By Heather Hedlund
What does it look like to put our faith into action to love our neighbors? Back in April, I had the privilege of attending a weeklong faith-based leadership training for community organizers. I got to know several Christians (including an immigrant from Haiti) who are working on the ground in Ohio to stand with Haitian neighbors who have lost their Temporary Protected Status and are now under threat of deportation. One of those organizers is Jessie Heizer, who works for UNDIVIDED in Ohio. Recently, Jessie shared about how people in Ohio are putting their faith into action to support their Haitian neighbors right now.
On the 250th birthday of the United States of America, New York Times columnist and podcaster Ezra Klein visited Montgomery, Alabama to experience Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Sites. This is the same trip that some of our J&RR leaders took last November as reported here. After visiting the sites, Klein sat down for an interview with EJI founder Bryan Stevenson to talk about what moved him as he visited the sites and what they mean.
Justin Giboney on YouTubeLast month, several members of the J&RR team trekked across the bridge to Bethany Community Church for their annual Ministry of Racial Justice and Reconciliation Speaker Event. This year featured Justin Giboney, the founder and president of the AND Campaign, an organization dedicated to helping Christians offer a more faithful public witness and engagement.
Video: Understanding the SCOTUS Attack on Black Voting Rights. Jemar Tisby interview. https://timwhitakerspeaks.substack.com/
p/understanding-the-scotus-attack-on
Article: ABC News legal contributor, James Sample gives a concise explanation of the recent Supreme Court decision
https://abcnews.com/Politics/5-things-supreme-
courts-landmark-decision-voting-rights/story?id=131396119
By Nancy Gibson
Last fall, my husband Greg and I set out on a cross-country road trip in our campervan. With the help of ChatGPT, Greg drafted an itinerary. In the fall, we slowly worked our way to San Antonio. We flew home over the holidays, then flew back in January to resume our journey.
The second half took us to Key West and up to North Carolina before heading back west. In addition to National Parks and other key points of interest, I wanted to be sure to visit sites related to racial justice and civil rights.
By Heather Hedlund
When the BelPres Justice & Racial Reconciliation Team formed in 2016, one of our first activities was a book discussion of Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins. This book has set the tone for the work we've been doing ever since. Dr. Perkins went home to Jesus on March 13, 2026, at the age of 95. As I've been reflecting on his legacy, I'd like to share some of the reasons his life and work have been so important to me.
A poem by Howard Thurman from his book The Mood of Christmas and Other Celebrations
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
- To find the lost,
- To heal the broken,
- To feed the hungry,
- To release the prisoner,
- To rebuild the nations,
- To bring peace among brothers,
- To make music in the heart.
In November, three members of the J&RR Team participated in a Racial Justice Pilgrimage to learn from the witness of the Black Church during the Civil Rights Movement and to be formed by their courage, suffering, and hope.
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