Oct 23-25, 2026 • NYC & Online

The Art of
Love & Liberation

Finding God's Freedom in the Wilderness

Finding God in the WildernessArtists, Activists, Authors, & AgitatorsThe Art of Love & LiberationOct 23-25, 2026Middle Church NYCFinding God in the WildernessArtists, Activists, Authors, & AgitatorsThe Art of Love & LiberationOct 23-25, 2026Middle Church NYC
Freedom Rising Gathering
The Context

When Faith is Hijacked to Serve Empire...

"Where do we go from here? How do people of good will and moral courage find their footing, sustain relationships, and build movements rooted in love and liberation?"

We are living in a context where hope can often feel elusive. The systems of empire seek to divide us, but the wilderness is where we find God's freedom.

Join a historic convening of artists, activists, authors, and good-trouble-agitators. Together, we are working to build a more just society through the intersection of spirituality, justice, and the arts. This is not just a conference; it is a rehearsal for the world we deserve.

#Wilderness #Liberation #ArtOfLove #GoodTrouble

Sponsored By

A multicultural, multi-faith movement for justice.

Event Texture
From the Archives

Echoes from the Wilderness: 2025

The fire from last year still burns. Missed the journey? You can still witness the prophetic words of our 2025 keynote speakers.

Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis

Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis

Senior Minister, Middle Church

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III

Senior Pastor, Trinity United

Kaliswa Brewster

Kaliswa Brewster

Activist & Artist

LaTosha Brown

LaTosha Brown

Co-Founder, Black Voters Matter

Brian McLaren

Brian McLaren

Author & Activist

Jawanza Williams

Jawanza Williams

Organizer & Agitator

Intergenerational Panel: Where Do We Go From Here?

by Traci Blackmon

Missed the 2025 Conference?

Purchase the complete Replay Pass.

Get 2025 Access

Previous Academic & Institutional Sponsors

Union Theological Seminary
Garrett Evangelical
Drew University Seminary

The Convening 2026

Oct 23 at 8am — Oct 25 at 5pm EDT

Keynote Speaker on Stage
Friday, Oct 23 • 8:00 AM Start

Gathering the Agitators

Saturday, Oct 24 • Full Day

Sustaining Relationships

Sunday, Oct 25 • Ends 5:00 PM

Sending Forth

Join the Movement

Spaces are limited. Secure your spot in the wilderness before rates increase.

Audience Engagement
Digital Access
$199

Online Ticket

Join us from anywhere in the world. Includes livestream access to plenaries and digital breakout rooms.

Select
Best Value • Limited Time
In Person
$199 $399

Early Bird Rate

Ends April 15, 2026

The full NYC experience at Middle Collegiate Church. Includes all sessions, art experiences, and gala.

  • Save $200 off Standard Rate
  • Full In-Person Access
  • Refundable up to 7 days prior
Get Early Bird Ticket
In Person
$399

Standard Rate

Starts April 16, 2026

Standard conference registration rate. Secure your spot early to avoid this price increase.

Freedom Rising

Middle Collegiate Church

50 E 7th Street
New York, NY 10003

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© 2026 Freedom Rising Conference. Middle Church NYC. All Rights Reserved.
Refund Policy: Refunds available up to 7 days before event.