FAN draws new organizer to build advocating congregations program
Sam Rennebohm joined the Faith Action Network of Washington as director of organizing advocating congregations, following David Hacker, who was ordained as an Episcopal priest in Wapato this summer.
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Sam Rennebohm did outreach to people |
At the Faith Action Network—a merger in 2011 of the former Washington Association of Churches and Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington—Sam will build relationships among congregations to expand and maintain the network of advocating congregations.
The Advocating Congregations Program of the FAN is a network of religious communities “committed to working for a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. The goal is that by joining voices they will be more powerful advocates for social change,” said Sam, who started at his job in July.
“I think the faith walk is about working toward the world we hope to see,” he said. “I follow Jesus as an example of radical solidarity with people who live on the margins.
“There is need for people of faith to provide a moral voice for and to work for a more just and equitable world,” he said.
Involved in community organizing and advocacy while in Seattle and during college and seminary, Sam began by shadowing the companionship ministry of his father, the Rev. Craig Rennebohm, through Prospect United Church of Christ, his home church.
In 2009, Sam earned a bachelor’s in ethnic studies from Columbia University in New York City and a master of divinity degree in 2012 from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley.
He also organized against gentrification in New York and worked with an immigration rights coalition in the San Francisco Bay area, as well as serving as an intern at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Berkeley. His hope is to be ordained in the United Church of Christ.
“Prospect gave me my initial entry point into the Christian walk and continues to support me as I explore my calling in ministry,” he said.
“Having basic compassion as human beings means we should be more caring for the poor. God compels us to love one another,” Sam said. “Loving one another means ensuring that everyone has the basic necessities for living fulfilling lives.”
Sam said that participating in his father’s ministry with people who are mentally ill and homeless in Seattle has given him methods for being in companionship with people.
“I also learned from him a willingness to let the Holy Spirit guide our work and interactions with each other,” he said. “Every interaction on the streets or in a congregation is about listening for the presence of the Holy Spirit and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our interactions with people.”
He believes the same is true in working for advocacy and activism in terms of communicating positions on issues.
He suggests that advocates watch for a turning of the heart of “those we talk with—lawmakers, members of Congress or the general public,” he said. “The Holy Spirit is at work when hearts are turned.
“One thinks of organizing work being about controlling rather than being spiritually grounded and letting go to the Holy Spirit,” Sam said.
Sam is looking forward to meeting people around the state at Summit gatherings in October.
There will be an Advocating Congregations Summit for Eastern Washington at 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct 14, at First United Methodist Church, 210 N. Ruby, in Ellensburg.
There are also plans for a retreat beginning at 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26, to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Lacy F Camp and Retreat Center in Ellensburg. The theme is “Advocating for God’s Creation: A Training Retreat for Washington’s Faith Advocates.” The training will focus on developing skills in advocacy, education and engagement on hunger, poverty and the environment.
There will also be a Western Washington Advocating Congregations Summit at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 30, at Seattle First Baptist, 1111 Harvard Ave.
For information, call 206-625-9790 or email rennebohm@fanwa.org.
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