Racial Justice Resources

Updated June 11, 2020, 1:53 p.m. ET

 

All resources are from PC(USA) agencies unless otherwise noted.

 

Statements from the PC(USA)

• Stated Clerk remembers recent victims of racial violence (8 min. video) 

• Stated Clerk: ‘No longer can we hide behind not being controversial’ 

• PMA President/Executive Director Diane Moffett statement on recent protests and shootings 

• Presbyterian Foundation President Tom Taylor statement 

• Mid council leaders speak out: A collection of PC(USA) expressions of grief, lament, outrage, challenge, conviction, repentance and commitment — along with resources for learning and action.

• “We Stand.” Mid council and other church leaders share their hearts and prayers as the nation struggles (2 min. video)

• Statement and Resources from the Presbyterian Historical Society 

 

Worship Resources

• A Prayer in a Time of Anger, Unrest and Injustice (includes original hymn)

• Proclaiming Unity, Reconciliation and Justice (2 min video from Mid-Kentucky Presbytery) 

• Peacemaking Virtual Choir Project, “This Is My Song” (3 min. video)

• “We Stand Arm in Arm,” video prayer from the Synod of the Northeast (4 min.) 

• Matthew 25: Dismantling Structural Racism — Definition, Theology, Scripture

• Structural racism resources from the Book of Confessions and Directory for Worship (includes hymn suggestions)

• Sermon: the biblical foundation for our antiracism work by the Rev. Samuel Son

• We Choose Welcome campaign

• Just Worship: The Documentary (33 min. film)

 

Policy Statements

• “Facing Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural Community” — PC(USA) churchwide antiracism policy, approved by the 222nd General Assembly (2016). 

  • Companion study guide.

• The Belhar Confession – added to the Book of Confessions by the 222nd General Assembly (2016). 

  • Study guide.

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Recommended Books

• “Good White Racist? Confronting Your Role in Racial Injustice” by Kerry Connelly

• “For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World” by Michael W. Waters (coming Sept 2020) - Preorder.  

  • Free discussion and activity guide.

• “Ten Essential Strategies for Becoming a Multiracial Congregation” by Jacqueline J. Lewis & John Janka 

• “Brian the Brave” by Paul Stewart and Jane Porter  – children’s book

• “No Innocent Bystanders: Becoming an Ally in the Struggle for Justice” by Shannon Craigo-Snell and Christopher Doucot

• “Preaching About Racism: A Guide for Faith Leaders” by Carolyn B. Helsel

• “Anxious to Talk About It: Helping White Christians Talk Faithfully about Racism” by Carolyn B. Helsel 

• “Race in a Post-Obama America: The Church Responds” by David Maxwell and Otis Moss III  

• “Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race” by Debby Irving 

 

Study, Training and Discussion Materials

• Matthew 25: Dismantling structural racism. | Selected resources.

• PC(USA)’s Facing Racism website and resources

• Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries webpage

• Racial Equity and Cultural Humility resources from Presbyterian Women, Inc.

• “White Privilege”: One-session adult study, part of the Racism Study Pack from The Thoughtful Christian. | Participant’s handout. | Leader’s guide. | Purchase “Racism Study Pack.”

• “Responding to Racism”: One-session youth study from The Thoughtful Christian. | Participant’s handout. | Leader’s guide.

• Talking About Race, National Museum of African American History & Culture of the Smithsonian Institution

• Antiracism resources especially for white people

• Another resource list for white people in the journey of antiracism

• COVID at the Margins: Discussion series focusing on communities of color. | Facebook Live page.

• Advocacy and Social Justice resources

• The Bail Project – resources relating to ending the cash bail system

• Documentaries from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for screening and discussion, including “Flint: The Poisoning of an American City,” “To Breathe Free,” “Locked in a Box” and “Trigger.”

 

Articles

• Current news stories — PC(USA)

• More news stories — Presbyterian Mission Agency

• “What white churches can do about racism” 

• “Two advocacy committees call on PC(USA) to recommit to struggle for racial justice” (Racial Equity Advocacy Cmte and Advocacy Cmte for Women’s Concerns)

• “6 Ways White People Can Dismantle White Supremacy,” Unbound 

• “We unreservedly condemn the killings of African Americans,” news story and video from the PC(USA)’s African Presbyterian Leaders Alliance 

• “Beyond protest, how can you and your church bring change,” by Jimmie Hawkins, director of PC(USA) Office of Public Witness

  •  | Video: Why is protest important? (19 min.)

• “How should we protest, and why?” 

• “We fall to our knees with you: A statement from the National Middle Eastern Presbyterian Caucus”