MICAH at GSL: Our History/Beginnings

MICAH, Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope, was created in 2017. The first meeting, held at Lindenwood Church, was overwhelmingly attended by community, labor, and faith based groups, and many individuals who were interested in the pursuit of justice and equity in Memphis and Shelby County. Today those numbers exceed 60 organizations, representing over 30,000 residents plus Grace-St. Luke’s!

In June 2020, our rector, the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, met with the Vestry to discuss and recommend that GSL become a MICAH Partner based on the alignment of their mission with both our mission and vision. The Vestry voted unanimously to join the good work of MICAH in order to better serve our community, and amplify our voices demanding justice and equity to create systemic change in our city long plagued by racism and poverty. We joined with our Muslim, Jewish, and Christian neighbors, along with fellow Episcopalians from Calvary and St. Mary’s Cathedral—where our associate rector, the Reverend Laura Gettys was a clergy representative to MICAH’s Ministerial Alliance. Laura+ will continue to be the clergy contact representative for Grace St. Luke’s.