The 2015 Women of Color Consultation, sponsored by Racial Ethnic & Women’s Ministries, will be held Nov. 12 -14 in Greensboro, N.C. Approximately one hundred women in various leadership roles from across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)—including young women, racial ethnic and new immigrant women, seminarians and women at the local congregational level—will gather for the event. 

“Women of color often face unique challenges in ministry, and we hope that those who attend this year’s Women of Color Consultation will find opportunities to come together to renew and reconnect with friends, to enrich their minds and bodies and spirits as they hear from plenary leaders,” says Jewel McRae, associate for Women’s Leadership Development and Young Women’s Ministries in the Presbyterian Mission Agency. 

Rev. Alika Galloway, co-pastor of Kwanzaa Community Church and co-director of Northside Women’s Space in Minneapolis, will preach for the opening worship service during the Consultation. 

“The work that Alika Galloway has done in her community and her church is remarkable,” says McRae. “Her desire and sympathy to help those engaged in prostitution across her community in North Minneapolis is incredible. Her leadership skills and insight are a tremendous asset for these women and the church.” 

The Rev. Kerri Allen, a PhD student and hospital chaplain in Chicago, will serve as the closing worship preacher for the event. 

“Prior to responding to her call to ministry, Rev. Allen had a career as a political appointee,” says McRae. “Today, she uses her political expertise to focus on disparities in the United States healthcare system.”   

Two keynote speakers—the Rev. Karen Hernandez-Granzen and the Rev. Joyce Shinn—will deliver messages of hope and empowerment, and will share personal stories of the challenges they’ve faced along their journey in ministry. 

Hernandez-Granzen currently serves as the pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Trenton, New Jersey, and as the co-moderator of New Brunswick Presbytery’s Urban Mission Cabinet and chaplain and coordinator of the Bethany House of Hospitality.

 “The Rev. Hernandez-Granzen is a respected teacher and mentor for seminary interns and clergy, and she specializes in multicultural and urban ministry,” McRae notes. 

She adds, “Our second keynote speak, the Rev. Shinn, brings a unique perspective to the table. Based on her personal experiences as a Korean woman in a leadership role in the church, she serves as associate pastor for congregational life at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago where she has focused much of her attention on strengthening ecumenical and interfaith relationships to help break down some of those barriers.”

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This year’s Women of Color Consultation is sponsored by the Racial Ethnic & Women’s Ministries ministry of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Its goal is to lift up and affirm the voices, vision and leadership of women of color in the PC(USA) as the church celebrates the 2009-2022 season of Hearing and Singing New Songs to God.  The 220th General Assembly (2012) called for the church to recommit to this season of celebration, and to include and affirm women of color of all ages in leadership. 

Registration is now open for this year’s event. A limited number of scholarships will be available for first time attendees. To learn more about the consultation or to download a scholarship application, visit http://www.pcusa.org/youngwomen.