Young Adult Advocacy Conference will offer practical tools, diverse speakers and chance to network with people of faith
by Darla Carter | Presbyterian News Service
The Rev. Tony Larson, co-moderator of the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (Photo by Rich Copley)
LOUISVILLE — The Rev. Tony Larson, co-moderator of the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is the latest addition to the roster of special guests who’ll be taking part in the denomination’s annual Young Adult Advocacy Conference this fall.
The “Jesus and Justice” conference, which is in its second year, will be held on the Charlotte, North Carolina, campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary on Oct. 18–20 and will help college students and other young adults to improve the world around them through advocacy.
“We believe it is essential to create a space for exploring how to get involved in the community and to facilitate networking with local organizations and churches,” said Ivy Lopedito, mission associate for the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness (OPW). “They will engage with attendees through workshops, keynote speeches, sermons and panel discussions.”
The conference, which was held in Louisville last year, is being hosted by the PC(USA) advocacy offices — OPW and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations — with regional support.
Ivy Lopedito, mission associate for the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness (Photo by Rich Copley)
“We believe this conference will be a valuable experience for young people for numerous reasons,” Lopedito said. “The ‘Jesus and Justice’ conference provides practical tools and training on how to effectively advocate within one’s community, across the United States, and globally. It also offers the chance to meet and network with other people of faith who share similar values and concerns.”
Along with staff from the denomination, such as Lopedito and PC(USA) advocacy director the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, there will be regional guests, such as the Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, an associate professor of Bible at Union Presbyterian Seminary.
There also will be special guests from PC(USA)’s national headquarters, such as the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson, coordinator of the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People; the Rev. Samuel Son, manager for diversity and reconciliation; the Rev. Dr. Amantha Barbee, a PC(USA) ministry engagement advisor; and Hayley Scheir, mission specialist for committee support.
“Engaging with diverse speakers and participants at the conference can broaden one’s understanding of various issues from different perspectives, helping to develop a more nuanced view of how faith intersects with social, political and economic matters,” Lopedito said. “Additionally, attending this conference can reinforce personal faith and clarify how it relates to one’s role in society, inspiring a sense of purpose and direction for living out one’s values in practical ways.”
On the final day of the conference, there will be an opportunity to raise awareness about systemic poverty and related issues, such as housing and food insecurity.
The Rev. Dr. Amantha Barbee
“We will gather around the cross in front of the seminary on the issue of eradicating systemic poverty,” one of the main foci of the PC(USA)’s Matthew 25 movement, Hawkins said. “PC(USA) leaders, Rev. Larson and others will lead us in prayers and a call to action.”
OPW has been reaching out to various churches and schools in the Charlotte area and is looking forward to welcoming a strong contingent of students.
“The response from local PC(USA) ministries, especially the campus ministries, is exciting,” Hawkins said.
Lopedito added that leaders who work with young adults are welcome to attend the conference, too.
“If you’re coming with a group, we encourage you to participate in all the activities throughout the weekend,” she said. “If you are outside the 18–35 age range but would like to attend, please email us. We’d be delighted to connect with you.”
To learn more or to register for the conference, go here.
The Office of Public Witness and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations are part of the Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
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