Broad Street Presbyterian Church's Session affirmed the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s church-wide anti-racism policy that “racism is the opposite of what God intends for humanity…[racism] is a lie about our fellow human beings, for it says that some are less than others.”
Anti-racist 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.
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Sign up for a RJI Group Conversation:
You are invited to participate in a facilitated, 2-hour, in-person small group conversation sponsored by the Racial Justice Initiative. Each conversation will be held at the church with an Initiative host present.
The commitment is to meet once, respond to an opinion survey, and also to do an advance reading of Initiative-produced and author-affirmed cliff notes of the book What Kind of Christianity by Dr. William Yoo. Estimated read time is 45 minutes.
If you would like to participate in this conversation but have a schedule conflict, please sign up on the Wait List to receive information about future conversations.
Register for one session only, held in Palmer Hall.
Wednesday, May 1, 6-8 pm (Host Sharon Sachs, Facilitator Karen Taylor)
Saturday, May 11, 1:30-3:30 pm (Host Katie Ross-Kinzie, Facilitator Roy Lewicki)
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What is RJI doing?
- Objective 1- Anti-racist recommendations related to increasing congregational conversation on race-related topics.
- Objective 2- Anti-racist recommendations related to improve racially just outcomes in areas of church life.
- Objective 3- Anti-racist recommendations to influence racial justice in our near neighborhood.
- Objective 4- Anti-racist recommendations to address racial injustices that are institutionalized or culturally supported.
As followers of Christ, we affirm that racism is not compatible with Broad Street Presbyterian Church’s values, policies, and practices. Racism has been and is still present in the words and actions (and inactions) of members of our community, and we understand that we need to redouble our efforts to stop all acts of racism, be they subtle or overt, and to actively work to dismantle systems that perpetuate racism.
Broad Street Presbyterian Church under the leadership of Session commits that we will:
- Listen carefully to any expressions of concern about racist acts, unlearn our own implicit biases, and admit our own mistakes, even when it makes us uncomfortable.
- Remain alert to all aspects of our church life to determine where anti-racist improvements should continue to be made. (Note: Recommendations 2 and 3 relate to this Commitment.)
- Continue our growth in making Broad Street Presbyterian Church a place that feels welcoming and safe for marginalized people. Initiate healing as we learn about or gain a deeper understanding of situations where racism has existed at Broad Street, both historically and today.
- Conduct ongoing education in anti-racism for our children, youth, and adults.
- Give due consideration to individuals and firms owned or controlled by persons of color by establishing and maintaining programs and policies which promote fairness and equity, including contracting with external vendors and suppliers.
- Partner with the broader community in anti-racism activities.
- Recruit, hire, develop, and promote a diverse staff.
- Continue to promote near neighborhood projects that focus on listening to and following the lead of people in the community. Strive to build trust and create lasting partnerships.
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