African American denominational leaders representing Missouri's Black population recently came together to form the Ecumenical Leadership Council of Missouri. The organization's mission is to present a unified committee of individuals with influence in the African American church population. Although all members are church leaders, they will act as individuals as they seek a more representative share of the state's economic resources through the political process.

Included in the Ecumenical Leadership Council of Missouri will be Rev. Wallace Hartsfield, leader of the Kansas City region; Bishop Alphonso Scott, leader of theSt. Louis region; and Rev Caroles Taylor, representing the Columbia region. In addition to the regions mentioned, pastors from Popular Bluff, Springfield, and Charleston Missouri will also be included in the Council's membership. According to Bishop Scott, the mission of the Council is to advocate on behalf of the African American population of Missouri and work towards reducing the inequity that exist between the allocation of federal and local resources that are distributed by  officials of the state of Missouri  In addition to using their influence across the state, the Council will also take various positions on the different propositions that will appear on Missouri's election ballots.

During the initial meeting on August 5th, in Columbia Mo, Clarence Jackson, publisher of Blackchurchstlouis.org was selected to become the organization's Facilitator. He will be responsible for coordinating the schedules, agenda, and marketing efforts of the Council. For more information on the Ecumenical Leadership Council of Missouri, interested parties are encouraged to call 314-721-2288