August 2024 marked 10 years since the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, following the shooting of Michael Brown. This tragedy sparked not only protests but also deep reflection on racial injustice in America and within the church.
As we commemorate a decade since this event, we are called to evaluate whether our responses as a community and church have been truly transformative or merely performative — filled with "talking" or marked by "walking" the path of justice.
Conscience and Justice Council, supported by the North American Division Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department, emerged from the unrest in Ferguson. CJC remains committed to emphasizing justice and fairness in public affairs, while also advocating for liberty of conscience.
CJC was established to mobilize faith communities against systemic racism and inequality, urging them to go beyond the pulpit and engage in justice and advocacy. Part of this mission includes organizing a national intergenerational and interfaith convention to sustain justice ministry.
Some areas have seen real progress. CJC has advocated for police reforms, promoted voter registration and fostered discussions on implicit bias within churches and communities. Some localities have implemented changes in policing policies, increased officer accountability and renewed their focus on community policing. Faith leaders are increasingly integrating justice work into their ministries, aligning with the biblical call to “do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
On Sept. 18–22, 2024, the 10th annual CJC Convention took place in St. Louis. Participants met Michael Brown’s family and other civic, faith and community leaders who have advocated for justice over the past decade. The event featured powerful presentations from speakers across the country and engaged participants in plenary and breakout sessions. Field visits included a tour of the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum and a “Best Practices” visit to a local ministry called Community Wellness.
Four Washington Conference representatives attended this convention, including Derek Lane, Washington Conference outreach ministries director and CJC committee PARL representative, and pastors EuGene Lewis, Ulric Hetsberger and Dwayne Wilson. The presentations inspired them, and discussions have begun around hosting a future CJC event in Washington.
Participants left the event inspired and challenged to support, advocate and relationally engage with their neighbors. The next CJC Convention will be held Sept. 25–28, 2025 at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, promising another meaningful opportunity for believers to foster compassion and justice. To learn more about CJC, visit cjcouncil.org.
Dwayne Wilson, Washington Conference pastor, listens to a powerful message by Marcus Cosby.
Mr. and Mrs. B.T. Rice (center) of New Horizons Church in Missouri are recognized for their community and civil engagement work in Ferguson, Missouri, following the death of Michael Brown.
Participants gain valuable insights from Michael Pfleger and other various presenters on fostering community engagement.
