Racial Justice

Native American women are emerging leaders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Women are playing increasingly pivotal roles at every level in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). From moderators, to heads of agencies, stated clerks at the middle governing body level to synod and presbytery executives and pastors, women are at the forefront. And not to be excluded from this wave of women leadership are Native American women.

Serious JuJu baptizes infant, young skateboarding boy

Until last weekend, the Rev. Sean Chow, the Western region and training associate for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s 1001 new worshiping community movement, had never someone so little being baptized.

Big Tent hosts African leaders’ pre-conference gathering

Leaders from 11 African countries now serving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 22 states and 20 presbyteries across the United States gathered for the African Leaders Pre-Conference, sponsored by the Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries at Big Tent 2019.

God invites us, flawed and inconsistent though we may be

The Book of Genesis may spell out God’s plan of salvation. But the Rev. Dr. Renita Weems told nearly 800 people attending Big Tent’s closing worship Saturday that “sometimes I wish God would save us without asking us to participate in salvation. Just get on with it, God! But God continuously invites flawed inconsistent people to participate with God.”

Convocation for Communities of Color concludes its gathering

With the rhythmic beat of the drum and the melodious notes of the soprano saxophone, the Convocation for Communities of Color began with a jazz rendition of the hymn “I’m Going to Live so God Can Use Me.” Recording artist and convocation musicians Warren Cooper and Perpetual Praise filled the room with the sounds of familiar hymns performed with a jazz flair and in a way that lifted the spirits of all in the room, a room that truly looked like God’s beloved community with people of color of every hue.

How to speak truth to power

Nearly 400 people took  part in Tuesday’s Office of Public Witness webinar offering listeners, among other suggestions, tips on how to respond to people seeking asylum or refuge in the United States — and ways to lobby their member of Congress to alter the laws and budgets that impact people fleeing their country for a new life in the U.S.

Reproductive Justice probably isn’t what you think it is

Before she told the audience what Reproductive Justice is, the Rev. Shanea D. Leonard had to say what it isn’t. “Most people think that it’s all about abortion, but it’s not,” Leonard said at the top of a Tuesday afternoon webinar, presented by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness (OPW) in Washington, D.C. “It’s so much more than that, but it’s inclusive of that as well.