Strong communities are made up of meaningful relationships and guided by our deepest values. The Minnesota Council of Churches is your partner in living out your faith in your community.

This year

• MCC has welcomed 273 new refugee arrivals from more than a dozen countries to Minnesota, with over ¾ of these representing families being re-united after years and even decades of separation.

• Over sixty congregations from Moorhead to Rochester, Walker to Hutchinson, have made peace in their communities by bringing together people who disagree over the amendment to define marriage.

• Ten mosques opened their doors to hundreds of their neighbors of other faiths during the holy month of Ramadan to share an Iftar Dinner and conversation.

• Our Refugee Speakers Bureau has provided more than 500 people with the opportunity to learn firsthand about the refugee experience, while over 1000 people have read our book of refugee narratives "This Much I Can Tell You."

• Over 100 volunteers donated over 2000 hours to help their newest neighbors settle into a happy, prosperous life in Minnesota.

With a new Refugee Services office in Mankato developing a community forum with local leadership, the new Graceful Journey Program discussing important end-of-life issues in six cities, two new Womens Knitting Collectives promoting education and healing, and a renewed session of Respectful Conversations, we can look forward to furthering our impact in 2013.

It is your generosity of spirit and funds which enable MCC to continue our programs of excellence in building a more tolerant and inclusive community.