2024 Spring Summit Workshops
Note: Schedule listed below is subject to change. All times Eastern.
Spotlight Sessions
God & Country: The Rise of Christian Nationalism presented by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ
Film Screening: Friday, May 17, 8:30 to 10 p.m.
Workshop: Saturday, May 18, 9 to 10 a.m. ONLY
Workshop Presenters: Dr. Anne Nelson, Rev. Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson, Maureen O’Leary
God & Country takes a close look at the dangerous implications Christian nationalism by speaking directly to the almost 200,000,000 Americans who identify as Christians—Christians who fear their faith is being hijacked by an extreme right-wing political movement. The film features many of the most prominent and well respected voices of Christianity.
Voting Matters! presented by National Council of Churches in the USA
Saturday, May 18, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. ONLY
Presenters: Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland Tune, Rev. Adam Russell Taylor
At local, state, and national levels, both ensuring the right to vote and facilitating ease of voting has never been more significant or consequential. Equally important are efforts of the faith community to encourage and foster engagement in the voting process and the longer-term civic and political processes that go with it. This workshop will explore ways in which the right to vote must be defended and encouraged, and ways in which churches and other communities of faith can present voting and engagement in a moral and social context.
Domestic
The Black Church, Racism, and Immigration: Creating Welcoming Communities During Times of Tension presented by Church World Service
Saturday, May 18, 9 to 10 a.m. ONLY
Presenters: Dr. José Wilson, Rev. Reuben Eckels, Rev. Noel Andersen, Amena Elamin
Moderator: Maurice A. Bloem
Creating more welcoming communities for black and brown refugees requires education, awareness, cultural competence, community engagement, advocacy, and ongoing support. This workshop serves as a platform to achieve these goals and promote inclusion, diversity, and equity in our communities. Together, we can build a better future for all refugees, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
Environmental Justice
Plastic Jesus: Mobilizing Faith Communities to Combat Plastic Pollution presented by Creation Justice Ministries
Part 1: Saturday, May 18, 9 to 10 a.m.
Part 2: Saturday, May 18, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Presenters: Derrick Weston & Karyn Bigelow
Join us for an engaging workshop inspired by Creation Justice Ministries’ resource, “Plastic Jesus: Real Faith in a Synthetic World.” Explore the theological and ethical dimensions of the plastics crisis, delve into practical steps for advocacy and activism, and discover how faith communities can lead meaningful change in their local and global contexts.
International
Reforming the U.N. Security Council: Bridging Gaps for Global Inclusion presented by Africa Faith and Justice Network
Part 1: Saturday, May 18, 9 to 10 a.m.
Part 2: Saturday, May 18, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Presenters: Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, Barwendé Médard Sané, SJ, Ed.D., Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith
Opening Remarks: Steven Nabieu Rogers, Ph.D.
Moderator: Ntama Bahati
Despite representing 4.3 billion people, Africa and other emerging economies remain excluded from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the world’s premier decision-making body on human rights and global peace. Recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have reignited long-smoldering global demands for its reform . The U.S. and other UNSC permanent members have expressed openness to reforms, but their commitment is doubtful. This workshop will unpack the need, benefits and barriers to expanding UNSC.