Learn about the work of the Office for Racial Justice Advocacy

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 the ideology of racism and racial oppression, working to overcome racism with prayer, discernment and worship-based action. Learn more about the work of the Office for Racial Justice Advocacy.

An Invitation to Dialogue

On Sunday, May 18, 2008, we invite Christians to engage and promote “sacred conversation” on the issue of race in the United States with the hope that discussion around the issues of race and racism will begin. Use these resources to engage your congregation in dialogue on this important matter.

Building Community – Dismantling Racism

Antiracism Training Workshop at Multicultural Institute in Ghost Ranch
August 4-10, 2008

Racism remains a significant barrier to building truly inclusive multiracial, multicultural community in our lives, our neighborhoods and our church. 

Come to this workshop to:

• Draw on the tools of antiracism training for  a time for dialogue and discovery
• Use Bible study and discernment to focus on understanding the ways that racism continues to shape our lives
• Explore resources and strategies to dismantle racism and build community
• Celebrate the amazing diversity of God’s family! 

Participants are encouraged to bring resources to share.

Workshop Leaders: The Rev. Dr. Teresa Chávez Sauceda and the Rev. Dr. David Bowie

Registration fee through May 30

$250 plus housing and  meals / Commuter fee: $250 (no meals included)

Registration fee after May 20

$350 plus housing and meals / Commuter fee: $350  (no meals included)

Registration forms are available on the Ghost Ranch Web site.

Download printer-friendly flier to share information about this event.

For questions about registration please contact Janeth Nunez at (888) 728-7228 x5252.

A new dream

Noushin holds a little girl in one of the palapa homes in the village of Dzan, Mexico. Photo by Tiffany Gonzales.

Read the reflection provided by Noushin Darya Framke, chair for the Advocacy Committee for Racial Ethnic Concerns (ACREC), on her experience in Merida, Mexico. Noushin traveled there in the fall of 2007 with ACREC committee members for a joint meeting with the Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns (ACWC). Together they explored and learned about the driving forces behind immigration, and the impact on those who immigrate as well as on the communities they leave behind.

Not Just Jena’s Problem

Nooses hanging on school campuses and on the back of trucks and hate-filled Web sites publishing addresses of six young black men are symbols not of the past but of the present. In the recent events occurring in Jena, Louisiana, our nation has been issued a wake up call to the depth of racism that still resides in our society. In August of 2006, three nooses were found hanging from a tree at Jena High School after some black students sat under it. This was dismissed as a prank, and those involved were briefly suspended.  A few months later, six black students were arrested after a school fight in which a white student was beaten.  He suffered a concussion and multiple bruises. The six black students were charged with attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy. The charge later was reduced to aggravated second-degree battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated second-degree battery. These students have come to be known as the Jena Six. One of the teenagers, Mychal Bell, was the first to stand trial and was found guilty of aggravated second-degree battery and conspiracy. [Keep reading]

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