Virginia Council of Churches

Oldest ecumenical body in the Commonwealth

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As we work together as Christian communions, we build Christian Unity; as we work together with persons of other faiths, we build human community.

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Virginia Indian Tribes

As a particular advocacy focus, the Council has collaborated with six of Virginia’s Native American tribes, and is working with them as they seek to gain federal recognition.  While the Virginia tribes are the descendants of those who first greeted European Settlers, the Federal Government has never recognized them as tribes.  They are not among the 562 Native American Tribes currently recognized by the Congress of United State.  It is time the Virginia Tribes should take their rightful place among the Native American Nations As we approach the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown, it is long past time for our government to recognize these tribes.

The Six Tribes in Virginia have moved closer to Federal Recognition.  In the fall of 2001, the tribes were able to get hearings in both the House and Senate.  The Virginia Council of Churches’ General Minister, Rev. Jonathan Barton, provided testimony in support of recognition for Virginia’s Tribes.  On the Senate side, Senators George Allen and John Warner have introduced a bill calling for the recognitions of six of Virginia’s Native Tribes.  Congressman Jim Moran and Congresswoman Joann Davis have introduced the bill in the House.  This bill has strong bi-partisan support.

History – Current Programs

  • Caroline Head Start
  • Virginia Indian Tribes
  • Public Policy Advocacy
  • Disaster Response
  • Gathering Place for Christians
  • The Annual Fund
  • Lifetime and Estate-Related Giving
  • Date Palm Society
  • Appendices
  • Former Presidents

History – Legacy Programs

  • Migrant Ministry
  • Weekday Religious Education
  • The Naomi Project
  • Elizabeth Project
  • Campus Ministry Forum
  • Refugee Resettlement

VCC Officers

  • The Rev.  David K. Shumate – President
  • Father Joseph P.  Lehman- Vice President
  • Vacant – Treasurer
  • The Rev. Mary Anne Biggs- Secretary
  • The Rev. Jenee Shearin – Past President
  • The Rev. Mary Anne Glover –  General Minister (Effective Feb. 2021)

VCC Annual Fund

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    • 11/02/2022

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    Richmond, VA 23220

    804-321-3300

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