James L. Demus III, a Disciples pastor and a long time advocate for justice and equal rights, died Sept. 23. Funeral services for Demus, 57, pastor of Park Manor Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Chicago, Il., were held on Monday, Sept. 27. In his biography, it was noted that Demus, "reached out beyond the walls of the church to address social justice issues such as economic disparity, education equality and political inclusion to enrich and empower the lives of the underserved." He was a former teacher and long-time advocate for the Chicago Public Schools system. He also helped to create Disciples Justice Action Network (DJAN) and served as one of its first conveners.
"We were truly blessed to have Rev. Demus as one of our founders and main leaders," said Ken Brooker Langston, Director of DJAN. "We will miss his leadership, enthusiasm, inspiration, friendship, humor and passion for justice; and we will work hard to continue his vision for positive transformation of both church and society."
Demus also was co-founder of the Ministerial Alliance Against the Digital Divide (MAADD), a group that focuses on promoting and improving access to technology and the internet for all. To read more, visit: www.suntimes.com/news/obituaries/2743336,CST-NWS-xdemus25.article
Offering received Sept. 26 & Oct. 3