Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - Blogs - In Spirit and Truthhttps://www.pcusa.org/blogs/spirit-and-truth/2018-02-15T12:25:55-05:00Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)info@pcusa.orghttp://www.pcusa.org/Latest In Spirit and Truth posts.Future of this Blog - Seeking Feedback2018-02-15T12:25:55-05:00Molly Casteel/blogs/spirit-and-truth/2018/2/15/future-blog-seeking-feedback/https://www.pcusa.org/blogs/spirit-and-truth/2018/2/15/future-blog-seeking-feedback/
<p class="date">February 15, 2018</p>
<div class="intro"><p>After a time of rest, this blog will be refreshed with content in this new year and new time in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the United States in its various contexts. We'd love to hear from you about the topics of most concern around issues of representation and inclusion in our councils.</p>
<p>Please share your ideas in this survey and we will be advised by your inquiries and interests. </p>
<script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
(function(t,e,s,n){var o,a,c;t.SMCX=t.SMCX||[],e.getElementById(n)||(o=e.getElementsByTagName(s),a=o[o.length-1],c=e.createElement(s),c.type="text/javascript",c.async=!0,c.id=n,c.src=["https:"===location.protocol?"https://":"http://","widget.surveymonkey.com/collect/website/js/tRaiETqnLgj758hTBazgd_2Fzt773GyyxFLU9m0FUrhBjtd5ZIJSUmZmJvm4GXXLE0.js"].join(""),a.parentNode.insertBefore(c,a))})(window,document,"script","smcx-sdk");
// ]]></script>
<p><a style="font: 12px Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #999; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com"> Create your own user feedback survey </a></p>
<p>For the time being - watch this space.</p></div>
The ADA at 252015-07-26T12:00:00-04:00Molly Casteel/blogs/spirit-and-truth/2015/7/26/ada-25/https://www.pcusa.org/blogs/spirit-and-truth/2015/7/26/ada-25/
<p class="subtitle">Pledge On! and become a part of the nationwide celebration and recommitment to the ADA</p>
<p class="date">July 26, 2015</p>
<div class="intro"><p>The Presbyterian Church USA marks the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. On July 26th, 1990, President George H. W. Bush, <a title="video link to signing ceremony and other ADA content" href="http://www.ada.gov/videogallery.htm">signed</a> the <a title="official ADA website" href="http://www.ada.gov/">Americans with Disabilities Act</a> into law. Presbyterians have long been advocates for full inclusion of persons with disabilities and active in the national conversations regarding laws and protections.<a title="ADA Legacy Tour website and resources" href="http://www.adalegacy.com/ada25/ada-legacy-tour"><img style="margin: 2px; float: right;" title="ADA 25: Disability Rights are Civil Rights, 1990-2015" src="/site_media/media/uploads/blogs/ada25-ada-legacy-tour.jpg" alt="a photo of the Road to Freedom campaign bus with disabiilty advocates standing facing the camera, underneath is a banner with ADA 25: Disability Rights are Civil Rights and the dates 1990-2015" width="250" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>To mark this major milestone, there is a pledge we commend to you and your congregations and councils. This pledge is to continue supporting the ADA going forward. To learn more and sign on go <a href="http://www.adaanniversary.org/pledge">here </a> for the individual pledge (or follow other links for faith communities). The Faith Community Pledge is:</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Proclamation to Recommit to Full Implementation of the ADA and Accessible, Welcoming Faith Communities</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities. This legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. On July 26, 2015, we will celebrate the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the signing of the ADA.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life. However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we remain committed to continue our efforts to fully implement the ADA.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Although religious organizations and the entities they control are exempt from some sections of the law, they, as institutions of faith, have always been governed by the mandates of love and justice. It is under this higher authority that many congregations and other religious entities are creating accessible and welcoming environments for people with disabilities. When barriers of architecture, communication and attitude are removed, justice and love prevails and people with disabilities become full participants in the celebrations and obligations of their faith.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">On the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I/we (name of leader or faith community) celebrate and recognize the progress that has been made by reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion and recommitting our efforts to build congregations and communities in which people with disabilities are full, contributing members and citizens.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">NOW THEREFORE, I/we (name of leader or faith community) do hereby reaffirm to continue our commitment to work toward full ADA compliance in our communities and toward accessible, welcoming congregations.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Recent General Assembly policy and PCUSA resources:</p>
<p><strong><em><a href="/resource/living-body-christ/">Living Into the Body Of Christ</a> </em></strong>is comprehensive social witness policy for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adopted by the 217th General Assembly in 2006 (<em>Minutes</em>, 2006, Part I, p. 919ff).</p>
<p>In 2000, the church celebrated the passage of <strong><em><a href="http://oga.pcusa.org/media/uploads/oga/pdf/that-all-may-enter.pdf">That All May Enter</a></em></strong> (<em>Minutes</em>, UPCUSA, 1977, Part I, pp. 99–108). </p>
<p>In 2008 the 218th General Assembly adopted <strong><em><a href="http://oga.pcusa.org/media/uploads/oga/pdf/serious-mental-illness2008.pdf">Comfort My People: A Policy Statement on Serious Mental Illness with Study Guide</a>. </em></strong></p>
<p>The 220th General Assembly (2012) affirmed ministries with persons with disabilities in their actions taken on <a title="action on 21-02" href="http://pc-biz.org/Explorer.aspx?id=3771">Item 21-02</a>, to further implement <em>Living into the Body of Christ: Towards Full Inclusion of People with Disabilities</em>(2006). </p>
<p>The <a href="http://oga.pcusa.org/section/committees/committee-representation/">General Assembly Committee on Representation</a> (GACOR) posted a Bible Study led by Dr. Jeremy Schipper of Temple University – <strong><a href="http://www.screencast.com/t/cWlMVmM96">Disability and the Old Testament</a> </strong>. Also posted to the GACOR website: Chapter 2: <strong><a href="http://oga.pcusa.org/media/uploads/oga/pdf/disability_studies_and_the_bible_%28nyasha_junior_and_jeremy_schipper%29.pdf" target="_blank">Disability Studies and the Bible</a></strong>, Nyasha Junior and Jeremy Schipper (PDF) from <em><a href="http://www.thethoughtfulchristian.com/Products/0664238165/new-meanings-for-ancient-texts.aspx" target="_blank">New Meanings for Ancient Texts</a></em> edited by John Kaltner and Steven L. McKenzie. © 2013 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/phewa/presbyterians-disability-concerns/">Presbyterians for Disability Concerns</a> (PDC), a network of the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA), published <strong><em><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/site_media/media/uploads/phewa/docs/pdc-better_together-final_version-050715.pdf">Better Together: Transformed by God’s Variety of Gifts</a></em> </strong>(2015) “This resource, commissioned by action of the 219<sup>th</sup> General Assembly (2010), has been created for use in almost any context where people gather. It includes powerful personal testimonies and strategies for inclusion in every setting, from worship and Christian education to places of employment.”</p>
<p>The PCUSA has <strong><a title="link to disability consultants" href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/phewa/disability-concerns-consultants/">Disability Consultants</a> </strong>available through PHEWA and the <a title="CPJ" href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/compassion-peace-justice/">Compassion, Peace and Justice</a> Ministries of the <a title="PMA" href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/">Presbyterian Mission Agency</a>.</p>
<p>Wider resources on the ADA and the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary:</p>
<ul>
<li>Interactive Timeline, <a href="http://www.dol.gov/featured/ada/">Advancing Equal Access to Opportunity </a> (1920-2015)<br /><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2015/07/20/president-speaks-25th-anniversary-americans-disabilities-act">The President speaks on the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the ADA</a> | White House video | 14:47</li>
<li><a href="http://www.dol.gov/odep/">Office of Disability Employment Policy</a> (ODEP) Blog: <a href="https://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2015/07/20/our-ada-stories/">Our ADA Stories</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.aapd.com/what-we-do/interfaith/">Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition</a> (IDAC) - <a href="http://www.aapd.com/what-we-do/interfaith/interfaith-disability-advocacy-coalition.html">Mission Statement</a> and Statement of Solidarity</li>
<li><a href="http://www.aapd.com/">American Association of Persons with Disabilities</a> (AAPD)</li>
<li>Why This Counts: <a href="http://blog.dol.gov/2015/07/24/why-this-counts-how-bls-data-support-the-goals-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act/">How BLS Data Support the Goals of the ADA</a> (blog post from the Dept. of Labor)</li>
<li>Sen. Tom Harkin (ret.) on ADA – “<a title="blog post written by Tom Harkin" href="https://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2015/07/22/onward/">Onward!”</a></li>
<li>AAPD <a title="What We do Technology page for AAPD" href="http://www.aapd.com/what-we-do/technology/">Technology </a></li>
<li><a title="AAPD resources - Power Grid blog" href="http://www.aapd.com/resources/power-grid-blog/">Power Grid</a> Blog - AAPD resource</li>
<li>NPR: <a href="http://www.npr.org/2015/07/26/426434612/on-ada-anniversary-some-blame-the-law-for-low-employment">On ADA Anniversary, Some Blame Law for Low Employment</a> July 26, 2015 |<em>Weekend Edition Sunday</em> |4:38</li>
<li>
<p><a title="link to article" href="http://psychologybenefits.org/2015/07/23/americans-with-disabilities-act-25th-anniversary/">How 25 Years of the “Americans with Disabilities Act” Has Benefited All of Us</a> | APA blog | July 23, 2015</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>While we continue to live into these words fully we are a people of prayer, formed in that activity with God who is deeply interested and invested in our lives and actions. Let us return to that day 25 years ago when these words were prayed. This blessing was given by the Reverend Harold H. Wilke at the signing of the ADA on July 26, 1990 at the White House:</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;" align="center"><em><strong>A Blessing</strong></em><br /><em> For the Presidential Signing</em><br /><em> of the Americans with Disabilities Act</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em> “Let my people go!” was your decree, oh God, commanding that all your children be freed from the bonds of slavery.</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em> Today we celebrate the breaking of chains which have held back millions of Americans with disabilities.</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em> Today we celebrate the granting to them of full citizenship and access to the Promised Land of work, service and community.</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em> Bless our President as he signs the Americans with Disabilities Act and strengthen our resolve as we take up the task, knowing our work has just begun.</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em> Bless the American people and move them to discard those old beliefs and attitudes that limit and diminish those among us with disabilities.</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em> Our prayer is in your name, oh God, whom we call by many names: the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; Allah, the Compassionate and Merciful One; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and of Rebecca and Sarah and Ruth; the Ground of all Being, the Infinite Source of Love and Light.</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em> Amen.</em></p>
</blockquote></div>
Opportunity Knocks When Justice Advocates Come to Louisville2015-01-05T12:00:00-05:00Molly Casteel/blogs/spirit-and-truth/2015/1/5/opportunity-knocks-when-justice-advocates-come-lou/https://www.pcusa.org/blogs/spirit-and-truth/2015/1/5/opportunity-knocks-when-justice-advocates-come-lou/
<p class="subtitle">WPC16 coming to Louisville, KY - March 11-14, 2015</p>
<p class="date">January 5, 2015</p>
<div class="intro"><p>Save the Date! In addition to the warmer weather we are all hoping March brings with it, Louisville will find justice advocates from around the US and Canada converging here for the 16th White Privilege Conference. This year's theme is, <a title="WPC16" href="http://www.whiteprivilegeconference.com/index.html">Resistance Action Courage Equity: The South Leading the Way</a>.</p>
<p>Keynote speakers are Mab Segrest, Loretta Ross, Chris Crass and Gyassi Ross.</p>
<p>Last year, in Madison, Wisconsin, the conference drew 2400 participants from over 40 states. The conference has met in the South only once before, in Memphis in 2009.</p>
<p>Local organizers are excited for an opportunity to host such a dynamic conference. The website has all the information you need to <a title="registration for WPC16" href="https://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1658578">register </a>or <a title="information for volunteering" href="http://www.whiteprivilegeconference.com/volunteers.html">volunteer</a>. The program will be posted later. <a title="link to institute topics" href="http://www.whiteprivilegeconference.com/workshops.html">Institutes </a>are one-day versions of the conference available on Wednesday or Saturday. The conference usually has over 100 workshops offered. Examples of<a title="link to past program booklets" href="http://www.whiteprivilegeconference.com/program.html"> past conference programs</a> can give you a flavor for the breadth, depth and width of past topics and offerings. The conference schedule is <a title="conference schedule" href="http://www.whiteprivilegeconference.com/schedule.html">here</a>.</p>
<p>This is a secular conference that was originally organized in educational professions. Now it regularly has participants aged from 11 to 90. Presbyterians have attended over the years, last year more than 30. This year, we hope to take the opportunity before us to attend and event where folks in the work, can do their work. I've attended a few and always find it a refreshing place to hone my skills, engage in reflection and learn more about my own place in this work and in my skin.</p>
<p>Skin privilege is not the only topic addressed. The conference is fully intersectional in its approach. There's something here to challenge everyone and bring energy to the justice seeking communities who take advantage of it.</p>
<p>There's been enough interest to secure a discount for Presbyterians. We expect more than 50 will attend some part of WPC16. If you are intending to register, contact <a href="mailto:molly.casteel@pcusa.org">Molly </a>for the discount code and register at the non-profit rate.</p></div>
What is the Church to do with #Ferguson, #MichaelBrown and #HandsUpDon’tShoot?2014-08-23T12:00:00-04:00Molly Casteel/blogs/spirit-and-truth/2014/8/23/what-church-do-ferguson-michaelbrown-and-handsupdo/https://www.pcusa.org/blogs/spirit-and-truth/2014/8/23/what-church-do-ferguson-michaelbrown-and-handsupdo/
<p class="subtitle">A Resource for Hosting A Conversation</p>
<p class="date">August 23, 2014</p>
<div class="intro"><p>Friday afternoon staff gathered in the Chapel at the Presbyterian Center for a conversation. One of the outcomes was a request to write up the process we used and to share it. </p>
<p><img style="margin: 2px; float: right;" title="No Justice, No Peace" src="/site_media/media/uploads/blogs/nojusticenopeace_flickr_cropped.jpg" alt="Image is a worn red brick wall with "No Justice No Peace" written across it in white graffiti style lettering (all caps)" width="300" height="167" />The invite said this:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>What is the Church to do with #Ferguson, #MichaelBrown and #HandsUpDon’tShoot?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong><em>Come to the Chapel on Friday, August 22 at 2pm </em></strong><em>for an all-staff conversation </em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">“You aren’t going to fix 400 years with a prayer” said this week by a man working at Greater St. Mark’s Church, a gathering place for the community. As people of faith we believe prayer matters – but words alone cannot adequately respond. To paraphrase St. Francis, “pray unceasingly, if necessary use words.” It’s time to act.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">We have differing responses and levels of connection to the terrible events surrounding the shooting death of Michael Brown. Let us sit at the bank of the river, bringing our lament and our holy fires.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Come as you are, be it sad, confused, angry, fearful or thoughtful. Connect, reflect and suggest action steps.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Join the conversation bringing your voice and experiences to inform the church’s response to the terrible events in Ferguson, Missouri and the situations closer to home lying just beneath the surface.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">This one hour conversation will be co-facilitated by Sera Chung (PMA) and Molly Casteel (OGA).</p>
<p>We had over 50 folks come. We share with you the framing we used for our conversation. We offer it as one way to enter these difficult conversations.</p>
<p>This and other resources will be shared on the <a title="link to PCUSA website and the ministry for Racial Justice " href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/racialjustice/">racial justice ministry website</a> (Presbyterian Mission Agency) in coming days. </p>
<hr style="width: 150px;" width="150" />
<p>Here's a sketch of the resource:</p>
<p>We chose to use music to enter and depart from the space. Beginning with the African American spiritual, <em>Wade in the Water</em> and ending with the refrain from <em>For Everyone Born</em> by Shirley Erena Murray (GG 769, <a title="link to the PCUSA hymnal project and the Glory to God hymnal resources" href="http://www.presbyterianhymnal.org/">Glory to God</a>, 2014).</p>
<p>We moved through the following elements:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Introduction & Opening Prayer</span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Framing for the Conversations and review of Mutual Invitation </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Forming small groups of 5 or 6 persons (seeking new connections, rather than familiar ones) </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Question(s) </span>(with freedom to propose a question on your heart to your small group for consideration)</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Reconvening in larger group to make suggestions for action steps </span>in popcorn style (recorded on newsprint)</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Closing prayer</span></em><em>, with an invitation to participants to vote their top two action items by placing a sticker next to them as they depart.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://oga.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/oga/pdf/revised_ferguson_conversation_guide.pdf" target="_blank">Download a PDF of this resource</a> (PDF).</p>
<p> </p></div>
Moving Past an Impulse/Intention for Racial Justice2014-08-14T15:03:57-04:00Molly Casteel/blogs/spirit-and-truth/2014/8/14/pause-acting-racial-justice/https://www.pcusa.org/blogs/spirit-and-truth/2014/8/14/pause-acting-racial-justice/
<p class="subtitle">Risking beyond moments of silence and online activism</p>
<p class="date">August 14, 2014</p>
<div class="intro"><p>So many words, so many nights of protests, days of planning, so many photos and videos... It has been over 100 days since Michael Brown was shot dead by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. Out of more than 100 days of protest, there have been 2 with violence. And yet, anticipating the grand jury verdict regarding whether the officer will be indicted and a court case will be pursued, insurers are requiring shopkeepers to board up their windows and doors, the governor has called in the National Guard, local police are moving in military equipment and media are seemingly salivating for the community to be violent, as it is <em>presumed</em> to be. Shall we ask, Who has demonstrated more violence?</p>
<p>What we imagine has power whether or not it aligns with what we see and hear. The power of our imaginations to read into "facts" and create conclusions. While we wait, breathe in peace, breathe out justice. Ask questions. Stay open. Connect. Pray with your actions.</p>
<p><em>Spirit of the Living God, Fall Afresh on me, Melt me, Mold me, Fill me, Use me...</em></p>
<p><em><strong>Resources and Ideas for Action:</strong> </em></p>
<p>Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ)</p>
<p>- <a title="link to SURJ action kit" href="http://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/SURJDOJActionKit.pdf%20">Department of Justice Action Kit </a></p>
<p>- <a title="link to police brutality action kit" href="http://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/PoliceBrutalityactionkit1.pdf">Police Brutality Action Kit</a></p>
<p>Find a candlelight vigil in your community and participate.</p>
<p>Speak to public officials about your concerns for racial justice.</p>
<p>Include justice issues from perspectives usually unheard in your community in outlets for the community - newsletters, prayer of the people, sermons, etc.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><em>Articles:</em></strong></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://newblackman.blogspot.com/2014/08/understanding-ferguson-understanding.html">Understanding Ferguson; Understanding White Supremacy,</a> David J. Leonard.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-raushenbush/what-white-people-can-do-_b_5675759.html">What White People Can Do About the Killing of Black Men in America</a>, Paul Brandeis Raushenbush</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://watercoolerconvos.com/2014/08/10/white-fear-the-single-greatest-killer-of-black-people-in-the-us/">White Fear: The Single Greatest Killer of Black People in the U.S.</a>, Jenn M. Jackson</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://mic.com/articles/96144/11-things-white-people-should-stop-saying-to-black-people-immediately?utm_source=policymicFB&utm_medium=ID&utm_campaign=social">11 Things White People Should Stop Saying to Black People Immediately</a>, Derrick Clifton</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://feministing.com/2014/08/14/why-dont-we-hear-about-women-victims-of-state-violence/">Why don’t we hear about women victims of state violence?</a>, Verónica Bayetti Flores</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/180943/death-michael-brown-and-search-justice-black-america">The Death of Micheal Brown and the Search for Justice in Black America, </a>Mychal Denzel Smith</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.salon.com/2014/08/12/in_defense_of_black_rage_michael_brown_police_and_the_american_dream/">In defense of black rage: Michael Brown, police and the American Dream,</a> Brittney Cooper</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2014/08/michael_brown_eric_garner_debra_harrell_just_three_examples_of_why_i_don.html?wpsrc=sh_all_dt_tw_bot">Why I Don’t Call the Police</a>, Emily Bazelon</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://janeewoods.com/2014/08/14/becoming-a-white-ally-to-black-people-in-the-aftermath-of-the-michael-brown-murder/">Becoming a White Ally to Black People in the Aftermath of the Michael Brown Murder</a>, Janee Woods</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.blackgirldangerous.org/2014/08/things-stop-distracted-black-person-gets-murdered-police/">Things to Stop Being Distracted by When a Black Person Gets Murdered by the Police</a>, Mia McKenzie</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.damemagazine.com/2014/08/14/ten-things-white-people-can-do-about-ferguson-besides-tweet">Ten Things White People can Do About Ferguson Aside from Tweet</a>, Kate Harding</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://manicpixiedreammama.com/a-mothers-white-privilege/">A Mother’s White Privilege</a>, Manic Pixie Dream Mama</p>
</li>
</ul>
<hr style="width: 200px;" width="200" />
<p>Update November 25, 2014:</p>
<p>The Stated Clerk has issued two statements regarding events in Ferguson, Missouri.</p>
<ul>
<li>Statement on <a title="link to statement on August 19 2014" href="/news/2014/8/19/pcusa-leaders-call-calm-and-prayer-ferguson-crisis/%20">August 19</a>. PC(USA) leaders call for calm and prayer in Ferguson crisis.</li>
<li>Statement on <a title="link to November 2014 statement" href="/news/2014/11/24/pcusa-stated-clerk-responds-ferguson-grand-jury/%20">November 24</a>. PC(USA) Stated Clerk responds to Ferguson grand jury decision.</li>
</ul></div>