Anti-Racism
Welcome to the home of the Anti-Racism ministry at First Pres. As a Matthew 25 church, our vision is to work to eradicate systemic poverty, eliminate structural racism, and be a vital congregation—the kind that celebrates the good news of God’s love, peace, and joy.
Structural racism refers to systemic inequalities embedded within societal institutions, perpetuating racial discrimination and disparities. It affects areas like education, housing, healthcare, and criminal justice, disadvantaging communities of color. Addressing structural racism involves dismantling discriminatory policies, promoting equity, and challenging racial biases.
Anti-Racism Committee
We proudly display a Black Lives Matter sign outside our church, but our commitment goes beyond words—it’s about action. The Anti-Racism Committee at First Pres is dedicated to addressing issues of racism, discrimination, and equity within our congregation and the surrounding Capital Region community. Our group explores anti-racism education and organizes educational events, advocacy campaigns, and initiatives to promote racial reconciliation and justice. We oversee a friendship and partnership with an African American congregation in Albany.
For more information, please contact Pastor Glenn via phone or email.
More On What It Means To Be A Matthew 25 Church
First Pres of Albany is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and we have responded to the call issued by leadership to embrace the sacred mission outlined in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew chapter 25, verses 31-46. The Matthew 25 statement, adopted by Session in 2019, and recommitted to by Session in 2022 states our three-fold focus:
- Building congregational vitality—by challenging our congregation to deepen their faith and get actively and joyfully engaged with their community and the world.
- Dismantling structural racism—by advocating and acting to break down the systems, practices and thinking that underlie discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of people of color.
- Eradicating systematic poverty—by working to change laws, policies, plans and structures in our society that perpetuate economic exploitation of people who are poor.