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We regularly like to give our very busy Stated Clerk a small break and have a member of Presbytery Council write an article for the Bi-Weekly Brief. For this edition we are grateful to the Rev. Kate Morrison, Pastor of Flint-Trinity United and Grand Blanc-Kirkridge and a member of the Mission Coordination Committee.
Eleven years ago, when I was in seminary, something that many of the students at our small school thought could never happen took place - multiple notes with racially charged and derogatory language were left on a person of color’s car - not once, but twice. When these notes came to light, much of our community was in an uproar. How could such things happen at a seminary of all places? A place where we were learning to be the ministers that God had called us to be? Worse yet, how could such a thing happen in such a culturally diverse place, with people from all walks of life, and from all over the world learning together?
Unfortunately, while I and so many of my white colleagues raged and were moved to action, what we came to find out from many of the students of color at the institution was that racially charged incidents like this were not all that uncommon. In fact, for many of these students, racial micro-aggressions were a daily occurrence on campus and out in the world. Whether this be a hearing the doors of a car lock when a person of color walked by, or crossing to the sidewalk on the other side of the road when a person of color was approaching, to simply having their experiences and thoughts constantly called into question.
Since that time, I have served a variety of congregations and communities. While I wish that I could report that things have changed for the better since seminary, unfortunately, the sin of racism continues to evolve, adapt, and become even more pervasive. The stories that I have heard since moving to Michigan in 2022, specifically from congregants of color, of the micro-aggressions they have faced in worship, bible study, or fellowship is heartbreaking, and church, we have to do better.
This is why it is vital for us to have and implement the likes of an antiracism policy, and to promote cultural competency throughout the church and our congregations.
At our March 2nd, 2025 meeting, the Presbytery of Lake Huron voted upon and approved the antiracism policy that was created and brought forth from the Mission Coordination Committee (MCC). This is so that we can be in compliance with the mandate from the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly that all councils of the church have a stated antiracism policy. However, the MCC understands that this is just a beginning. We have a policy that we have adopted at the Presbytery level, but now we seek to help congregations adapt this policy, or craft their own, as they seek to confront racism and racist thought and ideology within their own communities and congregations. The MCC will also be looking for organizations that are dedicated to the work of cultural competency and that can provide regular training to members of our Presbytery so that we may continue in this work of becoming a more welcoming, loving, and culturally competent organization and church.
I have often heard it remarked that the first step to healing is admitting that you have a problem. So many in the church feel like we are past racism and are focusing too much on the past. I am here to tell you that the sin of racism is just as prevalent today as it ever has been - we need only listen to the people of color who are in our churches today. As a people and a church who follows a Savior who welcomed all to his table, regardless of culture, background, or heritage, it is vital for us to recognize and actively work against the hold that racism asserts in our lives, our culture, our church, and our congregations. Friends, this is the work of Jesus Christ, and I pray that you will join all of us as members of the Presbytery of Lake Huron in this journey.
Rev. Kate Morrison
Pastor of Kirkridge Presbyterian Church (Grand Blanc) & Trinity United Presbyterian Church (Flint)
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