RACIAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY
“Racism is the opposite of what God intends for humanity. It is the rejection of the other, which is entirely contrary to the Word of God incarnate in Jesus Christ. Racism is a lie about our fellow human beings, for it says that some are less than others. Because of our biblical understanding of who God is and what God intends for humanity, the PC(USA) must stand against, speak against and work against racism.”
“Facing Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural Community Churchwide Anti-Racism Policy”
PC(USA)
Message from Rev. Jeff Meyers
“The past year has acutely highlighted the unholy trinity of death, fear, and racial injustice that is currently at work in our world.
In troubling times like these, I find it helpful to return to our core theological beliefs. Confronting our country’s history of racism in a time of pandemic, I look to summon the hope and courage to make a positive change for love and justice in the name of Jesus Christ.”
> Read a letter to the Congregation
Racial Justice Strategy Team
This team is tasked with working together to strategize the most effective approach to engage RPC in a racial justice movement. This strategy includes both an educational approach as well as consideration for how to best partner with our community in order to produce helpful and productive conversations and actions for racial justice.
> Team Members
> Team Confession
> Definition of Racism
> Theological Framework
RPC Book Discussions & Education
Participate in our on-going Racial Justice Book Discussion Series where we engage in lively discussion on books written by leading experts.
Waitlist for Honest Conversations About Race and the Church Small Groups
After our Honest Conversations About Race and the Church workshop, many participants were interested in continuing the conversation of race in a small group setting.
When you sign up for this waitlist, you are merely expressing an interest in participating in a small group in the future. And will also assure that you receive communications with updates of when groups will be offered.
> Learn More
Resources
Looking for more information?
The Racial Justice Strategy Team has put together a list of RPC, PC (USA), and other cultural resources. From books, websites, movies, and more for all ages.
> GO TO THE RESOURCE PAGE
28 Lessons worth Exploring
Trace the history of race in America and opportunities for action as we travel the path of understanding racism in our own lives and in our community.
> GO TO THE 28 LESSONS WORTH EXPLORING
A ROADMAP TO
RACIAL HEALING
As followers of The Gospel and a community rooted in God’s grace and mercy we strive to navigate the challenges in our lives and in our world in a way that is first and foremost faithful to Scripture. We recognize the Word of God as both challenging and comforting - the guiding principles by which we live out our lives individually and collectively.
The RPC Racial Justice Strategy Team has developed the NEAR3 Pathway as a guide for us to better understand how we are called through scripture to do the work of racial justice and equity, growing closer to God in the process.
We first name the problem of racism in our world, from both an individual or systemic perspective.
We listen to and learn from our BIPOC brothers and sisters; opening our perspective to others unlike ourselves and believe their experiences.
1 Corinthians 12:26
Ephesians 6:14
We humbly acknowledge our own part in furthering racism, whether in thought, action or the absence of action.
Proverbs 14:17
Micah 6:8
Romans 12:3
We confess our part in creating racial pain in the world to God and to those we’ve hurt. We then repent, turning away from our racist thoughts and actions towards anti-racist thoughts and actions.
Jeremiah 22:3
Matthew 23:31
We do the work as an individual and in our community to be anti-racist; taking actions that will bring racial equity to those who have been marginalized in our society.
2 Corinthians 5:20
We work with our BIPOC brothers and sisters to recreate a world of diverse unity. A true vision of King’s “I Have a Dream”; God’s kingdom on earth.
ENGAGE AND ACT
By Felicia Fitzpatrick
> Read the article
United Way’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge
> Learn More
> Buy the Book
> Visit Website
Sign up for the Be the Bridge FB Private Group
> View Sign Up
Contact Teri Kish by email teri@roswellpres.org or call 770-649-4509
Sign up for email communications
ROSWELL
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
www.roswellpres.org
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 988
Roswell, GA 30077-0988
BUILDING ADDRESS
755 Mimosa Blvd.
Roswell, GA 30075