Council of Churches of Greater Washington

About The Council

The Council of Churches of Greater Washington often referred to as CCGW or the Council, primarily has the following purposes: 

Purpose

The Council is committed to manifesting the oneness of the body of Christ. One body, many members, many gifts, and many offices. 

Mission

The Mission of the Council, through its individual, family, and community outreach programs, projects, partnerships, and coalitions, respectively, is to proclaim the Triune God.

Membership

All members (individuals, churches, ministries, judicatories, and faith-based institutions) of the body of Christ) living, worshipping, or ministering in the DMV area are welcome to join us.

To join and participate, please contact us at 202-745-0425 or email ccgw@verizon.net. 

New CCGW Executive Director

The Executive Committee has elected Rev. Dr. Rosetta R. (Robinson) Battle to serve as the Executive Director. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Battle brings years of ecumenical, interfaith, community building experience serving on the CCGW board and with faith and community. Ordained in 1995, she received a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary, and an M.DIV. from Howard University.  

Executive Committee

President

Rev. Dr. James E. Terrell

Executive Vice President & Treasurer

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

Deacon. Sharon Malone

Cycling For Our Lives

Under the leadership of the Exec. President, a coalition of bikers and community partners came together last summer to ride along routes throughout D.C. to raise awareness about gun violence in the District. Valencia Singleton was one of them. 

“It was great working with the "cycling to end gun violence" as it was an exciting and eye opening experience.  To learn the high impact of gun violence in our communities and families was heartbreaking. I pray that it grows into an even bigger success in the years to come.”

In line with our focus on gun violence, we have invited the Police Chief Smith to speak to the Council during a community forum next month. 

New White House Advisor 

Congratulations to Rev. Thomas L. Bowen on becoming the Senior Advisor for Public Engagement

Prior to his new job, he was the Director of the Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs and the Office of Religious Affairs. The Council will continue to maintain our good relationship with Rev. Bowen.

Reflection

Peace in the Middle East

By Rosetta R. Battle

The Council of Churches is watching the continuing escalation of violence in the Middle East. We long and pray for an end to the warfare that is a result of animosities, ethnic and religious differences, and responses to attacks. We mourn those who have lost loved ones and are appealing for help to obtain to their bodies. We weep with children who cry because they are hungry and unable obtain humanitarian aid to enable them to survive. 

In an April 15 statement by Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, of the World Council of Churches general Secretary, Rev. Pillay called “on the United States and all other states with influence in the region to uphold their responsibilities and act as agents of goodwill. He noted the importance of nations using their positions to foster dialogue and encourage solutions that respect the rights and dignity of all people involved.”

He concluded his statement by saying followers of Christ are compelled to be peacemakers and work tirelessly for a world where peace is rooted in justice.”

The message of Romans 12:19-21 encourages believers to refrain from committing acts of vengeance against enemies. The better way is to overcome evil with good. 

Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israel protests about the war in Israel are taking place on colleges and universities around the country and here in the DMV.  In California, UCLA Vice Chancellor, Mary Osako issued a a statement about the protests on her campus. 

“UCLA has a long history of being a place of peaceful protest, and we are heartbroken about the violence that broke out.”

In 1943, a pastor’s wife, Ruth Caye Jones was disheartened and distressed by the impact of World War 2. After reading 2 Timothy 3:1(“In the last days perilous times shall come”) she was inspired to write the hymn, In Times Like These.”

Praise God, we have a Savior, in these times of violence and war in Israel, Ukraine, Haiti, and crimes of gun violence close to home. 

Praise God for our anchor, our Solid Rock, Christ Jesus. Praise God for the Prince of Peace who can keep us in perfect peace during troubling times like these

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

2024 Board Meetings Second Thursdays,  12 PM

                May 9

                June 13

                July 11

                August 8

                September 12

                October 10

                November 14

                December 12

National Day of Prayer

                May 2, 2024

Pentecost

               May 5, 2024

CCGW Spring Forum 

               May 2024

Invited Speaker:  DC Police Chief

               June 13, 2024

Annual Legislative Conference sponsored by The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 

               September 11-15

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

FINANCIAL IMPACT

April is Financial Liberation Month at the NAACP, a time to addressing critical financial issues affecting the community and issues affecting student debt.

Visit site for further details.

MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Stay tuned for a virtual conversation about mental health in our community.

Dear CCGW Church and Community Members: You are cordially invited to send your news or announcements for publication in our newsletter.  Please send notices about upcoming activities least two weeks in advance of the event to: execdirccgw@aol.com. Thank you for your support. 

          Office: 202-745-0425                           * Email: ccgw@verizon.net 

                        * Website: councilofchurchesofgwdc.org