Special Committee on the PC(USA) and Race
The Special Committee on the PC(USA) and Race, formed by the 225th General Assembly (2022), is charged with examining white supremacy within the church’s structures and documents. It will review past racial equity recommendations, assess their impact on BIPOC (Black/Indigenous/People of Color) members, identify resistance patterns, and suggest solutions. An interim report will go to the 226th General Assembly (2024), with final recommendations due at the 227th (2026).
Membership
Ruling Elder Edgar Hayes
Hudson River Valley Presbytery
At-Large
Ruling Elder Beth Hooten
Salem Presbytery
At-Large
Teaching Elder Kate Jones Calone
(Co-Moderator)
Long Island Presbytery
Special Committee on Racism Truth and Reconciliation
Teaching Elder Ryan Landino
Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery
Special Committee on Racism Truth and Reconciliation
Teaching Elder Fran Lane-Lawrence
Lake Michigan Presbytery
Special Committee on Racism Truth and Reconciliation
Teaching Elder Tim Marquez
(Co-Moderator)
New Covenant Presbytery
At-Large
Ruling Elder Jerusalén Martinez Zarco
Coastal Carolina Presbytery
At-Large
Staff Resource
Rebecca Barnes
Coordinator
Presbyterian Hunger Program
rebecca.barnes@pcusa.org
More About the Committee
The Special Committee on the PC(USA) and Race is charged by the 225th General Assembly (2022) to:
- Explore and expose where white supremacy is embedded institutionally and foundationally in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its governing documents and make recommendations.
- Identify recommendations from previous General Assemblies related to racial equity, dismantling racism, and confronting white supremacy to
- evaluate continued relevancy,
- evaluate impacts on members who are Black/Indigenous/People of Color,
- identify patterns of resistance to implementation, and
- recommend strategies to overcome resistance/challenges to implementation.
- to provide an interim report to the 226th General Assembly (2024) and a report with recommendations to the 227th General Assembly (2026).
Seven Members:
- 4 members at-large
- 3 members from the 2016-2022 Special Committee on Racism Truth and Reconciliation
- must include at least 1 mid council leader
Contact
Rebecca Barnes
Coordinator
Presbyterian Hunger Program
rebecca.barnes@pcusa.org
Open Meeting Policy
As approved by the 209th General Assembly (1997) and amended by the 218th General Assembly (2008), the Open Meeting Policy applies to the General Assembly and its related entities and work groups.