by LottCarey | Apr 24, 2024 | News
In a recent presentation at the Lott Carey annual Spring Missions Conference, Rev. Dr. Christophe Ringer, an associate professor of Theological Ethics and Society at Chicago Theological Seminary, offered a profound exploration of the value of public theology in addressing societal issues.
Dr. Ringer began by discussing the concept of “social death” and the role of public theology in addressing it. He referenced the biblical story of Lazarus, using it as a metaphor for the role of public theology in unbinding people from social death caused by public policies and practices.
He emphasized that public theology involves critical reflection on society from a religious perspective. This reflection critiques injustices in culture and articulates the sacred aspects of public life necessary for fulfilling and meaningful lives. It also offers resources for a corrective vision where public life is governed by policies that violate democratic virtues and practices.
Dr. Ringer then discussed the current state of Christian nationalism and its impact on society, especially in the United States. He referenced Ta-Nehisi Coates’ work, discussing the concept of freedom and its misuse to justify domination over others, compromising the common good. He argued that this misuse of freedom is not divine but a profound ideology, akin to idolatry.
The speaker suggested that idolatry leads to a false sense of history, which is at the core of the need to prove that unarmed black people shot by the police were the cause of their own death. He argued that the COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled the idolatry of whiteness, which he believes is more accurately captured by the language of ideology than by terms like white privilege or white supremacy.
Dr. Ringer concluded by criticizing federal and local government policies during the pandemic that prioritized corporations over people and politicized mask-wearing and stay-at-home orders. He argued that these policies resulted in sickness and death in their own communities, demonstrating the destructive consequences of pursuing policies that prioritize supremacy and privilege.
The presentation also highlighted instances where individuals and groups are willing to sacrifice the weak, elderly, and homeless for the sake of economic benefits or political ideologies. Dr. Ringer argued that public theology can offer a counter-narrative to these harmful ideologies. Drawing on the teachings of Jesus, Rev. Dr. Prathia Hall’s concept of “freedom faith”, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s views on integration, he suggested that public theology can advocate for a society that values all people regardless of race, gender, or class, and seeks the equality and liberation of all people.
Dr. Ringer echoed Angela Davis’s call to reimagine freedom from the perspective of those who have been denied it, arguing that this vision of freedom calls for full economic, political, and social equality. He suggested that public theology can help society move toward a more just future by encouraging us to question our assumptions and confront our complicity in perpetuating social inequalities. By working toward the beloved community, we can help bring about a more inclusive and equitable society.
by LottCarey | Apr 23, 2024 | News
At the Lott Carey annual Spring Missions Conference, held on April 18-19 at the Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn underscored the mission organization’s steadfast commitment to service and community upliftment.
Rev. Dunn highlighted four pillars that guide Lott Carey’s mission: being intentional, inclusive, incarnational, and impactful. These principles are deeply ingrained in the organization’s actions and initiatives.
Lott Carey’s intentional approach is evident in capacity-building initiatives that empower member churches and global partners. Projects have a tangible impact, from constructing churches to ensuring access to safe drinking water. A notable achievement is support for the education of more than 12,000 students, a testament to the dedication to nurturing future generations.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of Lott Carey’s philosophy. Rev. Dunn proudly mentioned the relaunch of the annual youth seminar, a platform that fosters young minds. Moreover, the organization has a rich history of recognizing and uplifting women’s roles in preaching, showcasing its commitment to gender equality.
Lott Carey strives to embody the spirit of Jesus in its work. It is an incarnational community that extends resources to heal and support, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, advocates for the voiceless, builds capacity for underserved communities, and proclaims the gospel. This approach reflects Lott Carey’s deep-rooted belief in serving humanity with compassion and empathy.
The conference was also a platform for sharing stories of Lott Carey’s impactful work. One such narrative involved providing meals to a malnourished child in Liberia, a poignant example of the organization’s life-saving interventions. Furthermore, the shipment of more than 1,000,000 meals in collaboration with Kids Against Hunger to several countries, showcases Lott Carey’s extensive reach and the profound difference it makes in the lives of many.
A touching moment in Rev. Dunn’s presentation was the mention of a personal commitment of $24,000 from Lott Carey’s accountant, who has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of the organization’s work. This generous donation underscores the deep faith and belief in the mission that Lott Carey inspires.
Rev. Dunn concluded his presentation with a personal anecdote about a lighthouse in Monrovia, Liberia, a symbol of guidance and safety. This story served as a metaphor for Lott Carey’s role in the world, guiding those in need toward a brighter future.
by LottCarey | Apr 20, 2024 | News
At the Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference, Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soares, Jr. delivered a sermon that resonated with the deep-seated pain and hope in a time when persons and communities are seeking solace and strength. His words, rooted in the biblical passage of Jeremiah 20:7-13, served as a reminder of the enduring power of faith to transform lives and overcome adversity.
The core of Dr. Soares’ message centered on the transformative power of God’s word. He depicted it as a fire, potent enough to consume fear and warm those burdened with weariness. In a world rife with challenges, from the generational pain of the Black community to the trials faced by clergy during the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasized that God’s word provides the strength and courage to persevere.
Dr. Soares did not shy away from addressing the coldness of our world – a world where resources are abundant, yet basic needs remain unmet, where education is neglected, and women’s rights are curtailed by archaic laws. He spoke of a country that prioritizes foreign aid over domestic needs and churches led by preachers more focused on wealth than on societal issues like gentrification and oppression.
Despite the bleakness of these realities, Dr. Soares offered hope. He presented the word of God as a source of warmth, light, and guidance – an eternal flame that empowers us to help others and spread divine love. It is a beacon that illuminates our path amidst duplicity and lies, reassuring us of our divine heritage and the promise of salvation.
Dr. Soares likened the word of God to a generator during a power outage – not the power itself but a channel for the power of God. It is a word for the weary, a fire in our bones that gives us the strength to fight, work, and show up, even when the world turns cold.
by LottCarey | Apr 19, 2024 | News
In the first morning worship service at the 2024 Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference, which runs April 18-19, at Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey, Rev. Dr. Renita Weems, a venerated author, biblical scholar, and public intellectual, delivered a stirring sermon that delved into the open-ended narrative of the Book of Acts.
Dr. Weems opened her discourse with an exploration of Acts 28, where the Apostle Paul, under house arrest, continues his ministry for two years, unfettered by chains, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. She voiced a sentiment familiar to many believers – the abrupt ending of Acts feels akin to the anti-climax of a film that rolls credits just as the plot thickens, leaving the audience yearning for resolution.
However, Dr. Weems proposed a thought-provoking perspective: what if the Holy Spirit intended for this lack of closure? She suggested that the story of Jesus’ life and ministry is an ongoing saga, with the “29th chapter” still being penned by the hands of those who follow in the footsteps of the early church.
Highlighting the significance of personal narratives in the tapestry of faith, Dr. Weems referenced the emergence of African denominations and congregations such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, the oldest Black Church in North America. These, she argued, are vibrant threads in the “29th chapter,” embodying the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in the world.
Dr. Weems urged the gathering to seize the quill of history and author their own chapters. She challenged listeners to contribute to the chronicles of faith, ensuring that the narrative of Christianity is not solely penned by the “winners” or prevailing powers but is a mosaic of diverse, individual testimonies.
by LottCarey | Nov 3, 2022 | Blog, News, News
November 3, 2022
A Mission Immersion Pilgrimage to Africa is underway from November 2-11.
Dubbed a “Walk in the footsteps of Rev. Lott Carey in the Motherland,” it commemorates and celebrates the 200th anniversary of Rev. Carey’s mission to the continent.
The delegation of 31 persons includes Lott Carey President Dr. Gina Stewart, former president, Rev. Gregory Jackson, Women In Service Everywhere President Dr. Angelita Clifton, other Lott Carey leaders, and several pastors.
They will make stops in Ghana and Liberia.
The Rev. Lott Carey led a group of formerly enslaved African Americans to West Africa, arriving in what is now Liberia in 1822. He played a key role in the founding of that nation, Africa’s first republic.
In Liberia, pilgrims will explore Providence Island where Rev. Carey landed in early 1822. They will worship at Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia, the second oldest Baptist church in Africa, which was founded by Rev. Carey; visit and interact with students at the two campuses of the Lott Carey Mission Schools; and visit and worship with students at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, among other activities.
Ghana is the ancestral home of many persons of African descent in the Americas and holds important historical landmarks of interest to persons of the African diaspora.
While in Ghana, pilgrims will visit Independence Square, the W.E. B. Dubois Center, and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
A highlight will be the trip to the Assin Manso Slave River and the slave castles in Cape Coast and Elmina. Assin Manso and the slave castles are infamous for their roles in the trade of enslaved Africans before their arduous and traumatic journey to North America, South America, and the Caribbean.
“We expect that this journey into the past will bring home to us the love and sacrifice of those who walked this journey before us,” said Lott Carey Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn.
“As we take this journey, we draw strength for the work to which God has called us as we build a better world through Christian mission,” declared Rev. Dunn, who was born in Liberia and was baptized at the historic Providence Baptist Church.
by LottCarey | Oct 31, 2022 | Blog, News, News
October 27, 2022
Lott Carey Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn was elected president of the North American Baptist Fellowship (NABF) during its annual meeting in Falls Church, Virginia, on October 24.
Dunn succeeds Rev. Dr. Samuel Tolbert, president of the National Baptist Convention of America.
The NABF represents 22 Baptist conventions, unions, and mission societies in Canada and the United States. It comprises almost 20 million members in 55,000 congregations.
NABF mission emphases include creation care, disaster relief, and scholars’ collaboration.
The 2022 annual meeting focused on hope. Participants explored issues of church revitalization, creation care and mental health.
The gathering provided opportunities for fellowship, inspiring conversation, and networking.
Rev. Dunn will serve a three-year term.
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