Historically, the Church has played an integral role in individual and communal understandings of the birthing process. Unfortunately, these understandings usually present birthing as a task of women and not for the entire Church community to engage. This workshop seeks to dispel these beliefs by exploring how religious institutions can contribute to the decolonization of maternal health, while also addressing societal pressures and gender expectations. Specifically, we’ll explore the challenges black birthing people face (not just cisgender women) within the Church, and look at tangible ways our faith can challenge injustice, uplift marginalized voices, and strengthen community health outcomes.

“Reimagining Disability: A Womanist Theological Approach” explores disability theology through a womanist lens, specifically addressing the intersections of race, gender, and disability in Black church contexts. Participants will examine how historical practices, cultural beliefs, and scriptural interpretations have shaped disability narratives and preaching in Black churches. Through case studies, theological reflection, and practical ministry scenarios, attendees will develop frameworks for more inclusive worship spaces and pastoral care approaches. The workshop integrates lived experiences of Black women with disabilities, challenging traditional interpretations while honoring African American church traditions.

Today’s corporate and nation-state colonialisms are still extracting resources, abusing workers, despoiling and polluting communities of color and low wealth, both in the U.S. and the developing world. The Alliance of Baptists Creation Justice Community will present this workshop on the intersection of colonialism with climate and environmental justice, including the examples of something like the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and a local N.C. issue. We will explore together how we, as followers of Jesus, can partner with our neighbors in these situations, and we will leave with resources to enable solidarity actions in our local, and global communities.

At a time when we are experiencing the chaos and loss due to hateful and denegrating voices from powerful people, we may benefit from a practice that centers and honors our bodies as a place of refuge and empowerment. Developed over the past two + decades at The Center for Trauma and Embodiment in Brookline, MA, TCTSY is a body centered care model and complementary treatment for complex trauma and treatment resistant PTSD; In addition to the experiences of relaxation that may occur during yoga practice for some, TCTSY may provide participants with a sense of agency and self-empowerment. During the TCTSY session participants can choose to practice from a chair or a mat. Everybody is truly welcome. No prior yoga experience or special clothes are needed. Rather than the focus being on perfecting an outward expression of a
form, in TCTSY, the focus is on noticing inner sensations, making choices, and taking effective action.

In this workshop, participants will explore the concept of buying power and its impact on justice in the marketplace. Examining how our purchasing decisions shape economic systems, often reinforcing privilege and inequity, participants will be provided with tools and strategies to assess their own spending habits and consider how they can begin to align their economic choices with their faith-rooted values.

Most church folk know how to give money away and help people.  Wouldn’t you like to be able to use your money to help poor people to help them help themselves?  Hope Credit Union is a government insured credit union that does just that.  Your deposits help to provide a “hand up” instead of a “hand out.” Hope deposits are insured to $250,000.  Hope’s members are able to work towards owning a home and/or starting a small business. This is what the Alliance of Baptists have done with money from their reserve funds.  Why not you and/your church as you learn how to become anti-racist?

This workshop will share the experiences and wisdom of women in Palestine giving participants new understandings of the marginalization and oppression of the Palestinian people. Participants will gain a deeper perspective on life in Palestine and learn how churches can advocate for justice for Palestinian women.

This workshop will examine the theological foundations for, and the application of, relational organizing in Congress and state legislatures during our current national hour – with particular emphasis on womanist perspective. We will explore God’s invitation to the covenantal work of legislative advocacy and look at timely, practical examples of faith leaders and congregations strategically navigating Congress and state legislatures through building institutional and community relationships that subversively advance justice-minded public policy- even (especially) in challenging times.