Issues
Not Just Jena’s Problem
As Christians, we are called to confront racism in all its forms. We can respond in a variety of ways. For direct action opportunities, please see the Color of Change Web site.
What is happening in Jena, Louisiana, is a reflection of racism in every community in the United States and the need for dialogue is greater than ever. Get involved locally and within your own communities to talk about the issues of race and racism.
Find out what’s happening in your presbytery. Is there an antiracism team? Does your presbytery have a Peacemaking Committee? Do they work on racial justice issues?
Has your congregation or presbytery held an antiracism training event to learn about systemic racism? Presbyterian Women (PW) has trained facilitators in every synod to conduct antiracism training. Contact the PW Synod or Presbytery Moderator to find out who’s available in your region, or contact the Office for Racial Justice and Advocacy for the names of PW members and others who are trained facilitators.
There are many ways to create space for constructive dialogue. Consider using the following resources:
A DVD with study guide produced by Presbyterian Women, 2007. Designed to encourage meaningful dialogue about racism and to equip people of faith to work together to eradicate racism and bring about the beloved community that God intends. The DVD has four 15-minute segments. The accompanying study guide includes questions for reflection and dialogue.
$20.00
PDS#PWR06120
Law, Eric H. F. Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2004. This six-session study teaches communication guidelines, mutual invitation, community bible study, and power analysis and explores how to use these tools to build community in the face of racism and other factors that divide us.
$3.00
PDS#7027004014
Other Resources
Study Circles Resource Center
Provides a variety of resources for community groups working a wide range of issues, including racism, youth issues and criminal justice. Some of their resources are available in Spanish. These resources include:
Facing Racism in a Diverse Nation
A six-session discussion guide to help all kinds of people take part in meaningful dialogue to examine gaps among racial and ethnic groups and create institutional and policy change. May purchase online for $5.00 or download from the Web site.
Dialogue for Affinity Groups
A supplemental guide intended to give people with similar racial or ethnic backgrounds an opportunity to talk about issues of racism. (2006) Available as a downloadable document.
Cultural Proficiency Initiative
Effective methods and strategies are needed to change entrenched societal attitudes and norms that manifest as racist behavior in the PC(USA). The Cultural Proficiency Initiative is a tool to help transform the cultural environment of the PC(USA) from “one of legalistic compliance with secular affirmative action and equal employment opportunity laws to one of genuine caring and valuing of all humanity where relationship building and God’s agape love are modeled” (from the summary of the Report).
Report on Creating a Climate for Change Within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 
Electoral Reform
The disenfranchisement of people of color remains pressing today. Electoral reform is critical to ensure equal participation of all people in the governing of the US. Find out more about the PC(USA) recommendations on how to empower the disenfranchised:
Task Force on Election Report & Recommendations
Check the Washington Office site for action alerts on electoral reform.
For-Profit Prisons
The 215th General Assembly (2003) approved a resolution “calling for the abolition of for-profit prisons.” Part of the resolution calls us to “work to ensure that for-profit private prisons are held absolutely accountable to all existing laws and to stringent provisions relating to prisons and the protection of prisoners.”
Resolution Calling for the Abolition of For-Profit Private Prisons.
Also available for $4.00, PDS #6860003006
Immigration Reform
This resolution on the legalization of undocumented workers responds to the challenges presented by large numbers of these workers in the United States. Continuing in the tradition of past General Assemblies, the resolution calls on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to open itself to the transformation God has in store by encountering more purposefully our new immigrant neighbors.
Resolution Calling for a Comprehensive Legalization Program for Immigrants Living and Working in the U.S. with Study Guide (2004)
Or $4.00, PDS #6860005001
Also visit Peacemaking and Immigrant Groups Ministries for more information.
Race and the environment
Churches across the country are encouraged to discuss the links between race and environment. A recently published resource from the National Council of Churches USA (NCCC), "Environmental Racism: An Ecumenical Study Guide," is available to congregations for use in their church education programs.
“It is important to recognize that seven out of ten African Americans still breathe air that does not meet federal air quality standards and that a disproportionate number of communities of color have toxic waste sites in their backyards,” says Cassandra Carmichael, director of the NCC’s Eco-Justice Programs.
Learn more about race and the environment. |
