Upcoming 16th Annual Cops and Clergy Faith and Justice Summit

REDLANDS >> The 16th annual Faith and Justice Summit sponsored by the Cops and Clergy Network Inc. is scheduled Thursday, March 24, at Yucaipa First Assembly Church, 12226 Second St., Yucaipa. The themes of this year’s summit, hosted by Cops and Clergy Network, Redlands and Yucaipa chapters, are the “Roles of Responders During Crisis,” “Save a Life; Work Together,” and “Let’s Value One Another.” Summit participants will explore how an effective coalition of community members and leaders, school officials and various civil authorities can be brought together to work in the best interest of the community and the nation’s well-being during a crisis. Workshops will include “Crisis Preparation,” “Supporting First Responders in Crisis,” “Church and Pastor Readiness for Community Crisis,” and “Building Community Resilience in the Aftermath of Crisis.” Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Shelley Kennedy-Smith; San Bernardino County Supervising Deputy District Attorney William Lee; Dr. Deryl Lackey, Director of Missions for the Inland Empire Southern Baptist Association; Dr. Craig Turley, CEO, of the Blessing Center; Sgt. Chris Tamayo, Cal State University San Bernardino Police Department; and, Lt. Col. Michael F. Yates (Ret.) U.S. Army, (currently, Commander, American Legion Post 256) are among several key speakers and presenters. Additional speakers may be added at a later date. The Cops and Clergy Network was formed out of an informal coalition which began meeting in the fall of 1998. The Inland Empire Cops and Clergy Network was co-founded by then-Redlands Police Chief Jim Bueermann and Dr. Felix Roger Jones III, Pastor of All People Unity Baptist Church. The Cops and Clergy Network was formally incorporated under the leadership of President and CEO, Dr. Jones in 2003 to further promote community involvement in police and civic matters. “I knew if we could just come together as human beings, rather than disparate community groups, something good would happen,” Jones said. The annual Faith and Justice Summit has addressed issues such as preventing and responding to domestic violence; mobilizing the church, city and community in the event of disaster; and igniting faith-based partnerships, among other topics. Registration is $25 per person or $125 for a table of six before March 10. After that date, registration is $35 per person or $150 for a table of six. For additional information and registration go to web site www.CopsClergyNetwork.org or call (909) 792-8300.