Living Our Faith: A Summer Series on Social Justice
Join the Race, Reconciliation, and Social Justice committee (RRSJ) for seven enlightening summer Sunday school sessions exploring how the United Methodist Social Principles guide us toward John Wesley’s call to do justice and show mercy and compassion to all.
Starting with a comprehensive overview and understanding of the United Methodist Social Principles, our sessions will provide practical knowledge on pressing issues from creation care to economic mobility, immigration, and LGBTQIA+ support. With the guidance of distinguished speakers, including Duke Divinity professors, attorneys, and community leaders, we’ll learn how to embrace the differences, value and dignity of every person and work for equality and justice for all.
July 13 - August 27 | 9:55 AM | Community Room
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July 13: United Methodist Social Principles: Practicing Our Beliefs
Rev. Dr. Laceye Warner serves as professor of the practice of church ministry and Methodist studies and associate dean for Wesleyan engagement. Appointed to the faculty of Duke University Divinity School in 2001, she is an ordained elder and member of the Western North Carolina Conference. The author of numerous books and articles, her most recent book is an adult study resource about United Methodist identity titled, Knowing Who We Are: A Wesleyan Way of Grace.
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July 20: New Directions in Creation Care: Living into Our United Methodist Calling
Jonathan Brake, Eco-Mission and Creation Care Coordinator, Western North Carolina Conference, United Methodist Church, Elder in Full Connection.
Rev. Jonathan Brake brings over 25 years of dedicated ministry experience as an ordained elder in the Western NC Conference of the United Methodist Church. His journey into creation care began in 2016 when he was selected as an inaugural participant in the Global Ministries EarthKeepers program, launching a transformative path toward environmental stewardship leadership.
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July 27: Reforming Cash Bail in North Carolina: Challenges and Opportunities
Peter van Dorsten brings four decades of business experience from IBM, where he worked in sales, management, consulting, and process improvement. Now in retirement, he channels his expertise toward justice work as part of the NC Interfaith Cash Bail Reform Committee, building coalitions of religious groups across the state to advocate for fair, safe, and cost-effective alternatives to the current system.
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August 3: Understanding Immigration
Ann Marie Dooley, Attorney with McKinney Immigration Law, North Carolina Board Certified Immigration Law Specialist, Member of Christ United Methodist Church
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August 10: The Challenges Faced by LGBTQIA+ Individuals and Tangible Ways Churches and Individuals Can Offer Support and Care
Angel Collie, Director, Duke University Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
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August 17: Understanding DEI
Jennifer Mencarini, Attorney and Director of Cultural Engagement at the national law firm Fox Rothschild
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August 24: Issues of Economic Mobility in North Carolina and Greensboro
Craig Richardson, Truist Distinguished Professor Economics and Director of the Center for the Study of Economic Mobility, Winston-Salem State University