The New York State Council of Churches Present A Virtual Policy and Legislative Seminar with Theological and Anti-Racism Reflections‍

‍Our First Seminar - Voting Justice, Democracy and Christian Nationalism - Tuesday, October 25, 4:00 to 6:00 PM  

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Watch the video of this seminar here

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Guests included:   Susan Lerner, Executive Director, Common Cause, NY

The Reverend Jennifer Butler, Founder in Residence, Faith in Public Life

Dan Hamil, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty

Colleen Ross, Communications Director, NETWORK: Be a Pope Francis Voter Campaign  

The Reverend Dr. Jimmy Reader. Pastor and Blogger, Rochester, NY

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‍Click here to register  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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As you prepare for this seminar, here are some thoughts and resources to consider.  Jennifer Butler wrote this recent article in The Philadelphia Inquirer where she reflects on her experience in witnessing the Reawaken Tour which came to Batavia, New York and in anticipation of another ReAwaken event in Manheim, Pennsylvania. As Butler notes, The Reawaken America Tour's "recycled conspiracy theories have motivated recent deadly domestic terrorist attacks that targeted Jews in a Pittsburgh synagogue, African Americans at a bible study in Charleston, S.C., and a grocery store in Buffalo, N.Y., Latinos shopping in El Paso, Texas, and Sikhs at worship in Oak Creek, Wisc.”

Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty has a plethora of resources to understand the rise Christian Nationalism and how it runs contrary to historic and current Baptist sensibilities www.bjconline.org/jan6report.Check out Jimmy Reader's weekly blog  which includes articles on democracy, Christian Nationalism, and more.

Common Cause, New York has offers a voting guide New Yorkers. In addition, National Council of Churches offers a Voter Empowerment Guide which includes a vehicle for congregations to sponsor every Sunday an opportunity to check in and get updated information.

NETWORK The Roman Catholic NETWORK Lobby offers guidance on the 2022 elections and how to be a Pope Francis Voter.

Please join us for a series of seminars as we take an in depth look at the major issues of our time. We will bring together experts, lawmakers and activists to learn about current and pending state and Federal legislation. We will reflect on these policy areas through a theological lens while seeking to address structural racism in all of its forms. Days and times for seminars vary to allow participants scheduling flexibility. All seminars will be held on zoom and recorded for future reference. All seminars will contribute to the development of the New York State Council of Churches' 2023 legislative ask.