The Rev. Arlene Gordon, recently retired executive presbyter for Tropical Florida Presbytery, was elected president of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus, which met as part of the Big Tent event last month in Indianapolis, IN. She succeeds the Rev. Gregory Bentley, pastor of Brown Memorial  Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, AL, 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.”

Prior to her work in Tropical Florida, Gordon - a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary who also earned a D.Min. at United Theological Seminary - served as interim executive for Detroit Presbytery; on the General Assembly Council staff in Louisville; and as associate pastor of Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church in Richmond, California.

[Press Release from PC(USA) News & Announcements 8/8/11]

Purpose Statement for the

National Black Presbyterian Caucus

It is the purpose of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus:

·    To promote church growth and the strengthening of Black Presbyterian congregations in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.);

·    To emphasize the 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 affect 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 continuing 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.

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NBPC has an annual increase in membership goal of 20% through 2010.

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NBPC works in programmatic partnership with the 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.

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NBPC maintains a data base of its membership in the national office and makes it available to chapters and regions upon request.

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NBPC has an Africa Connection program that includes mission partnering with churches in Africa and in promoting the HOME-BASED AIDS KITS program among our Presbyterian Churches.

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