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DISCIPLES JUSTICE ACTION NETWORK
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A SPECIAL MESSAGE from JACK SULLIVAN
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CO-CHAIR OF DISCIPLES JUSTICE ACTION NETWORK
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
On behalf of our beloved Disciples Justice Action Network (DJAN), I extend to you heartfelt Christian greetings!
Upon the retirement from our Leadership Team of DJAN's highly respected co-founder, the Rev. James L. Demus, I was blessed to have been elected co-chair of this important network of individuals, congregations, and organizations committed to God's vision of justice, peace, and diversity in our churches, our nation, and our world.
As co-chair, let me tell you, DJAN is a remarkable organization! Founded by faithful and courageous Disciples champions of justice, the Rev. Harvey and May Lord, with the help of co-founder the Rev. Demus, and so many others, DJAN has a leadership team that takes diversity seriously.
Most of those who give guidance to DJAN are African Americans, other People of Color, and women. In addition, our leadership team is multigenerational and allows other Disciples organizations as well as our partners in the United Church of Christ, to sit at the leadership table and help make decisions about the priorities, plan and program of DJAN.
DJAN is a clear and present voice for justice in our denomination. In many ways our work is informed by America's authentic social justice organization, the historic Black Church. As I know you applaud the work of bold, courageous Christians who take the risk to speak out for justice, I ask that you take a moment now to make generous contribution to support the important ministry of DJAN and keep this voice for justice loud and strong in our congregations, in our denomination, and in our world.
I also encourage you to read DJAN's newsletters amd literature, and visit our web site at www.djan.net. Here you will find out about some of the many activities in which DJAN is involved: workshops on justice advocacy at General Assemblies and regional assemblies; the partnership with regions and congregations in drafting and sponsoring justice resolutions; the "Jesus, Justice, and Spirituality" trainings for congregations, regions, and ecumenical groups; the leadership provided to ecumenical and interfaith coalitions dealing with the war in Iraq, a living wage, health care, prison reform, immigration, torture,
civil rights, public policy advocacy, voter registration and education, and so much
more.
I believe that God is doing a mighty work through DJAN and that those of us who care about promoting justice and peace in our denomination should do all we can to support this ministry.
As a true Disciples organization, DJAN's members represent a diversity of views on many issues. Yet on those issues important to our community, DJAN is a strong ally and a vehicle that can help us be a church where justice and righteousness flourish.
We need DJAN and DJAN needs us! Please join me in working to sustain DJAN through both your prayers and your financial gifts. If there ever were a time when more clear, unwavering Disciples justice voices were needed, this is that time.
One of my favorite gospel songs is "Praise is What I Do." Well, when we support DJAN, we can say that working for peace is what we do! Working for wholeness is what we do! Working for justice is what we do! These we do in the living, loving, and liberating name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Financial gifts can be mailed to:
DJAN Southwest Office,
PO Box 35887, Tulsa, OK
74153-0887.
Or contributions can be given ONLINE at www.djan.net/support.htm. Become a member. Renew your membership. Tithe for this ministry. Or make a special contribution. But please give generously and please give today.
I wish God's blessings on you, your family, your loved ones, and your God-given ministry in your church or community!
Peace,
Jack
Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr.,
Senior Pastor, Fifth Christian Church, Cleveland, OH;
Co-Chair, DJAN
Disciples Justice Action Network
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