Anti-Racism as a Learning Practice for Our Presbytery

As we move into 2026 under the theme Faithful Friction: Turning Tension into Faithful Witness and eraticating systemic poverty. Denver Presbytery understands anti-racism education as a sacred and ongoing practice of being in right relationship. Rather than avoiding discomfort, we are invited to remain present in tension—trusting that God uses it to deepen our trust in community, faithfulness, and strengthen our loving witness to the gospel.

Anti-racism education within Denver Presbytery is not simply a requirement to fulfill. It is a shared, communal commitment to learning, accountability, and transformation—where honest truth-telling opens the way for healing and hope.

Each year, the Lead Presbyter, in partnership with the Ministry Relations Committee (MRC), creates, reviews, and approves a variety of educational opportunities. These offerings are theologically grounded, contextually responsive, and designed to meet leaders where they are. Through engagement with history, lived experience, and present realities, participants are invited to wrestle faithfully with systemic racism and discern how God is calling the church to live the gospel more boldly—especially when that call stretches us.

The Stated Clerk, in collaboration with the MRC, maintains an annual record of completed education sessions. This practice is rooted not in compliance or monitoring, but in mutual accountability and spiritual formation as we seek to lead with integrity and reflect Christ’s reconciling love.

To that end, annual PCUSA required training is expected of:

• Ministers of Word and Sacrament (active or honorably retired) in service or validated ministry

• New Worshiping Community leaders

• Certified Christian Educators

• Commissioned Pastors (CPs)

• Ruling Elders elected to Presbytery leadership (including committees, commissions, and sub-committees)

• Candidates under care for MWS, CP, or NWC

• Presbytery staff

These expectations are incorporated into all new terms of call and must be completed within one year of adoption or assuming a new leadership role.

We also strongly encourage broader participation: retired clergy, ruling elders, deacons, youth leaders, musicians, and congregational staff are all invited to join in this transformative work. Anti-racism is not a side project—it is core to our discipleship.

Together, let us embrace this rhythm of learning as a holy practice of courage, trust, and shared witness.