June 10 - 12, 2026
Culture House, Washington DC
About the Event
Telos invites you to join our Christian Leaders Gathering in our nation’s capital! Through this unique hybrid workshop and conference experience, we will engage important learnings from subject matter experts, skill-building training, and have extended opportunities for relationship building with other pastors and Christian leaders.
Together, we will chart the connections between Palestinian genocide abroad and violence in North America, as we together seek to support the mutual flourishing and inherent dignity of all people.
Featuring insightful reflections from leading scholars and practitioners from historically marginalized communities, engaging panel discussions, collaborative breakouts with other Christian leaders, hands-on training in political advocacy, and an afternoon lobbying elected officials on the Hill. We will leave better prepared to promote human flourishing with a specific political campaign, and to embody a more truthful and robust gospel in our home communities.
What to Expect
Historical & Contemporary Awareness
Gain a historical framework for the contexts of Israel-Palestine and the U.S. in regard to how theology has been weaponized to divisive and violent ends, the ongoing legacy of colonialism, and racial/economic supremacy.
Peacemaking Skills Development
Learn practical hands-on training in nonviolent peacemaking and advocacy work from leading practitioners and faith leaders, gaining confidence to advocate for your neighbors’ flourishing in your community.
Community Building
Meet other pastors and Christian leaders from across the country who share your concerns for peace, enjoying rich and meaningful conversations together while also learning from one another about your work in embodying the gospel, loving your neighbors, and striving for peacemaking in context.
Principles and Practices of Peacemaking
Infusing the whole of our time together, learn how the Principles and Practices of Peacemaking framework can support tangible peacemaking efforts in your congregation and local contexts.
Event Schedule
Wednesday, June 10
12 PM Registration Opens
1:30 PM Session 1: Welcome: Our Political & Ecclesial Moment
2:30 PM Session 2: Experience in Context: Palestine/Israel
3:30 PM Session 3: Internal & External Peacemaking: Nonviolent Advocacy
5:00 PM Session 4: Faith & Advocacy Panel
5:45 PM Liturgy for Lament
6:30 PM Community Dinner
Thursday, June 11
9:00 AM Welcome / Introductions
9:15 AM Breakouts Introductions
10:00 AM Session 5: Faith & Public Opinion in America’s Involvement in Middle East Wars
11:00 AM Session 6: Faith & Advocacy Training
12:00 PM Working Lunch: Advocacy Campaigns
3:00 PM Advocacy on the Hill
6:30 PM Community Dinner & Advocacy Experience Reflections
Friday, June 12
9:00 AM Doors open for coffee
9:30 AM Session 7: Getting Involved At Home Panel and Q&A
10:30 AM Session 8: Commissioning Message
11:30 AM Breakouts: Next Action Steps
12:30 PM Liturgy for Mutual Flourishing
12:45 PM Closing: Campaigns Sharing & Blessing
1:00 PM Lunch
Featured Speakers
Todd Deatherage
Executive Director & Co-Founder, The Telos Group
Dr. DeSean Dyson
Director of U.S. Programming,
The Telos Group
Amy Graham
Spiritual Care Pastor,
The District Church
Ainka Sanders Jackson
Executive Director, The Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth & Reconciliation
Gregory Khalil
President & Co-Founder,
The Telos Group
Dr. Lamma Mansour
Palestinian Theologian,
Nazareth
Sandra Maria Van Opstal
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Chasing Justice
Rep. Delia Ramierz
Representative, Illinois’s 3rd Congressional District
Rev. Adam Russell Taylor
President,
Sojourners
Hassan El-Tayyab
Legislative Director for Middle East Policy, Friends Committee on National Legislation
Shibley Telhami
Professor, Author
Cassandra Welchin
Executive Director,
MS Black Women’s Roundtable
In the Heart of DC
We will be hosted at the Culture House, located in Navy Yard, DC, just steps away from the U.S. Capital building. We are grateful to our friends at National Community Church for gifting us use of this historic space.
Testimonials
You can find content anywhere. There are plenty of Zoom webinars on justice. What this gathering gave me was a place to get to know people beyond the screen. The relationships that started here became essential to my ongoing work in this movement. If you’re looking for more than information—if you want community that sustains you in this work, you should come.”
2025 Attendee
The honest perspectives shared are shaping our response now that we are back home.”
2025 Attendee
General FAQ
Where will this year’s gathering be held?
Will meals be provided?
Are tabling and sponsorship opportunities available?
Yes, we’re proud to spotlight the good work being led by many of our partners. If you’re interested in tabling at this year’s Christian Leaders Gathering or sponsorship opportunities, please email us at ryan.pemberton@telosgroup.org.
Travel Questions
Will transportation be provided?
Telos will not be providing transportation to / from the event, no. Public transportation is widely available in D.C., and we recommend using it for your visit.
Where should I stay?
Guests are encouraged to reserve their own accommodations for this year’s Christian Leaders Gathering. A limited number of discounted rooms are available through Friends Place on Capitol Hill (approximately $60/night).
There are many great hotel options in DC, although we recommend staying near Navy Yard or in close proximity to the DC Metro Green Line for convenience. Some members of our group will be staying at Coda on Half, located near the Navy Yard, if you’d like to be near others attending. If you have any questions about lodging, reach out to us at ryan.pemberton@telosgroup.org.
Interested in Supporting our Work?
Your support allows Telos to invest in leaders and congregations ready to pursue a better way. By donating, you're helping build communities where peace is practiced, justice is pursued, and love is embodied.
