This October in New York City, many of America’s greatest preachers assembled at historic Riverside Church to call progressive Christians to renewed vigor in challenging times. Over 500 Convocation registrants traveled from 37 states, two Canadian provinces and England and were joined by more than 1,000 other worshippers over the 3-1/2 days of the Convocation. All plenary sessions of the Convocation were filmed, recorded and put on the Internet. They may be accessed through the month of November by clicking on the "Watch the Webcast" button above. Also, CD’s of the sermons and presentations and of most of the workshop sessions may be purchased by mail. Click here to download an order form (.doc). Finally, a DVD of the highlights of the entire Convocation will be available for purchase by the end of the year.

In this video recorded three weeks before his passing, Rev. Dr. William Sloane Coffin, Jr., former Senior Minister of The Riverside Church and originator of the Fosdick Convocation series in 1978, speaks about this Fifth Convocation. Despite the obstacles of two debilitating strokes and the heart condition that ended his life, Bill Coffin exuberantly explains why it is important for progressive Christians to gather at this Convocation.

To celebrate the inauguration of Riverside Church 75 years ago, founding minister Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote a hymn that challenged faithful Christians everywhere. God of Grace and God of Glory has become a beloved hymn, and many voices over the years have sung its familiar refrain, “grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.”

Now these words reach out to us and beckon a response for the living of these days, in the 21st Century. The 5th Fosdick Convocation on Preaching will call us to face anew the questions with which Dr. Fosdick challenged the nation in 1930:

What wisdom do we need for the facing of this hour?

What fears must we unbind for the living of these days?

How do we overcome weak resignation to the evils we deplore?

How do we stop our warring madness?

How do we transform a culture rich in things and poor in soul?

How can we live as agents of God’s grace and glory?

The 5th Fosdick Convocation is certain to be an exciting four days for those able to come to New York in October – but also, for the first time, we will extend an invitation to participate in the event via the Internet. Now, churches, seminaries, and those at home can access the Convocation through live streaming video – an innovation not available previously.