Center for Social Justice & Reconciliation

04/09/2026

04/07/2026

If trump’s foolish actions against Iran get the Iranians to sell oil in Chinese currency, it could undermine our entire economy and undermine the dollar as the currency in which oil is traded. This unthoughtful man’s irrational impulses could do more to foster a depression than any other president since the 1920’s. And this is why it matters who you vote for!

04/06/2026

The conversation continues! We're excited to invite you to the final event of the 2026 African American Social Justice Preaching Series, this Thursday, April 9, at 7pm. To register for this webinar, please visit: https://qrco.de/bgfzfQ or scan the QR code below.

Dr. Bridgeman is Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Homiletics and Hebrew Bible at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and the founder of WomanPreach! Inc, which helps bring preachers into full prophetic voice around justice and equity in the pulpit.

We hope you will join us for the webinar on April 9!

Rodney Sadler Reimagining America Project
Union Presbyterian Seminary

03/23/2026

Today's African American Social Justice Preaching Series luncheon with the Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman will livestream on the Seminary's YouTube page at 12noon.

We are a community that is bound by the love of God, enriched by our individuality, and united in bold Christian service for the church in the world.

03/16/2026

Reminder!

You're invited to the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation and the Katie Geneva Cannon Center for Womanist Leadership's next Just Talk Talk Just!

Sacred Survival:
Emotional and Spiritual Wellness for Black Women
Tuesday March 17th at 7pm | Virtual Panel Discussion

Join Drs. Jessica Young Brown, Chanequa Walker-Barnes, Jessica Chapman Lape, and Lakisha Lockhart for an empowering conversation on nurturing wholeness in the lives of Black women.

This panel will explore the historical realities and ongoing struggles that shape Black women’s pursuit of emotional, spiritual, physical and mental wellness. Together, the panelists will highlight the vital interconnection between mental and physical health, offering embodied practices and accessible resources for cultivating resilience. Register here:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/unionpresbyterianseminary/2055157?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ctct

Rodney Sadler Union Presbyterian Seminary The Katie Geneva Cannon Center for Womanist Leadership

03/16/2026

We are delighted that our 2026 African American Social Justice Preaching Series is closer than ever after having to postpone in January due to inclement weather!

This year's series, God Pierces the Fear, is a free two-day gathering on Sunday, March 22 and Monday, March 23 in Charlotte. We are are honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman to preach and teach on trusting God in the midst of trauma.

Dr. Bridgeman is Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Homiletics and Hebrew Bible at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and the founder of WomanPreach! Inc, which helps bring preachers into full prophetic voice around justice and equity in the pulpit.

Anyone who registered for the luncheon before has received an email from Erin Mills asking them to confirm their registration. NEW attendees should register here:

https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=9ccdc3a5-bd46-4b02-ac50-c3c1f0ba1d10&envId=p-VtQqfCLVo0KSAj0dzGJnDw&zone=usa

Sunday, March 22 at 10:30am | Worship and Reception
Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church
6116 Monteith Dr, Charlotte, NC

Monday, March 23 at 11:30am | Luncheon and Conversation
Union Presbyterian Seminary
5141 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC

Union Presbyterian Seminary Rodney Sadler

03/10/2026

Join the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation (CSJR) for our 2026 African American Social Justice Preaching Series, March 22-23, 2026!

Lunch registration here: https://qrco.de/2026AASJPS
If you previously registered for the luncheon, CSJR will be in touch to confirm you are still able to attend.

We welcome the Reverend Dr. Valerie Bridgeman, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor of Homiletics and Hebrew Bible at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and the founder of WomanPreach!, Inc. to Charlotte.

Throughout our series, God Pierces the Darkness, Dr. Bridgeman will preach and teach us about trusting God in the midst of trauma.

We hope you will join us for worship and a reception on Sunday, March 22nd and a luncheon on Monday, March 23rd. Please share this series with your friends and colleagues.

02/13/2026

Dr. Rodney Sadler and Dr. Becky Davis led Journey to Freedom, a travel seminar on Civil Rights & Social Justice.

From Atlanta to Selma to Montgomery and beyond, they walked in the footsteps of those who labored for justice. We’re so grateful for those who joined us, opening space for learning, reflection, and faithful witness together. View the full album of pictures at https://bit.ly/csjrjourney

02/11/2026

Tonight! Register now!

Restorative Justice: Transforming Harm into Public Safety
Tuesday February 17th at 7pm ET | Virtual Panel Discussion

One thing Democrats and Republicans agree on is that our criminal justice system is broken and in serious need of reform. Many of the solutions that have proven effective involve the notion of restorative justice.
Please join us as we look at what restorative justice means for those who have been hurt, for those who hurt them, and for our larger society, and together we can learn about better ways to deal with the aftermath of crime. Panelists include Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, Travis Claybrooks, Henderson Hill, and Cindy Adcock.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bUPrbEPjRLysPGpnIH6YnQ #/registration?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ctct

This event will livestream here!

02/03/2026

NEW DATES!

Join the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation (CSJR) for our 2026 African American Social Justice Preaching Series, March 22-23, 2026!

Lunch registration here: https://qrco.de/2026AASJPS
If you previously regostered for the luncheon, the CSJR will be in touch to confirm you are still able to attend.

We welcome the Reverend Dr. Valerie Bridgeman, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor of Homiletics and Hebrew Bible at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and the founder of WomanPreach! Inc to Charlotte.

Throughout our series, God Pierces the Darkness, Dr. Bridgeman will preach and teach us about trusting God in the midst of trauma.

We hope you will join us for worship and a reception on Sunday, March 22nd and a luncheon on Monday, March 23rd. Please share this series with your friends and colleagues.

Union Presbyterian Seminary Reimagining America Project