The Justice & Peace Mission Team is an "umbrella group" of leaders of 10 Synod "Task Groups" or "Teams".  Each group is made up of dedicated members from congregations across the NJ Synod.  Members study a specific injustice, its causes, ways it is addressed within the ELCA, and things our congregations can do to make a difference.  We provide training opportunities and links to resources to help congregations make this difference.  We have a strong advocacy component - recognizing fighting injustice is more than charity, we use the gift and responsibility of citizenship to "speak to power" in the tradition of the prophets working for God's justice. 

Our work groups and teams share information through workshops at synodical events, special seminar days and our web page www.njsynod.org/justice, and also welcome invitations from clusters, congregations and organizations.

If you would like to invite one of our members to speak with your cluster, congregation, council, organization or committee, please contact us in advance.  If you or a member of your congregation feels called to work on one of our issues, we want to speak with you!  We invite you to call or write, ask questions, tell us about your ministry and let us know if you might be interested in serving on a Task Group.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Justice & Peace Mission Team Members: LuAnn Barnes of Holy Trinity-Manasquan; Mimi Confer of St. Paul-Teaneck; Rev. Maristela Freiberg of St. Stephan Grace Community-Newark; Rev. Michael Gebhart of St. Michael–Cherry Hill; Catherine Malmstrom of Grace-Mendham; Robert Marshall of Prince of Peace-Marlton; Lynn Perry of Grace-Mendham; Rev. Christine Regan of St. Stephen-Woodbury; Laura Nicholas Sanchez of Bridge of Peace-Camden; Jamie Roos of Good Shepherd-Somerville; Mary VerCande of Emanuel-New Brunswick; Jason Reed - New Jersey Synod Youth Ministry Specialist; and Rev. Bruce Davidson - Director, Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry in New Jersey, Staff Support. 

Responding in faith to the love of God in Jesus Christ, the Justice & Peace Mission Team provides education and training to help congregations explore, begin or increase Justice Ministries, advocating for a more just, peaceful, and healthy existence for all creation.