Racial Justice
Committee

Introduction to the Bridgetown Church Racial Justice Committee

In the book of Revelation, John describes heaven as, “a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.” This is no homogenous group but instead a colorful collection of humanity. This vision of the future provides insight into the kind of church we should strive to create here and now. 

In 2016, Bridgetown Church began waking up to the myth of a post-racial America. Since then, we have felt the Spirit moving us from being mono-cultural to becoming a multi-ethnic expression of the Kingdom of God. In 2019, leaders of color gathered over multiple dinners with the pastoral team and as they shared their stories, our eyes were opened more to the need for change. And from that, in 2020, we started this journey in a more structured and sustainable way, which is why we are excited to announce the Bridgetown Church Racial Justice Committee.

Why do we exist?

To empower Bridgetown Church to pursue racial equity, be a conduit of cultural transformation, and cultivate an environment of unity in diversity.

How will we get there?

Create a sustainable structure for fostering racially, ethnically, and culturally inclusive and equitable practices within all aspects of Bridgetown Church through leadership and partnership.

Who are we and how do we work together?

Our work will be guided and informed by our beliefs and commitments to:

Inclusiveness: We respect each other, value diversity, and are committed to equity and equality. We are on this journey, as brothers and sisters in Christ, because of the love that we have for each other and for God.

Mutual Learning: We value honesty, authenticity, and accountability and view learning as a journey. We approach new ideas with open hands and humble hearts. We recognize that love and truth are at their best when they are hand in hand.

Embrace: We commit to being each other’s secure confidants where love hopes the best, grace is extended and received, and we embody healer and caregiver intention.

Faithfulness: We value consistency in prayer, presence, and peacemaking. We are committed to staying faithful to Jesus and the writings in the old and new testament’s, holding to their moral and spiritual vision of good and evil and human flourishing.

Togetherness: We believe that we experience and see God more holistically when spaces reflect a multiethnic, multicultural, and multigenerational community, and are bound together in love by the Holy Spirit.

Hear stories from within Bridgetown Church

In 2022, Bridgetown Church’s Racial Justice Committee created a series of podcasts sharing the history of different racial minority groups in Portland, as well as highlighting stories of individuals from within Bridgetown Church. Our prayer is that these stories would foster unity, celebrate diversity, and take us one step closer to being the multi-ethnic kingdom of God.

Black History Month

Learn the unique history of the Black community in Portland and hear stories from Black brothers and sisters within Bridgetown Church.

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Learn the unique histories of the AAPI communities in Portland and hear stories from AAPI brothers and sisters within Bridgetown Church.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Learn the unique history of the Latino community in Portland and hear stories from Hispanic brothers and sisters within Bridgetown Church.

Indigenous Heritage Month

Learn the unique histories of the Indigenous communities in Portland and hear stories from Indigenous brothers and sisters within Bridgetown Church.

Connect With Us

Please reach out to the Racial Justice Community with any questions you may have.