe the Black and Latino quest for liberty and justice is one, and that’s why, just as we rode to the south so many decades ago, I was compelled to go to Arizona.”

Other Bay Area leaders that were part of the contingent include: Pastor Brian K. Woodson, Bay Area Christian Connection; Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, Oakland, CA;Rev. Jethroe Moore, President, San Jose/Silicon Valley Chapter, NAACP Elizabeth Maldonado, Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, San Diego, CA and Gerald Lenoir, Executive Director, Black Alliance for a Just Immigration, Oakland, CA.

Pastor Brian Woodson added: “In Arizona there are forces trying to turn the clock back to the 1950s, back to a shameful era when our community’s basic rights were constantly violated. I went to Arizona to push the clock forward, and my inspiration comes right from the Gospel. As Jesus taught us: ‘whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers, that you do for me.’ We need real solutions that lift our communities up together and help make the promise of America a reality for everyone who lives here.”

The Bay Area Black clergy worked with the following key Arizona organizers: Rev. Warren Stewart, Pastor, First Institutional Baptist Church, Phoenix, AZ;Mary Rose Wilcox, Maricopa County Supervisor, Fifth District; Carlos Garcia, Organizer, Puente Arizona.

For more information about the work of the Northern California Interreligious Conference, a multicultural organization, visit http://ncic-justiceandpeace.blogspot.com or call (510) 536-6700.