Justice Together

St. Stepen's is now one of 40 Member Congregations in Wichita and Sedgwick County. Justice Together is a multifaith justice organization based in Wichita, Kansas, dedicated to addressing systemic issues such as homelessness, mental health, and affordable housing through community-driven advocacy and faith-based action.

For more information about how their process works, who member congregations are, and results achieved: Click Here.

Listen & Connect

🗣️ August–September: Listening Process

Trained lay leaders host small group discussions across congregations.
Community members share concerns and lived experiences.
Top issues are surfaced and prioritized through collective discernment.

Progress Milestones

July - October
- Three St. Stephen's congregants volunteered to be Team Leaders
- Team Leaders organized several "Listening Sessions" where parishioners shared community issues that most concerned them.
- 15 parishioners volunteered to be "Network Members"
- Over 800 listening sessions occurred across 40 other congregations in Sedgwick County
11/6/2025 - Community Problems Assembly / 6:00 - 8:00 pm / First United Methodist Church
- 400 people met and selected GUN VIOLENCE as the top priority.

Research

🔍 October–December: Grassroots Research

Volunteers and leaders form research teams around selected issues.
They meet with experts, stakeholders, and service providers.
The goal is to craft winnable, evidence-based proposals rooted in community needs.

Progress Milestones

12/4/2025 - Research to Action Kickoff / 6:00 to 8:00 pm / Plymouth Congregational Church

Several parishioners from St. Stephen's have participated in research meetings including "Stakeholders Meetings" with community leaders:

Amanda Meyers; Wichita Family Crisis Center
Jeff Easter; Sedgwick County Sheriff
Dr. Joe Sliter; Wesley Medical Center
Marc Bennett; Sedgwick County District Attorney
Dr. Kevin Harrison; Cure Violence ICT
Terri Moses; USD 259

Following these meetings, analysis of data, and reports, the following "Problem Statement" was developed:

Gun violence in Sedgwick County affects more people than just the perpetrator and victim. Thousands of lives are turned upside down every year as friends, family members, and others deal with the ripple effects of violence. Gun violence is frequently retaliatory and socially connected rather than random, creating cycles of harm that spread far beyond a single incident.

Monitor for Impact

📊 June–July: Evaluation & Accountability

Justice Together monitors progress on commitments.
Teams follow up with officials and agencies.
Successes and challenges are reviewed to inform the next cycle.

This rhythm ensures that each phase builds on the last - starting with deep listening and ending with tangible change.

Direct Action

🧭 January–March: Strategy & Proposal Development

Research teams refine proposals and prepare for public presentation.
Leaders engage in training for public speaking and civic advocacy.
Relationships with officials begin to form around shared goals.

Progress Milestones

"Stakeholders Meetings" and gathering of data continue as we progress toward deepening our understanding of the problem of gun violence and developing a proposed solution. Community leaders we have met with or have scheduled (so far) are:

Marquetta Atkins; Destination Innovation

Upcoming:

Dr. Delores Craig-Morehead; WSU Criminal Justice Department
Amber Parker; Violence Reduction Center
Mario Salinas; County Juvenile Corrections

🏛️ April–May: Nehemiah Assembly (Public Action)

Thousands gather for a large-scale public meeting.
Proposals are presented to elected officials.
Officials are asked for clear, public commitments to support solutions.

3/12/2026 - Team Assembly / 6:00 - 8:00 pm / Grace Presbyterian Church

3/26/2026 - Solutions Briefing / 6:00 pm / First United Methodist Church / Wichita

4/30/2026 - Nehemiah Assembly / 6:00 pm / TBD

5/28/2026 - Team Assembly / 6:00 - 8:00 pm / St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

6/28/2026 - Celebration / 6:00 pm / Calvary United Methodist Church