International J. Reuben Clark Society Leadership Annual Conference

Introduction

The Law Society has hosted Annual Conferences across the United States over the years, from Seattle to San Diego, D.C. to Philadelphia, Kansas City to Dallas, and beyond. Planning for Annual Conferences is led by local chapter leaders in the area where the conference is hosted that year.

Student Reflections

Jane Sandberg

Attending the J. Reuben Clark Law Society Annual Conference in Atlanta was a transformative experience that deepened my commitment to addressing racism, discrimination, and injustice. The event brought together a diverse group of legal professionals, scholars, and advocates, fostering meaningful conversations and insightful perspectives. One highlight was presenting on a panel with fellow JRCLS Religious Liberty Fellows, where we showcased our action plan developed during the fellowship in Washington, DC, including hosting impactful events on the BYUH campus. Meeting Martin Luther King III and Retired Judge Bernice Bouie Donald further inspired me, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy for justice. Their powerful speeches and personal journeys underscored the impact we can make when dedicated to the pursuit of equality. The conference reinforced my dedication to leveraging the law for a more equitable future, drawing on the civil rights movement's enduring legacy. Engaging with esteemed speakers, networking with passionate individuals, and immersing myself in the rich history of civil rights have motivated me to apply these lessons in both my personal and professional life, contributing to the ongoing fight for justice.

Fahina Lauti

Attending the J. Reuben Clark Law Society Annual Conference in Atlanta was a profound and eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of the struggles faced by the Black community both in society and within the church. The event highlighted the importance of acknowledging and understanding this painful history to honor the resilience and sacrifices of those who came before us. Sessions like "Is My Neighbor on the Inside or the Outside? Perspectives on Incarceration and Family Impacts on Criminal Justice Policy" and "We Found the Right Church but Found the Wrong People" were particularly impactful, urging critical examination of the criminal justice system and introspection on internal biases within religious communities. These sessions emphasized the need for compassion, rehabilitation, and restorative justice, as well as the importance of inclusivity and understanding within institutions. While I can never fully comprehend the lived experiences of those who have faced racial discrimination, I am committed to empathizing, amplifying their voices, and advocating for justice and equality. This conference has reaffirmed my dedication to being an agent of change by challenging systems and attitudes that perpetuate injustice and by continually educating myself and engaging in meaningful dialogue. By coming together, acknowledging our past, and working towards a better future, I hope to contribute to a more equitable society where justice and equality prevail.

Summary Reports

Fireside Welcome

Introduction

The theme of the JRCLS Annual Conference was "Who is My Neighbor," with a focus on considering what attorneys can do to resolve enmities that divide the United States and the injustices that affect many citizens. In particular, they addressed the issues of racial justice and civil rights and discussed the ways that lawyers can use their legal training to assist less fortunate members of society.

Annette Jarvis:

Jarvis opened the conference with a speech about how lawyers and members of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society should work together to find best practices and root out racism and discrimination. Jarvis has faced her own discrimination in the law and hoped that individuals with similar experiences could be empathetic to others who are also facing discrimination. Members of the J. Reuben Clark Society can be a force for good and become the neighbors that God wants them to be. We should repeatedly ask ourselves, "Who is my neighbor?" and cross the religious divide to work with one another.

Thomas L. Kane Freedom Award Presentation

Presented by Alexander Dushku to William P. Mumma:

This award was given to Mumma for friendship and service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He works at the Becket Fund, a partisan legal firm that fights for religious liberty everywhere. Mumma spoke about his time at the Becket Fund and how passionately he felt about working there. He also touched on the reason why clients come to Becket, which is that they love God and they love others. This love of God is a common foundation of the reason why it is crucial to defend religious freedom.

Elder Matthew Holland:

Elder Holland began by discussing the theme of "Who is My Neighbor" through the lens of the Good Samaritan. The story of the Good Samaritan is influential in the realm of neighborly love and the idea of religious freedom. The question preceding it is, "What should I do to obtain eternal life?" By pondering this, we can find who our neighbors are and then discover what we can do for them. Holland discussed the difference between eternal life and immortality. Immortality is the ability to live forever, and eternal life is the ability to live forever with our loved ones. When the rich young ruler asked what he could do to inherit eternal life, he hoped for a simple response. However, he was faced with an intelligent wrestle. Immortal life is given to everyone, but eternal life must be achieved and earned by following the commandments and enduring to the end. Holland encouraged the audience to heed the promptings of the spirit while they listened to the influential speakers at the conference. He said that impressions would come if they listened with their hearts, minds, and souls. Loving our neighbors as ourselves and loving God are two laws that we must all genuinely seek. They influence one another. Our definition of who our neighbor is should also be broad. We do not have to agree on everything, but there is more common ground than we may realize. Holland then described some of the important collaborations between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). They worked together to form humanitarian efforts and scholarships in Ghana in 2021. They also created an education program for pregnant women and new mothers in Memphis, which was the Zip Code with the highest infant mortality rate in the nation. Holland closed his message by speaking about the importance of having charity in our hearts, which enables us to have more love for our neighbors. Charity encompasses God's love for us and allows us to find love for others.

Morning Keynote Session

Welcome: Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia

Buchanan shared that his father grew up during the time of Jim Crow laws in the South. During this time, the rights of black Americans were constantly threatened. Now, in his work as a U.S. District Attorney, Buchanan works to protect the rights of people throughout the state of Georgia. He counseled conference attendees to spot neighbors and then support them. Neighbors can be those who defend, those who are victims of crimes, and even those who commit crimes.

Martin Luther King III:

King began his remarks by acknowledging his high admiration and respect for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also for lawyers who help victims of injustice. He spoke about the Drum Major Institute, which fights the "triple evils" identified by Martin Luther King Jr., which include poverty, racism, and violence. The institute combats those evils with peace, justice, and equity. The Drum Major Institute was named after the last sermon that Martin Luther King Jr. gave at Ebenezer church on February 4, 1968, titled the "Drum Major Instinct." King wanted to be remembered as a drum major of justice. His work is continued through the work of the institute. During the civil rights movement, lawyers doing pro bono work were a crucial aspect of protecting disadvantaged individuals.

King stated that true neighbors would risk anything to help those around them. An example of this type of neighborly love is shown in the story of the Good Samaritan. The word he used to describe the Good Samaritan is altruism because he put his own life in danger for another man. This idea of "dangerous altruism" led to a call for a worldwide neighbor policy. Real patriotism is a love for all people, races, and cultures. It is crucial to cultivate unselfish service for people of all circumstances. Our goal is to engage the broader society. Martin Luther King Jr. called for individuals to identify their calling and fulfill it in a way no one else could replicate. Even if this means being a street sweeper, be the absolute best street sweeper you can be. Lawyers have this calling as well. They have the ability to influence others and create change in their spheres of influence. King concluded by stating that lawyers can win victories in their own neighborhoods or wherever else they have influence. If we work together, we can transform the nation and the world.

Breakout Session 1A

Religious Liberty In The Courts

Eric Baxter:

Lauer started the session by providing background on Yeshiva University, which is one of the most religious schools in the United States. It was founded over 100 years ago, during a time when it was difficult for Orthodox Jews to attend school and find quality jobs. Yeshiva has separate campuses for men and women, and each dorm has a synagogue where students can say their prayers throughout the day. Lauer described the typical schedule of a student at Yeshiva, which often includes studying the Torah, listening to lectures from world-renowned rabbis, participating in secular studies, and attending religious clubs. The campus is completely Kosher and has no violations of the Sabbath day. All students have religious advisors, and each of them graduates with degrees in religious and secular studies.

The lawsuit against Yeshiva involves equal access, where a group of students is suing the school for not allowing an LGBTQ+ club on campus. Yeshiva is seeking a religious exemption from New York's non-discrimination law, but the judge has ruled against them under the claim that Yeshiva is not a religious university because they do not have the same hierarchical structure that other churches do. Their structure is less formal and more dependent on individuals. In an effort to be inclusive and understanding, the school consulted rabbis about how to approach building an organization for LGBTQ+ students. They created a framework to combine core doctrine with accommodations for the club. However, it is difficult to balance the values when outsiders do not understand or do not want to understand them. Yeshiva continues to receive threats from city officials and others during the litigation process, but working with Becket has been a wonderful experience and has opened up many opportunities for them.

Who Is Incarcerated? Concrete Ways Attorneys Can Get Involved In Advocating For The Incarcerated

Atteeyah Hollie:

Hollie discussed the Southern Center for Human Rights, a 45-year-old nonprofit legal organization born in response to the death penalty. Presenting a compelling graph titled "So Who is in Prison?" from the Prison Policy Initiative, the graph compares each state as if it were an independent country, comparing the incarceration rates internationally. Notably, the top 8 "countries" on the graph consist mostly of southern states, which were the final regions to abolish chattel slavery. Hollie also delved into the historical impact of the 13th Amendment, which led to convict leasing and, eventually, mass incarceration. Hollie emphasized the influence of race and poverty in the legal system, noting the significant disparity in funding between prisons and public defenders. Despite ample resources, prisons struggle to provide humane living conditions and neglect mentally ill inmates due to insufficient training of correctional officers. Nevertheless, Hollie shared stories of hope and ongoing efforts to improve the system, citing the case of Mr. Marshall, who was wrongfully sentenced to life for a minor drug offense. The Southern Center for Human Rights fought for his exoneration. The organization also actively pursues legal action against prisons, particularly concerning inadequate healthcare leading to epidemics and preventable deaths. Notable cases include Georgia NAACP v. City of LaGrange (2019) and Edwards v. Red Hills Community Probation (LLC) (M.D. GA). Hollie concluded by appealing for support in parole advocacy and post-conviction work, emphasizing the continuous nature of the civil rights movement.

Breakout Session 1B

A Lawyer Is Either A Social Engineer Or A Parasite On Society: Identifying, Confronting, And Dismantling Racism And Discrimination

Pace M. McConkie:

McConkie is a civil rights activist and lawyer who was inspired by leaders who worked to dismantle segregation and discrimination. Based on the words of Charles Hamilton Houston, a lawyer can be either a drum major or a parasite to society. Martin Luther King Jr. would say that a lawyer is either a drum major for justice or sucking on society. It is crucial to dismantle racism and end racial discrimination in the law. How can we identify and confront racism? McConkie spoke about how racism manifests itself in many ways. When it is ugly and horrible, most people recognize it and condemn it. But there are also forms of racism that are hard to identify and will not manifest immediately. They manifest in institutions, laws, conduct, and actions and are built to sustain a power/social structure favoring one group claiming to be the superior race. It is the responsibility of lawyers to identify policies and practices that continue to perpetuate racism and find legal ways to dismantle them. McConkie stated the importance of identifying systemic racism policies present in every major institution. He concluded by reminding the attendees to be open-minded yet analytical of certain practices to determine if they are rooted in racism. We must speak out and condemn racism when we see it. If we are to claim that we would have fought for civil rights during the civil rights movement, we must actively fight today.

Breakout Session 2A

Love Thy Neighbor: Navigating The Intersection Of Religious Freedom And LGBTQ+ Rights

Jeff Graham

Anthony Kresis

Elder M. Andrew Galt IV

Moderator: Douglas Lusk

Lusk discussed finding common ground between religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. Graham asserts that LGBTQ+ rights do not oppose religious liberty and emphasizes the importance of respectful dialogue and conversations. He mentioned his collaboration with Galt and the belief in loving one's neighbor as oneself. Galt added that the church's actions are motivated by both its own interests and recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals as brothers and sisters. They advocate for a broader approach that leads to better laws and a more harmonious world. Graham expressed frustration when colleagues rejected the respect for marriage law, highlighting the significance of the church's proactive stance to become a model for progress. Galt suggested the need for respect for the Marriage and Religious Liberty Act and acknowledged that the church stopped lobbying against LGBTQ+ rights after the Supreme Court's acceptance. The moderator emphasized the importance of difficult discussions, and Galt highlighted that LGBTQ+ individuals are often part of religious families and organized religions. Graham quoted "God is still talking" to emphasize ongoing dialogue with God while acknowledging pushback from certain evangelical religious leaders. Galt recounted people's surprise at their collaboration. Graham shares the governor's perspective of not having the right to dictate others' lives while loving God and neighbors. He advocates for honoring the third branch of government and trusting the legal system. Galt expressed openness to religious freedom acts but suggested that they need to be broader in scope.

Frederick Douglass And African-American Claims To Constitutional Citizenship

Bradley Ribeiro:

As a former slave, Frederick Douglass studied the Constitution and read about the promise of freedom and equality for American citizens; he believed that it could include black Americans. He believed that the statement "we the people" should include black people, but in the recently decided Dred Scott case, it was decided that black people had no rights or citizenship privileges. Douglass was also disheartened by Northern apathy toward slavery. People in northern states did not possess slaves, but they were apathetic to the needs of slaves in the country, especially those in the South. He believed the Constitution needed to be used to guarantee freedoms and benefits for all U.S. citizens–including slaves. Slaves need to be freed to get their constitutional rights and enter political communities. Douglass argued and demanded that constitutional rights be provided on an equal basis. What duty do black citizens have to a community that often discriminates against them and does not recognize them? Douglass had a rational hope that the Constitution would one day ensure black citizenship.

Breakout Session 2B

The Role Of Lawyers And Law Schools In Expanding Access To Justice

Lauren Sudeall

Darcy M. Meals

Meals and Sudeall began their presentation by defining access to justice. Although it can have many different interpretations and definitions, one is the opportunity to defend rights. They stated that many people lack knowledge about how to handle legal issues because they are not aware of the resources available to them. Meals and Sudeall discussed the justice gap and shared that 92% of low-income Americans receive inadequate or no legal help for the problems they face. Only one in five people seek help from a legal professional. Additionally, more than 75% of civil cases have at least one side that is underrepresented. In criminal court, 80% of defendants cannot afford a lawyer. The state of Georgia has significant issues with access to justice. Many counties in the state have either very few or no lawyers. Some crucial things to remember when working with underprivileged populations are to use easier wording to simplify other aspects of the process since a significant portion of them only have a 7th to 8th-grade reading level. Lawyers who want to assist these people can do volunteer pro bono work, create good habits while in law school, act as standby counsel, and try to give back to the community.

Changing History One Step At A Time

Van Turner:

Turner discussed several examples of statues and their historical context. He began by mentioning Nathan Bedford Forrest, a slave trader, Confederate general, and Memphis city councilman. He then highlighted Jefferson Davis, the sole president of the Confederacy, and Harvey Mathes, a Confederate soldier. Turner noted that the statues of Forest and Mathes were erected during the Jim Crow era, while Davis's statue was put up in 1964 during the Civil Rights era. Turner questioned the narrative that these statues represent history since they were erected during times of heightened racial tension and civil rights movements. He presented a graph supporting this statement, showing that many Confederate monuments were built during major civil rights movements, raising further concerns. Turner shared his determination to remove these statues despite facing roadblocks such as the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act of 2016. He mentioned a re-enactment of a fake march to protest and distract the Tennessee Historical Commission. Turner and the NAACP eventually found a buyer, Greenspace, for the land on which the statues stood. On December 20, 2017, while the first march was taking place to distract the commission, the Forrest statue was removed by a masked moving company. Turner faced significant backlash from the state, including legal challenges and attempts to imprison him. However, they managed to give the J. Harvey Mathes statue to his grandson in Atlanta. Overall, it is important to remove these monuments for the next generation, and it takes time. Today, Greenspace still owns the land, and there is more work being done to continue the removal of these statues.

Early Afternoon Plenary Session

Civil Rights And Social Justice: An African Perspective

Chief Justice Hassan Jallow, Supreme Court of The Gambia:

Justice Jallow spoke about how religions teach values that encourage people to be loving and neighborly, which aligns with the conference's theme. He then touched on African values, which include the ideas of tolerance and respect. People need to know they belong to a greater good that is larger than themselves. Their existence as neighbors benefits both individuals and society as a whole. Justice Jallow brought up the concept of Ubuntu, which translates roughly to "I am because you are." The Spirit of Ubuntu describes the connectedness of humanity and recognizes that individual well-being is tied to the well-being of others. It is the guiding principle of the way people should be treated. This spirit is present in the Gambia, and it is an essential rule in both religious and civil society.

Breakout Session 3A

Is My Neighbor on the Inside or the Outside? Perspectives on Incarceration and Family Impacts on Criminal Justice Policy

Judge David P. Darden

Christopher Bates

The first half of the presentation was presented by Christopher Bates, who gave background on the impacts of incarceration on families. Seven hundred thousand inmates in the United States have a minor child, and 1.5 million children have a parent in prison. Children with parents in prison often experience many negative impacts on the emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of their well-being. In addition to these impacts, negative financial impacts also lead to a higher likelihood of children using illegal drugs, engaging in violence, and performing poorly in school. They ultimately have a higher likelihood of becoming incarcerated themselves. Two of the most critical factors that help former inmates integrate back into society are employment and housing. Those without housing and employment are nearly twice as likely to end up in prison again. Another important thing is maintaining family ties while in prison because those connections help inmates find jobs and housing when they are released. Inmates who receive visits have a reduced rate of recidivism in some states. Family, housing, employment, and recidivism are all connected. Relationships matter, and the simple steps are what make a difference for inmates and their families.

David P. Darden concluded the presentation by speaking about his work with prisoners. His innocent friend was accused of a crime he did not commit and would not take a plea deal because he did not want to admit to something he did not do. He is now serving a 10-year sentence, and Darden often visits him to catch up and take the sacrament together. Working with his friend caused him to wonder why more churches are not involved in prison ministry. He began to work with organizations to hold retreats in prisons that encourage communication and personal relationships between prisoners who otherwise would not interact with each other. Darden felt guided to serve in prisons, and he believes that everyone can be guided to find callings in their lives as well.

How Diversity Enhances Legal Education and the Profession

Tanya Washington

Barbara Melendez

Washington and Melendez both discussed the importance of heterogeneity in learning spaces and how it enriches the educational experience by exposing students to diverse views and experiences. Washington expressed concerns about the potential decline in the quality of education and emphasized to her students of different racial backgrounds that their perspectives are valuable, reminding them that they earned their place in law school. Melendez introduces the ABA standards 303, which require law schools to educate students on bias, cross-cultural competence, and racism. Washington had to devise a plan to comply with these new racial education standards, hoping that it would help students embrace their identities and shape the kind of lawyers they aspire to be. She presented a graph depicting the demographics of law students, highlighting the absence of categories for Native Americans and Asians. Washington noted that although legal television dramas and movies often portray diversity, the reality is that the legal profession remains predominantly white, with the percentage of white lawyers increasing from 60% to 81% over the years. The State Bar of Georgia emphasizes professionalism, but Washington questions how they can achieve professional goals without diversity. She proudly acknowledged being a beneficiary of affirmative action and poses the question of why race shouldn't be considered as an admissions standard.

Breakout Session 3B

"We found the right church but found the wrong people." A History of Integrated and Segmented Worship Among the Latter-day Saints.

Paul Reeve:

Reeve, a historian and professor at the University of Utah, discussed the importance of racial equality within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He highlighted early church inclusivity, citing Jane Manning James' acceptance by the Smiths despite later being barred from the temple. Over time, church leaders discouraged missionaries from proselytizing in Black areas due to declining interest in integrated congregations. Reeve shared instances of both integration, like Elijah Banks and Esther Nettie Kirchoff, and segregation, such as Paul Harris and Len and Mary Hope being excluded from congregations. He focused on Marie and William Graves from Oakland, California, who were rejected by a church in Atlanta. Marie wrote to President Grant about their experience, but he dismissed their concerns, reinforcing segregation. The Graves returned to their integrated Oakland church, but William was buried in an unmarked grave until 2019. Reeve concluded by emphasizing the need to confront and reconcile past and present racism in the church to achieve racial justice.

Late Afternoon Plenary Session

The Role and Obligation of the Legal Community to Protect our Constitution, Democracy, and Freedom

Gary Bledsoe:

Bledsoe stated that we must follow the spirit of the law like the text of the law. Justice should permeate all areas of legal practice–declaring that we strive for a more perfect union. Justice can be bipartisan; it does not have to fall on one side or another. The decisions about what justice is may be hard to make but are best if all interests are represented. Bledsoe closed his remarks by quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: "We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."

Rebecca van Uitert International Women in Law Service Award Presentation: Presented by Candace Andersen to Susan Griffith

Susan Griffith could not attend in person, so she accepted her award via a pre-recorded Zoom presentation. She works for domestic violence survivors and other struggling women. Her work has brought her closer to her clients. She reminded the attendees that there were people waiting out there for them. We have the potential to change lives.

Evening Keynote Session

Keynote Address: Who is My Neighbor? My Journey in the Law

The Honorable Bernice B. Donald:

Judge Donald stated that we must see people for their humanity and notice when justice is absent. As a young lawyer in Memphis, she witnessed a judge asking a defendant inappropriate questions that undermined their dignity and played into racial stereotypes. This encouraged her to become a judge and treat everyone with dignity. Under our laws, we should never require anyone to surrender or abandon their dignity. People often want similar things; they want dignity and to achieve their goals. Judge Donald also encouraged the attendees to branch outside themselves and strive to surround themselves with people who challenge their opinions. She worked with a Trump-nominated judge to write an op-ed and find common ground. Engaging in difficult conversations and learning each others' stories allows us to nurture our citizenship and build communities. Judge Donald's mother taught her how to be a judge and to treat everyone with respect and fairness. She also taught her that there is good in everyone, even if you have to dig for it. When Judge Donald participated in the school talent show as a seventh grader, she was booed off the stage, but that did not phase her. She finished the poem even though no one could hear her. Many years later, she was a judge in criminal court, and the defendant was one of the boys who had booed her years before at the talent program. Although she had to fight the urge to recite her poem again, she realized the importance of treating others with respect. She remembered her mother's guidance and was thankful she had been brave enough to stand her ground all those years before.

Women in Law

Barbara Melendez, Debra Norwood, Erin Kealoha Fale, Gayla Sorenson (moderator)

Barbara Melendez:

She spoke about the importance of making an effort to truly listen to people and find common ground. We should seek to understand and be sincere. If you are talking more, you are not listening correctly. She tries to meet with a majority of her students and understand their point of view. There is a stereotype of minorities being the only students to meet with her, but she tries to ensure everyone feels comfortable coming to her. Growing up as a white-passing individual made her want to be an advocate for those who are marginalized and discriminated against. She thought she had to be "mainstream" and assimilate with those around her, but true belonging involves understanding your identity and knowing who you are. Seeing and understanding other people's souls creates the ultimate version of belonging that God wants for us. Pursuing this true belonging is a Christlike endeavor, and it is crucial that we are intentional with our efforts.

Debra Norwood:

She shared her experience dealing with microaggressions during her upbringing and highlighted the importance of responding to marginalization with grace and self-awareness. She grew up abroad and then moved to Memphis during the wake of the civil rights movement, which taught her to respond to microaggressions with humility and even love. While fostering belonging, Debra takes a neuroscience approach. She sees cognitive diversity as an interesting way to understand humans. Humans have two brains: one that wants to belong and one that is curious and wants to look into the unknown. Debra said she has both brains. She loves the belonging she feels in the church, but she also has a brain that is not afraid of uncertainty. We are developing new ways to look out and explore the unknown. The more we open ourselves to new opportunities, the more we learn.

Erin Kealoha Fale:

When she was a law student, her husband was involved in local politics. This caused many people to think her views aligned with his. Erin was scared to speak out about things in school, and when she disagreed with people, she would keep quiet. After the election in 2016, people assumed they knew how she felt without actually asking her. She told them that if they assume things, they are missing the purpose of the conversation. This experience gave her the power to continue to speak up–not just for herself but for others as well. Erin spoke about how important it is to listen to each other and to also speak up with grace and humility. We can always work on becoming better listeners. As we listen, we must also learn to speak up with grace and humility. We must internalize what we learn and talk to others to gain a greater perspective.

When asked how they balance everything, the panelists shared that it is essential to have grace for yourself. Do not feel pressured by what other people are up to, especially right out of law school. Take time to assess your values and find something that works for you.

Morning Plenary Session

Reestablishing Justice: The Federal Judiciary in Reconstruction-Era Alabama

The Honorable Andrew Brasher, US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit:

Judge Brasher shared stories of individuals who championed justice during Alabama's Reconstruction Era. President Lincoln continued appointing federal judges, including Richard Busteed, despite Confederate control. Busteed, an Irish immigrant and prominent New York lawyer, faced multiple impeachment attempts and assassination threats from the Ku Klux Klan, a powerful and untouchable terrorist organization with political motives. The Enforcement Act (KKK Act) passed by the Grant administration led to the indictment and prosecution of Klan members, with Busteed successfully securing convictions, highlighting the importance of appointing principled officials. John Minnis, a U.S. attorney from the South, also bravely prosecuted Klan members, including friends and neighbors, exposing perjury and securing justice despite the dangers. Their efforts emphasized that laws, like those in the 14th and 15th Amendments, require proper enforcement to effect real change, demonstrating the critical role of government officials in upholding justice.

Afternoon Plenary Session

Your Next Neighbor: Peacebuilding as Expanding Circles of Inclusion

Jim Ferrell:

Ferrell's work centers around helping people build bridges. He spoke about the many different kinds of divides that separate people, including behavior, attitude, structure, and culture. We draw lines of "us" and "not us." He encouraged the audience to consider where they have drawn lines in their lives and how they would break through those lines. Any belief that makes us think that we are better than others makes us worse off. Ferrell spoke about the importance of being "breakers," "bridges," and "bonders." Breakers break through divides, bridgers create bridges over the divides, and bonders come together across divides. Once people are able to break through their biases and begin to coexist and cooperate, they can begin to expand further and integrate with a greater number of people. We should be humble enough to view ourselves as part of a whole and see that we need each other to be complete. Ferrell used a metaphor about hydrogen and oxygen atoms to illustrate the idea of breakers, bridgers, and bonders. First, hydrogen and oxygen atoms repel each other (break). They are happy with their own kind (bond), but they later begin to cooperate (bridge). Once they have begun to cooperate, they open themselves up to each other and combine, which presents a fourth step: expand/integrate. Ultimately, the kingdom of God is about community, and humans will benefit greatly from expanding and cooperating with one another.