The General Synod 34 was a fruitful and historic event. In addition to the election of Karen Georgia Thompson as the first Black woman to lead the United Church of Christ, the Valerie Russell Luncheon featuring author, attorney, activist and MacArthur Fellow Bryant Stevenson was another highly impactful event. 

The lawyer, activist and author of Just Mercy went on from his law school experience to found the Equal Justice Initiative, which has won relief for more than 135 wrongly condemned prisoners on death row.

During his remarks, Stevenson urges luncheon attendees to do justice and get close to those suffering. Watch his moving and poignant speech and read the full article on UCC News by clicking here. 

The luncheon was co-hosted by UCC Justice and Local Church Ministries and CHHSM, and sponsored by United Church Funds.