In the spirit of Keep Making Peace, a new event on February 21 aims to empower Michigan UMs to be better justice-seekers in our world.
“Jesus calls every generation to wholehearted discipleship,” says the preamble to our United Methodist Social Principles, and that means following his example. It means practicing compassion toward our neighbors and families, honoring the dignity of all, and recognizing systems that destroy human lives through poverty, violence, and exclusion.
Taking the words and ways of Jesus seriously also means “advocating justice and care in our churches, communities and social structures.” Upholding our faith principles and championing God’s justice are hallmarks of discipleship, reinforced by biblical principles. Time and again, the prophetic voice of the Scriptures calls us to do justice, seek peace, and love our neighbors.
The justice concerns in our world are varied and pressing, and they overwhelm us at every turn, whether it’s environmental crises, wars and rumors of wars, attacks on our immigrant neighbors and LGBTQ+ loved ones, or efforts to divide and polarize. How can we, as United Methodists, respond faithfully to Jesus’ call?
Keep Doing Justice is a one-day event organized by the Michigan Conference Board of Justice, designed to empower Michigan United Methodists to be better justice-seekers in our world. The in-person event will be held on Saturday, February 21, at University UMC in East Lansing, from 9 am to 4 pm ET. Registration is now open.
Keep Doing Justice is offered on a sliding scale, so pay what you can. A $30-per-person fee is recommended and includes refreshments, lunch, and materials. Additional funds will be used to seed future justice events.
University UMC, located at 1120 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823, will host this hybrid event. If you are unable to be there in person, you can still join the worship service, listen to the keynote speaker, and participate in select workshops via Zoom. Register to receive the Zoom link.
This event is for all United Methodists in Michigan, including those who were part of the Keep Making Peace event that was popular before the COVID-19 pandemic. You will worship with other United Methodists, hear compelling speakers, and participate in workshops showcasing justice-focused ministries in the Michigan Conference.
At Keep Doing Justice, you’ll also learn about each of the task forces under the Board of Justice: Environmental Justice Task Force, Peace in the Middle East Task Force, Gun Safety Task Force, Immigration Justice Task Force, our annual Advocacy Day, and other advocacy groups that are forming. Hear from conference leaders about the justice work that has already begun, and bring your questions and concerns.
Dr. Joerg Rieger, a professor of theology at Vanderbilt University whose work focuses on economic justice and political movements, will be the keynote speaker. Rieger closely cooperates with liberation movements and theologies worldwide, lecturing on all continents except Antarctica. Read more about Dr. Rieger.
Register now to participate in the Keep Doing Justice event on February 21.
Questions? Contact Jacob Stone, Board of Justice Co-Chair at [email protected].
Last Updated on January 26, 2026