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.

 

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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

Our Three Focus Areas

MSJ Focus: Democracy

One of three focus areas of Riverside’s Mission & Social Justice ministry, Democracy amplifies our civic ...

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MSJ Focus: Earth

One of three focus areas of Riverside’s Mission & Social Justice ministry, Earth is our meaningful ...

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MSJ Focus: Equity

One of three focus areas of Riverside’s Mission & Social Justice ministry, Equity is our effort ...

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MSJ Commission

2025-2026 Members, Officers, and Liaison Assignments

Rev. Mira Sawlani-Joyner (Minister of Justice Advocacy and Change/ Staff Liaison)

Franchesca Cepeda (Administrative Assistant)

Regina Tate (Chair)

Pamela Davis (Vice Chair)

Jeannie Lee (Secretary)

Derrick Biney-Amissah

Sandra (Chap) Chapman

Jeremiah Drake

Arelis Figueroa

Perry Greene

David King

Linda L. Lewis

Aida Montero

Juliet Owour

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

African Fellowship

Spiritual and social solidarity, education and activism with Africans and allies. Second Sunday at 1:30PM Convener: George Fillie-Faboe

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Anti-Racism Taskforce

Working to strengthen antiracism and interrupt and eradicate racism in our church, community and nation. Third Sunday at 6:30PM Convener:Sandra (Chap) Chapman, Carol Fouke-Mpoyo and Rueben Martinez

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Beloved Earth Community

Calls Riversiders to protest the climate crisis and care for the Earth through educational programs, greening the church, changing our lifestyles, and courageous political action. First Saturday 1PM Convener: Claudia Canasto (Chair), Tom Goodhue, and David King (Co-Chairs)

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Ecclesia Ministry

Offering an alternative for people who might not be comfortable in traditional church settings. Fourth Sundays at 2PM at Marcus Garvey Park Food prep: Fourth Sunday 10:00 am Assembly Hall kitchen (RSVP in advance) Convener: Douglas Miller

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Latinx Ministry

Celebrates Latinx culture in all its diversity and lifts up spiritual, sociopolitical & economic issues of Latinx communities in the United States and abroad. Its Border Mission supports health and advocacy for Haitians and Dominicans. Second Sunday at 1:30PM Convener: Arelis Figueroa

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Maranatha

Seeks to foster greater understanding and equity for LGBTQIA people and their allies. Components include service, advocacy, scholarships and special events. Second Sunday 1:30PM, September-June. Convener: Stacey Robinson

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Men's Class

Faith and fellowship building and educational programs that help build the church and a more just society. Open to all genders. Third Sundays 1:30 PM Convener: Tunde Aboyade-Cole

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Theatre of the Oppressed

“Forum Theatre” with people who face pressing social, economic, health and human rights issues, to activate and challenge. Fourth Saturday 1PM-4PM Convener: Jeremiah Drake

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News & Programs

Anti-Racism Task Force Resources

Download the latest resources and toolkits from Riverside's Anti-Racism Task-Force.

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Beloved Earth Community’s Monthly Newsletter: Save Our Future

Beloved Earth Community, a MSJ ministry of The Riverside Church, calls Riversiders to protest the climate ...

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Private: Sharing Fund and Densford Fund

Through the Sharing Fund, The Riverside Church pledges 10% of its annual offering from its members ...

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Volunteers Needed! Ways to Volunteer to Help Asylum Seekers Including “Bus Migrants”

   

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Know Your Rights

Know Your Rights Resources: For New New Yorkers At The Riverside Church, We believe that every ...

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Testimonies From Gaza’s Families

On October 15, Rev. Mira Sawlani-Joyner, Juliet Owuor, and I attended an event where a delegation ...

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Mayoral Assembly Report & Recap

On Sunday, October 19, fifty Riverside congregants and community members gathered in solidarity with Metro IAFfor ...

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Riverside Weekly Actions

Riverside Weekly Actions is here to provide you with regular opportunities to participate, offer your support, and take meaningful action. Each week, we share new ways for you to stay informed and engaged with ongoing initiatives. By connecting with Riverside Weekly Actions, you’ll have access to the latest updates on opportunities where your voice and actions can make a difference. Stay involved, stay up to date, and be part of the change you want to see. We are here to support you as you take action toward creating a more just and compassionate world.

Riverside Weekly Actions

MSJ Videos

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Silence Is Complicity: Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac Calls Upon U.S. Churches | August 14, 2024
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Interfaith Press Conference At The Riverside Church
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Assotto Saint: His Life and Legacy | June 15, 2024
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Black Manifesto Memories with Riversider Hylda Clarke & Rev. Adriene Thorne
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Black Manifesto Memories with Riversider Hylda Clarke & Rev. Robert Polk
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55th Anniversary of Black Manifesto: A Call to Reparations with Jennifer Jones Austin
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Mission & Social Justice Events

1:15 PM

Social Services Committee Meeting

Sunday, November 16

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7:00 PM

Community Conversation

Monday, November 17

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1:00 PM

Theatre of the Oppressed

Saturday, November 22

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12:45 PM

Faith in Action: A Field Trip for Housing Justice

Sunday, November 23

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1:00 PM

Beloved Earth Community

Saturday, December 6

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7:00 PM

Mission & Social Justice Commission Meeting

Monday, December 8

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1:15 PM

Social Services Committee Meeting

Sunday, December 21

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1:00 PM

Theatre of the Oppressed

Saturday, December 27

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1:00 PM

Beloved Earth Community

Saturday, January 3

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7:00 PM

Mission & Social Justice Commission Meeting

Monday, January 12

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1:15 PM

Social Services Committee Meeting

Sunday, January 18

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1:00 PM

Beloved Earth Community

Saturday, February 7

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7:00 PM

Mission & Social Justice Commission Meeting

Monday, February 9

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1:15 PM

Social Services Committee Meeting

Sunday, February 15

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1:00 PM

Beloved Earth Community

Saturday, March 7

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7:00 PM

Mission & Social Justice Commission Meeting

Monday, March 9

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1:15 PM

Social Services Committee Meeting

Sunday, March 15

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1:00 PM

Beloved Earth Community

Saturday, April 4

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7:00 PM

Mission & Social Justice Commission Meeting

Monday, April 13

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1:15 PM

Social Services Committee Meeting

Sunday, April 19

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1:00 PM

Beloved Earth Community

Saturday, May 2

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7:00 PM

Mission & Social Justice Commission Meeting

Monday, May 11

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1:15 PM

Social Services Committee Meeting

Sunday, May 17

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1:00 PM

Beloved Earth Community

Saturday, June 6

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