ARC News: Fall 2026
The AntiRacism Committee (ARC) has important initiatives in the works! We are currently planning upcoming opportunities and developing resources to share with the Presbytery. Our goal is to provide more opportunities for education, dialogue, and action as we continue our collective work toward racial justice. This will include sharing key data and insights from our ongoing efforts.
Stay tuned to future newsletters and the Presbytery website for specific announcements on these events and resource releases. We look forward to engaging with you in ministry!
Seeing Whiteness: A Path to Becoming a More Effective Anti-Racist
A Coming Together Workshop
Oct. 24, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Ginter Park Presbyterian Church(opens in new tab)ens in new tab)
How do white people act as agents of change in white communities, build authentic relationships with people of color, and work as partners for justice?
Together, white participants will address these questions with honesty and humility, explore what whiteness is, and engage with a panel of Black community members sharing insights that they hope the white people present will consider and act upon.
Let’s gather and learn how to work effectively together to dismantle racism and build thriving, just, and equitable communities.
RECORDING AVAILABLE: GA Racial Justice Info Session with Chad Wayner
The video recording is now available from our Oct. 5 Zoom session with Chad Wayner, a Presbytery of the James commissioner to the 2026 General Assembly (GA). Chad served on the GA’s Racial Justice Committee and shared his experiences, discussed the implications of GA actions, and answered questions during the one-hour gathering. The session offered an important opportunity for the Presbytery of the James to learn and prepare for the discussions and decisions ahead. Thanks to all who attended!
View the Info Session recording here.
Links to each of the GA Racial Justice business items:
- RAC-01, Formation of Committee on African American Ecclesial Repair (https://myga.pc-biz.org/
search/3001478) - RAC-02, Review the Implementation of the Black Women and Girls Task Force (https://myga.pc-biz.org/
search/3001480) - RAC-03, Resolution on Liberia Project 180 (https://myga.pc-biz.org/
search/3001481) - RAC-04, Recommendation from the Special Committee on Race (https://myga.pc-biz.org/
search/3001512) - RAC-05, Commissioner Overture (https://myga.pc-biz.org/
search/3001604)
Meetings & Moderator
Meets: typically fourth Wednesdays at 1 p.m. (may vary). View POJ calendar for most current info.
Moderator: Laura Sugg
Staff Contact: Kerry Foster
Faith and Art: A Conversation with Hamilton Glass at Oct. POJ Meeting
Presbytery of the James is delighted to host a special event featuring nationally recognized Richmond artist Hamilton Glass at our next Stated Meeting on Oct. 17, where we will explore his art and its intersection with faith and justice.
Known for his powerful public art projects like "Mending Walls," which uses art to stimulate social and racial justice conversations, Glass’s work speaks directly to our committee's mission. We look forward to welcoming Glass and each of you on Oct. 17!
We Need to Talk: POJ AntiRacism Committee Small Group Curriculum
The Antiracism Committee introduces a new free resource created for every church in our presbytery.
"We Need to Talk" is a simple, discussion-based curriculum built around the Emmy Award-winning documentary Mending Walls, created and filmed in Richmond, Virginia. No experts required. No heavy lifting. Just a way to make honest space to begin the conversations our national denomination has called us to have.
See you there!
