Social Justice

. Olympic figure skater and Dancing with the Stars contestant Adam Rippon recently made critical comments concerning former Olympic figure skater and DWTS contestant Tonya Harding. The comments, while understood to critique Harding’s participation in the attack on Nancy Kerrigan resulting from being banned from Olympic figure skating, have, in my opinion, set our work […]

A man stands before a congregation, confesses sexual sin in his past, and receives a standing ovation. Last Sunday, Andy Savage confessed sexual misconduct from years past and received tremendous support for his actions. Yet there was little, if any, attempt to discuss repentance, making amends to victims, or providing support to his known victim. […]

Visit Huffington Post Article by Ron Clark

I am glad to see so much awareness against sexual assault, harassment, and intimate partner violence (IPV). The #MeToo campaign has been wonderful and drawn attention to a social ill as well as a sin (to use faith language). Having worked for 25 years in abuse prevention I realize that there is much much more […]

In our work with domestic violence, faith communities, and survivors who experience family abuse in a faith based setting, one common religious discussion involves the wife’s “responsibility” in her marriage. While most of us feel that this should have little affect on her safety, many females seeking safety from abuse feel an obligation to “submit […]

Many of us watched in horror as the events in Charlottesville unfolded through various forms of the media… Read more on Ron Clark’s Huffington Post…

With the recent termination of CEO Roger Ailes, FOX News now has to address sexual harassment allegations concerning Bill O’Reilly. These charges and others before continually remind us that some males create unsafe spaces for females at work as well as in our communities and homes. Along with Bill Cosby and many others we hear […]

Reposted from Huffington Post: Recently I was invited by a community advocate to a PUAH meeting (Portland United Against Hate). As a minister, being involved in community work is an important calling that Jesus has given both Lori and I. However, it is easy to become involved in so many works/organizations, that one can neglect […]

For the past six years, I have been donating plasma, twice per week, at my local center. I began donating because one of the staff attended our church and made a plea that we consider participating—not only for the money but in order to meet people who might need to talk about God.  See more […]

Excellent article and well worth the read. I am sure that the book Assimilate or Go Home is equally as good, which I just ordered. I Moved to the Edge of Portland to Help Refugees But I Can’t Afford to Live Here Anymore This story strikes a nerve as Barberry Village complex provides good memories. […]