September Anti-Racism Events
Sept. 7, 1:00 pm: This year the NJ Synod’s Transforming White Privilege facilitators are hosting opportunities throughout the state to learn about the history of slavery in NJ. You’re invited to join them at the Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County in historic Smithville Park, NJ for a free one-hour tour with a brief discussion following. The Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County offers visitors a visual presentation of the Underground Railroad experience in America, with emphasis on New Jersey and Burlington County, where the Underground Railroad flourished before the Civil War.
To register, please send your name, number of people attending & the name of our church to Dr. Dianne Browne (racialjustice@leam.org). Her response will include directions. Open your hearts and minds to this conversation while considering the importance of racial equity and justice. Remember, we are called to love as Christ continues to love us.
Sept. 14, 11:00 am-3:00 pm: Join the African Descent Lutheran Association for their first annual Fellowship Event at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center, 29 Pleasant Grove Rd, Port Murray, NJ. All are welcome to join the games, fellowship and worship. Cost is $15 per person. For more details, please email Valerie Slack (aslack14@yahoo.com).
Bishop’s Challenge
It’s not too late! At the annual NJ Synod Assembly Bishop Tracie Bartholomew challenged Lutheran congregations throughout the state to engage in at least one new activity that cares for God’s good creation this year. The Justice & Peace Committee would love to hear your suggestions for how LCOS can respond to the challenge and be ready to share our results with the rest of the Synod at next year’s assembly. Please contact Pauline (pworusski@gmail.com), Deb (demacbride@verizon.net), or Lynn Block (blockstar59@hotmail.com) with your ideas.
Did You Know…that New Jersey has the worst racial disparities among its prison population in the nation? On June 19 Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order launching a clemency initiative to create an advisory Clemency Board to expedite the review of petitions for pardons and commutations for those who committed crimes after being victims of domestic violence, sex trafficking or other forms of sexual abuse. Also included for review are those who are serving significantly longer sentences because they exercised their constitutional right for a trial rather than agreeing to the prosecutor’s plea deal. New Jersey’s Constitution gives the Governor broad discretion to issue pardons and commutations to those with state criminal convictions. Each clemency applicant will receive individualized consideration by the Clemency Advisory Board. The criteria for expedited consideration stated in the Executive Order reflect categories of applications that are particularly likely to warrant an exercise of executive clemency by the Governor.
