Since its inception, Judson Memorial Church has sought to continually expand the meaning of the word “sanctuary,” with its 132-year-old landmarked building serving as a safe haven for artists, immigrants, and unfettered innovation in the realms of spirituality, justice-making, and creativity. Now, as the definition of “sanctuary” is degraded by politicians, disrespected by government agencies, and cheapened by overuse, a panel of thinkers from Judson’s past and present, facilitated by Rev. Micah Bucey, will reimagine the potency of declaring one’s space and one’s self a “sanctuary,” shedding light on what the word, the concept, and its continuing call might mean for our collective future. 

Rev. Micah Bucey serves as Minister at Judson Memorial Church, a congregation committed to curiously seeking the intersections between spirituality, justice, and creativity. He developed and continues to oversee Judson’s weekly and completely free “Judson Arts Wednesdays” series, which has commissioned, presented, produced, and promoted the creative output of hundreds of poets, actors, playwrights, composers, musicians, dancers, choreographers, painters, photographers, sculptors, and many others, from New York City and beyond.

We’ll hear from vibrant personalities who will share stories and reflections on ways that Judson – both the building and the community—has served as a sanctuary for art, dance, immigrants, sex workers, reproductive justice, Occupy Wall Street, experimental worship, and more. Speakers include: 

  • Nia Calloway, Judson Arts Wednesdays artist
  • Rev. Michael Crumpler, LGBTQ and Multicultural Programs Director, Unitarian Universalist Association, co-founder of The People’s Judson 
  • Ted Dawson, Bailey House board of directors
  • Rev. Michael Ellick, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon Director of Public Engagement, former Minister, Judson Memorial Church, and Occupy Faith NYC organizer
  • Abigail Hastings, Judson Memorial Church archivist
  • Janice Hoseine, immigrant justice advocate
  • Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, Founding Spiritual Leader of Lab/Shul
  • Arthur Levin, board president, Village Preservation, and founder of the Center for Medical Consumers
  • Barbara Moore, art historian, writer, and manager/curator of the Peter Moore archive
  • Steff Reed, singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and founder of The Power of Love Project
  • Rachel Tenney, educator and member of Trans* Bible Study
  • Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper, Senior Minister, Judson Memorial Church
  • Veronica Vera Cottingham, sex-worker activist and founder of  Miss Vera’s Finishing School for Boys Who Want to Be Girls

Date
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Time
6:00 pm
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