Racial ethnic schools ‘more critical now than they’ve ever been’
Says Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson, II, who received education at Johnson C. Smith University
February 11, 2017
LOUISVILLE – In a newly published video message, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Stated Clerk the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II says the mission of PC(USA)-related racial ethnic schools and colleges “are more critical now than they’ve ever been.”
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Reflecting on “the society and world that we’re living in today,” where “rancor and discord are leading our political forces,” Nelson recalled how important and valuable the education he received at Johnson C. Smith University was for him personally.
“These Presbyterian-supported schools and colleges have an ethos grounded in spirituality and religious education,” he says, “that invites rigorous dialogue and exchange and disagreement.”
At Johnson C. Smith, Nelson learned in so many ways what cross-cultural and cross-racial relationships—which helped him grow and prepare himself for the world—meant and what these racial-ethnic schools and colleges continue to do.
“How do people see that we are bonded together, and in relationship with one another, just by the linking of the Creator of our lives?” asks Nelson. “As the world shifts and goes in another direction, these schools remain very much focused on the historical role of mission of cultivating the whole person.”
Paul Seebeck, mission communications strategist, Presbyterian News Service
Today's Focus: Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges
Let us join in prayer for:
Johnson C. Smith University
Dr. Ronald L. Carter, 13th president
Knoxville College
Dr. Horace A. Judson, interim president
Menaul School
Lindsey R. Gilbert, Jr., president and head of school
Presbyterian Pan American School
Doug Dalglish, president
Stillman College
Peter Edmund Millet, 6th president
PC(USA) Mission Co-workers
Cathy Chang, Philippines
Juan Lopez, Philippines
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Valerie Small, OGA
Melody Smith, PMA
Let us pray:
O God, renew in us a right spirit and the courage to receive your gift of unity. Amen.
Daily Readings
First Reading Isaiah 61:10 - 62:5
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