“When African traditions are honored, through worship, food, or fellowship, it strengthens the sense of belonging and mutual respect across cultures,” observed one participant at the third national gathering of the African Presbyterian Leaders Alliance at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.
The gathering brought together 30 African Presbyterian leaders from across the United States under the theme “Bridging Worlds, Building Tomorrow: African Leadership Reimagining Presbyterian Global Partnerships.” The sessions focused on questions of cultural identity, belonging and leadership within the PC(USA), exploring how African immigrant communities can move from feeling like guests to becoming full participants in denominational life.
The alliance has existed since 2019, though the Covid pandemic and financial constraints delayed its first official gathering until 2023. The latest event marked its third meeting, with all African constituents invited to attend.
The three-day retreat followed an intensive schedule, beginning on a Thursday afternoon with leadership team preparation and evening storytelling sessions. Friday featured worship, breakout discussions on cultural identity and faith journeys, and group debriefs. The conference concluded on a Saturday morning with personal reflections and discussions about next steps for the alliance.
The Rev. Cheryl Barnes, manager of U.S. Global Engagement and Leadership, and Destini Hodges, manager of the Young Adult Volunteer program, attended the gathering. Stephanie Vasquez, manager of Global Language Resources, met with alliance leadership before the conference.
The Rev. Dr. Moses Biney, pastor and head of staff at Bethel Presbyterian Reformed Church in Brooklyn, New York, and moderator of the Conference of Ghanaian Presbyterian Churches in North America, described how African perspectives enrich PC(USA) ministry.
“African immigrant communities bring vibrant worship traditions, deep biblical engagement, and strong evangelistic fervor that revitalizes many congregations,” Biney said. “We bring transnational networks that connect American churches to the global church in tangible ways.”
Biney, who was commissioned in 1993 and ordained in 1995 by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana before being received into PC(USA) membership in 2007, emphasized the educational and experiential depth African leaders contribute.
“It’s important to note that many Africans in the PC(USA) are highly educated with several years of pastoral experience and are now serving as pastors of congregations, leaders of mid councils, and professors in seminaries, bringing rich theological and practical expertise to these roles,” he said.
Mary Kiriaku, a church elder ordained in 2006 at Emory Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, who now serves at Church of Amazing Grace International, explained what meaningful inclusion looks like.
“Belonging looks like mutual acceptance for who one is and an appreciation for what they bring,” Kiriaku said.
She noted how African communities’ diverse experiences can strengthen the broader church. “The resilience and openness that comes with such experiences can enhance leadership within the PC(USA)," she said.
Dr. Ayodele John Alonge, a theology student from Africa who photographed the conference and compiled its communiqué, which he published on his blog, observed how participants understood belonging as active participation.
“Belonging is not automatic; it is something we create by showing up, by volunteering, by participating in the life of the church,” Alonge reported one participant sharing during discussions.
Another participant added, “We must not wait to be invited; leadership begins when we take initiative.”
Conference discussions highlighted how food, language and music serve as powerful tools for cultural expression and fellowship, with participants noting that churches hosting multicultural festivals and community meals build bridges across cultures.
The Rev. Princeton Abaraoha, an associate at the Interim Unified Agency working with African Immigrant Support, reflected on its broader impact. “The African Presbyterian Leaders Alliance gathering has been a gift to the national church. It brings together African leaders to worship, learn and celebrate our shared faith," Abaraoha said. "Each year, we remind the church that its witness is global and vibrant, rooted in hope, resilience and community.”
Looking ahead, Biney expressed hope for deeper integration. “I envision African immigrant ministries not existing parallel to but fully interwoven with the PC(USA)’s fabric, where our theological insights, worship styles, and mission perspectives help reshape American Christianity for the 21st century.”
He added, “True belonging happens when the church recognizes that diversity isn’t a challenge to overcome but a gift that reflects God’s kingdom.”
Beth Waltemath, Communications Strategist, Presbyterian Life & Witness (Click here to read original PNS Story)
Let us join in prayer for:
Karl Mattison, VP of Planned Giving Resources, Planned Giving, The Presbyterian Foundation
Anne Marie Mazzone, Director, Financial Systems & Operations, Finance, The Board of Pensions
Let us pray:
Gracious God, you have taught us to celebrate with those who are celebrating and to cry with those who are crying. May our eyes be open to see and distinguish between the two. Keep us mindful of all those who need your Spirit shining through us as much as they may need our monies and our labors. Amen.
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