 |
A Message from RE&WIM's Director: |
This time of year, is supposed to be a slow down period. Most schools are out for the season. The days are longer. Vacations are impending. And life is typically supposed to be carefree. However, we do not actually exist in this type of utopia. In 2023, our world is full of many concerns for us to pray for. A few days ago, over 200 migrants were lost at to the Mediterranean sea as they were attempting to seek a better life. |
 |
Rev. Shanea D. Leonard |
In the first 6 months of this year, there have been well over 300 mass shootings in the United States. And in Florida there is a warning for our Black and queer siblings around their safety. It seems like there are constantly reasons for all of us who believe in the faithfulness of our God to lift prayers of help, wholeness, and protection. My heart aches when I consider the domestic violence, human trafficking, and unspoken trauma that is evident each day.
Nonetheless, what I am committed to is being the salt and light that God calls us to in the world. |
 |
Recognizing Pride Month |
June is Pride month, a time for us to stand in solidarity with, honor and celebrate our LGBTQIA+ siblings. What we now know as Pride month, began in 1969 during the Stonewall Uprising against police violence in New York. This uprising led by Marsha P. Johnson is noted for being the catalyst to the gay rights movement. Today and everyday we are charged to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ siblings as legislatures, churches and society continue to enact violence on them. Check out this powerful reflection and call to action from our Mission Yearbook. And learn more about the work of the Office of Gender and Racial Justice to live out Mathew 25, particularly through dismantling heteropatriarchy, which perpetuates harm to queer communities and promoting gender justice. |
 |
An online conversation on Black Presbyterian churches took place on Juneteenth |
Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries organized a Juneteenth conversation between pastors and denominational leaders about the status and stability of Black Presbyterian churches in the wake of Covid. Rev. Michael L. Moore, who leads the Office of African American Intercultural Congregational Support. Moore facilitated a conversation between two African American parish pastors, the Rev. Eustacia Moffett Marshall and the Rev. Hodari Williams, as well as two African American denominational staff, the Rev. Carlton Johnson and Olanda Carr. The panelists discussed he current reality of American Christian churches and particularly Black Presbyterian churches, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. It was recorded and can be viewed on YouTube, at the link below. |
RE&WIM embraces its new mission statement and its first nonbinary director |
When the Rev. Shanea D. Leonard was named the director of Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries at the Presbyterian Mission Agency last October, they were well aware that big changes were on the horizon for the ministry area. |
 |
The Rev. Shanea D. Leonard |
Leonard joined the PMA in 2018 as the associate for Gender and Racial Justice and was later promoted to coordinator of Gender and Racial Justice early in the pandemic. Their supervisor recommended them for their new role and charged them with bringing about change within RE&WIM.
(continued at the link) |
 |
A Reflection on the Annual Gathering of the National Caucus of the Korean Presbyterian Church |
The National Caucus of Korean Presbyterian Church (NCKPC) recently concluded its Annual Gathering, a significant event that brought together Korean Presbyterian Church leaders, pastors, and congregants from across the nation. The gathering, held from May 23-26, 2023, in Seattle, WA, showcased powerful insights and discussions on unity, faith, and community care.
|
 |
Show Them Who You Are: A Reflection of the Katie Cannon Conference |
Show Them Who You Are. This was the theme for the Katie Geneva Cannon Womanist Leadership Conference and that is exactly what it did. From the opening greeting to the final benediction, this conference was a time of reconnection, refreshing, and rest. Womanist leaders from every corner of the discipline were present. This conference was like a balm to the weary soul as it helped attendees reconnect with who they are, with others, and with the work their souls must have. |
 |
RE&WIM's Director Joins Various Caucus Gatherings |
The Rev. Shanea D. Leonard poses with members of the Taiwanese Presbyterian Caucus and members of the National Caucus of the Korean Presbyterian Church. You can learn more about the Office of Asian Intercultural Congregational Support at the link below. |
|
Presbyterian Mission Agency, 100 Witherspoon Street, Lousiville, KY |
No comments:
Post a Comment