Reparations is a controversial topic that has not gained a significant footing in many of our faith communities. Injecting it into our congregational discussions of theological life has been an elusive prospect. I recently participated in a forum sponsored by The Council for World Mission (CWM) which was titled A Theology of Reparations: Consultation Under…
When I was asked to serve as President of the board, I agreed to do so with an awareness that the Pennsylvania Council of Churches’ future was far from certain. I didn’t know if this body could endure, but my goal was to give it as much of a chance as possible to not only…
Download a pdf version A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING REPARATIONS FOR BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF PITTSBURGH WHEREAS: Prophetic voices throughout the ages have called upon those in power to show justice to the those who have been “othered” and are the most vulnerable in society: the prophet Amos exhorted the people of Israel to “Hate…
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? —Psalm 22:1 (NRSV) The Pennsylvania Council of Churches is shocked, outraged and horrified at the October 1, 2017 attack on innocent persons attending an outdoor music concert in Las Vegas—now the largest…
Introducing a new community innitative. The Pennsylvania Council of Churches is partnering with diverse communities of faith to address the dangers of Christian Nationalism through a monthly book study and conversation with our neighbors in the wider Harrisburg area. This initiative aims to explore its impact, resist marginalization, and counter hatred and division, while promoting…
By: Sandy Strauss The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.—Leviticus 19:34 In a 5-4 ruling on Thursday, June 18, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision that the Trump Administration…
