Forty Clergy Participate in Seminar about Social Justice

Forty Clergy Participate in Seminar about Social Justice

Healthy neighborhoods need healthy institutions. Houses of worship, faith leaders, and mobilized congregation members are important elements necessary to bring about change in any community.

“In Biblical terms, faith without works is dead,” said Elder Christopher McKee, of the Community Revival and Discipleship Center and community organizer with the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative (MVOC). “The economic crisis that we now all face is a further agitation for our congregations to not just provide services to those in need – but to organize for those who have been left out to have a voice.”

McKee cited the rising poverty rates in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties – now over 16 percent – as evidence for the need to “speak truth power” and address some of the underlying causes of economic and racial segregation.

MVOC is playing a leadership role in working with congregations of various faiths and denominations throughout the Mahoning Valley actively engaging more than forty congregations from Warren and Youngstown. In August, MVOC convened a group of racially diverse faith leaders representing different denominations and faith traditions gathered at the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown to discuss social justice.

Rev. Solomon Hill, pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church, remarks, “It was encouraging to see clergy of various faiths discussing issues of mutual concern for the Mahoning Valley – together.” MVOC framed the event to begin to create a space in the Valley for faith leaders to think about the ways in which their ministry and activism are connected to their faith mission.

Panelists and speakers included Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle of Cleveland’s Antioch Baptist Church, Dr. Victor Wan-Tatah and Dr. Mustansir Mir of Youngstown State University, and Rev. Dr. Barbara Blodgett of the United Church of Christ.

In addition to a mix of scholars and pastors, U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan also stopped by to remind those present of their importance as pillars of leadership, guidance and direction for Mahoning Valley residents. “As a pastor new to the Valley, it was helpful to meet with other pastors concerned about social justice issues,” said Rev. Dee Emmert of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Warren.

Over the next few months, MVOC will focus on developing leadership teams within the congregations that have partnered with the organization, as well as the development of a defined Clergy Leadership Team. For more information, contact Christopher McKee at 330-743-1196 or email cmckee@mvorganizing.org.

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