Racial Equity & Women's Intercultural Ministries - How do we show up faithfully for a hurting world?

A Message from RE&WIM's Director:

August has been an eventful month. Both historically and in the present day we have seen much jubilation and equally much despair. This month has seen unprecedented devastation happen to the people of Maui, Hawaii. The pain of loss, grief, and death have swept through that state as many lives have been lost and so many still unaccounted for.

Rev. Shanea D. Leonard

We have witnessed the continued effects of gun violence both in the form of mass shootings and as voices of protest have been silenced in the public square. And while the war in the Ukraine rages on, several places predominantly home of people of color are on the verge of the very same fate.  All while migrants in this country are fighting for their survival and ability to make a new life for themselves. It is a reminder that many of the words of the Bible continue to ring true in our modern day. And so, what is the role of the faithful in moments like these? What is the church called to do when there is so much suffering all around us? What can we as individual churches and Christians lift up as our act of faith when the world is hurting? Well, I believe there are several avenues of response...

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Learn about The National Presbyterian Hispanic Latino Caucus

The Caucus emerged as a structure to advocate for the rights of the Hispanic-Latino constituent in the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America. Our Mission Statement: To develop leadership for the Gospel, social and racial justice, the transformation of the church and the interpretation of the needs and points of view of the oppressed and poor peoples. What is the Caucus doing now? It is regaining its call to advocate for the ethnic groups causes within the PCUSA. At present, one of our Co-Moderators, the Rev. Dr. Carmen Rosario, chairs the GA Racial Equity Advocacy Committee (REAC) which brings to the denomination’s attention issues affecting all people of color in the society as well as within the structure of the Presbyterian Church. On another front, the Caucus is working on a 2024 overture document (through REAC) that summarizes not only where and how the Hispanic Ministry is, but also a strong national call of attention to the existence, presence, and contribution of Hispanic and Latina constituency toward the future of the PCUSA. To that goal, a collecting data survey and questionnaire is in progress among every Hispanic Latino congregations and pastors. (Read more from Rev. Dr. Jesús (Jesse) González, Treasurer of the Caucus Nacional Presbiteriano Hispano Latino, at the link below)

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In August, we welcomed two new members of our staff:

Natarsha Sanders began serving on August 17 as the Associate for Intercultural Leadership Development & Recruitment in Racial Equity and Women’s Intercultural Ministry. Natarsha writes: “I am in my final year of the DEdMin program at Columbia Theological Seminary. I am a proud aunt of several nieces and nephews (thanks sibs). And the best compliment is my 21-year-old niece telling me I have ‘big auntie energy!’ I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.” Natarsha will be working from her residence. We welcome Natarsha and look forward to serving with her.

Christopher (Chris) Romine began serving on August 21 as the associate director for Racial Equity and Women’s Intercultural Ministriesy. Chris hails from New York City where he's spent the last six years co-organizing a New Worshipping Community rooted in belonging & collective liberation. Chris writes, “From NYC to LA and Florida to Venezuela, moving around a lot as a youngin' provided a healthy dose of wanderlust and adventure which I now use to scan local vinyl shops for deep cuts of jazz & funk, or wander Queens food markets in search of the city's best bites. When not out exploring, you can find me kicking it at home with my dog, reading afrofuturism, napping, or some combo therein. I’m excited to join you as an accomplice in all that's emerging & shaping all that's changing.” Chris will work from his residence.

We are so thrilled to have these two on our team!

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Cohort of Presbyterians Attends Black Preaching Conference at Princeton

From July 16-21, more than 15 Black Presbyterians joined together to attend the 2023 Black Theology and Leadership Institute (BTLI) put on by Princeton Theological Seminary. The theme this year was "Searching for the Soul of Black Preaching" and was focused on deep exploration around the substance of Black preaching. A Presbyterian cohort was led by Rev. Carlton Johnson, who serves as associate of Vital Congregations at the Presbyterian Mission Agency. We give thanks for this photo from Althelia Pond. It features four of BTLI's Presbyterian participants: Angela Johnson, Doris Evans, Althelia Pond and Phyliss Givens.

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Empowering Asian Caucuses and Councils: Strengthening Connections and Leadership

The Asian Intercultural Congregation Support Office collaborates closely with Asian constituencies, currently comprising 10 distinct caucuses and councils. The office is dedicated to fostering leadership development, organizing impactful leadership training conferences, and delivering essential staff services. These efforts extend to the Southeast Asian Advisory Committee, where assistance is provided to address matters concerning Asian American ministries and congregations. Over the past three years, the support initiatives for these 10 caucuses and language groups have been primarily conducted through online and remote platforms. However, starting in early 2023, a number of councils have taken the initiative to plan and host in-person conferences and gatherings. (Read more from Ralph Su, Associate for Asian Intercultural Congregational Support, at the link)

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Join us at the Matthew 25 Summit in January!

We're thrilled to announce the registration is OPEN for the Matthew 25 Summit, happening in Atlanta from January 16-18, 2024. Click the link to register and learn more!

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