Occasional reflections, opinions and commentary from the Rev. Dr. Russell L. Meyer, Executive Director. While deeply informed on the teachings and positions of the church members of the Florida Council of Churches, Dr. Meyer’s blog does not communicate the official positions of any member churches or the Council itself unless expressed stated as such.
Addressing Nationalism Religious nationalism is creating concerns globally. Nationalism, of any kind, is a construct of political power that often uses religious symbols to define who belongs in society. It is insidious, invasive, coercive, and destructive of true faith and democracy. It depends on the power to cast out rather than on the unconditional love of God. Legislative Advocacy In recent years the Council has increased its presence at the […]
For Immediate Release: April 27th, 2023 MEDIA RELEASE Nearly 70 Faith Leaders Sign Letter Asking Florida Legislators to Stop Anti-immigrant Bills SB 1718 and HB 1617 Nearly 70 faith leaders across the state of Florida signed on to a letter led by the Florida Council of Churches, expressing grave concern around the anti-immigrant legislation that “will unfairly target persons out of status and every sector of society that connects with […]
Speaking for Floridians Advocacy Days in Tallahassee February 14-15, 2023 Register here. Over the past few years Florida has become the most expensive state to live in. It’s surprising because so many moved here for the good weather and low cost of living. The state coffers are flush with money, yet the burden is on local taxes and fees. Big corporations continue to get tax cuts while the average household […]
We invite faith leaders to sign-on to this statement using the link to this online form: https://forms.gle/Du6S8QQPzwX95Xp9A Statement on Addressing Antisemitism following Florida-Georgia Game A coordinated campaign of antisemitism marred the annual Florida-Georgia football game played in Jacksonville on October 29, 2022. Signage on highway overpasses leading to and from the Jaguars stadium as well as laser projected messaging at the stadium brazenly denigrated Jewish people. Law enforcement did not […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fraternidad de Concilios y Entidades Evangélicas (FRACEEV). January 26, 2022 Contact: Agustín Quiles 407-683-6830 office@fraceev.org FRACEEV, the Florida Fellowship of Hispanic Bishops and Evangelical Institutions oppose Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order and SB1808 Against Migrant Children. Orlando-FL. The Florida Fellowship of Hispanic Bishops and Evangelical Institutions (FRACEEV) , a coalition of Latino evangelical bishops and pastors who represent approximately 2,500 churches in Florida, sent letters to Governor Ron DeSantis […]
I know the plans I have for you, says Our Maker, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) I believe in the Beloved Future that scripture proclaims. I think you do too. But after sitting through numerous committee meetings of the first three weeks of the 2022 legislature session, I’m convinced that many have forgotten or never heard of a […]
April 21, 2021 Statement on the Verdict in the Murder of George Floyd In a just America, George Floyd would be with his family, fully employed, and able to access healthcare. In our America, a “bouquet of by-standers” witnessed his murder and captured it on videotape. They made it possible for a jury of his peers to convict Derek Chauvin of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Mr. Floyd’s […]
On February 25, faith leaders held a panel on the upcoming Florida legislative session. Below is a letter of encouragement to the legislature. Faith leaders are invited to co-sign the letter. Faith Leaders Statement to the 2021 Florida Legislature You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only don’t let this freedom be an opportunity to indulge your selfish impulses, but serve each other through love. All the Law has […]
Facing Forward Forgetting what lies behind and facing forward to what lies ahead, let us press on towards the goal of our high calling from God in Christ Jesus! We began 2020 with a very different prospect than it ended. COVID-19 has revealed multiple pandemics. We’ve known they were there: white supremacy, violence, environmental degradation, health and income disparities. Now the great majority have realized that we all have suffered […]