A Tradition of Leadership, Hope, and Bridge-Building


More than ever, our region needs a connected, relevant, and representative ecumenical organization...

In 1879, a group of leading clergy formed the “Atlanta Preachers’ Meeting” – all clergy, all white, and all men. It was created in response to community need that seemed best approached by a unified Christian group. At that time the plight of orphans was dire, child labor laws were not yet established, and free public education was not universal. Acknowledging the continuing need for greater Christian unity, the “Meeting” added laity and women, opened hands to the needy, and updated its name.

The predecessor to the Regional Council of Churches was the Christian Council of Metropolitan Atlanta. This organization incubated or started many programs and projects that still serve our community; a few of them are Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters, the Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy, Congregational Exchange, Sullivan Center, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta. October of 2007 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Ministers Manifesto of 1957. This document, written and signed by leaders of the Christian Council and published by Ralph McGill in the Atlanta Constitution, declared the responsibility of people of faith to speak out in the face of hatred, violence, and oppression and expressed the Christian belief in the equal worth of every person. It was followed by the first Annual Breakfast – Atlanta’s first large-scale, public “sitting-down-together” of the races to eat.

Another defining event for the Council was our role in the community’s response to the many Katrina evacuees who flooded our area, Standing Togerther. Because of our comprehensive and accurately maintained communication system, our ties in judicatories and congregations throughout the region, and our relationships with faith-based and secular ministries and agencies we were able to coordinate response to the needs of the evacuees out of space loaned to us by Grace UMC. There thousands of evacuees obtained housing and employment assistance, food and clothing, mental and physical health screening, short-term childcare, communication help, case management, and support group services.

The Ministers’ Manifesto of 1957 points out the responsibility of people of faith to speak for justice; it shows us that we can have tremendous influence when we work together; and it tells us that the creation of intentional ecumenical community is necessary for this step. When the time to speak out arises or when a disaster like Katrina fills our streets with evacuees, the Council of Churches with ties across our region enables effective collective response.

Today, the growing Atlanta region consists of up to 21 counties – a rich mix of ethnic and racial diversity, long-term residents and recent transplants from all over our country and the world. Now, more than ever, our community needs a connected, relevant and representative ecumenical organization to strengthen the voice of the Christian response to the opportunities and challenges that face us. This is the legacy of leadership, hope and bridge-building that The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta strives to carry on.

The Regional Council of Churches was created by clergy over a century ago to support faith leaders and nurture a collective mission. The Council continues to be led by clergy and to be used by them for community response to issues of justice, reconciliation, and want. It also continues to enable lively, generative, unified Christian leadership where clergy whose forms of worship may differ respond to the same gospel.


The Regional Council Of Churches Of Atlanta, Inc.
(404)201-6448

ecarter@rccatl.org

Last updated by RCCAtl Apr 6, 2015.

Medicaid Re-enrollment

If your ministry serves Medicaid/PeachCare for Kids, the Dept. of Human Services has a message and materials for you. 

    • Redetermination began in April 2023. Based on changes in federal law, the State of Georgia must complete redeterminations up to May 2024. We want to ensure current Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® members are still eligible for coverage. 
    • During redetermination, the State of Georgia will collect and verify member information, including contact and income details as well as other requested information and documents that will be used to determine member eligibility. Not everyone will go through this process at the same time. In fact, it will take about 14 months to reach everyone. 
    • Members can visit gateway.ga.gov to view their redetermination date and to update their contact information today so they can stay informed about the status of their coverage. 
    • Members who need help can visit their local Division of Family & Children Services office for support. To find the location and business hours for local offices, visit: dfcs.ga.gov/location 
    • For more information on Medicaid redetermination, we are including a partner toolkit with resources in multiple languages, please visit “Stay Informed. Stay Covered.” 

Shallowford Center

for Mindful Living a place for contemplative practice, deep listening, and compassion 

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email ecarter@rccatl.org

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Atlanta, GA 30305

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Lutheran Resource in Response to Gun Violence

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, saddened by the all-too-frequent occurrences of gun violence in the U.S., invites you on a journey of prayer, scripture, stories, and church teachings with this resource, A 60-Day Journey Towards Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence - an ELCA Resource  Through daily observances, it calls us to work toward the prevention of gun violence as people of God who strive for justice and peace in all the world. It may be used for individual reflection, group Bible study, adult education sessions, and congregational daily devotions. This began on June 16 but can be used at any time.

Ignatius House

6700 Riverside Drive NW 

Atlanta, GA 30328 ignatiushouse.org

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