Embodying Christ’s mission of Shalom and abundant life

“Mortal, can these bones live?” This is the question posed to Ezekiel in chapter 37:3. The answer, as Ezekiel correctly notes, is that God is the only one who knows the answer to that. It is then that the Spirit of the Lord enters the scene and we are treated to a very hopeful scene of communal resurrection based on the power of the Spirit. The Western Reserve Presbytery has been hard at work following the Spirit in our efforts to foster Church Vitality, one of the three ideas surrounding Matthew 25. This work is seen in all aspects of the presbytery.

Breaking down the laws, policies, practices and structures that reinforce and perpetuate discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of “people of color.” While the focus is on racial oppression, the intersectionality of racial oppression against other oppressed groups – including women, LGBTQIA+ people, and people who are disabled – is a vital consideration. Efforts to combat discrimination and oppression of these groups can be included under the rubric of racism.

As a Matthew 25 Presbytery, we seek to eradicate systemic poverty. We first acknowledge that systemic poverty exists--the economic exploitation of people who are poor through laws, policies, practices and systems that perpetuate their impoverished status. Even with an abundance of resources, not all of God’s created children have equal access to education, clean water, fresh food, a living wage, healthcare and affordable housing.