news article

A Holy Invitation: Joining together in Anti-Racism Ministry for Licensed Local Pastors serving in Upper New York

October 28, 2025 / By Rev. Raquel Alston, dCOM chair, Niagara Frontier District & Georgia Whitney, Regional Coordinator, DRIA / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

"Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God." — Micah 6:8

You know this journey well, the sacred, sometimes uncertain path of discernment you're walking as a licensed local pastor. It's the early morning study sessions, the late-night prayers over sermon notes, the hospital visits that stretch your heart, the difficult conversations that demand your wisdom. You've said yes to God's call on your life, and that yes reverberates through everything you do.

But here's the thing: preparing sermons and shepherding souls is only part of the call. The fullness of ministry, the kind that truly embodies Christ's love, requires us to step into uncomfortable spaces. It asks us to confront systems that hurt people. It demands that we name sin when we see it, even when that sin is woven into the very fabric of our society.

Racism is one of those sins. And it's not abstract or distant, it wounds real people in real congregations. It fractures the body of Christ. It contradicts everything we claim to believe about belovedness and the image of God in every human being.

So if we're going to lead faithfully, we can't look away. We have to do the hard, holy work of dismantling racism, not because it's trendy, not because it's politically expedient, but because it's what Jesus calls us to do.

More Than a Requirement—It's Formation

Let’s be clear: participation in anti-racism ministry is both a spiritual calling and a requirement from the District Committee on Ministry division of the Board of Ordained Ministry. Just as you're growing in theology, preaching, and pastoral care, you're also expected to grow in your capacity to lead with justice, humility, and reconciliation.

Here's what that looks like practically: licensed local pastors are expected to complete the full Dismantling Racism: from Imagine to Action (DRIA) curriculum within two years of initial licensing. This training is available both online and in person, and yes—it's free.

And please hear this: it’s not about checking a box. This isn't bureaucracy for bureaucracy's sake. This is about your formation, as a disciple, as a leader, as someone who stood before the church and made vows to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.

Those vows weren't theoretical. They were a commitment. And this requirement? It's one way we help you keep that commitment.

This Is Discipleship, Not Politics

Jesus didn't mince words: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). Your commitment to anti-racism ministry is an act of love—love for God, love for the people you're called to serve, love for the church you're helping to shape for generations to come.

When you engage in this work, you're not just learning about systems and history (though you'll do that too). You're opening yourself up to be changed. You're creating space for God to challenge your assumptions, expand your empathy, and refine your leadership. That's sacred work. That's the kind of formation that makes you a better minister.

An Invitation, Not Just an Obligation​​​​​​​

So yes, this is a requirement. But we want to invite you to see it as something more: a gift. An opportunity to deepen your walk with Christ. A chance to participate in God's dream of a Beloved Community where justice and mercy meet, where Christ's love isn't just preached but made visible in how we treat one another.

This is your chance to join a movement of pastors across Upper New York who are committed to this work, who are wrestling with hard questions, examining their own blind spots, and learning to lead congregations toward healing and wholeness. You're not alone in this. You're part of a community.

Your Next Step

Ready to get started? Here's what to do: reach out to one of DRIA's Regional Coordinators to schedule your training. We'll add your name to our list and make sure you're all set. You can find the contact information and resources here.

​​​​​​​This step fulfills a candidacy requirement, yes. But more importantly, it's a vital part of your spiritual journey, one that will shape not just your ministry, but your soul.