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 RACIAL JUSTICE RESOURCES

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END VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS

There's been alarming rise in violence towards Asian Americans. Click here for resources on how we can combat these hate crimes and harmful attitudes.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP DISMANTLE STRUCTURAL RACISM?
Our Presbyterian pastors, congregations, and ecumencial partners have been speaking out and standing against the injustice deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmauda Arbery, Kenny Watkins, Tamir Rice, Elijah McCain (right in our backyard) and all the black lives lost unjustly, by participating in forums, vigils, and City Council meetings calling for more action to be done.  As a Presbytery, we are pursuing training at all levels - staff, Council and Vision Team, and Presbytery wide - to shift from racist inaction to active anti-racist pursuits, including ways to come alongside our congregations and ministry partners. 

Confronting deeply ingrained racist systems and structures in our communities and country takes sensitivity and stamina. Before congregations and worshiping communities can confront the harsh realities of racism, it is helpful to have a good foundation.

One good place to start is by taking the 21-Day Racial Justice Challenge, which is well suited to individuals, churches and mid councils. The challenge invites us to do something every day to raise awareness about the perniciousness of racism and encourage action in response to that awareness.

The PC(USA) has joined several nonprofits, organizations and school systems in adapting the challenge for our use. More Information.

CONSIDER BECOMING A MATTHEW 25 CHURCH
Matthew 25 churches pledge to work on one or more of the following:

  • Building congregational vitality by challenging people and congregations to deepen their faith and get actively and joyfully engaged with their community and the world.

  • Dismantling structural racism by advocating and acting to break down the systems, practices and thinking that underlie discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of people of color.

  • Eradicating systemic poverty by working to change laws, policies, plans and structures in our society that perpetuate economic exploitation of people who are poor.

PRESBYTERIANS SPEAK OUT
Witness Against the Evil of White Supremacy A collection of PC(USA) expressions of grief, lament, outrage, challenge, conviction, repentance, and commitment – along with resources for learning and action – most from mid councils.

“Facing Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural Community” — PC(USA) churchwide antiracism policy, approved by the 222nd General Assembly (2016). | Companion study guide.

The Belhar Confession – added to the Book of Confessions by the 222nd General Assembly (2016). | Study guide.

A resource to promote reflection and action regarding white supremacy is found at this link:
6 Ways White People Can Dismantle White Supremacy
For Reflection and Understanding: 

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