Thompson Scholars 2017, Evangelism and Social Justice, will take place May 2-5, 2017 at the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary.
Adam L. Bond, Associate Professor of Historical Studies and American Baptist Liaison at The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University; and Mark Whitlock, pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church and Director of Community Initiatives at University of Southern California, Center for Religion and Civic Culture will be keynote speakers. Local pastors and community leaders will serve as panelists and workshop leaders. Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins, the Peachtree Associate professor of evangelism and church growth at Columbia Theological Seminary will serve as organizer, moderator and opening speaker.
“The seminar will empower church leaders to explore ways their churches can have conversations around evangelism and social justice, and equip them with the theological resources to guide this work,” states Watkins. “We’ll look at practical models that support congregations and faith communities as they seek to make a real difference in their communities in ways that are directly linked to their presence within those communities.”
To complete an application, click here. The application deadline is February 15, 2017 and applicants will be notified before the end of the month. Preference will be given to applicants who have not participated in previous Thompson Scholar seminars. For additional information, including a link to the application, click here.
A program fee of $150 covers all course-related fees, eight meals on campus during the event, refreshments, and access to the online course site. Pre-course preparation will include required reading and participation in online discussions. Participants are responsible for their housing and transportation; on campus housing is available.
The Thompson Scholars program is generously supported by an endowment in honor of Cecil Thompson, former professor of evangelism at Columbia, making it possible to offer the seminar at a lower cost to participants than comparable programs at the Center for Lifelong Learning.
First Five Freedoms is proud to join Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law, The Temple, and All Saints Episcopal Church for "Faith, Law, & Democracy: A Community Conversation on the Public Good and the Rule of Law" on Tuesday June 2. We hope you will consider joining us for this important discussion. Americans across the political spectrum are grappling with a shared unease: the feeling that something foundational is slipping. Trust in institutions is eroding. The norms that once governed public life are contested. And the concept of the public good — the idea that we share a common stake in fair, just, and accountable governance — is increasingly hard to find in our public discourse. This program brings together faith leaders, legal experts, and engaged community members for an evening of honest conversation about what is at stake. Hosted at All Saints Episcopal Church and co-presented by The Temple, Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law (GLRL), and First Five Freedoms, the event weaves together spiritual reflection, legal analysis, and civic dialogue to address one central question: What does it mean to protect the rule of law — and why does it matter for all of us, right now? The evening will include reflection, analysis, and discussion designed to:
Faith, Law & Democracy, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 634 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta 30308. Featured speakers include: Rev. Natosha Reid Rice, Minister for Public Life, All Saints’ Episcopal Church; Rabbi Lydia Medwin, Associate Rabbi, The Temple; Jill Steinberg, former U.S. Attorney for Georgia’s Southern District; Al Pearson, former University of Georgia Law professor; Richard Griffiths, retired journalist, and president emeritus of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation. Registration for this event is free. Complimentary parking, food, and refreshments. REGISTER HERE
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Atlanta, GA 30355
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