In considering the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence, the Conscience & Justice Council (CJC) invites community leaders, faith leaders, advocates, educators, young adults, and all people passionate about conscience, justice, religious liberty, and the future of democracy to register for the 2026 Conscience & Justice Council Convention. The 2026 Conscience & Justice Council Convention takes place at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia—King of Prussia, located at 260 Mall Boulevard, King of Prussia, Penn., Sept. 17-20.
“This year’s convention, themed ‘Religious Freedom and Democracy: Fractured, Fragile, or Firm?,’ will bring together people from diverse backgrounds to examine the relationship between religious freedom, democracy, conscience, justice, and the realities, not the ideals, facing America today, said Edward Woods III, Conscience & Justice Council chairperson. “As a content driven and networking convention, we look forward to addressing this timely theme from a biblical perspective.”
Why This Conversation Matters
Questions surrounding religious liberty and democracy are not merely historical or political questions—they touch the fundamental freedoms, responsibilities, and relationships that shape communities and society.
The 2026 convention will invite participants to consider critical questions:
- What does religious freedom mean in a diverse democracy?
- How can people of faith engage in public life while respecting the conscience and convictions of others?
- What happens when democratic ideals and lived realities collide?
- How can communities strengthen principles of justice, liberty, and human dignity?
- What role can individuals, churches, and organizations play in protecting freedom of conscience for generations to come?
Rather than simply discussing these questions from a distance, this convention seeks to foster engagement, learning, connection, and action.
Featured Speakers
- Kevin Burton, Apocalyptic Abolitionism, Author
- Timothy Golden, Attorney and Philosopher
- Orlan Johnson, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director, North American Division
- Bettina Krause, Editor, Liberty Magazine
- Valerie Lee, Retired Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, The Ohio State University
- Bishop Frank Madison Reid III, African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Jeanette Senecal, Chief of Civic Learning & Impact, League of Women Voters
- Robert Schenck, Author, Confessions of a Former Christian Nationalist
- W. Nick Taliaferro, Former Executive Director, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations
- Pilira Zapita, President, Association of Black Adventist Religion Scholars
- And so many more, please click here for the agenda.
Be a Part of the Conversation
Registration is now open, and interested participants are encouraged to secure their place. Register now at 2026 Conscience & Justice Council Convention Registration. You can also register by phone at 1-800-732-7587. Early registration ends Friday, Sept. 4.
About the Conscience & Justice Council
The Conscience & Justice Council is committed to strengthening conscience and justice ministry through training, mentoring, interactive programming, and an intergenerational and interfaith national convention. Its purpose includes encouraging thriving public affairs and religious liberty ministries at the local church level, developing programs addressing the biblical basis for conscience and justice, and sustaining a national community committed to these principles.
