Mission + Story
We envision an Orange county where diverse communities and faith groups work together for the common good with mutual understanding, respect and trust.
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Our Mission
To provide a center for interfaith engagement, information and support, and assist local interfaith councils and other entities in promoting acceptance, understanding and respect for OC’s diverse communities of faith and goodwill.
For people who care about interfaith relations, OCIN connects, supports and incubates interfaith groups countywide, aggregates a master calendar of OC interfaith events and activities and offers unique learning opportunities. We are passionate about connecting people throughout OC to serve the community as a reflection of shared faith values.
Our Story
OCIN began in 2007 when a group of religious and lay leaders got together with the intent of building solidarity throughout Orange County. These leaders sought to build relationships across the county, amongst many of the interfaith councils that had been formed, some in the early 90’s, many after the atrocities of 9/11, and others in response to racial and religious hate crimes and gang violence. The purpose of OCIN is not to become another interfaith council, but be a support to the various councils as they serve their geographical communities. As a network organization OCIN was founded with the express purpose of building, sustaining, and leveraging the interfaith relationships that exist within the OC.
Our Commitment
- Maintain an updated interfaith calendar reflecting community-wide activities and events.
- Assign OCIN board and staff members to make regular contact with one or more local interfaith councils and entities.
- Create a platform to hear board-approved speakers on subjects of interest as well as members of lesser-represented faith traditions sharing their history and beliefs, and identify points of potential cooperation.
- Provide support when needed to interfaith groups — especially fledgling/evolving groups —and the Interfaith Youth Alliance.
- Jointly develop with local interfaith entities guidelines for respectful and civil discussions, publish them and share them with OC schools, houses of worship and community organizations.