‘Facing Racism’ theme features immigrant and refugee family resources

Materials for study, worship and legal matters available on PC(USA) website

by Gregg Brekke | Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE — Because the beloved community is what God intends for us, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is engaging in an ongoing campaign to share a wealth of antiracism resources with the greater church. As part of the Facing Racism campaign, books, worship suggestions, studies, training sessions and other resources are posted here to assist in equipping congregations in their work against racism.

This month, we offer resources related to issues facing immigrant and refugee families. Resources include the award-winning “Locked in a Box” documentary, legal resources, the “We Choose Welcome” action guide and more.

This edition’s call to action asks participants to plan an educational event with their congregation using resources related to immigration and refugee issues, including a possible showing of “Locked in a Box.”

Downloadable worship suggestions and other resources available here.

The PC(USA) would like to know if your congregation is hosting an event focusing on antiracism, diversity or racial justice. Please submit your event information by clicking here so it can be featured on the Facing Racism web page.

Acting on the directive of the 222nd General Assembly (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the communication agencies of the denomination’s six agencies have joined together to produce and promote antiracism resources for the church.

The FacingRacism.org website serves as a starting point for the dissemination of resources and offers a link to subscribe to receive regular updates on newly available materials and calls to action.

General Assembly referral 11-22/#06 gives instruction to “Direct the national church agencies to jointly formulate a communications plan to share antiracism resources and create an electronic campaign to send information on antiracism resources and trainings to mid councils, congregations, and Presbyterian-affiliated institutions.”

“Because of our biblical understanding of who God is and what God intends for humanity, the PC(USA) must stand against, speak against, and work against racism. Antiracist effort is not optional for Christians. It is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship, without which we fail to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.” (p. 2, Facing Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural Community, Churchwide Antiracism Policy).

The publication of Facing Racism resources began March 21, 2017, and will conclude with the 223rd General Assembly meeting in June 2018. A bi-monthly email will highlight various antiracism resources available for use in congregations and presbyteries and will include a call to action and a schedule of upcoming events.