Now that we know who won the Presidential election, we—people of deep moral courage and fierce love—have a lot of work to do to save ourselves. Our commitment to justice, our determination to protect the most vulnerable, and our resolve to heal this nation must be stronger than ever.

The time to act is NOW!

On April 4-6, 2025 in New York City and in online, Middle Church and Freedom Rising partner to offer The Fierce Urgency of Now.  We’ll convene preachers and poets, activists and artists, writers and all those wrestling with unjust systems of oppression with one question in mind: Where do we go from here, together?

FEATURING SPEAKERS

  • Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Ph.D.

    Public Theologian, Womanist, Author and Senior Minister at Middle Collegiate Church

  • Robert P. Jones

    President and Founder of Public Religion Research Institute

  • Rev. Dr. Otis Moss lll

    Preacher, Poet, Activist, Author and Filmmaker

  • Hadrien Coumans

    Deputy Director & co-founder of Lenape Center, Activist

  • Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Ph.D.

    Theologian, Author, and Professor of Theology

  • David Gushee, Ph.D.

    Ethicist/Pastor

  • Miguel De La Torre, Ph. D.

    Professor of Social Ethics and Latinx Studies

  • Rev. Mark Thompson

    Political, Civil Rights and Human Rights Activist and Organizer

  • Rev. Wil Gafney, Ph.D.

    Womanist, Author, Bible Scholar and Priest

  • Raquel Willis

    Writer, Editor, and Transgender Rights Activist

And More!

And More!

What to Expect

Plenaries

Engage in thought-provoking discussions with leading voices in politics and theology.

Panels

Dive into dynamic and faithful conversations featuring influential voices.

Art & Spirituality

Immerse yourself in vibrant art and fellowship, connecting with people from all over the world.

We are happy to partner with the Courtyard Marriott in Soho to offer a discounted rate for conference attendees.

Here's how to make your reservation:
Room Block Link - Below please find the direct link for Freedom Rising guests to make reservations at the discounted rate.
Middle Church – Freedom Rising: The Fierce Urgency of Now

OR
  Freedom Rising guests are also welcome to call the hotel directly at 212-414-8282 (or call Marriott’s Worldwide Reservations at 888-236-2427), and identify themselves as part of the conference group.
Deadline to make a reservation is March 1, 2025.

Questions?

As the event approaches, we'll share more details about the schedule.

In the meantime, feel free to reach out—someone from our team will get back to you shortly!

“

WE DESERVE POLITICAL SYSTEMS THAT NURTURE ABUNDANCE AND THRIVING. IF WE JOIN TOGETHER, WE WILL WIN THEM.

-Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis