History of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Clergy and Lay Leadership Conference
Through the power of prophetic preaching, informed teaching and true social activism, clergy, and lay work together, with, through and on behalf of those most vulnerable and marginalized in the world.
Incorporated September 17, 2003, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC) was conceived with the hope and faith that the organization would focus on what was proclaimed in the fourth chapter of Luke, to set captives free and to give liberty to those who are oppressed. It is what was envisioned by the three founders and theological giants, Dr. Iva E. Carruthers, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III and Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. who met, prayed, and talked about giving birth to a particular “something” that could speak to the needs of those who were thirsty for sound biblical knowledge and committed social advocacy. Four of their colleagues then joined the discussion. And that conversation, the spark of an idea, became what is now the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, a national network that serves thousands of pastors, lay leaders and the next generation of those working for social justice.
It is with this divine calling that the Samuel DeWitt Proctor entered the public square. And it is with prayerful dedication and purpose that we work to change the socio-political landscape for those in need as we continue our fervent quest and biblical directive to do justice.
The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference network has1 been challenging communities and churches, hearts and minds of clergy and lay leaders, seminarians and thought leaders. From its inception, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference adopted an organizational vision to affirm that there is no separation between the anointing of the Spirit of the Lord and the social justice aspects which that same spirit calls us to carry out day-by-day in the communities in which we live and serve.
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