We welcome the Rev. Dr. Fran Lane-Lawrence and are including an interview to introduce you to her and her passions:
In your role as Executive Presbyter for the Presbytery of Lake Michigan, what have been the faith-based justice issues that you’ve worked on:
Early in my ministry, I was part of a group that worked on justice issues for the LGBTQIA. Specifically, within the PCUSA, there was a lot of work to assure that people who were gay and lesbian were able to be ordained to ministry and to assure marriage rights. That work, of course, is always ongoing, but the focus has shifted to assuring rights for people who identify as transgender.
I also worked many years as a chaplain for an organization addressing issues of domestic violence and rape. As part of that organization, I taught interfaith clergy about the dynamics of domestic violence and rape, as well as served as a court and hospital advocate for survivors of rape and domestic violence.
Recently, I have focused on anti-racism work and women’s rights as those are where my passion has led me. Specifically, I served on the Presbyterian Church (USA) – PCUSA – Special Committee on Racism Truth and Reconciliation (there is no reconciliation without reparation). I invite you to read the final report by clicking here. I am currently serving on the Special Committee on the PCUSA and Race. My doctorate and continuing work is concerned with racism and white supremacy in the PCUSA and organizing with racially oppressed populations within the denomination to create strategies to eliminate structural racism.
In my way of thinking, all issues of justice are faith based and we are all called in whatever ways we believe or worship to work for justice in the world. As Executive Presbyter, I have had the honor and privilege to work on so many issues of justice – rights for migrant workers, immigration rights, rights for those who are part of the LGBTQ community, and particularly for transgender persons, anti-racism work, women’s reproductive health, environmental justice, water rights, justice for those who live without homes, domestic violence, and gun violence. For me, I would not be living out my faith if I were not doing the work of justice. And the work of justice cannot be done alone. We must have many partners and people from every part of the community and world.
The presbytery is committed particularly to the work of anti-racism, rights for LGBTQ communities, environmental justice, and issues of systemic poverty.
What excites you about this new role with Interfaith Action:
As I said in one of our conversations, I know a little bit about many issues of justice but few as deeply as I’d like. I am excited about the opportunity to interact with people who are passionate about the particular issue of justice to which they have been called. We are all called to address issues of injustice from within our own perspectives and faith traditions. The issues we are seeing in the world can never be adequately addressed from one perspective or faith tradition. I am excited for the ways I will come to know the perspectives of others and how our lives will be enriched because of it. I am excited because I believe together our understanding of justice will be so much broader and the creative ways we will be able address those issues will be more effective. I am excited to grow with others.
As we start a new year, what are the challenges that you feel are facing faith communities:
This year as we move into an election year, the challenge of White Christian nationalism and simply White nationalism will be particularly challenging and dangerous for many within our communities and within our hearts. This, of course, means that gun violence will be prevalent and dangerous as rhetoric against persons of color becomes inflammatory.
The conversation about the violence in Palestine-Israel will be important for people of faith to address. I view the conflict not simply that of a particular place on the globe because in so many ways we are all complicit.
In our own communities here in Michigan, the list is myriad: water rights and access to clean water, women’s rights, gun violence, systemic poverty, structural racism – I could go on. No doubt that I have not named many issues of justice to which we need to address. I look forward to learning from others and expanding the network of folks who have been involved. I am grateful for this opportunity.