Church Work

The Rhode Island State Council of Churches provides many programs and resources for its member denomination, clergy and laity. The following are some of major continuing efforts:

• An annual Ecumenical Communion Breakfast
• Sponsoring National Neighborhood Day
• Provide prison chaplains and a mentoring program for offenders
• Deploy chaplains at college campuses
• Partnership with Interfaith Counseling Center
• Partnership with West Elmwood Community Center on Home Ownership Education
• Deploy a Scouting Chaplain
• Create ecumenical renewal and educational programs for clergy
• Build ecumenical relationships with minority community churches and pastors
• Organize opportunities to assist low income families and individuals such as food and blanket drives, etc.

Recently, the Council has also taken the lead in negotiating the faith communities’ response to the new state fire codes.

A Church Network, under the leadership of the Rev. Teresa Smith and Ms. Betsy Aldrich Garland has been formed to oversee and lead these efforts.