On Sept. 25-26 the Conscience and Justice Council held its annual convention virtually, with the theme being Everyone Counts Everyone Matters. The CJC (which is comprised of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty directors from the nine Regional Conferences, representatives from various union PARL directors, our West Coast unions, Oakwood University, Andrews University, Loma Linda University, and the North American Division) looked to engage and edify the online audience in the following areas: the Christian race, discipleship, mental health, religious liberty, social justice through the lens of our youth and young adults, and faith and community.
Dr. Willie Hucks, professor at Andrews University Theological Seminary, began our first night by dealing with the question, Can racism and discipleship coexist? The obvious answer was no. However, he showed us through the Scriptures and life of Jesus how those who were called by God had to grow in their faith and in their practice through their own prejudices and racial biases.
The panel discussion that followed included university professors and pastors, who drilled down on the concept that because of God’s grace He allows His disciples to grow into the men and women He desires them to become. Then Dr. G. Alexander Bryant, former Central States Conference president and current North American Division president, closed out the evening with a riveting message on Matt. 25:31-46, emphasizing that how we treat the least of these—those who are hungry, thirsty, sick, imprisoned, marginalized, oppressed, downtrodden—is how we treat Him. It was a powerful and sobering thought for all of us who desire to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servants.”
A mighty flood of justice
The Sabbath morning panel led by Dr. Marissa Leslie, system medical director of psychiatry for Adventist Health Care, addressed the topic Intersection of Mental Health and Social Justice. These mental health experts exposed the weight of racism on the psyche, the fatigue it causes on those who are affected by it, and how we can help our brothers and sisters cope and overcome it.
Immediately following that powerful panel, Liberty magazine editor Lincoln Steed shared how religious liberty and religious freedoms are inextricably connected to speaking up and speaking out on issues of injustice and inequality. Dr. Carlton Byrd, speaker/director for Breath of Life ministries, wrapped the Sabbath morning program with a power word on Matt. 23:23-24, as he highlighted how Jesus had to address the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, who would tithe their herbs, yet neglect the more important aspects of the law: justice, mercy and faith. Byrd pointed out that we must all be mindful of the struggle many people of faith sometimes have between their religion and their relationship with God and others. But Jesus repeatedly encouraged His hearers to value their saving relationships more than the rituals of their religion.
God Himself says it this way: “I hate all your show and pretense, the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies…Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, and an endless river of righteous living” (Amos 5:21-24).
Living Christ’s method
On Sabbath afternoon we were blessed to have a panel discussion on social justice through the lens of Millennials and Gen Z. The discussion was led by the editor for Message Magazine, Carmela Monk-Crawford, Esq, as they talked about how our youth and young adults can be ambassadors for the love of Christ even in times like these. After this panel presented, the Zoom platform allowed for group discussions, where participants shared various ways of how to become agents for change.
The last program on Sabbath evening was a discussion led by Pastor Jerome Hurst, PARL director for the Allegheny West Conference, on being Inclusive or Divisive in Loving Thy Neighbor. This panel of community leaders brought rich information and principles in how we should love our neighbors based on the ministry of Jesus. So many times we hear the quote from our prophetess Ellen White about how only the method of Christ will bring true success: mingling, meeting people where they are, ministering to their needs, then inviting them to follow Christ. Now God is calling us to not just quote it, but to live it.
Pastor Danielle Brown, from Church Ministries Cathedral International, wrapped the convention up with a powerful message from Isa. 58:1: Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.
We who attended were greatly inspired and energized to brighten the corner, wherever we are. We sincerely want to publicly thank Edward Woods III, chairman of the CJC and PARL director of the Lake Region Conference for his leadership of the CJC team and the planning and execution of such a wonderful, Spirit-filled virtual convention.
You can find the YouTube video links of this convention on central-states.org, facebook.com/ConscienceandJusticeCouncil, or on youtube.com/ConscienceandJusticeCouncil.
