Interfaith Gathering for Peace and Justice
January 22nd | 6 pm Gathering, Food & Activities | 7 pm Panel Discussion
Elliott University Center Auditorium
Join us on the evening of January 22nd as we explore ways our faiths can find common ground to serve and care for the most vulnerable among us. In a social and political climate that stokes fear of the other, demonizes refugees and immigrants, and all too often undermines racial justice and equity, how can the values we share help us find a new way forward?
The 6 p.m. hour will be a chance to gather, participate in activities, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and interact with individuals from various backgrounds in the prefunction area.
A panel discussion will take place at 7 p.m., focusing on building bridges in our interfaith communities to promote social change, protect minority populations, and combat the spread of hate. At a time when things can feel so overwhelming, we could all use a bit of hope, compassion, and community.
About Our Panel
Rev. Dawn Hand
Director of Equity and Justice, Western NC Conference of The United Methodist Church
Rev. Hand is an ordained elder with more than 30 years of service and leadership, focusing on justice, advocacy, and spiritual formation. Throughout her ministry, she has demonstrated a passion for equity and justice, consistently advocating for marginalized communities, and leading initiatives on immigration reform, affordable housing, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice.
Rev. Dr. Mark Sandlin
Ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA),serving at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Greensboro
Mark is a past-Chair of the Board of UKIRK Greensboro and author of Progressive Prayers for Progressive People. He is a co-founder of The Christian Left and serves as the President and Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org. His blog, then known as “The God Article,” was named as one of the “Top Ten Christian Blogs.” Mark received The Associated Church Press’ Award of Excellence in 2012.
Sister Rose Marie Tresp, RSM
Regional Organizer/Educator at Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, South Central Community
Sr. Rose Marie is a member of the Mercy Justice Team working with 17 mostly southern states since 2008. She has served as director of ethics for hospitals and in leadership for the Sisters of Mercy. She is active in social justice work at the local and national levels, helping to shape and carry out the Sisters of Mercy focus on immigration, the environment, women’s rights, non-violence, and fighting poverty, prejudice, and racism.
Rabbi James (Ya’aqov) Walker
Rabbi Ya’aqov bridges the Charlotte Jewish and African American communities in his professional and spiritual roles. He was ordained in 2023, having served as a lay leader in Charlotte since 2009. He has studied under Egyptian-Israeli Jews from the Karaite branch of Judaism for nearly 20 years, and is an author of three bilingual Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic classic texts published by the Karaite Press.