Council of Churches of Greater Washington

About the Council

One family of churches in the nation's capital region.

The Council of Churches of Greater Washington (CCGW) falls under the umbrella of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA — the leading force for ecumenical cooperation among Christians in the United States.

For more than 100 years, we have brought together congregations across Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Catholic, Orthodox, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and independent traditions to worship, serve, and advocate for the common good.

Our Purposes

Four callings that guide our work.

  1. 01

    Promote Christianity, Christian love, cooperation, and collaboration among people, churches, and related organizations — carrying out the will of God together in the Greater Washington region.

  2. 02

    Represent Christian interests and positions on issues facing our communities.

  3. 03

    Minister to all people, particularly the victims of injustice — working for the liberation of every manner of oppressed people.

  4. 04

    Provide services collectively, as Jesus would have us do, in those matters that are better carried out communally than alone.

Programs

A tradition of good works.

CCGW projects address the political, social, and religious issues facing the Greater Washington region. Over the years, the Council has led:

  • Summer children's camping program
  • Community feeding programs
  • Representation before governmental bodies on matters important to the religious community
  • Youth training programs
  • Ecumenical programs for the benefit of all churches, denominations, judicatories, and their members

Looking Forward

Our shared priorities.

In consultation with partners across the region — the Mayor's Interfaith Council, Washington Interfaith Network, Church Women United, and others — the Council has agreed to:

  • Focus on Christian unity — cooperation and collaboration among religious entities
  • Serve as a source for national, regional, and local ecumenical networking
  • Strive to improve race relations
  • Become a voice for the poor
  • Focus on women's and children's issues, employment, and youth education
  • Serve as an umbrella for dialogue on religious, social, and pastoral issues
  • Prepare and distribute a metropolitan-area church directory
  • Conduct spiritual retreats for local clergy and promote ecumenical education
  • Maintain and expand our camping, feeding, and volunteer programs

Leadership

Officers & Board Members

We believe your Christian journey will be significantly enriched by joining us in the work of the Council. We welcome you with open arms.

Officers

President
Rev. Dr. James E. Terrell
Executive Vice President
Rev. Jesse J. Jackson
Vice President of Operations
Rev. C.T. Riley
Vice President of Programs
Mrs. Susan Meehan
Vice President of Youth
Rev. Alfred Wright, Jr.
Secretary
Dea. Sharon Malone
Treasurer
Rev. Jesse J. Jackson

Board Members

  • Rev. Michael Armstrong
  • Rev. Kip Banks
  • Rev. Catherine Bego
  • Rev. Robert Checks, Jr.
  • Rev. Thomas J. Henderson
  • Ms. Joan Oxendine
  • Rev. Peter Jarrett-Schell
  • Ms. Glenda Richmond
  • Rev. Dr. Blanche Smith
  • Mrs. Margaret E. Williams