“You ever notice how the inner voice that says we’re powerless, and that this will never work, is louder when you feel alone? Loneliness and isolation amplify despair, but community, partnership, and action, are the anecdotes. Hope is a group project.” - @jemartisby.bsky.social

"There is a place and role for every single one of us in this moment – our gifts, resources, spheres of influence, geographies, and roles are different. Our actions will be different, but each of us is necessary. Each of us is needed. In fact, we need each other." - Rev. Dr. Jennifer Harvey

What might happen in the world if, in unison, our breaths begin to even and slow? Would the pulsing of our hearts begin to sync, the way heart cells in petri dishes will come to keep time with each other? - Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

“If we want to do the often taxing and disorienting and deeply disappointing work of trying to heal and mend the world, we need opportunities to turn inward, breathe deeply, and then return to the work.” - Rabbi Or Rose

“Every empire that has ever been created has fallen. Every liar who has ever held power and done damage eventually falls. We read about these cycles in history class, but we never thought they’d happen to us. Welcome to reality. I’m waking up.” - @briandmclaren.bsky.social

"You don’t have to believe that the empire’s story is the only story. I’ve been trying this year to reclaim justice because the story the calendar tells is one of a God that refuses for [our community’s] table to be hacked to pieces by yet another empire." - @dianabutlerbass.bsky.social

Our Welcome Session begins in 30 minutes! See you at 2pm!

We are so grateful that these amazing speakers are joining us for the 2026 Southern Lights Conference. Throughout the weekend, we'll be hearing wisdom from each and every one of them – and we couldn't be more excited! @jemartisby.bsky.social @briandmclaren.bsky.social @dianabutlerbass.bsky.social

We're counting down the days until we hear from @briandmclaren.bsky.social at the 2026 Southern Lights Conference! We can’t wait to gather, reflect & learn together! You can STILL register for a virtual spot at the 2026 Conference. Visit www.southernlightsconference.com to secure your spot.

It’s the final countdown!!! In just seven days, we will be gathering for a weekend of shared knowledge, community-building, and fellowship. We are so excited to see everyone!

In less than two weeks, we'll be hearing from @dianabutlerbass.bsky.social at the 2026 Southern Lights Conference! Get ready for inspiration grounded in hope, courage & vision for what comes next. Visit www.southernlightsconference.com to get your spot (virtual or in-person) at our 2026 Conference!

Just two weeks until we meet in the beautiful St. Simons for our 2026 Southern Lights Conference! We are so excited to see everyone! Check out southernlightsconference.com for any last-minute registrations, housing and meal vouchers information, and other Frequently Asked Questions.

Rosemary Wahtola Trommer’s poetry will take your breath away with its beauty. We are so thrilled that she will be joining us for this year’s conference and even more excited to hear her poetry live!

Southern Lights wishes you a happy and healthy New Year! Here's to fostering curiosity, finding the compassion in the everyday, and building a better faith future for ALL people ✨

Enjoy all the wisdom and insights of Southern Lights from the comfort of your home! Virtual registration for the 2026 Conference is still open! Did you know virtual registrants gain access to ALL the speaker & music sessions AND get to ask speaker questions along with the rest of the group?

We wish you a very Merry Christmas to you and yours from the whole Southern Lights Team! We hope your day is filled with community and love ❤️ #merrychristmas #progressivechristianity

Give the gift of Southern Lights this holiday! This holiday season, we’ve decreased our gift card prices to make it even easier to give this fantastic weekend of community and fellowship to your loved ones! Available for both virtual and in-person tickets! southernlightsconference.com/giftcards

We are so excited to see what else Jen Harvey has to say at our 2026 Conference! Don’t miss the chance to see her, and our other awesome speakers, this January 23-25. Grab your virtual or in-person tickets today at southernlightsconference.com.

What he said! Hope to see you there :)

@jemartisby.bsky.social is an amazing voice in the areas of racial justice, U.S. history & Christianity. We are so lucky that he is joining us for the 2026 Southern Lights Conference this January! Register today to secure your spot at the 2026 Conference! Sign up here: southernlightsconference.com

Introducing Ken Medema! Ken is an incredible pianist, vocalist, storyteller & songwriter who blesses us with his music every year. We are absolutely thrilled that he will be joining us again this January at the 2026 Conference!

We acknowledge the Guale & Mocama peoples this Thanksgiving, who have lived on & established legacies on St. Simons since time immemorial. We denounce their forced removal from the land & establish our gratitude for their continued presence in the land & culture of the St. Simons Island area.

This Thanksgiving, we are so grateful to all our speakers, organizers, and attendees in the Southern Lights Community. We are so excited to see you all this January, and so grateful that we’ve formed this community with you all.

Introducing Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer! Rosemerry is a poet, author, and podcast host who has been writing and sharing a poem a day since 2006. She explores themes of parenting, gardening, the natural world, love, thriving & failure, grief, and daily life in her work.

At Southern Lights, we’re looking for the divine in everyday life and finding ways we can contribute to God’s light and compassion on Earth – for all people, always.

Introducing Rabbi Or Rose! Currently working at Interfaith America, Rose is an expert in interreligious studies & education. He publishes “The Journal of Interreligious Studies,” co-edits award-winning anthologies & is currently working on a multifaith commentary of the Book of Psalms!

At Southern Lights, we want to find compassionate AND pragmatic solutions to the sociopolitical issues confronting our world – and country – today. Comment below to tell us about the solutions you've found in your everyday life!

Introducing the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Harvey! Jen is an author & educator creating space for justice-filled, transformative connections. In her work, she explores racial justice & how white Americans can change their behaviors to confront racism. We're so excited to hear her perspectives this January!

This year at Southern Lights, we’re exploring what it means to lead with love and hope for all people – without losing hope at the obstacles that get in the way. We're so excited to learn from our speakers on this topic. What actions do you take in your life to lead with love and hope?

Introducing Jemar Tisby! @jemartisby.bsky.social is a NYT bestselling author, Professor at Simmons College of KY, co-host of the “Pass the Mic” podcast & a featured speaker at the 2026 Southern Lights! We are so excited to hear his perspectives on racial justice, U.S. history, Christianity & more!

We are so grateful that Epworth by the Sea is hosting our 2026 Conference! While on-site lodging at Epworth is limited, St. Simons Island has plenty of hotels, Airbnbs, and bed-and-breakfasts nearby. And remember—you can purchase a meal pass to dine with fellow registrants throughout the weekend!

Announcing Brian McLaren! As an author, speaker, activist & public theologian, @briandmclaren.bsky.social is an advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” & long-time organizer of Southern Lights. He believes the future of faith will be created by working with all faiths for the common good 🙌

Under 35 years old? We’re always looking for fresh perspectives at Southern Lights! In an effort to make the Conference more accessible, we’re happy to announce an under 35 rate for all those that qualify. Use the code SL35DWN at checkout for 20% off your virtual or in-person conference ticket!

Announcing Diana Butler Bass! A preeminent author and theologian, Diana is a long-time organizer of Southern Lights. We are so excited to experience her leadership & hear her perspectives during our 2026 Conference! Follow Diana @dianabutlerbass.bsky.social or subscribe to her Substack, The Cottage!

Are you passionate about creating a more inclusive faith community for all people? Then the Southern Lights Conference is for you! Join us this January as we gather in St. Simons, GA to learn and grow in faith together. Register here today: www.eventbrite.com/e/southern-l...

Hello! We’re Southern Lights 👋 We’re so excited to be hosting our 2026 Conference in St. Simons this January! Join us as we explore our theme, “Wisdom from the Edge, When the Center Cannot Hold.” Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/southern-l...

The 2026 Southern Lights Giveaway is HERE! Winners will get a FREE bundle of featured books from the 2026 Conference speakers! 1. Post a pic of Southern Lights on social media by June 30th 2. Tag the Southern Lights Conference 3. Our team will randomly select winners LIVE at the 2026 Conference

Announcing our 2026 Southern Lights Conference, "Wisdom from the Edge, When the Center Cannot Hold." Join us this January 2026, as we join in community to gain valuable insight from this year's incredible speakers. Register today at southernlightsconference.com!

We know & love them! Thank you to our organizers, Diana and Brian, for their incredible insight at the 2025 Southern Lights Conference. Follow them on all platforms so you won't miss a thing! @dianabutlerbass.bsky.social @briandmclaren.bsky.social

Want to hear more from our 2025 Southern Lights Speakers? Follow them on social media and join in all their incredible conversations! You can find all the information you need here 👇 @miheekimkort.bsky.social @stewartdantec.bsky.social @robertpjones.bsky.social @revdrjacquilewis.bsky.social

"What ordinary vessels are in your life that give you reminders of God's abundant grace? More importantly, who is that vessel? How can you become that vessel? Everything we need is already here." - @miheekimkort.bsky.social, Sunday Sermon

What a weekend with @southernlightsconf.bsky.social ... Thanks to Rev. Dante Stewart, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Dr. Robert P. Jones, Rev. Mihee Kim Cort, Dr. Diana Butler Bass, Ken Medema, Solveig Leithaug, Andy Gullahorn and Jill Phillips, and the 1000+ people who participated in person and online!

“Our democracy is racist, so one thing we can point our love to is addressing racial inequities in our nation and it starts with us and our theology, it starts with what it means to be Jesus’ people. That's a choice that we get to make every day.” - @revdrjacquilewis.bsky.social, Session 5

We're so glad you love our speakers as much as we do ❤️

“We are living in anticipatory grief and we are going to have to find some way to dig deep in this moment, not just burdened by fear, but dig deep with each other and into the words we have been given to find a way through what we have to face.” - @stewartdantec.bsky.social, Session 3

“There is a deliberate connection to the restoration of a human being to community and the communal nature of the Triune God. Mercy is not about power. It's about courageous hospitality, it’s about solidarity with the unexpected other.” - @miheekimkort.bsky.social, Session 3

Terrific talk by Robert Jones! The future is much more difficult to navigate without coming to terms with your history - individual, family, corporate, national

What a great idea - thank you for sharing, Holly

"How can we meaningfully respond to being the beneficiaries of a crime so plain it can never be denied, and so large it can never be righted? To know ourselves, we must know the truth of our history." - Robert P. Jones, Session 3 (@robertpjones.bsky.social)