Mission and Social Justice

The Riverside Church’s Mission and Social Justice Commission, as agents of God’s justice, healing, and love, strives to transform individuals, communities, and systems burdened by racial, social, economic, and environmental oppression.

What We Do

Mission and Social Justice (MSJ) at Riverside is comprised of the MSJ Commission and nine ministries that work to identify and address specific areas of great human need. MSJ collaborates with the Poor People’s Campaign, a national fusion movement dedicated to societal transformation. Together, we address interconnected injustices such as racism, poverty, militarism, ecological devastation, and distorted religious nationalism. In alliance with Reclaim Our Vote, MSJ conducts impactful activities like postcard writing and phone banking to amplify our collective voice for change. Join us in shaping a more just and equitable world. MSJ focuses their work in three areas where its ministries could make a positive difference: Democracy, Earth, and Equity.

MSJ at a Glance

MSJ Comission

2023-24 Members, Officers, and Liaison Assignments

Rev. Mira Sawlani-Joyner (Minister of Justice Advocacy and Change)
Takisha Brown (Administrative Assistant)
Pamela Davis (Chair)
Derrick Biney-Amissah (Vice Chair)
Gary Bogle (Secretary)
Milly Akinsulu
Victoria Anderson
Sumati Devadutt
Lissa Dodington
Rainer Engelken
Arelis Figueroa
Janette Kemp
David King

MSJ Meetings

Join us on the second Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8 PM ET. Email us for more information.

Community Partners

MSJ collaborates with the Poor People’s Campaign, a national fusion movement dedicated to societal transformation. Together, we address interconnected injustices such as racism, poverty, militarism, ecological devastation, and distorted religious nationalism. In alliance with Reclaim Our Vote, MSJ conducts impactful activities like postcard writing and phone banking to amplify our collective voice for change. Join us in shaping a more just and equitable world.

MSJ Ministries & Initiatives

MSJ Videos

Mission & Social Justice Events