By crossing racial, ethnic, and economic boundaries, the work and witness of the early church emphasized the unity of Christ’s body in the Spirit. Racial injustice, seen and unseen, separates us from one another and denies the goodness of God in all people. Everyone is harmed by racism and unjust systems, though in our society persons of color suffer disproportionately. Racial justice reconciliation is the ministry of Christ’s church for the world. Baptized into the radically inclusive body of Christ, we work together to create a climate of dignity, peace, justice, and freedom that embraces all people. An expression of God’s love for creation, racial justice ministry provides opportunities for growth, leadership, and empowerment, advocating for policies and programs that are socially and racially just.

The Racial Justice Team seeks to guide the congregations and leadership (laypeople and rostered) of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod as we all learn together how to live into Jesus’ calling for justice and mercy for all.  As we are called to LOVE like Jesus, HEAL like Jesus and ENGAGE like Jesus, racial justice must be a key component of our values as a Synod.  Furthermore, as a Reconciling in Christ Synod, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod affirms that we are divinely and wonderfully made in God’s image. We encourage and invite people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, races and ethnicities, ages, socioeconomic statuses, abilities, and citizenship and migration statuses to participate fully in the life and work of the church. We commit ourselves to supporting social and racial equity.