Let’s Talk About Justice
Justice and Advocacy Ministries Empowers Disciples to use our voices and our actions to promote greater justice and mercy in the world.
Disciples Home Missions seeks to bring a coordinated approach to influencing the church’s work for justice with a focus on three key areas:
- Refugee and Immigration Ministries
- Racial Justice
- Environmental Justice
Disciples Advocate is the primary engagement platform for Justice and Advocacy Ministries. Learn more by clicking the “Engage” tab above or clicking here:
Check out the Resources listed below for ways that you, your congregation, or your community can be a part of working for God’s dream of justice to be made manifest in the world.
Reach out to the Director of Justice and Advocacy Ministries, Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, by scrolling down to the Contact Card at the bottom of any of these pages.
Resources
Use the tools below to browse our resources and filter your results:
After the Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Disciples Home Missions hosted a panel discussion on Voting Rights, Faith, and Democracy that features: Rev. Chris Dorsey, Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, and Rev. Dr. Katie Sexton; with Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray as facilitator.
The May Disciples Advocate Email Edition begins with a lead article from Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund reflecting on her experiences at Ecumenical Advocacy Days. It continues with DHM’s Statement on the Supreme Court’s recent decision that guts the Voting Rights Acts, links and articles from ministry partners, invitations to upcoming justice events, advocacy toolkits to support your work, and link to the most recent weekly videos from Disciples Advocate Digest. Check it out and spread the word!
On April 29, 2026, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in Louisiana v. Callais that guts the Voting Rights Act. It is now significantly harder to challenge redistricting maps for racial discrimination. For decades, courts could assess the impact of those maps—regardless of intent. That standard has been overturned. Disciples Home Missions receives this decision with grief and resolve.
The April Disciples Advocate Email Edition begins with a lead article from Rev. Ryan Cullumber of Harbor Christian Church and Living Coast Ministry. Then it continues with an announcement about Ecumenical Advocacy Days, links and articles from ministry partners, invitations to upcoming justice events, advocacy toolkits to support your work, and a special word about the weekly videos from Disciples Advocate Digest.
DHM was a co-sponsor of the Faithful Response Ecumenical Immigration Gathering at Camp Christian in Ohio. The event was planned by Week of Compassion and Justice & Advocacy Ministries alongside partners from the United Church of Christ and the Church of the Brethren. This was a pilot project and we hope to bring similar events to other Regions. Contact Brian Frederick-Gray for more information.
The March Disciples Advocate Email Edition begins with a lead article from Rev. Laura Phillips, Director for the Children Worship Wonder and Welcome Program. Then it continues with an announcement about the Disciples Advocate Digest (a weekly video series from DHM), links and articles from ministry partners, invitations to upcoming justice events, and advocacy toolkits to support your work.
World Water Day is March 22nd. World Water Day celebrates water and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis. Ecosystems supply, purify and protect freshwater resources. Apart from directly captured rainwater, humans get every drop of freshwater from either groundwater, surface water or frozen water.
In response to ICE, on January 22-23 faith leaders from around the country “answered the call to Minneapolis” put forth by the local, faith-based organizing coalition MARCH.
Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray shared, “We were invited to learn what was happening in Minnesota, support our siblings in faith, and take their lessons back to our own contexts." This handout is one step in sharing learnings from the MARCH Minnesota events.
Every year World Wetlands Day is celebrated around the world on February 2nd. This year’s theme is "Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage." The global campaign spotlights the timeless role of traditional knowledge in sustaining wetland ecosystems and preserving cultural identity.
In this article for Patheos, Rev. Dr. Leah Schade shares that "Minnesota pastors urge U.S. clergy to prepare now for ICE incursions. Their wisdom and experience show us how."
Experience Justice & Advocacy Ministries
Please find videos and multimedia productions from Justice and Advocacy Ministries.
Panel Discussion: Voting Rights, Faith, and Democracy
Immediately following the Supreme Court Decision in Louisiana v. Callais DHM hosted a panel discussion on voting rights featuring Chris Dorsey, Barbara Williams-Skinner, and Katie Sexton. It is a faithful, challenging, and inspiring conversation that lifts up several tangible resources and tools for next steps.
A Conversation: Refugee & Immigration Issues
In this video recorded in October 2025, Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray and Rev. Grace Kozak discuss important issues about the refugee and immigration systems in the US.
An Intersectional Gospel:
Faith That Moves Beyond Comfort
A Panel Conversation with Dr. Amy Lindeman Allen, Dr. Irie L. Session, Rev. Gabriel Lopez, and Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri moderated by Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray
The “Let’s Talk About…” Video Series
In the first video of the “Let’s Talk About…” series, Rev. Brian (Director for Justice and Advocacy Ministries at Disciples Home Missions) talks about how justice is core to our Christian faith, offers the description of justice that most inspires him, and invites others to share in the work.
In this video from the “Let’s Talk About…” series, Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray (Director for Justice and Advocacy Ministries at DHM) talks about advocacy and shares the important ways that Disciples Advocate is here to help you in the work of living out your faith in the world. Learn More: disciplesadvocate.org
In the second video of the “Let’s Talk About…” series, Rev. Brian (Director for Justice and Advocacy Ministries at Disciples Home Missions) talks about the four classic types of justice – Distributive Justice, Procedural Justice, Retributive Justice, and Restorative Justice.
In this video from the “Let’s Talk About…” series, Attorney Jonelle Ocloo (Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel) talks about her work as an immigration attorney, the services she offers Disciples, and her own immigration journey.
In this video from the “Let’s Talk About…” series, Attorney Jonelle Ocloo (Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel) defines/describes key phrases in the US Immigration system such as “refugee” and “asylee” and “immigrant.”
In this video from the “Let’s Talk About…” series, Rev. Managerrie Winston (DHM Coordinator for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults) talks about why justice is such a core faith component for young people, and the ways that adult faith leaders can support them.
In this video from the “Let’s Talk About…” series, Rev. Carol Devine (Co-Minister for Green Chalice and Director of Blessed Tomorrow) talks about the “Green Snowball” strategy for using the cost savings from green energy solutions to fund further green energy solutions for congregations.
Immigration Webinar Highlights
Video Excerpt from the Disciples Justice Ministries Immigration Webinar held on February 25, 2025. Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel Jonelle Ocloo shares “What Your Church Should Know” about the recission of “Sensitive Locations”, practical steps for dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and differentiating between with an ICE Administrative Warrant and a Judicial Warrant.
Video Excerpt from the Disciples Justice Ministries Immigration Webinar held on February 25, 2025. Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel Jonelle Ocloo shares Know Your Rights resources and information for individuals in the United States.
Video Excerpt from the Disciples Justice Ministries Immigration Webinar held on February 25, 2025. Disciples Immigration Legal Counsel Jonelle Ocloo shares an update on the US Refugee Program and the changes implemented by the Trump Administration Executive Orders and Policy Changes (as of late February 2025).
Additional Video Resources
Join us as we participate in rich dialogue and intentional learning on Gender & Sexual Based Violence through the lens of Thursdays in Black!
Together, we’ll learn how to partner in Breaking the Chains of gender and sexual based violence through deconstructing biblical narratives, testimony in action, social media’s influence on youth and ways to engage in violence prevention and anti-trafficking work.
Watch the Recording from the second session of the Thursdays in Black Summit! Join us as we participate in rich dialogue and intentional learning on Gender & Sexual Based Violence through the lens of Thursdays in Black!
Together, we’ll learn how to partner in Breaking the Chains of gender and sexual based violence through deconstructing biblical narratives, testimony in action, social media’s influence on youth and ways to engage in violence prevention and anti-trafficking work.
Disciples Advocate is the Primary Engagement Platform for Justice & Advocacy Ministries
Disciples Advocate is a distribution channel and a connection space that empowers Disciples to bring a coordinated approach to promoting greater justice and mercy in the world.
The relaunched Disciples Advocate is intended for congregations, Regions, clergy and laypeople, General Ministries and our partners. By amplifying the work of scholars, activists, community organizers, and church members at work on the frontlines of justice we will deepen our connections, elevate opportunities, and serve God in new and exciting ways.
Please find a full list of upcoming and past events from Justice & Advocacy Ministries
Upcoming Events
The Black Church and Climate Justice Webinar: Faith, Resilience, and Action for a Sustainable Future
Date: July 28, 2026 7:30 pm – July 28, 2026 9:00 pm (Eastern)
Location: Online Via Zoom
Program: Black Church Ministries, Green Chalice, Justice & Advocacy, Outdoor Ministries
Oreon E. Scott Clergy Conference Sept. 1-4, 2026 Christmount Conference Center
Date: September 1, 2026 4:00 pm – September 4, 2026 10:00 am (Eastern)
Location: Christmount Christian Assembly, Black Mountain, NC
Program: Green Chalice, Justice & Advocacy, Outdoor Ministries
Past Events
Green Chalice Online Gathering- April 16, 2026 Getting the Garden ready!
Date: April 16, 2026 7:00 pm – April 16, 2026 8:15 pm (Eastern)
Location: Online Via Zoom
Program: Disciples Youth, Green Chalice, Justice & Advocacy
Green Chalice Online Gathering- February 12
Date: February 12, 2026 7:00 pm – February 12, 2026 8:15 pm (Eastern)
Location: Online Via Zoom
Program: Disciples Youth, Green Chalice, Justice & Advocacy
Green Chalice Online Gathering- Oct. 2, 2025
Date: October 2, 2025 7:00 pm – October 2, 2025 8:30 pm (Eastern)
Location: Online Via Zoom
Program: Disciples Young Adults, Disciples Youth, Green Chalice, Justice & Advocacy
Oreon E. Scott Clergy Conference Sept. 16-19, 2025 Christmount Conference Center
Date: September 16, 2025 4:00 pm – September 19, 2025 10:00 am (Eastern)
Location: Christmount Christian Assembly, Black Mountain, NC
Program: Green Chalice, Justice & Advocacy
Follow-Up Discussion: “God So Loved the World” Global Justice Event
Date: September 7, 2025 7:00 pm – September 7, 2025 8:00 pm (Eastern)
Location: Online Via Zoom
Organizer: Event Organized by Sekinah Hamlin and Brian Frederick-Gray
Program: Justice & Advocacy
Follow-Up Discussion: “God So Loved the World” Global Justice Event
Date: September 4, 2025 7:00 pm – September 4, 2025 8:00 pm (Eastern)
Location: Online Via Zoom
Organizer: Event Organized by Sekinah Hamlin and Brian Frederick-Gray
Program: Justice & Advocacy
Moral Mondays Memphis
Date: July 14, 2025 12:00 pm – July 14, 2025 1:30 pm (Central)
Location: Civic Center Plaza
125 N. Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
125 N. Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
Organizer: Repairers of the Breach, Disciples Home Missions, Obra Hispana, and Week of Compassion
Program: Justice & Advocacy
Disciples Justice Ministries Immigration Webinar
Date: February 25, 2025 3:00 pm – February 25, 2025 4:30 pm (Eastern)
Location: Online Via Zoom
Organizer: The Disciples Justice Ministries Working Group
Program: Disciples Men, Disciples Women’s Ministries, Disciples Youth, Green Chalice, Justice & Advocacy
Thursdays in Black Summit Day 2
Date: November 20, 2024 1:00 pm – November 20, 2024 2:30 pm (Eastern)
Location: Online Via Zoom
Organizer: Disciples and UCC Thursdays in Black Team
Program: Christian Education & Faith Formation, Disciples Men, Disciples Women’s Ministries, Justice & Advocacy
Ecumenical Climate Ambassador Training
Date: November 16, 2024 11:30 am – November 16, 2024 3:30 pm (Eastern)
Location: Online Via Zoom
Organizer: Blessed Tomorrow
Program: Green Chalice, Justice & Advocacy
Thursdays in Black Summit Day 1
Date: November 13, 2024 1:00 pm – November 13, 2024 2:30 pm (Eastern)
Location: Online Via Zoom
Organizer: Disciples and UCC Thursdays in Black Team
Program: Christian Education & Faith Formation, Disciples Men, Disciples Women’s Ministries, Justice & Advocacy
