Learn about the National Black Presbyterian Caucus
The Rev. Arlene Gordon.
Who are we?
The Rev. Arlene Gordon, recently retired executive presbyter for Tropical Florida Presbytery, was elected President of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus (NBPC), which met as part of the Big Tent event in Indianapolis, Indiana. She succeeds the Rev. George Bentley, Pastor of Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on the campus of Stillman College.
In her first letter to NBPC members as President, Gordon wrote: “There is much challenging work ahead … I believe this organization is more vital now than ever before as we continue to faithfully serve our beloved church. The work that was begun by faithful and concerned Black Presbyterians to call the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to accountability is still just as necessary in these current times. It is therefore incumbent upon each one of us to continue the important work that the National Black Presbyterian Caucus has done over the years to address the concerns and aspirations of Black Presbyterians and to keep our concerns and issues before the church at large.”
Purpose statement
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It is the purpose of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus:
- To promote church growth and strengthening of Black Presbyterian congregations in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.);
- To emphasize spiritual growth of individual members;
- To continually focus on concerns stemming from Black religious and cultural traditions as well as political and economic issues;
- To speak and act on those issues that adversely affects the lives of People of African descent;
- To achieve full participation of its members in the total Church and society and
- To combat racism and injustice.
Facts about the NBPC
NBPC represents the historic legacy and continued existence of a Black Caucus in the Presbyterian Church which was first organized by Black clergy in 1856 at Shiloh Presbyterian Church of New York City.
NBPC has an annual increase in membership goal of 20 percent through 2010.
NBPC works in programmatic partnership with Black Congregational Enhancement Office of the General Assembly (NMD); and works with the Advocacy Committee for Racial Ethnic Concerns (ACREC) of the General Assembly to develop recommendations to be acted upon by General Assembly.
NBPC maintains a database of its membership in the national office and makes it available to chapters and regions upon request.
NBPC has an Africa Connection program that includes partnering with churches in Africa and in promoting the home-based AIDS kits program among our Presbyterian Churches.
