Great River Interfaith Partnership (GRIP)

First Presbyterian Church is a member of GRIP (Great River Interfaith Partnership) along with 20 other churches in the St. Cloud area.  The organization's mission statement is based on Isaiah 58:12: "You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in." 

The organization takes a faith-based approach to identifying and helping correct social injustices in the community. In early August, GRIP signed a policing agreement between the St. Cloud Police Department and St. Cloud's Community of Color.  It was a document which took a year and half of meetings between the police, faith leaders of area churches, the Mayor, minority organization leaders and GRIP, with the counsel of an attorney to complete.  It was signed when all parties agreed to its contents. 

GRIP lobbied and helped pass important legislation to increase funding for education and to reinstate funding for Battered Women's Shelters. 

GRIP is presently working on a task force to develop a Regional Human Rights Office.

Visit the website www.gamaliel.org/isaiah/