Our first-ever Faith & Justice Day of Action is only two days away!
We are honored to introduce you to our esteemed panel of guest speakers who will be sharing their insights on faith and community. We will hear from Rev. Laurie Manning of Skyline Community Church, Rev. Molly Baskette of First Church Berkeley UCC, Dr. Gerald Agee of Friendship Christian Church International, and Christine Ngounou of Faith in Action East Bay. Read on to learn more about our guests and their work!
Meet Our Panelists
We are excited to convene four powerful faith leaders for the panel portion of our Faith & Justice Day of Action. Together, we will discuss the role of faith communities in the housing justice movement, current work being done, and the path ahead in November.
Rev. Laurie Manning, Skyline Community Church
The Reverend Laurie J. Manning serves as Pastor of Skyline Community Church, UCC in Oakland. She holds respective Master’s degrees from Union Theological Seminary (Columbia U), Harvard University, and the University of Michigan. Laurie has also served on the University Religious Council of Churches at UC Berkeley to foster greater support and understanding of religious differences within the student and faculty body. Prior to her ordination, Laurie worked in various management capacities for Hewlett Packard’s Medical Products division, and then as a consultant with high technology and medical clients. Laurie serves on several UCC National Boards, including: the $65M Church Building and Loan Fund, the Amistad Redevelopment Corporation, the Investments Committee, and the Climate Justice Council.
Rev. Molly Baskette, First Church Berkeley UCC
Reverend Molly Baskette is the Co-Senior Minister of First Church Berkeley UCC and an author of several books about post-traumatic spiritual growth, parenting, grief and church renewal. Having grown up housing insecure herself, she has a keen interest in housing justice and safe, dignified housing for all as a cornerstone to human flourishing.
Dr. Gerald Agee, Friendship Christian Church International
Pastor Gerald L. Agee is the founder and Senior Pastor of Friendship Christian Church International (FCCI), which began in January 1994 in West Oakland with approximately 25 members. He received his Bachelors in Religious Education and Doctorate of Divinity from Friends University in Merced, CA. He has also been a licensed State of California Real Estate Broker for over 20 years. Dr. Gerald Agee is also the Founder and President of Friendship Community Development Corporation (FCDC), which was started to address affordable housing issues in the Bay Area. He is the former President Emeritus of one of the largest pastoral alliances in the Bay Area, Pastors of Oakland, and now serves on their Advisory Board.
Christine Ngounou, Faith in Action East Bay
Christine Ngounou is a French-American Financial Professional, Insurance Broker, and community leader with PICO California via Faith In Action East Bay. She is currently the president of the Golden Dragon Project at Lincoln Elementary in Oakland, and holds an MBA in Business and Company Management and an MS in Management Science from the University of Paris 13. In Oakland, Christine worked as a contractor for the VA. As a Case Manager she helped the unhoused look for housing, job prep, schooling, and education employment. Christine also oversaw a transitional shelter in Oakland. She enjoys traveling, cooking, meeting new people, and spending time with loved ones. She is passionate about empowering youth and financial literacy for everyone.
