As technology continues to reshape every aspect of life, churches face the challenge of evolving their practices to remain relevant and effective. Just as communion and worship have evolved from traditional in-person gatherings to those that are hybrid or totally virtual, evangelism has morphed into likes, shares, and online engagement. To thrive, churches must continuously adapt and find never-before-imagined ways to expand their ministries.
In this landscape, the National Council of Churches is equipping its members and partners for the journey at hand and ahead. By embracing modern tools and revisiting the lessons of the past, the NCC aims to foster a new wave of social justice activism, reminiscent of the pivotal Freedom Summer of 1964.
“In 1964, NCC, with a deep sense of urgency, immersed itself into the troubled waters of racial injustice in Mississippi to engage in direct action in the struggle of African Americans for racial justice,” NCC President and General Secretary Bishop Vashti McKenzie said in a statement.
“There was a belief that it was going to be a decisive moment in American history. As it was then, so it is now. We are at a pivotal point in a polarized country. We must retrace our steps to build upon the foundations of justice left by previous generations.”
The NCC’s Freedom Academy is a key part of this effort, designed to train and mobilize faith leaders to inspire and guide their communities to also become people of faith.
Through a Sunday school-style Bible study curriculum, the academy will provide theological grounding from the biblical teachings of Luke 4. The first session in a six-part series of classes, “The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me – Sacred Spirituality of Freedom/Theology of Freedom,” will be taught by Rev. Stephen A. Green, pastor of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York, on July 7.
“On the 60th Anniversary of Freedom Summer, I am honored to lead the Freedom Academy for the National Council of Churches. This milestone reminds us of the enduring legacy of those who fought tirelessly for civil rights and social justice. As we reflect on their sacrifices and achievements, we are inspired to continue their work with renewed vigor and dedication,” Rev. Green says.
“Our mission is to educate and empower leaders who are committed to advancing social change and justice in our communities. Through comprehensive training and collaborative efforts, we aim to equip a new generation of advocates with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive meaningful progress. Together, we can build a more equitable and just society for all.”
The Freedom Academy is merely one part of the broader Freedom Summer Agenda. Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton, chair of NCC’s Governing Board, emphasized the urgent need for action in light of recent setbacks to voting rights.
“The Freedom Summer of 1964 led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 making it possible for thousands of disenfranchised to vote. In 2013 the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act enabling new restrictions to the constitutional right to vote. The Freedom Summer of 1964 turned deadly. The Freedom Summer of 2024 is still a matter of life and death. We dare not stand idle — too much is at stake,” Eaton said in a statement.
“We call upon all people of faith, our member communions, and partner organizations to mobilize for this movement. As we follow in the footsteps of Freedom Summer 1964, let us educate, engage, and empower voters around the country to take part in the democratic process this upcoming election season. ‘For freedom Christ has set us free’ (Galatians 5:1 NRSVUE).”
Continuing the legacy of the original Freedom Summer, where nearly 1,500 volunteers, including 254 NCC-sponsored clergy, worked in project offices across Mississippi, this year’s Freedom Fellows will help organize congregations to engage in voter registration, community canvassing, and phone and text banking.
The Freedom Summer Agenda also includes the Freedom Riders initiative, which will empower and engage communities through faith, food, and fellowship with stops in Jacksonville, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Durham, North Carolina; Detroit, Michigan; and Jackson, Mississippi.
So as the church adapts to new technological realities, its commitment to justice and equity remains steadfast. And through this initiative, the NCC will, no doubt, mobilize a new generation.
