Learn about racial justice ministries
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) professes that racism, in all its forms, is contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet, it acknowledges that racism is a reality in both church and society. In faithful witness to the love of Christ, the church is committed to confronting racism and racial oppression in the church and the world, working to overcome racism with prayer, discernment and worship-based action.
Continue readingExplore issues in depth
- Reparations
- Immigration
- Hurricane Katrina and Systemic Racism
- Environmental Racism
- Public Education
- Electoral Reform
- Fair Food Campaign
- Women of Color Consultation Task Force
Meet SanDawna Ashley
As associate for Gender and Racial Justice, SanDawna’s work includes facilitating ministry and programs at all levels of the church that assist the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in becoming an inclusive, diverse, and racially just church. She is responsible for developing workshops and resources for congregations and other groups, addressing issues of gender equality, fairness, and racial justice, with the goal of providing practical and specific ministry to women and racial ethnic persons, helping to change conditions to create equal opportunities for all. She also works with Mid-Council leadership, the General Assembly Mission Council, and other PC(USA) groups to assist the PC(USA) in its efforts to improve in the area of leadership opportunities and parity for women and racial ethnic persons in the church and in society.
Youth Cultural Proficiency Pilot Program
We strongly believe that racism is a learned valued that is taught over time by individuals and systems that do not regard diversity (difference) as a God-given gift of creation. Learned values such as racism, prejudice and discrimination must be unlearned by youth today. The first step in this process is to teach some alternatives to racism – namely, love of neighbor and appreciation for the Christian belief that “everyone is created equally in the image of God.” The Office of Gender and Racial Justice strongly encourages each presbytery to establish a training program to teach the importance of celebrating diversity. To support our efforts, we are providing seed grants to assist congregations and mid councils in this work.