Oct 23-25, 2026 • NYC & Online
The Art of
Love & Liberation
Finding God's Freedom in the Wilderness
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.
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
Senior Minister, Middle Church
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III
Senior Pastor, Trinity United
Kaliswa Brewster
Activist & Artist
LaTosha Brown
Co-Founder, Black Voters Matter
Brian McLaren
Author & Activist
Jawanza Williams
Organizer & Agitator
Intergenerational Panel: Where Do We Go From Here?
by Traci Blackmon
Missed the 2025 Conference?
Purchase the complete Replay Pass.
Previous Academic & Institutional Sponsors
The Convening 2026
Oct 23 at 8am — Oct 25 at 5pm EDT
Gathering the Agitators
We begin by finding our footing.
- 8:00 AM Doors Open & Morning Ritual
- 10:00 AM Opening Plenary: Faith vs. Empire
- 2:00 PM Artist Showcases & Workshops
Sustaining Relationships
Building movements rooted in love.
- 9:00 AM Morning Keynote
- 11:00 AM "Good Trouble" Strategy Sessions
- 7:00 PM Evening Arts Gala
Sending Forth
Returning to the world changed.
- 11:00 AM Worship Celebration at Middle Church
- 2:00 PM Closing Circle & Commissioning
Join the Movement
Spaces are limited. Secure your spot in the wilderness before rates increase.
Online Ticket
Join us from anywhere in the world. Includes livestream access to plenaries and digital breakout rooms.
SelectEarly 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
Standard Rate
Starts April 16, 2026
Standard conference registration rate. Secure your spot early to avoid this price increase.