Massanetta Remembers Juneteenth

"Racism is the opposite of what God intends for humanity. It is the rejection of the other, which is entirely contrary to the Word of God incarnate in Jesus Christ. Racism is a lie about our fellow human beings, for it says that some are less than others. Because of our biblical understanding of who God is and what God intends for humanity, the PC(USA) must stand against, speak against and work against racism.”

- From The PCUSA's Facing Racism - A Vision of Intercultural Community Churchwide Antiracism Policy

On this Juneteenth, as a camp and conference center in covenant relationship with the PCUSA, we affirm our church's efforts to bring about Christ-centered change to the brokeness of this world, and particularly of this nation. We know black lives matter to God and to us. We grieve the loss of George Floyd, Ahmaud Aubrey, Breonna Taylor, and so many more to the sin of racism. We also realize affirmation, knowledge, and grief, while needed, are not enough.

And so, as an institution we are committing to both helping our beloved church grapple with the lasting impact of systemic racism through our programming and to conducting an internal examination of our own systems and structures. The first tangible demonstrations of this commitment are being worked on now, and we will share those with you as they develop. As disciples of Christ, we are to join alongside where God is already working to usher in the Reign of God; a world shaped by sacrifice, community, love for neighbor, and empowerment of the marginalized. We make this commitment and pray that the Holy Spirit will guide, teach, inspire, and challenge us along this journey.