Join us for the
Redwoods Peace Colloquy!
The Redwoods Peace Colloquy will be held this year in Washington DC! Come to learn from activists, faith leaders, and scholars about the intersections between racism and gun violence. We’ll also learn the tangible skills needed to meet with members of Congress to lobby for policies that can make a difference.
This is an invitation to live out Community of Christ‘s Mission Initiative to Pursue Peace on Earth, as well as our Enduring Principle that proclaims the Worth of All Persons. We fully believe that working to dismantle racism and end gun violence is an expression of who we are called to be in Community of Christ, and we hope you’ll join us!
Pursuing Peace
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, gun violence is the number one killer of kids and teens in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that Black Americans are twice as likely to die from gun violence as white Americans.
Racism and gun violence are connected.
Community of Christ is dedicated to the pursuit of peace. We believe this involves forming ecumenical, interfaith, and non-profit partnerships, as well as engaging our civic leaders. We are given a clear invitation in our sacred text, the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 164:3b:
Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God.
Pursue peace.
Join us as we learn and seek to make real this sacred call to pursue peace!
Schedule at a glance:
Friday 9/6:
- Travel to DC
- Welcome Gathering at Hotel (Evening)
Saturday 9/7:
- Breakfast at Hotel
- Transportation Provided to DC Congregation:
- Program Sessions
- Organization Booth Expo
- Lunch and Dinner Provided
- Evening Activity
Sunday 9/8:
- Breakfast at Hotel
- Transportation Provided to DC Congregation:
- Program Sessions
- Unity Walk with Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington
- Organization Booth Expo
- Lunch and Dinner Provided
- Evening Activity
Monday 9/9:
- Breakfast at Hotel
- Public Transportation to US Capitol
- Group Picture at the Capitol
- Lobby Meetings
- Return Home
Keynote Speaker:
Kelly Sampson
Kelly Sampson, J.D. is Director of Racial Justice and Senior Counsel at the Brady Campaign. She is an expert on the connections between racism and gun violence, as well as the policies needed for lasting change.
Watch this space, more guests will be announced soon!
Interfaith Unity Walk:
Join the Washington D.C. Congregation and the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington for a unique opportunity for interfaith engagement! This annual Unity Walk invites participants to visit the many houses of worship in Northwest D.C.. We will learn about other faith communities, build relationships, and envision a multi-faith response to issues of peace and justice.
Will you be traveling to D.C.?
Travel Tips:
Fly into Raegan Int’l. Airport (DCA). There is a free shuttle from the airport to our hotel!
We will have a block of rooms at Hampton Inn Arlington Crystal City. Book your room here!
On Monday we will be taking public transportation to the US Capitol. Download the DC Metro and Bus App.
We will provide transportation to the Washington D.C. Congregation from the hotel.
Registration is $180
Your registration fee includes meals and materials for the weekend!
We know that participating in this event can be expensive, and we don’t want cost to prevent you from joining us. Learn more about ways to fund your experience, including through our Redwoods Scholarship program here!
Many thanks to our partners!
Sierra Pacific Mission Center
Chesapeake Bay Mission Center
Washington, D.C. Congregation