Event Focus:

Our conceptions of the family are very diverse, but what does the Bible say about the purpose and place of families? How do our backgrounds enrich our biblical understanding of family? Watch the final webinar in our 2022 “What’s a Family Worth?” series. You will get to hear a recap on the series and discussions on the unique callings of families and our role in helping all families flourish. 

Advocacy Objective:

Contact members of Congress in support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and join a CPJ-affiliated group in their state to advocate for paid family leave in the next Congress. 

Panelists:

Dr. Christina Edmondson holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University, a MS degree from the University of Rochester in Family Therapy, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Hampton University. For over decade, Dr. Edmondson has served in a variety of roles including recently as the Dean for Intercultural Student Development at Calvin University. Within the Higher Education sphere, she continues to serve as an instructor and partners with several universities to develop ethical and impactful leaders. Additionally, a Certified Cultural Intelligence facilitator, public speaker, and mental health therapist, Christina is often contacted by churches to consult about leadership development, anti-racism, and mental health issues. Her writing has been seen and referenced in a variety of outlets including Essence.com, YourBlackWorld.com, and Gospel Today magazine. She is also one of the co-hosts of the Truth’s Table podcast.

Rev. Dr. Mika Edmondson is the Lead Pastor at Koinonia Church in Nashville, TN. Dr. Edmondson earned his Doctorate at Calvin Theological Seminary, with his dissertation entitled Unearned Suffering is Redemptive: The Roots and Implications of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Redemptive Suffering Theodicy. Dr. Edmondson was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. from Calvin, where he also contributed as an Adjunct Professor. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics at Hampton University. Mika has also authored several theological publications and has guest-lectured at many distinguished institutes and conferences.

Mariah Humphries (M.T.S.) is a Mvskoke Nation citizen, writer and educator. Through her experience navigating the tension between Native and White American culture, she brings Native awareness to non-Native spaces. She focuses on theology, racial literacy and reconciliation within the American Church.

Dr. Joshua Wu is a senior vice president of analytics in a public relations company based in New York City. He has experience working with clients in the public advocacy and policy arenas and served on DEI and employee parent advisory committees to craft better employer support for parents and caretakers. Outside work, he is on the leadership team at the Asian American Christian Collaborative, attends Rosebrook Presbyterian in Rockville Maryland, and lives in Bethesda with his wife and two children. He has a PhD in Political Science from The Ohio State University.