At the Accra+20 Consultation of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), young theologian Dr. Victoria Turner delivered a compelling and multifaceted address that challenged churches to embrace justice, unity, and the prophetic vision of the Accra Confession. Mixing deep theological insights with humor and cultural commentary, Turner spoke to the heart of a generation grappling with the weight of systemic crises.
Turner began her presentation with a striking admission: “Young people are not innocent. We are complicit and part of the problem.” However, she quickly reframed this complicity as a byproduct of what she called the “weight of Empire”—the systems and structures of power that entrench inequality, commodify spirituality, and place insurmountable burdens on the young.
She pointed to the paradox of connection in the digital age, describing today’s youth as living in a “culture of informaniacs,” where the pursuit of endless information fosters isolation rather than meaningful relationships. “Young people are overwhelmed,” she said, “not just by climate anxiety or economic instability but by the sheer emptiness of a hyperconnected world.”
Turner tied this to the Accra Confession, a bold theological document adopted in 2004 that rejects economic systems rooted in greed and consumerism. While she praised its prophetic stance, Turner critiqued its limited engagement with the emotional and spiritual alienation of today’s youth. The confession, she argued, must evolve to speak to the deep disconnection and despair felt by younger generations.
Turner did not shy away from critiquing the church’s own role in perpetuating systems of oppression. She challenged congregations to confront their complicity in capitalist structures, accusing them of prioritizing financial security and attendance figures over bold, justice-oriented action.
“Celebration for divesting [from harmful investments] should not replace repentance for investing in Empire in the first place,” she said, underscoring the need for churches to embody the radical justice and unity proclaimed in the Accra Confession. Turner urged churches to resist self-preservation and instead embrace discomfort, risk, and solidarity with the marginalized.
Turner’s address wasn’t just a call to action—it was also a masterclass in cultural relevance. She infused her presentation with humor, using memes to illustrate her theological critiques in a way that resonated deeply with her audience. One particularly memorable meme featured the iconic “Batman slapping Robin” template, with Robin proclaiming, “Faith is personal,” and Batman retorting, “Read the Accra Confession.” The humor drove home a serious point: faith cannot be reduced to individualistic spirituality but must engage with the systemic injustices the Accra Confession critiques.
Another meme, using the “Winnie the Pooh” format, contrasted “Committing for Justice” with the elevated “Covenanting for Justice.” The juxtaposition highlighted the profound responsibility embedded in covenanting—a sacred, transformative commitment that demands more than surface-level activism.
These moments of levity didn’t distract from Turner’s message but amplified it, showing how theological truths can be made accessible and engaging through modern mediums. The laughter in the room was as much about recognition as it was about humor—an acknowledgment of the contradictions and challenges of living out faith in a fractured world.
Despite the systemic challenges, Turner celebrated the resilience of young people who continue to mobilize for justice. She highlighted the URC Youth Assembly’s push for divestment from fossil fuels and Israeli settlements as an example of youth-led action that embodies prophetic faith.
However, she also acknowledged the tension many young activists face: “We are paralyzed by anxiety yet propelled by determination,” she said. This paradox of hope and despair, Turner argued, defines the generational struggle to confront issues like climate change, colonial legacies, and economic inequality.
Quoting poet Rupi Kaur, she captured the spiritual yearning of young people often alienated by traditional religious institutions:
“My god / Is not waiting inside a church…
My god / Is the refugee’s breath as she’s running.”
This longing, Turner suggested, reflects the need for churches to meet young people where they are—on the margins, in the messiness of activism and resistance.
Turner concluded by introducing the concept of metamodernism, a framework that embraces both despair and hope. Unlike the cynicism of postmodernism, metamodernism allows young people to navigate contradictions without losing sight of transformation, a concept developed by Iona Curitus, currently studying at the University of Aberdeen.
She challenged churches to embody this vision, not through anxiety-driven self-preservation but by recommitting to justice and unity. “We must show young people that we are with God in the margins,” she echoed Lilian Siwila’s phrase, “ready to get our hands and our feet dirty.”
Turner’s address was both a critique and an invitation—a call for churches to rediscover their prophetic voice and align their actions with their theology. Through humor, deep reflection, and bold challenges, she reminded the audience that young people are not giving up. They are reimagining faith, justice, and unity in ways that demand all of us to follow suit.
Her memes may have drawn laughter, but her message was deadly serious: the future of faith depends on the courage to confront systems of power and to covenant together for justice.
