Investing In Relationships: Repairers of the Breach

In our callings as communities of faith, we are continually discerning how to be the church in the world around us. Especially where, on our national landscape, the impact and injustice of systemic racism continues to be exposed. In response to this brokenness, Doylestown Presbyterian Church, a majority White congregation, has reached out to partner with a nearby majority Black congregation, Second Baptist Church of Doylestown.  What Doylestown Presbyterian Church learned was that as they began to live into the vision of the PC(USA)’s Matthew 25 initiative in committing themselves to work against the continuing presence and impact of racism in our country they discovered that the Second Baptist Church of Doylestown had also been engaging in their own denomination’s initiative called “Christ in Cultural Humility.” By building upon their internal explorations, they’ve worked together by nurturing new relationships and engaging in Christian fellowship, as these two congregations have sought to bridge the racial divide by making new friendships.

Led by pastors John Willingham & Bob Hamlin, both churches are leaning into these connections and expanding their understanding of one another. By sharing in conversation, learning about each other’s lives, joining one another for worship, and breaking bread together, these human connections between siblings in Christ are evidence of God’s restorative work in the world. As they share their story, we hope that you will be encouraged to reach out and make connections within your own community and to see what might spring forth.

Please click on the video below to watch a video of this ministry, and click on the icon below to find out more about being a Matthew 25 Church in our Presbytery!