Justice & Mercy from a Buddhist Perspective
Join us for a conversation while enjoying  tea and treats

Justice and mercy are central tenets of the Christian faith. How do they figure in other faith traditions?

Please join us as we hear about justice and mercy in Buddhism – are there equivalent concepts, how are they similar and how are they different?  How are they understood to be put into practice in daily life and in community with each other?

 As we share tea and refreshments, Pastor Jen will ask Rev. CJ Dunford, Assistant Minister of Berkeley Buddhist Temple and the Buddhist Temple of Marin to share with us how justice and mercy are understood in their particular branch of Buddhism.  

The “interview” will be followed by a time for Q&A and open discussion. All are welcome, all faith traditions are welcome!

 Rev. CJ Sokugan Dunford, D.Min.
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Assistant Minister: Berkeley Buddhist Temple, Buddhist Temple of Marin
Adjunct Faculty Member: Institute of Buddhist Studies

A native of Virginia, CJ moved to the SF Bay Area in 2007 and eventually began to attend the Berkeley Buddhist Temple. They were drawn to Jōdo Shinshū teachings and decided to become a Jōdo Shinshū minister. They pursued  studies at the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) and Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley and received Tokudo ordination in summer of 2019. They studied abroad for a year as an exchange student in Kyoto at Ryukoku University.  Upon returning to the US, CJ finished their MA in Buddhist Studies along with a certificate in Buddhist Chaplaincy from IBS and GTU. The title of their thesis was: "Radical Acceptance as a Shin Buddhist Theology of Liberation for LGBTQ+ Peoples." CJ subsequently earned their Doctor of Ministry degree from the Pacific School of Religion in 2025, where their capstone project focused on critical abolitionist, queer & transgender studies and anti-imperialist approaches to Jōdo Shinshū in Mahayana Buddhism.

CJ has served as an ordained (Tokudo) and certified dharma teacher (Kyoshi) assistant minister at the Buddhist Temple of Marin since 2020 and at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple since 2023. As part of their ministry, CJ has helped to organize annual Transgender Day of Remembrance memorial services for BBT since 2018. They also offer spiritual counseling and support for members of the temple community and other seekers who find their way to the temple.