Since 2016 the PTCA has been steadily working on identifying and uprooting systemic racism in our structures and culture. In order to support this work, the Rev. Anna Kendig will join the staff of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area later this month as its new coordinator for the Institutional Assessment on Race and Equity and for the ongoing Anti-Racism Spiritual Pilgrimage.
The Anti-Racism Institutional Assessment Coordinator will oversee administrative, programmatic, and communication work for both the Anti-Racism Spiritual Pilgrimage and the Institutional Assessment for Race and Equity initiatives of the Presbytery. In this role, Anna will also identify and facilitate connections between PTCA congregations engaged in complementary anti-racism initiatives, enabling us both to support and learn from each other.
The one-year position was created by the Presbytery Leadership Team to ensure that the Presbytery is able to effectively carry out its commitments toward anti-racism work, by providing dedicated support and leadership to its two priority initiatives. Funding for the position will come from the Presbytery’s Strategic Ministries Fund (also known as Bucket #2).
“I’m so pleased to be able to serve the presbytery in this way. The work of ethics and anti-racism isn't just a nice ‘add-on’ to our lives in the church - it's core to living out the gospel. Anti-racism offers powerful lessons about genuine abundance and healing even in the midst of imperfect and challenging times. I truly look forward to supporting the work we're doing together.”
—the Rev. Anna Kendig
In accepting the position, Anna—whom we all know through her recent work as moderator of the Presbytery—has stepped down from membership on the Presbytery Leadership Team, as the Presbytery’s conflict-of-interest policy requires.
The Rev. Dr. Kendra Grams, chair of PTCA’s Anti-Racism Task Force, expressed her excitement for this new chapter in our ongoing anti-racism efforts. “Anna brings a wealth of gifts to our shared anti-racism work at a critical time. Anna’s gifts, support, and leadership will help ensure our continued engagement and growth in anti-racist living as followers of Christ, called to seek justice, liberation, and wholeness for all!”
Anna will formally begin her work on November 24. You can reach her at ptca.anti.racism@gmail.com.
