Race and Equity: A Young Leaders Panel Discussion
Seattle Presbytery
Who gets to tell their own stories?
Which voices are amplified?
What narratives are considered to be normative?
What qualifies as expertise or authority?
These critical questions have been bubbling up, not only in our national conversations, but also around our dinner tables and our elder board meetings and our church social media feeds. How we, the members and friends of the Seattle Presbytery, decide to answer those questions will undoubtedly have a significant impact on our future together. How does the gospel of Jesus Christ compel us to answer?
On Wednesday evening, over 100 people from around the presbytery tuned in to hear the voices, narratives, and expertise of six young leaders of color: Ronald Alvarado, Anthony Ballard, Indigo Brown, Esther Lee, Phil Lewis, and Bianca Quezada. They spoke for over an hour, sharing about what gives them hope and joy in their work, how they see God on the move, and what they believe the Church is called to in this moment.
Throughout the panel, the webinar's chat feature was lively, often with words of support for panelists as they spoke: Amen, Indigo! and Yes, Phil! and Thank you Anthony! Many of us expressed appreciation for the opportunity to listen to their insights, ideas, and experiences in ministry. The story of Jesus' reception in Capernaum comes to mind... "they were amazed by his teaching for he taught as one with authority." (Luke 4:32, Mark 1:22)
In closing I will share, with her permission, Bianca's reflection from the event:
Thank you for the support from Presbytery to host this event. I believe our solid foundation on Jesus Christ will hold us as we continue to build places of peace, rest, and truth for everyone. Stay curious about what God is doing in your life and in the lives of others.
Peace,
Haley Ballast
SeaPres Race & Equity Task Force Chair
Zoom recording link available upon request. Contact SeaPres Communications.