"Just Mercy" Diocesan Book Read

Authors: Wayne Verry (Commission on Prison Ministry) and Millie Ericson (Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation)

The critically-acclaimed movie,"Just Mercy", starring Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan is the true story of a young lawyer named Bryan Stevenson, who in 1983 took on the case of Walter McMillian, who was wrongfully sentenced to die in Alabama. This case helped inspire Mr. Stevenson to found the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a legal practice dedicated to helping those who have been wrongfully judged. He will be joining us during our Diocesan Jubilee Celebration in December.

"Just Mercy" opened nationwide on Friday, January 10, and both the Commission on Prison Ministry and the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation are recommending that members of our church families see the movie together, followed by an opportunity for conversation and reflection. This experience could help us to learn more about how we can “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.”

We also invite you to participate in a diocesan-wide book read and study of the book, “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson, as you prepare for Mr. Stevenson’s visit with us during the Jubilee Celebration.

A Study Guide created by members of the Diocesan Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation is available on the diocesan website at, https://www.diocgc.org/racial-justice-resources.