Media Contacts:
Kelley Chunn, 617.427.0046
Harold Sparrow, 617.445.2737, ext. 11

Boston Conference Examines the Successes and Challenges of Partnering with Faith-based Organizations

What: The Black Ministerial Alliance, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Boston Ten Point Coalition and the Emmanuel Gospel Center are hosting a conference called “Strengthening the Village to  Build Community  Partnerships.” The conference is designed to examine and strengthen the relationship between faith-based and community-based institutions and the private and public sectors.

When: Tuesday, October 19, 2004, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where: New Covenant Christian Church-1500 Blue Hill Avenue Boston, 617.296.5683, www.nccci.org

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Robert Michael Franklin Jr., Presidential Distinguished Professor of Social Ethics at Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Franklin is a scholar-preacher and insightful educator as well as the former president of the Interdenominational Theological Center and Ford Foundation executive. 

Admission Fee: The conference is free and open to the public.

To Register: Go to the website at www.bmaboston.org and click on calendar of events. For details, call Osahar Barrett at 617.445.2737 x 28 or email boberry@bmaboston.org

Registration Deadline: October 12

Overview: Private funders, locally and nationally, have begun to partner with faith-based institutions to meet common goals, such as creating affordable housing and job opportunities, educating youth, reducing crime and addressing health needs. Now, there is growing interest at the federal level in providing public funding for the secular activities of faith-based institutions. While controversial, the possibility of increased public sector funding raises numerous questions.

This conference is an opportunity for local faith-based and community-based organizations and funders to come together to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of building the capacity of faith-based organizations, to highlight successful interfaith models, and to explore the implications of increased public sector funding.