“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.“
– Galatians 3: 28
A Statement from the Session:
We, the members of the Session of the Allentown Presbyterian Church, condemn racism and join the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in affirming the truth that black lives do matter (see, https://www.pcusa.org/bearingwitness/).
APC’s Response to the Events of 2020
As a result of the deaths in 2020 of George Floyd, Amhaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, among many others, people throughout the country and around the world began to protest the historical and ongoing racial injustice in the United States. APC recognized the need to be a part of the conversation, and to seek education and understanding in order to act in community with our brothers and sisters of color. To this end, in June of 2020 the Session established a Working Group on Racial Justice. As Christians, we are called to welcome the stranger, visit the prisoner, feed the hungry, and treat one another with love. We are compelled to recognize the way we have failed to do this as a society and as a church. Black and indigenous people of color (BIPOC) continue to suffer discrimination and struggle in a racist system. As we affirm our calling to fight against racism, we continue to listen for God’s guidance and wisdom, educate ourselves, and work to identify a way forward, coming alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ as a church and as individuals.
Letter From Our Pastor
PCUSA’s Stance on Racism
“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.”
“As part of an ongoing campaign to address racial injustice, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is sharing a wealth of antiracism resources — including studies, books and training — to equip the greater church to work against racism.”
Visit PCUSA’s website to read more.
